[wp-forums] Forum Evolution

[Les Bessant]

Said it before, and I'll say it again.

The present layout of the forum front page is not clear or inviting for
newcomers. I'd be much happier with a list of forums at the top, ideally
with an indication of new posts (I'm assuming the present software could be
persuaded to do this without too much trouble). Drilling into each forum
(and this kind of layout would be more conducive to having a breakdown of
subforums) should show the list of posts. If the system can keep track of
unread posts, "new posts since last visit" or similar, so much the better.

The list of recent posts in its current form isn't all that helpful. It
stops casual visitors from seeing the list of forums, and more serious
volunteers are going to be using the "unread" tag anyway...

I can see both sides of the "recognition" thing. I'd be inclined not to
bother unless someone comes up with an idea that satisfies everyone....

________________________________

Les Bessant les at lcb.me.uk
Losing it[1] - http://lcb.me.uk/
 

> -----Original Message-----
> From: wp-forums-bounces at lists.automattic.com 
> [mailto:wp-forums-bounces at lists.automattic.com] On Behalf Of Podz
> Sent: 05 August 2006 20:20
> To: Forums
> Subject: [wp-forums] Forum Evolution
> 
> There have been some suggestions here at Wordcamp:
> 
> - have new forums to help break issues down so that it is easier for
> people to find help and easier for people to want to help to do so.
> 
> - to have some form of recognition for those answering to encourage
> repeat visits
> 
> - to have some form of encouraging new answerers
> 
> So ....... I know we've done this before and I know what was said, but
> it's been asked, time has passed so we should re-address.
> 
> Bearing in mind the above and the wider community, if you 
> could improve
> the forums in 3 ways, what would they be and why?
> 
> Podz
> (note - changing to alternative forum software is not on this 
> agenda and
> would be a pointless post.)
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