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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 35. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by tendency on April 4, 2005, at 18:23:28
Hello,
Personally, I find message boards that move threads that have new comments to the front of the list to be much easier to use and browse.
May I suggest thinking about switching the board software to support this feature?
Posted by alexandra_k on April 4, 2005, at 18:45:53
In reply to suggestion for message board operation, posted by tendency on April 4, 2005, at 18:23:28
It is hard to get the hang of the most recent posts to start with...
But the 'new' indicators do the job quite well after you have visited a couple of times.
I found it hard to sort out to start with, but I quite like this set up now. In visiting boards that do it the other way I found that equally hard to start with, though once you are used to how they work it is easier.
Posted by tendency on April 4, 2005, at 19:22:40
In reply to Re: suggestion for message board operation » tendency, posted by alexandra_k on April 4, 2005, at 18:45:53
> It is hard to get the hang of the most recent posts to start with...
>
> But the 'new' indicators do the job quite well after you have visited a couple of times.
>
> I found it hard to sort out to start with, but I quite like this set up now. In visiting boards that do it the other way I found that equally hard to start with, though once you are used to how they work it is easier.im quite familiar with both styles of message boards (ive been coming here for quite some time and visit a handful of boards that are similar) and have found this style to definitely be in the minority as message boards go.
and with good reason if you ask me..
ick
Posted by Gabbi-x-2 on April 4, 2005, at 19:40:11
In reply to suggestion for message board operation, posted by tendency on April 4, 2005, at 18:23:28
> Hello,
> Personally, I find message boards that move threads that have new comments to the front of the list to be much easier to use and browse.
> May I suggest thinking about switching the board software to support this feature?
Actually, everyone else on babble has that, you just have a special version.
Posted by partlycloudy on April 5, 2005, at 7:19:31
In reply to Re: suggestion for message board operation » tendency, posted by Gabbi-x-2 on April 4, 2005, at 19:40:11
Posted by tendency on April 5, 2005, at 10:52:28
In reply to Re: suggestion for message board operation » tendency, posted by Gabbi-x-2 on April 4, 2005, at 19:40:11
> Actually, everyone else on babble has that, you just have a special version.
>
>
up yours
Posted by TamaraJ on April 5, 2005, at 12:09:25
In reply to Re: suggestion for message board operation » Gabbi-x-2, posted by tendency on April 5, 2005, at 10:52:28
> >
> up yours
>[I think] that was uncalled for. In reading Gabbi's post, I took the comments in jest, as I am sure was her intention.
Posted by AuntieMel on April 5, 2005, at 12:09:30
In reply to Re: suggestion for message board operation » Gabbi-x-2, posted by tendency on April 5, 2005, at 10:52:28
Posted by tendency on April 5, 2005, at 13:23:43
In reply to Re: gee, she was only joshing you (nm) » tendency, posted by AuntieMel on April 5, 2005, at 12:09:30
today im not in the mood.
i don't know her, or here intentions. if it was in jest then a simple ;-) or :-) would have been appropriate.
Posted by Gabbi-x-2 on April 5, 2005, at 13:23:56
In reply to Re: suggestion for message board operation » Gabbi-x-2, posted by tendency on April 5, 2005, at 10:52:28
>
> > Actually, everyone else on babble has that, you just have a special version.
> >
> >
> up yours
ca pique?
Posted by Gabbi-x-2 on April 5, 2005, at 15:39:19
In reply to LOL! (nm) » Gabbi-x-2, posted by partlycloudy on April 5, 2005, at 7:19:31
Actually only people who are nice to Dinah get the good version ;0
Posted by cubic_me on April 5, 2005, at 16:44:18
In reply to Re: LOL! » partlycloudy, posted by Gabbi-x-2 on April 5, 2005, at 15:39:19
I too prefer other styles of boards to this, even though I use both types appoximately equally. I find it time consuming to click on each comment to be able to read it, rather than just scrolling down (this allows you to skim for what is relevant too).
