I really like the new option structure when flagging - I have in particular missed the "Minimal understanding" option.
However, I think that one option is missing. If we look at this rambling question, it has many issues. I ended up flagging it as too broad, but I would think that it is simply, well, just off-topic.
So that's where I started. Hmm:
- It isn't about general computing hardware/software.
- It certainly isn't about code problems.
- It could be about not demonstrating a minimal understanding of the problem - but suggesting this guy should elaborate on what he did to try to change his birthday doesn't seem right.
- It isn't about server and networking.
- It isn't really asking for recommendations.
- It certainly doesn't belong anywhere else on SE.
In this case, as mentioned, I flagged as too broad even though VLQ might also have been appropriate.
However, if we assume that the question only contained the first sentence, and was actually well-formed, but totally off-topic such as:
How can I change my birthdate in Facebook? I looked in the FAQ and tried but now it is locked and I cannot change it anymore.
Isn't that off-topic? Would “Minimal understanding” really be the proper selection here? As far as I can see, I can't just select “off-topic”, but have to select one of the above options. Or should those kind of posts go directly to mods every time?
Edit: Another example of what I believe is just off-topic, but doesn't apply to any of the options given in the off-topic dialog, and which hence has to go by the mods.
Edit 2: Yet another example - which I personally flagged not as OT, but as unclear. As official OT it is still a prime example where none of the generic options apply. The question (with the title included) says:
It is possible to play the DRM formatted song in Custom player like AVAudioPlayer and MPMoviePlayer [on hold] I have tried to play directly in the AVAudioPlayer or MPMoviePlayer, but the song isn't playing.
to which the SO official response is:
You may be able to get help on Super User.
Seriously? We really want him to ask this question at Super User?
Edit 3: And another that I ended up flagging as unclear - although I'd say it is a prime, generic off-topic question.
From Al Everetts comment below: How can I change my birth date on Facebook?
Change my age at Facebook
-question apparently has a place on SO it is not blatantly OT - but as far as I can see it would still be impossible to flag a question as belonging on Webapps. (Probably unless it was duplicate - assuming it is possible to mark something as cross-site duplicate).