David

[AnnW]

Ok..trying to get the hang of this. Came online this am, got here, clicked on "view new posts", then clicked on the topic, then clicked on "unread posts (or whatever it is) and read the new posts in the thread, repeated this till I read all the news posts (still seems like a lot of work).
I noticed that my replies put the thread at the top of the view new posts, but it still showed threads that I had read in the "view new posts" section, even when I refreshed. So, here's my question/problem...am I supposed to remember what I have read? Is there anyway to have them change color like on the old board? It seems like it only drops the read posts if I am off for awhile..I can't work on the puter and then come check in here to see if there are any new posts. (which might be healthier in the long run! LOL but it doesn't really make me want to come here as often) Does this make any sense?

[Diane]

It sure makes sense to me because that's exactly the way I feel. Before all I had to do was click in and I could see all of the new posts posted because they were all in a different color. It was nothing to click on and read them... now I feel as if I'm clicking here, there and everywhere tring to find all the posts I've missed. I push the "View all new posts" button I seem to get a lot that I've already read. After even more searching I also find a few that didn't appear when I pushed the view all button. Do I even make SENSE? Although I really DO like a lot of the new features here, the old board seemed SOOOOOO much easier to me. LOL I remember the hard time we all had adjusting to the old new board though so I'm more than willing to give it a go but if I find it takes up too much time I'm afraid I just won't be here as often. Too time consuming.

[Edited by Diane P. on 02-13-2001 at 09:51 AM]

[DavidL]

Well, I definately didn't want to make people less active on the boards!

I've said all along that it might take a few days (ie. more than 2!) to get the hang of the new board. Experiment around. :) Play around! ;) You'll find the way that works for you, just like you did before. I remember having to explain lots of things on the other board before people were happy with it. Same thing here.

To try and answer your question; yes, you may have to make mental notes on what you've read. I never click the 'go to first unread' link, I just grab the scroll bar and drag it down until I get to posts I haven't read.

Also, posting to an old thread 'bumps' that thread to the top, so you'll know that the messages on the top of the forum have been replied to recently.

Use the time function also. In the forum view, the one that lists all the topics, it shows you who posted the last message and at what time. Compare that time to your computer clock and you'll know if you've read that one or now.

Like I said, you're going to get a bunch of tips and find some on your own.

:):):);):)

[AnnW]

No offense, Dave, but that just sucks!! LOL One reason why I am consistant at IB was that it was so easy to read and keep up with. I think it's just peachy that we have all these graphics, snicker bars and smiley faces, and I like the editing, but I really don't want to have to scroll through a bunch of posts. I take it that this isn't an "experiment" like you said when it first showed up, but a new format.

[TXmom]

OK, this didn't seem to go through last time, so I hope it doesn't show up as a double post. This new format seems more professional. There will probably be a decline in the number of posts from the old regulars (myself included), but we have to admit, we used the Idea Box boards as our personal chat room. I'm guessing there will be an increase in the number of posts from people who in the past might have felt like they were intruding. Not meaning to start a debate or put words into Pam and David's mouths - JMHO.

[DavidL]

I setup this new board to get more people posting. I definately don't want to see a decrease from the regulars. I was actually hoping to get a few of you to moderate the forums. I've already got one volunteer, and as soon as the boards start to get a little more busy, I'll be asking for more.

Idea Box will be changing a lot in the next couple of months. This is just one of those changes.

Let's face it, people don't always like change. It's resisted more than it's embraced. I'm sad to say some people may not like the change and decide to stop visiting. I hope everyone gives it more than just a couple of days. It took at least a month for everyone to adjust to the old format.

:):):);):)

[AnnW]

David, not afraid of change at all if I understand the reasons for it. What other changes are coming along? What does a moderator do? Can you get the posts to change color..huh, huh, pretty please!!! LOL

[DavidL]

Originally posted by annw
David, not afraid of change at all if I understand the reasons for it.

Well, the reason for this change is simple. The boards weren't being used as frequently as we wanted, so we updated the software to offer more of the features people look for when visiting message boards.


What other changes are coming along?

Well, some big design changes. We're getting ready to add some articles written by mothers, educators, teachers, and just everyday people. We're going to bring back the book club. Lot's more stuff too... you'll have to keep checking back! ;)


What does a moderator do?

A moderator has the ability to edit other peoples posts and delete posts. Basically, a watchdog for that forum. And you also get a special title under your name to make you feel special too.


Can you get the posts to change color..huh, huh, pretty please!!! LOL

I'll check on it, but I don't think it's going to be possible. The reason for the color change on the other board was due to the 'cache' in your browser. Since these pages use the same URL and are generated dynamically, it won't work. Sorry! :(

But hey! You're right there at the top with all the posters. Seems like you're getting used to it to me!

[AnnW]

Thanks.
Did you drop the advertisers? Don't you think the drop was cyclical or was the board become more like TxMom said "too chatty" and less professional for your liking?

[Mickey]

Originally posted by DavidL
[QUOTE]And you also get a special title under your name to make you feel special too.

Is your one volunteer me??? I want a special title under my name!!! LOL! When's the swearing in? Do I get a crown or a tiara or anything? ;)

[DavidL]

Originally posted by annw
Thanks.
Did you drop the advertisers? Don't you think the drop was cyclical or was the board become more like TxMom said "too chatty" and less professional for your liking?

No the advertisers haven't been dropped. I'll eventually get around to adding that in here too. Just wanted to take it a step at a time.

Also, the boards were never too chatty for my liking. Actually, any post is usually a good post, as along as it's not SPAM!