Thread Switching vs. Hijacking

Threads seem to start with a topic, but as with all groups of humans who start with a topic, they tend to migrate into different areas. In a message board, this seems to be the closest to an ongoing chat experience, except in semi-slow motion. However, this process of migration is often broken off, because the thread has been "hijacked". Everyone then dissipates and meets at a new thread. Would it be possible to have a thread that just is allowed to migrate for awhile? I think Major Attitude's thread on Thinking of New Forums did this a little bit although it never completely left the topic area.
abri

 

As long as there is a logical progression I don't have a problem with it. The ability to quote allows anyone to drag the discussion back to topic.

Really, incredibly long threads can make for tough reading though, especially for those of us with short attention spans.

What were we talking about?

 

LOL!