When a question is posted, it sometimes gets a few relevant answers, then responses get silly or personal. What do I do if I have a reasoned answer to the original point, but in the meantime dozens of bickerers have wandered miles off the original subject ?
Happens a lot on internet fora. Human nature I guess. As has been suggested, just start your contribution with something like "To return to the original question ......"
"What do I do if I have a reasoned answer to the original point, but in the meantime dozens of bickerers have wandered miles off the original subject?"
Answer it :)
Also, if the de-railed/de-railing post is in a serious category please do report it. We'd like to stay on top of it, but we can't without the help of members.