I'd also prefer to only get one topic notification for each thread, regardless of the number of replies, as having 20 links to the same thread (with many of them being nm posts) takes a while to delete and it is hard to find out if which posts have replies without going through all of the notification emails.
I love the content of this site, that's why I keep on coming, but a different style of board would certainly be welcomed by me.
Posted by tendency on April 5, 2005, at 18:23:23
In reply to Board style, posted by cubic_me on April 5, 2005, at 16:44:18
> I too prefer other styles of boards to this, even though I use both types appoximately equally. I find it time consuming to click on each comment to be able to read it, rather than just scrolling down (this allows you to skim for what is relevant too).
>
> I'd also prefer to only get one topic notification for each thread, regardless of the number of replies, as having 20 links to the same thread (with many of them being nm posts) takes a while to delete and it is hard to find out if which posts have replies without going through all of the notification emails.
>
> I love the content of this site, that's why I keep on coming, but a different style of board would certainly be welcomed by me.right on! now that's whay im talking about.
who else is with us?
Posted by Dr. Bob on April 6, 2005, at 1:14:45
In reply to Board style, posted by cubic_me on April 5, 2005, at 16:44:18
> I find it time consuming to click on each comment to be able to read it, rather than just scrolling down (this allows you to skim for what is relevant too).
Having posts on separate pages makes it easier to link to them. And it may be more efficient to serve just the specific posts that are requested. Regarding ease of use, have you tried the version that uses frames?
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#frames
The new server may be able to handle displaying every message in a thread -- currently an "extra" feature:
http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/extras.pl
-- more often, so I could try adding that as a button to posts. The way it is now, it doesn't include "new" indicators...
> I'd also prefer to only get one topic notification for each thread, regardless of the number of replies, as having 20 links to the same thread (with many of them being nm posts) takes a while to delete and it is hard to find out if which posts have replies without going through all of the notification emails.
One notification per day or something? That would be a lot more complicated, since it would need to keep track of what it's sent you recently (which it doesn't now).
I think the notifications include the subject lines, so you don't need to click on the links to find out they're nm posts.
Would it be easier to delete notifications if they included the thread number or something in the subject line?
> I love the content of this site, that's why I keep on coming, but a different style of board would certainly be welcomed by me.
Thanks for being repeat customer. :-) I'm interested in suggestions...
Bob
Posted by cubic_me on April 6, 2005, at 3:27:51
In reply to Re: Board style, posted by Dr. Bob on April 6, 2005, at 1:14:45
> Having posts on separate pages makes it easier to link to them. And it may be more efficient to serve just the specific posts that are requested.I can see that it is easier for linking, but there are other formats that are able to link to specific posts whilst also showing all posts in a thread at the same time.
> Regarding ease of use, have you tried the version that uses frames?
Yes I have, although I didn't find it any less time consuming than using the version that opens new windows.
>> The new server may be able to handle displaying every message in a thread -- currently an "extra" feature:
That sounds good!
>
> One notification per day or something? That would be a lot more complicated, since it would need to keep track of what it's sent you recently (which it doesn't now).On other boards I have visited (eg www.psyke.org) it keeps track of when you have visited and what posts you have read, then sends one notification if more replies are added to the threads you have viewed (and requested notification for). It sends only one notification, regardless of how many replies are posted. If this is not possible for this site, one notification a day also sounds workable, although some people check their emails more than once a day for thread notification (especailly if they are waiting for replies on a thread they have started)
>
> I think the notifications include the subject lines, so you don't need to click on the links to find out they're nm posts.You don't need to click on the links, but you do need to click on each email.
> Would it be easier to delete notifications if they included the thread number or something in the subject line?
Yes, very much easier.
