How do you read the board?

[JustAskJulie]

I'm trying to get a feel for how most people come into the board and read the new messages.

Do you use the "New posts in 24 hours"?
Do you click the "New posts since last visit"?
Do you just go through each forum, one by one and look for updated threads?
Or do you do something else.

I've posted a poll for those who don't feel like typing a simple answer, but if you want to add more (or if you browse one way one time and another way another... or you do something completely different than what I've mentioned above), then please feel free to post an answer in addition to (or instead of) answering the poll.

[Vjklander]

"New posts since last visit", unless I've been off for more than a few days, or less than a few hours. Then I'll use the 24 hour one. Don't want to miss any interesting links, but don't have time for stale links.
J

[leftcoastcouple]

"New posts since last visit," even if it's not perfect. I'm still finding that I'm missing some threads. But until there's a charge for use, it's hard to complain, because we appreciate all you do, Julie!

[RnLinohio]

We use the "posts since last visit, because sometimes it maybe a few hours, sometimes a day before we get back, and that is just the easiest for us.


Ohh, and julie you really do do a great job with this web site. And thank you for starting it and keeping it running.

Robin and Larry

[lookin_forfun65]

New posts since last visit.

[lookin_forfun65]

I wish there was an easy way to get back to that list, I've tried the last thread, next thread, first unread ... doesn't seem to work. I end up going back with the back button drop down.

[JustAskJulie]

Originally posted by lookin_forfun65
I wish there was an easy way to get back to that list, I've tried the last thread, next thread, first unread ... doesn't seem to work. I end up going back with the back button drop down.

I typically go to "view new posts since..."/ or "new posts in last 24" then right click and open the topic I want to read in a new window, closing it when I'm done, thus returning to the list.

[shoreguy]

Ahh, tabbed browsing, something all you IE users can't understand. I just open up the posts since last visit and then start new tabs for everything that looks interesting. Close each tab when I'm done with the thread. All in one browser window. Aren't I cool?

lookin_forfun65: The only way I know of to get back to that list is to click on "Message Board", and then "View New Posts".

[hmr]

We typically use View new post in last 24 hrs, and new post since last visit depending on how long it has been since we were on line last. Then we browse the forums for updated posts.

hmr

[JustAskJulie]

I'm sure you've seen the posts regarding new forums (if you haven't noticed the forums themselves) as well as seen some of the recent forums splits that have occurred. All things in an effort to make the board more intuitive to newbies and everyone else so that everyone can easily find what they are looking for when they visit the site.

The question.... is it working? Does it make things easier ? Or does it make things more complicated as there are now so many more forums to dig through? Do you even care?

There are currently 19 public forums plus about as many archives... with more (most likely) on the way.

[JustAskJulie]

Wanted to add one more question to this.... do you use the archives? Or did you use them when you were new to this site? Did you even know that we have archive forums with older threads on some of the most commonly asked questions?

[lnk4u]

Since I check the board at least once a day I just check the new posts since last visit. Occassionally I have to check those within the last 24 hours since hubby checks them too, although not as often as I do.

[MrYaWanna]

I always start by looking at what Mrs. has posted that day, first I find one of her posts, then use the search button at the bottom of her post. Then I do the Last 24hrs option, then I search on any thing or one I find interesting.

Archives? Don't use that but I do use the links posted that refer to previous threads. So maybe that is using the Archives.

I find the board easy to navigate and I never have much trouble finding what I am looking for.

[yawanna]

When I 'check in' I go to 'all posts from the last 24 hours'

I saw one new forum that had daily, multiple postings by one person - the moderator. I remember the offer and acceptance of starting that particular thread, and while many may enjoy it, it's not my cup 'o tea. I may peek in at a couple just to see, but mostly I move along. The only thing so many postings in one area does, is limits what I get to see as new in the last 24 hours postings, as it seems there is a limit of 2 pages for that particular viewing option. I think?

Otherwise the forum splits and new areas aren't causing any disruption that I can see. Kudos to you all

[JustAskJulie]

If you are using either "view new posts in last 24" or "view new since last visit" there is no cut-off. It will show you everything that is new in that time period.

If you are viewing forum by forum, the most recent 25 topics will show on the first page and then it will continue from there. Even on the threads that are set to show only the last 30 days of threads by default, you can change the default (either in your preferences or in the forum itself) to however many days (or no limit) you choose.