How do general discussion forums and off-topic discussion forums differ?

General discussion forums are used to communicate topics that may be of interest to most users.

Off-topic discussion is used for relaxation purposes. Start a thread in off-topic discussion forum if you want to chat, basically it doesn't matter who you chat with. Start a thread in the general discussion forums if you want to solve a specific problem, are interested in a serious debate on an issue related to the operation of school, want to have a discussion on a topic, etc.