1. What problems have afflicted PerlMonks historically by the lack of an OT section and(or) the presence of OT posts in other sections?

Past experience, we are told, did not indicate a need for an OT section. Some perceive that it would help at present and into the future.

2. How will the existence of an OT section mitigate these problems?

Gains would include a place to discuss related technology $_, but not in a Perl + $_ context, and without cluttering up SoPW/CUFP/Meditations. Also, a potential gain in participation from persons who otherwise might not have participated, because their interests were not Perl-focused.

3. What are the potential negative consequences of having an OT section?

None that I can imagine.

4. By what metrics do the gains (#2) outweigh the negatives (#3)?

See above.

5. Please take care adequately to address the distinction between experiences of the site from the poster's perspective and from the readers' perspective.

I don't know what you mean by point 5. Both poster and reader benefit from the clarity that a separate section would create.

Dum Spiro Spero

In reply to Re^5: [OT] How about a 'Related Topics' (Off Topic) Section? by GotToBTru
in thread [OT] How about an Off Topic Section? by flexvault

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