Thanks for listening Dr. Bob
Posted by justyourlaugh on April 7, 2005, at 22:42:26
In reply to Re: Board style » Dr. Bob, posted by cubic_me on April 6, 2005, at 3:27:51
i posts here because of the style..
because of the people..
because of bob..
it is a large board..but..
i have never emailed bob with out a response..
i have never cried out without getting what i needed..
i have walked away angry and insulted..
but know i have a place here..
j
Posted by Dr. Bob on April 8, 2005, at 3:08:51
In reply to Re: Board style » Dr. Bob, posted by cubic_me on April 6, 2005, at 3:27:51
> > Having posts on separate pages makes it easier to link to them.
>
> I can see that it is easier for linking, but there are other formats that are able to link to specific posts whilst also showing all posts in a thread at the same time.Are they also able to get posts listed by search engines?
> > Regarding ease of use, have you tried the version that uses frames?
>
> Yes I have, although I didn't find it any less time consuming than using the version that opens new windows.OK, it's a lot faster for me because I don't have to search for where to click. Along those lines, something else on my list is "next" and "previous" buttons:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20050116/msgs/444249.html
> On other boards I have visited (eg www.psyke.org) it keeps track of when you have visited
Do you have to sign in there? The way it works here, visit information is kept on your computer (in a cookie) rather than on the server.
> > I think the notifications include the subject lines, so you don't need to click on the links to find out they're nm posts.
>
> You don't need to click on the links, but you do need to click on each email.With Eudora, (1) you can get a preview of each email at the bottom of the window without clicking on it and (2) you can "space" though a mailbox...
> > Would it be easier to delete notifications if they included the thread number or something in the subject line?
>
> Yes, very much easier.OK, that I don't think should be too hard, I'll add that to my list. :-)
Bob
Posted by cubic_me on April 8, 2005, at 4:24:39
In reply to Re: Board style, posted by Dr. Bob on April 8, 2005, at 3:08:51
> Are they also able to get posts listed by search engines?yes I have found threads in this format while using search engines, so it is possible
>
> OK, it's a lot faster for me because I don't have to search for where to click. Along those lines, something else on my list is "next" and "previous" buttons:
>wouldn't 'next and previous' buttons involve the same amount of mouse clicking as there is currently? Although i'm sure some people would find it useful
>
> > On other boards I have visited (eg www.psyke.org) it keeps track of when you have visited
>
> Do you have to sign in there? The way it works here, visit information is kept on your computer (in a cookie) rather than on the server.You don't have to sign in to read posts, only to post and get 'new' indicators. I regularly use different computers to access the site, so storing cookies on my computer doesn't really work for me, I just try to remember what I have already read.
Boards like Psyke (and others) sometimes have sections that only members with a certain amount of posts can access/see - that makes people feel more confident about posting very personal things on a very public board.
>
> With Eudora, (1) you can get a preview of each email at the bottom of the window without clicking on it and (2) you can "space" though a mailbox...What is Eudora?
Thanks for your time Bob.
Posted by AuntieMel on April 8, 2005, at 12:59:32
In reply to 2 cents..., posted by justyourlaugh on April 7, 2005, at 22:42:26
I'm here because I like the style - and the people - and the useful information - all where I can find them easily.
Just looking at the busyness of other boards sends me screaming away. But I prefer gmail over any other, google over any other search, etc. Simple is about all I can handle right now.
Posted by Dr. Bob on April 9, 2005, at 11:32:08
In reply to Re: Board style » Dr. Bob, posted by cubic_me on April 8, 2005, at 4:24:39
> > Are they also able to get posts listed by search engines?
>
> yes I have found threads in this format while using search engines, so it is possibleThreads, OK, but individual posts?
> > it's a lot faster for me because I don't have to search for where to click. Along those lines, something else on my list is "next" and "previous" buttons
>
> wouldn't 'next and previous' buttons involve the same amount of mouse clicking as there is currently?Yes, but for me, anyway, it's not clicking per se, but searching for where to click, that takes time. If they're all on the same page, don't you still need to click to scroll through them? Unless you have a mouse with wheels?
> I regularly use different computers to access the site, so storing cookies on my computer doesn't really work for me
You can save your cookie on the server (log on and off) to make that easier:
http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/extras.pl
> Boards like Psyke (and others) sometimes have sections that only members with a certain amount of posts can access/see - that makes people feel more confident about posting very personal things on a very public board.
