We don't appear to have a place to talk about non-Zorin topics.
Should we have something?
There's a lot of interesting Linux, and FOSS news or events. It would be nice to be able to talk about the exciting, bizarre and fun things happening.
For example:
It doesn't fit into any of the existing categories.
Err... the rest of the internet...? 
You need trust level 3 for the lounge.
Which I don't have. And I didn't/couldn't see it.
What does level 3 require?
Do you want a community?
I guess it's just a VIP. 
I'm still new here. My participation here will be very minimal since I'm a Linux newbie and can't help much the community with solutions to their issues. But I do enjoy the atmosphere here as well as the solutions given by tech intelligent users. 
I'm with you on this one. 
A few weeks ago I made a topic (at the last minute I deleted it) requesting for a non-zorin forum to discuss tech stuff. I wanted to get opinions on USB devices etc
The only issue with such a forum is Mods would have to do more work monitoring it and making sure it's not for politics discussion or other nonsense stuff. Strictly tech talk would be great to have. I'm into electronics and peripherals and sometimes I would like to get opinions from the intelligent crowd here. Some of the Mods here are bright minds that astonish me greatly, whenever I see them replying to topics with solutions.
Speaking as a mod, I do not see how it could create any increase in workload.
That routine is standard across the forum as a whole.
It is noteworthy that the membership here already leans toward courtesy and professionalism on its own. The need to moderate members is actually pretty rare - usually a quick reminder.
We spend far more time clearing out Spam and Spam accounts than in monitoring members.
Our true duty is: Janitor.
Here is an overview about the trust levels in discourse (the Zorin's forum software):
it will most likely be 2126 before i make trust level 3 then.
best of luck Steve ..
If you posted a non-Zorin item or question in the "Chat about Zorin" section, I do not think it would be frowned upon as a big issue by Mods or forum members. There have been threads relating to Other OS, Pets, Food, etc at some points in the past that have been tolerated.
I use my MokTar stealth haze, and just when the spammer gets comfortable, and makes their spam post, I reject their spam, then I push the eject button, they go flying off the forum. Being a janitor may not be glamorous, but its an important job, to insure that everyone has a safe place to communicate and get educated, keeping the bad actors away.
The requirements seem.... high 
Hummm, I had that, I got my invite into the Lounge and then one day "poof!" it was gone! No idea why... 
Yes, exactly. I've posted to "Chat about Zorin" regarding de-googled phones and maybe other topics. I think as long as your post is respectful the mods don't mind.
Looks like you got hit with the SEB. (Spam Eject Ban)
That second gif - clearly the Transporter Room is in dire need of repair!
Wait for the next news item, a certain President will want to acquire Europe!
If a member gains trust level 3 (or 2, or 4) and then stops posting for a while, the discourse software recalculates the member activity per period and can reduce a trust level.
I disagree with this behavior - it is not logical. And have raised this issue before in the moderator forum since members can lose trust level over time.
