Why does that deserve closing? Just because a topic shifts, that doesn't mean it should be closed. It's become a valid discussion about cheeseburgers - what is the problem with that?

Lance is right as far as there is no rule against going "off topic" in a thread. If it strays too far then it is up to the Mod's discretion to split the thread or not.

Indeed, I forgot to add that when such things happen, splitting's the best way to do it - after all, why unnecessarily close two valid discussion topics just because they're taking place in the same thread? :)

It would be even cooler if the threaded mode was more advanced and usenet-like. Then subthreads would be just as valid threads as toplevel threads. Even subforums would be mere threads, etc... o_O

Well if moderators actually split threads when they should, yes i would agree, they never do though, and that shadows the point of the thread if not answered yet.

Any actual example?

Then I would suggest encouraging splits rather than encouraging closure.

I would have to agree with Lance on this one..

Yes, in npc scripting the npc server messages one.

Ok, fine. MODERATORS PLEASE SPLIT THREADS THAT STRAY OFFTOPIC. ;)