Suggestions

IGP

I'm afraid your monologue isn't relevant to this thread, and it's actually wasted effort on your part.

The people posting on here are fully conversant with the workings of this site

The guidelines are already there as a pinned post from GR, near the top of most boards. They were put there as a result of lobbying from 'experienced' members as a solution to this very issue.

Problem is the majority om members both old and new don't bother to read them and if they do, proceed to ignore them.


E.g:-

This is the Genealogy chat message board. This is where you can come and chat with other members about all things related to family history and researching.

Please do not post your look-up requests on this board as they will be removed. If you have a look-up request please post it on either the Find Ancestors message board or the Find Living Relatives message board.

To start a new thread click on 'add topic' in the top right hand corner of the message board.

To reply to a post, simply click on the purple ' add reply' button found at the very top of the thread.

To return to a thread that you posted on Genes Reunited click on 'My Threads' in the left hand navigation of your screen, then click on your thread title.

You can 'watch' a thread by clicking on 'watch this' at the top of the thread. When you watch a thread we will email you every hour when anyone has added to it.

If you want to bring attention to your thread and nudge it up to the top of the boards to gain more attention just add to or comment on the thread yourself.

wisechild

I doubt that any sensible established members would object to seeing guidelines when they post a new topic.

It isn't a case of 'bombardment' - merely of a couple of sentences of helpful advice.

And, proportionately, how many new posts are added by established members, compared with those from new board users?

It simply would not be possible to differentiate between 'old' and 'new' members when 'add a topic' was selected.

Thelma,

May I just point out that the Watched Threads facility isn't always working and new members don't always know what it means.

Also, Estelle has already said that we can opt out of receiving alerts.


PP - hopefully the Team will have the sense to include guidelines, otherwise it's a waste of time.


This is the message I send out to those who haven't replied. I'm sure it could be improved upon but it seems to be helping at the moment.



Habbakuk Jones - you have replies to your query.


Hi David,

Just a friendly note to say that you have received a reply to the message you posted on the boards re the above subject - GR don't advise you of replies on threads unfortunately.

If you are not familiar with this site, then here is how to find your replies: (it may be helpful to copy this out)

Click in order:

1. Community (above in dark green bar)
2. Board Summary

On next screen:
1. My Threads (on the left of that screen)
2. Your original message heading.

(When you click on your original message heading, you will see your original message and the replies, which are printed underneath).

Please reply to those who have helped you by typing in the Add Reply box at the bottom of your thread and clicking Submit. They will then know that you have seen their advice etc. and may be able to help you further.


It is really helpful if you stay by your computer for a while after posting a message as replies can come back very quickly and don't be afraid to ask for more help if you need it.


If you know how to do all this, then please ignore me - just trying to help the new folk!

Regards,


Cynthia



Cx

:-D

Excellent idea Reggie.
Just as long as it´s only new members who recieve the message & not everyone gets bombarded with instructions every time they start a new topic.

Do you realise how fed up we all are with the continual spouting of platitudes?

I asked if you had UNDERSTOOD my suggestion - your response clearly demonstrated that you hadn't

You simply aren't on the same wavelength as those of us (the PAYING members) who MAKE THIS SITE WHAT IT IS

Hi Reggie,
I am sorry if you felt I hadn't read your post. I had read it, and I wanted to share with you what we have planned which we hope will make it easier for newer members.
Thanks to you all for your feedback which I do share with the rest of the team.
Kind regards,
Estelle

Classic example of GR's blinkered attitude. Plus the fact you do not have the first idea of how the boards work

Did you actually read and UNDERSTAND what I suggested? Answer - NO!

If this seems critical - that's because it's meant to. You bring it on yourselves, I'm afraid.

Estelle, So you think that an email telling members they have a reply to their thread will do the job?

Did you actually read Reggie's OP?

Because i fail to see how an email saying you have a reply, would inform a member on how find and reply on their thread,

This thread is clear about the problem and gives a simple and affective way forward,

We post on this the Suggestions board because we care,

GR when they do add to the board IMHO have never come back with anything positive in fact your response bears no relevance to the topic on this threads

No wonder we "the members" feel you are not listening


Roy

Estelle
This function already exists"My watched threads".
Please make sure that members can opt out of receiving emails.They can be very annoying.

HI Reggie, we actually hope to add a new function to our message boards. When someone starts a new thread they will be sent an email to let them know when someone replies. This is on the list of improvements and we do hope to implement it soon. Obviously members will be able to opt out of this too, if they don't want an email notification.

Kind regards,

Estelle

Maybe a 'pop up' type box that they have to accept before their post is added to the board?

Chris

It would help anyone new to have these simple instructions and could be done in a way that only the thread author would see the content of these instructions on their first post so as not to clutter the board

Roy

When anyone posts a new topic, could you display a message telling them that they have to return to the post to see the replies. And also tell them HOW to do so, by using the 'My threads' tool

It would save an awful lot of work for one well-respected member, who seems to spend 90% of her time telling people how to get back to their threads.

Such a simple idea.............but aren't they usually the most effective?