Posted by Dr. Bob on November 3, 2002, at 23:50:23
In reply to DOC BOB--others read, too « lostsailor, posted by Dr. Bob on November 3, 2002, at 14:54:54
> I find that it is very difficult to follow some threads. Threades that look like one or two posts "stem" out to many more. Is there a way to handle and understand the site interface and/or is it possible to change it to show ...(for example: a 'folder/file" system...
Posts in each thread are just listed chronologically. To see what led up to a post, trace the discussion backward with the "in reply to" links. It's harder to go forward, since in that direction there can be branches...
It would be nice to indicate the hierarchical structure visually, but I haven't yet seen a way I've really liked. But I've never seen a message board use a folder system, either... The idea would be that posts would be like files? This may be another case of me not appreciating an idea when it first comes up, but I'd worry that people would (1) spend a lot of time opening and closing folders, since the 10 latest posts could be in 10 different folders in 10 different branches or (2) find the branching confusing.
And how exactly would the folders work? Say A starts a new thread. B, C, and D are replies to it. Nobody replies to B. In reply to C is E, in reply to E is F, and in reply to F is G. Then in reply to D are H and I. Finally, in reply to H is J and in reply to I is K. What would the folders be? And what would be in each one?
And then if L were posted in reply to E? And then if A through C were archived?
Bob
poster:Dr. Bob
thread:8084
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20020918/msgs/8088.html