Stan The Man writes
Quite a lot of threads in this newsgroup get taken miles off topic by a
certain group of people who presumably think that their banter is of
interest to the majority.

Pay closer attention. You will then observe, that there isn't "a
certain group of people" who keep wandering off topic. Most regular
posters do it occasionally, because that's the nature of normal social
conversation.

I was referring to the small number who do seem to delight in wandering
off-topic quite regularly and with such determination that some very
lengthy and totally off-topic threads have resulted. I believe that
usenet frowns on this in general, for very good reasons - primarily
consideration for others who may be wasting their time ploughing
through off-topic posts looking for one that bears some relation to the
subject - and I hope that the coterie of URG regulars would not
consider themselves to be above standard usenet etiquette.

I have no objection to a brief diversion but I do object when the
diversion takes over the thread and snowballs. I would therefore be
grateful if the extended in-chatting could be taken elsewhere.

If the group as it stands is not to your liking then take yourself
elsewhere or don't read the posts that annoy you. If you follow a thread
and it starts to become OT then you have my permission to stop reading
at that point and mark it 'not interesting'. TBH I think this group is
no more likely to accede to your views than any other group, so if this
isn't a solution do go and find another medium for discussion. Usenet
itself is made from such wonderful dialogues and diversions, and many a
Useful Thing has come of it, including not a few friendships and even
the occasional marriage.

OTOH if you want to be treated as an adult and actually learn from
people who have a real life, have real views and are often extremely
funny as well as knowledgeable about gardening, then stick around, lurk
a bit more, get the flavour of this particular ng and contribute in like
fashion, and we'll be glad to correspond.
--
David