There are presently over 2 300 questions tagged with [tag:software-recommendation] at Ask Ubuntu. However, now and then questions are closed on the basis of this tag being off topic. As an example, Thomas W.  recently closed [this question](https://askubuntu.com/q/672296/177437) claiming:

> I'm voting to close this question as off-topic because software
> recommendation is not typically on topic here, especially if you are
> looking for cross-platform solutions.

The question in question is similar to many others: a user seeking advice on which software may perform a particular task. Cross platform is also a common request in open questions with this tag.

The [guidelines page](https://askubuntu.com/help/on-topic) does not reference directly software recommendations, but lists among the questions that may be asked:

> - Running third-party applications on Ubuntu. 

Finally a note on the [Software Recommendations](https://softwarerecs.stackexchange.com/) site. It graduated only days ago, and as far as I know, without fully meeting all criteria. My experience there so far has been rather negative, so much detail is required to post a question that it is often impractical. Most (if not all) of the questions tagged with [tag:software-recommendation] at Ask Ubuntu would have been outright rejected at Software Recommendations.

I would prefer [tag:software-recommendation] questions to remain on topic at Ask Ubuntu. Perhaps with additional guidelines in the About page.

**Update**: Questions tagged as [tag:software-recommendation] are still [showing up](https://askubuntu.com/review/close/595608) in the closure thread marked as off topic. Reviewers should continue paying special attention to this.