[wp-forums] Forum Stickies

[Scott Merrill]

Michael B wrote:
> I don't want to dis the new and average poster, but I think if
> someone's not using the search, then they are not reading many other
> items not on the recent discussions.  So perhaps a sticky at the top
> of the recent discussions for first time posters, directing to the
> codex, and the FAQ in each of the specific forums.

I proposed at an IRC meetup the the Forums should set a cookie when the
search is used.  Without that cookie, you do not get direct access to
the forums.  For first time visitors, they'll be _required_ to search
before asking a question.

Yes, there are negative side-effects. Clearing your cookies (as is
sometimes required) will mean you need to search again to gain access to
the forums.  Likewise if you're using a public computer, or a friend's
workstation.

So perhaps the "has_searched" flag can live in the user's profile, so
that only first-time visitors need ever deal with this.

> A side note, as it was mentioned at the codex page, is the fact that
> currently the search feature is pulling up both the RSS as well as
> regular thread for each topic.  Could be quite confusing to a someone
> searching to keep get repeating answers.  And by no means is this an
> intention or invitation to bash/re-hash the search feature
> discussions.  I'm content with which ever mode is chosen, simply
> trying to offer an improvement, if it is possible, and agreed with.

I flagged this to Matt last week, who pulled Michael into the
discussion, and work is being done to resolve this.

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