I would only agree to this if we can post any kind of off-topic we wanted, nothing to bad, just some of the stuff that is locked that really shouldn't of been.

ioi locks topics he doesn't like because he doesn't want it on the front page, so why not just remove off-topic from the front page and keep our threads open? I'm sure many people wanted highwaystar's thread open to reach 5000 posts so everyone scores a sexy pic of me XD

Off topic only takes over when there is a slow day. I like them around so my vote is to keep them. I would be ok with the two sections and have off topic at the bottom.

Besides, if you get rid of off topic then people will just post the off topic threads in other forum sections so they can still be seen.

We do need to remove off-topic topics from the front page (or put them on the bottom of the page.) The last thing we need is one thread about "U.S. sales numbers" and then below that "How big is your penis?" That would be bad.

I like having off topic on the front page for the same reason I like having a front page: So we can know where the new activity is.

If off topic takes over the front page, Make a new gaming thread. Then everyone is happy.

Let me try this a bit more direct and echo Slum's point:

VGChartz wants to be mainstream and taken seriously. They hear about VGC and come here to check it out. They see the numbers, scroll down to the news (on topic) and down to hot topics and they see something like this:

Topic 1: Are you a virgin?
Topic 2: Earwax, what's your solution?
Topic 3: March Sales Discussion
Topic 4: Length or Width: The big lie.

As a journalist with any kind of respect for yourself or your readers, are you going to link to or use this page as a reference? Maybe, but certainly not as likely if all 4 topics were at least somewhat related to gaming...

While I don't always love the threads in off-topic, I'm glad they're there.  The vast majority of the people browse the forums from the hot topics alone and I wouldn't see many of good off topic threads made.

Also, if the off topic threads weren't on the front page, If the Wii had been a flop would you be happier and why?, If you were any video game character what character would you be?, and This is what is would be like if Brawl characters were drunk (lolz) and the likes flooding the front page (all real thread) and then of course the Wii sucks!  lolz or whatever system also filling the frontpage.

Is that any more professional?  No, of course not. 

My solution: stop whining and just ignore a topic if you don't like it. 

^Agreed.

It's a normal forum, just gotta deal with it.

I'm fine with how it is now.  In my opinion theres much more pressing issues such as the game database.

You'll see videogame related topics again when there is something videogame related to talk about.  There is not much at the moment even kotaku is pretty bare in terms of news. 

I agree, off-topics need to be off the hot topics. although if this was E3 moth or April and the big three had just announced their full year financial results there wouldn't be a problem. Dam slow month for vg news thats all.

You raise a very good point about the sites respectability, giant bikini clad female's ass. A very good point indeed.