A contribution is '''on-topic''' if it is within the bounds of the current discussion, article, etc. The term is normally used in the context of Mailing_lists, Discussion_groups, discussion forums, Bulletin_boards, Newsgroups, and Wikis.
The opposite of on-topic is '''off-topic'''. A contribution may be off-topic with regard to a thread/page/etc., or with regard to the whole site/newsgroup/etc., which is often established for dealing with specific topics.
Being on-topic is not generally required to be indicated, but in some groups on-topic discussion is so rare that the header is marked accordingly.
The term "off topic" is sometimes used to indicate a discussion venue where "anything goes." That is, a place to discuss anything other than matters specifically addressed by the website in question. For example, an off topic category on an automobile related discussion forum may include talk about video games (which presumably have nothing to do with autos).
Some discussion venues, especially with regard to forums, have no specific content and are comprised mainly of largely unrelated postings by a large number of users. Such venues are described as being "off topic" in nature, even though there may be no "on topic."
Category:Internet_culture
Category:Groupware
De:Off_topic
Hu:Offtopic
Pt:Off-topic
De:Webforum
Es:Foro_(internet)
Eo:Retforumo
Fr:Site_Forum
It:Forum
He:פורום_(אינטרנט)
Lb:Internetforum
Ja:電子掲示板
Pl:Forum_dyskusyjne
Ru:Веб-форум
Fi:Keskustelufoorumi
Th:กระดานสนทนาออนไลน์
Zh:网络论坛
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