Hmmm, I feel the void of not having off topic showing anymore :(

Why not add a flag that stop certain threads from showing up on hot topics?
And allows mod to use such flags.

Taking away off topic from the hot topics is a good idea. How about a member's blog section? I would like to see the PS2 console numbers being tracked and displayed with the other three consoles PS3 , XBox 360 and Nintendo Wii because PS2 is still selling well.

i don't like it - it slows down the forums and it feels like something is missing

I don't like it either. The forums have slowed considerably in the days since it was removed and frankly, its been boring as bat shit.

AoA hasn't logged on in days, neither has highwaystar and a few others. I'm finding myself posting less and logging on less in general as a result.

If you don't want stupid pointless topics crowding the front page then the logical solution would to just lock them, wouldn't it?

Some great discussions have taken place in off topic threads in my time here. They let you get to know the users more, see their views on topics non-gaming related, and its just a good bit of fun.

You'll probably just say "Go to the off topic forum, its still there", but really there's no point. Its a ghost town over there.

btw: how come banned peoples' posts still show up again?

Oh, didn't see that you will be able to customize the hot topics section in the future. That seems like the best way to go.

Sorry for my little bitch there, I just miss ArtofAngels :'(

Here, here! There are only a few occasions when I really feel like an off-topic post has been worth my time.

I think they should still be in hot topics, but they should be limited to TWO - THREE 3 TOPS!, and should appear at the BOTTOM of the list, NOT THE TOP.

woohoo, I got a mention, thanks okey.