Since I started using Super User a short while ago, I've been wondering how to comment on a user's attitude, spelling or similar without getting into a long off-topic comment thread which doesn't belong with the question asked.
As I understand it the only way to do so is asking the user to come on meta or the chat; am I correct in that assumption?
As I understand it the only way to do so is asking the user to come on meta or the chat; am I correct in that assumption?
The preferred way is contact a moderator ( Ask A Moderator ) or Flag for Moderator attention and explain what the issue is about. In my experience, some people don't like being "told" what to do or how to "address" by "mere mortals" and it might just start a flame war for nothing.
However, if you feel that user will not take offense to it, best would be head over to Chat and click on Start a Chat with user X
Is this something you can say to that person publicly? If so, do leave a comment. It's good that you're concerned about derailing the discussion: if you think your comment is risky, just don't leave it.
If you think that person's attitude is not proper, call it to the moderator's attention. Again, this is not something you can (well, should) do over a trivial matter. This is by design.
If that person chose to participate in chat (which is public, but less exposed) or to put a contact address in their profile, you can contact them privately. If they choose to participate only by asking and answering questions, respect their wishes.