Because they trust people who've posted a lot even if they still don't know who they are?
> > With Eudora, (1) you can get a preview of each email at the bottom of the window without clicking on it and (2) you can "space" though a mailbox...
>
> What is Eudora?An email program that's been around for a long time:
Bob
Posted by cubic_me on April 10, 2005, at 4:19:43
In reply to Re: Board style, posted by Dr. Bob on April 9, 2005, at 11:32:08
> > > Are they also able to get posts listed by search engines?
> >
> > yes I have found threads in this format while using search engines, so it is possible
>
> Threads, OK, but individual posts?yes, they link directly to the part of the thread with the information.
>
> Yes, but for me, anyway, it's not clicking per se, but searching for where to click, that takes time. If they're all on the same page, don't you still need to click to scroll through them? Unless you have a mouse with wheels?Don't most people have wheels these days? Scrolling allows you to skim posts to decide whether to stop and read them, and is much quicker with a thread full of very short (1 sentence) threads.
>
> > Boards like Psyke (and others) sometimes have sections that only members with a certain amount of posts can access/see - that makes people feel more confident about posting very personal things on a very public board.
>
> Because they trust people who've posted a lot even if they still don't know who they are?Yes, because it severely limits how many people can read the post (like talking to a room full of people rather than a lecture theatre full), and also makes people feel less like their therapist, friends or family could happen upon the site and read particular threads that they don't want them to see.
> > What is Eudora?
>
> An email program that's been around for a long time:
>Thanks Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on April 10, 2005, at 11:59:00
In reply to Re: Board style » Dr. Bob, posted by cubic_me on April 10, 2005, at 4:19:43
> > > I have found threads in this format while using search engines, so it is possible
>
> yes, they link directly to the part of the thread with the information.I didn't know that was possible, could you give me an example?
> Don't most people have wheels these days?
Not most people with laptops! Although the new Powerbooks do have scrolling trackpads:
http://www.apple.com/powerbook
> > > Boards like Psyke (and others) sometimes have sections that only members with a certain amount of posts can access/see - that makes people feel more confident about posting very personal things on a very public board.
>
> it severely limits how many people can read the post (like talking to a room full of people rather than a lecture theatre full), and also makes people feel less like their therapist, friends or family could happen upon the site and read particular threads that they don't want them to see.I wondered about a "frequent fliers" board a long time ago:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20020308/msgs/3945.html
And that kind of led to 2000. But anyone can read 2000. Restricting even reading would be something new. But we could discuss it. But some people might be opposed...
Bob
Posted by AuntieMel on April 22, 2005, at 13:19:32
In reply to Re: only members with a certain amount of posts, posted by Dr. Bob on April 10, 2005, at 11:59:00
A 'frequent flyer" board.
Unlike your other 'small town' idea, this one doesn't restrict how many can come in.
Of course, there is the possible problem of the occasional person that comes here and posts huge flurries and gets in. While a person that only posts when they have something to say might be left out.
I'd like to hear what others have to say.
Posted by Dinah on April 22, 2005, at 19:38:41
In reply to Re: interesting concept » Dr. Bob, posted by AuntieMel on April 22, 2005, at 13:19:32
I wouldn't do it. Same reasons as always.
But I'm flabbergasted that Dr. Bob is asking about the boards not being open to the public. Especially since I've said all along private boards wouldn't be bad if they weren't available to be read by everyone.
They wouldn't be any different from instant messages, conferencing, telephone contact, or other extra board contact between those who wish to pursue it.
But he never grasped that.
Posted by Dr. Bob on May 2, 2005, at 0:43:56
In reply to Re: Board style, posted by Dr. Bob on April 8, 2005, at 3:08:51
> > > Would it be easier to delete notifications if they included the thread number or something in the subject line?
> >
> > Yes, very much easier.
>
> OK, that I don't think should be too hardIt wasn't too hard. I hope it works!
Bob
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