A suggestion for stopping "run-away" off-topic items.

[joe at actionline.com]

Alan's comment asking for off-topic subjects to be taken off-list prompted
me to realize what might be a solution for dealing with "run-away"
off-topic discussions in the future.

An occasional off-topic post (duly labeled "OT") is rarely a problem. "OT"
posts only become a problem when they become "run-away" issues ... BECAUSE
people keep feeding the fire with more and more on-list replies.

Therefore, if everyone would just send an email *privately* to everyone
who has been fanning the flames, don't you think the inflammation would go
away much more quickly?