Other Recent Posts?

nightshade · #1 (**permalink**) 27-09-2006, 08:42 AM

I do not like the split in the posts column.The most recent post was always at the top of the column and I could work my way back through a day or so that I had not kept up with.
Now it feels as if I am directed to selected subjects with a dismissive "some other recent posts"for current arrivals.

StuartDH · #2 (**permalink**) 27-09-2006, 08:57 AM

Just trying out some different ways to make it easier to find wildlife topics apart from general chat, without letting the general chat disappear. Also might add another one in the right-hand column for environment topics to seperate them as well. Nothing permanent at the moment, just trying to find out what'll work best.

Stu

nightshade · #3 (**permalink**) 27-09-2006, 09:53 AM

Sorry Stu I don't like it the mix is better

Alan · #4 (**permalink**) 27-09-2006, 08:05 PM

The splitting of the forum posts column seems a good idea to me Stuart. The wildlife should always come first on a wildlife website. It’s not exactly hard work to scroll down a few inches the view the community ones. It certainly stops the confusion of knowing what some thread titles mean and whether they’re wildlife related or not.

Stick with it I say.

Jennywrenny · #5 (**permalink**) 27-09-2006, 08:38 PM

I agree with Alan - I think it's good separating them like this

nightshade · #6 (**permalink**) 27-09-2006, 08:44 PM

So why are camera bags wildlife?and spotting scopes

Alan · #7 (**permalink**) 27-09-2006, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nightshade

So why are camera bags wildlife?and spotting scopes

Maybe because they are used to help see and take pictures of wildlife.

Boddie · #8 (**permalink**) 27-09-2006, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nightshade

So why are camera bags wildlife?and spotting scopes

I am guessing other recent posts are from the Treehouse. I see people soon getting wise to this

Beryl · #9 (**permalink**) 27-09-2006, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nightshade

So why are camera bags wildlife?and spotting scopes

Because they are sure needed when one goes out birding or photographising wildlife

Dan Salter · #10 (**permalink**) 27-09-2006, 10:46 PM

I find it a bit confusing but i think it depends how you use the forums? I dont enter any individual forum category i just sit on this page ( main forum page) and watch the recent posts column...i read new ones and reply those that i want to...i can then see which ones are highlighted or not as to wether there has been a response reply....but like someone else said i now dont need to just watch the toppermost one and work back but have to look up and down to see if anyone has replied in the other section?

Im sure ill get used to it like anything new in life but right now i dont like it...the other way was so much easier to follow ( just)

Wild-Woman · #11 (**permalink**) 28-09-2006, 06:31 AM

Only trouble is some threads start off as wildlife and 'evolve' into chat as they get different posts. Just a thought. Julie

cherrybee · #12 (**permalink**) 28-09-2006, 08:45 AM

I actually dont mind it at all as I often use the button for new posts. I do this a lot as sometimes there are so many new ones they drop off the screen so I read what shows then go to new posts in case there is a subject I have missed through not being on as much.I have found that I often read the general treehouse ones first anyway before going on to the wildlife ones so it has actually made things easier for me

Alan · #13 (**permalink**) 28-09-2006, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wild-Woman

Only trouble is some threads start off as wildlife and 'evolve' into chat as they get different posts. Just a thought. Julie

Good point Julie, but it’s the original intent of the thread that’s the important thing - whether there’s a bit of banter or not.

The confusion comes when someone opens a thread expecting it to be wildlife related, and instead is faced with completely un-wildlife related topic. I can imagine this being especially off-putting for a newcomer to the site who is expecting wildlife related content. At least if they are in their respected compartments the option to view one or the other is a lot more straight forward.

This way at least the intent of the forum is more apparent especially to visitors.

If in the end this style is not adopted, I would say at least somehow label each recent thread with its particular forum category – for example: wildlife, photo, environment or treehouse…

I agree with cherrybee about using the 'new post' button, but if you are a newcomer it could often take a while for you to adopt this, and I personally only use it if I've been offline for a while.

Marvin Africa · #14 (**permalink**) 28-09-2006, 01:34 PM

Would it possible to give each category a colour or symbol to differentiate where new posts/threads have been added? This might prove to be useful for better site navigation.

Boddie · #15 (**permalink**) 28-09-2006, 05:52 PM

I think the new system is a good idea. The guests, who are largely expecting wildlife related subjects, can find such with ease and the more established members should be able to pick the new system up just as easily

jennyb · #16 (**permalink**) 28-09-2006, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cherrybee

I actually dont mind it at all as I often use the button for new posts. I do this a lot as sometimes there are so many new ones they drop off the screen so I read what shows then go to new posts in case there is a subject I have missed through not being on as much.

Interesting. I had never noticed the New Posts button! No wonder I miss things.

That is useful since posts often disappear quickly from the righthand column when the forum is busy.

Jenny

eeyore · #17 (**permalink**) 28-09-2006, 07:22 PM

I think its a good move to seperate these out - although I also like marvins idea about colour coding (not sure if our software would permit that, but its a nice one in principal)

Ollie · #18 (**permalink**) 28-09-2006, 07:45 PM

Well I've given it 24 hours before making any comment and I must say it's grown on me. Found it a bit strange at first but on balance I think it's ok and should be helpfull to newcomers.
Roger