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Title: New discussion board format vote Post by: Patrick on January 09, 2002, 05:00:00 AM I'm considering changing the board to a more linear format where the main forum page has the topics only, with no replies listed on the main page. Each topic page would have the replies all below the first topic starter, with no indentation.
One downside I've noticed with this format is that it's difficult to know who a message is replying to since there's no indentation. When someone replies to someone with other messages in-between, it's not clear who exactly is being replied to. With the current format, a reply to a post is indented by one level, and replies to replies are further indented, so it's obvious (for those familiar with the system) who's replying to who. One up-side to a new format is that it comes as a package with a better serach engine. What does everyone think? Change the format, or keep it the same? Title: Keep the same but add the time tracker as you had before! Post by: Jack on January 13, 2002, 05:00:00 AM Title: Keep current n/t Post by: DE on January 11, 2002, 05:00:00 AM Title: I'll abstain Post by: MarkInTx on January 10, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to New discussion board format vote, posted by Patrick on Jan 9, 2002
There's a lot I like about the current format. However, the ability to do a search for all new messages would be great. It makes getting to the things that interest you so much easier. So... I can't make up my mind. Do whatever is best for you, Patrick. Title: Definitely keep it the way it is...n/t Post by: Stevo on January 10, 2002, 05:00:00 AM Title: Same Post by: WmGo on January 10, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to New discussion board format vote, posted by Patrick on Jan 9, 2002
sane...I mean same Title: Same Post by: thesearch on January 10, 2002, 05:00:00 AM Title: The Same ...n/t Post by: Ryan on January 10, 2002, 05:00:00 AM Title: Let's try it for a couple of weeks. /nt Post by: BarryM on January 10, 2002, 05:00:00 AM Title: Re: New discussion board format vote Post by: WilliamMGi on January 10, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to New discussion board format vote, posted by Patrick on Jan 9, 2002
I favor any change that allows an easier search whether visual or programmed. Besides, the present format results in long and complex (and junk-filled) threads that are near impossible to navigate. Both formats encourage people to start new threads, whether to attempt to refocus the discussion or to drag out an argument. But, with the new system, it should be a quicker decision to follow or drop a thread. If I understand the proposed format correctly, all messages in a thread will be displayed on a single page, so we can browse (or search) the page without having to click to open each message. That's a big plus for me; besides needing time to loading each message page that I call, my server at work logs each call that I make from my PC. Title: Re: stay the same Post by: Richard on January 10, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to New discussion board format vote, posted by Patrick on Jan 9, 2002
As one of the people who has suggested changes to the search engine, I vote that you leave the format the same. This board is so much more readable that the Russian Women Abroad (RWA) forum at http://members.m4d.com/forum/forum/vika/ The search engine works well enough that I can find things. I would not want to sacrifice readability to searchability as I read much more than I search. Just my 2 cents worth. Title: Keep it the same n/t Post by: tim360z on January 10, 2002, 05:00:00 AM Title: Question Post by: John K on January 10, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to New discussion board format vote, posted by Patrick on Jan 9, 2002
Patrick, would there be an easy way to run both formats at the same time, allowing users to choose which way they want to view threads? I personally like the current method, but I can see the advantages of the other way as well. Perhaps giving the user the option to switch views would be more helpful. Also, could we use the search engine on the archives as well as what's current? That would be extremely helpful for the newbies who have a lot of questions that have been already answered multiple times here... Title: keep it the same n/t Post by: KenC on January 10, 2002, 05:00:00 AM Title: Keep the same n/t Post by: ron on January 10, 2002, 05:00:00 AM Title: Re: Keep it the same n/t Post by: charles on January 10, 2002, 05:00:00 AM Title: Re: New discussion board format vote Post by: Jeff on January 10, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to New discussion board format vote, posted by Patrick on Jan 9, 2002
If you really want to change something, why not make it so we don't have to go back to the main page to click on the replies. That would be a definite improvement. Title: Good point. Post by: John K on January 10, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: New discussion board format vote, posted by Jeff on Jan 10, 2002
That is a bit annoying, isn't it? But the navigation tools to do so could start to get complicated, especially if there are multiple replies to a thread, which is common here... Title: Multi threads Post by: Jeff on January 10, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Good point., posted by John K on Jan 10, 2002
There is a discussion board at www.allpar.com/cgi-bin/tech.pl that has an excellent format. It handles multiple threads and is so easy to navigate. And the best part is that you don't have to constantly go back to the main page. Title: Keep same format Post by: Cold Warrior on January 10, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to New discussion board format vote, posted by Patrick on Jan 9, 2002
its a lot easier to browse through and reply. Title: Re: New discussion board format vote Post by: Bobby Orr on January 10, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to New discussion board format vote, posted by Patrick on Jan 9, 2002
I have never been one who is afraid of change. If the search engine is better - change it. Title: Keep The Same, Please! Post by: fishtiger on January 10, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to New discussion board format vote, posted by Patrick on Jan 9, 2002
No need to change anything, Title: same Post by: Ramblin on January 10, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to New discussion board format vote, posted by Patrick on Jan 9, 2002
A better search engine might be nice but not at the expense of messing up the current format. Title: Re:rekon it would work so long as every 1 puts his logo on the message Post by: spyke on January 10, 2002, 05:00:00 AM Title: No please NOOOOO!!! Post by: BrianN on January 10, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to New discussion board format vote, posted by Patrick on Jan 9, 2002
check post on asian side. Title: sometimes change isn't good Post by: Stan B on January 10, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to New discussion board format vote, posted by Patrick on Jan 9, 2002
I think the style already employed is the best 1 going. Being able to see who is replying to who is the great and makes this board better than the rest. Title: I think the same style Post by: Deckard on January 10, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to New discussion board format vote, posted by Patrick on Jan 9, 2002
With how deep and LONG some of these discussions (some bordering on arguements) tend to get, having a clear way of telling who's responding to whom seems very important to me. Sure, some other boards might look "cleaner" than this one, but this one has real functionality and practicality. This means it attracts more readers, hence more posters, hence more interesting topics/questions/answers (well, usually, hehe). Unfortunately, it attracts little bored trolls too :). In short, I, for one, have no complaints with the current board, and do not hope for a major change as you offered. I do appreciate you putting it to a vote, Patrick :).... My 2 cents... -Deckard Title: Re: New discussion board format vote Post by: Skjef on January 10, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to New discussion board format vote, posted by Patrick on Jan 9, 2002
If you could go to a Boardhost style format that would be really cool! Easy to read and to figure out the posts. Title: Keep the same format Post by: BubbaGump on January 10, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to New discussion board format vote, posted by Patrick on Jan 9, 2002
It helps to track the flow of the discussion. Your current search engine seems to work well enough. Title: Re: Why not point us in the direction Post by: wsbill on January 10, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to New discussion board format vote, posted by Patrick on Jan 9, 2002
Of a current message board on the net, so that we can see what your talking about. Title: Re: New discussion board format vote Post by: William on January 10, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to New discussion board format vote, posted by Patrick on Jan 9, 2002
Reading a description and seeing an example are two different things. Also, the way a site/board works, and how easy/difficult it is the navagate around will also determine how well a format will be accepted, used, and/or enjoyed. Is there an example of the format you suggest? A site, perhaps, that is similar to what you are considering? My 2¢ Title: try this 1 Post by: Stan B on January 10, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: New discussion board format vote, posted by William on Jan 10, 2002
http://members.m4d.com/forum/forum/vika/ I think this is what he means |