New discussion board format vote

[Patrick]

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?

[Jack]

... in response to New discussion board format vote, posted by Patrick on Jan 9, 2002

.

[DE]

... in response to New discussion board format vote, posted by Patrick on Jan 9, 2002

.

[MarkInTx]

... 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.

[Stevo]

... in response to New discussion board format vote, posted by Patrick on Jan 9, 2002

ggg

[WmGo]

... in response to New discussion board format vote, posted by Patrick on Jan 9, 2002

sane...I mean same

[thesearch]

... in response to New discussion board format vote, posted by Patrick on Jan 9, 2002

asdf

[Ryan]

... in response to New discussion board format vote, posted by Patrick on Jan 9, 2002

n/t

[BarryM]

... in response to New discussion board format vote, posted by Patrick on Jan 9, 2002

nt

[WilliamMGi]

... 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.

[Richard]

... 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.
Richard

[tim360z]

... in response to New discussion board format vote, posted by Patrick on Jan 9, 2002

n/t

[John K]

... 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...

[KenC]

... in response to New discussion board format vote, posted by Patrick on Jan 9, 2002

n/t

[ron]

... in response to New discussion board format vote, posted by Patrick on Jan 9, 2002

.