Why do some of you view the board in linear mode?

[Colleen]

I'm kinda curious why some of you read the board in linear mode. It seems most who do that have trouble following the thread of the conversation, e.g. who's replying to whom. That inevitably leads to posts trying to clear up confusion, e.g. "Were you responding to me?", "Why did you post below me?" etc.

I'm wondering if some people perhaps don't know there are other viewing modes? On the other hand, I know there are some people who prefer the linear mode but if there's an advantage, I'm missing it. Both the hybrid and threaded formats include the subject-line caption box; that allows you to better follow the sub-threads. I prefer the hybrid mode because I can both skim through the caption box and page through the actual posts.

[sdWTMer]

I agree Colleen. Thanks for bringing it up.

[Crissy]

I leave it in linear mode because I'm used to using it that way. If I need to understand to which post a reply is made I change to hybrid mode, but I always switch back.
No good reason, though. Just habit.

[HS mom]

And then I thought, "some days I just don't get it". So, I opened the thread. Ahhhhh...

Thanks for the tip :)

[Mrs Mungo]

I'm kinda curious why some of you read the board in linear mode. It seems most who do that have trouble following the thread of the conversation, e.g. who's replying to whom. That inevitably leads to posts trying to clear up confusion, e.g. "Were you responding to me?", "Why did you post below me?" etc.

I prefer linear mode because it's what people typically use on other boards I frequent. I prefer just to scroll through the whole thread. It's true I have no idea who some people are talking to when they post a random question or "I agree." That's why I try and quote people when I'm answering a post directly. That way no matter how people are viewing the boards it is easy for them to tell specifically what I'm referring to.

[WTMindy]

I leave it in linear mode because I'm used to using it that way. If I need to understand to which post a reply is made I change to hybrid mode, but I always switch back.
No good reason, though. Just habit.

Me too. Just habit. I tried hybrid, but I can't remember why I didn't really like it.

[crazycoffeechic]

When I joined, this was the mode it was in. I didn't realize you could change it until now:001_huh:. The hybrid mode is so much better! Thank you!!

[Sharon in SC]

I prefer the hybrid mode because I can both skim through the caption box and page through the actual posts.

Me, too. :iagree:

[momto3]

Hmmm! Never knew I could change it. I am a lurker, not a poster. This 50 post minimum to list FS items has pulled me out of the dark. I think it can get addicting!

[WTMindy]

I remember now why I changed. I don't like having to open each post to read them. I like to scroll quickly through all the posts. Am I doing something wrong?

[Plaid Dad]

I prefer linear mode as it's what's in use on every other board I read. So I appreciate when people quote at least a little bit of the post they're replying to, or at least mention the poster's name in their reply. :)

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

I remember now why I changed. I don't like having to open each post to read them. I like to scroll quickly through all the posts. Am I doing something wrong?

In hybrid, you see both the threaded view, then you can scroll down and read each post in a linear fashion, starting at the top if you wish or you can click on any post and read all the posts "below" it in the thread.

[Colleen]

I remember now why I changed. I don't like having to open each post to read them. I like to scroll quickly through all the posts. Am I doing something wrong?

You must be referring to threaded mode. Viewing with that format, you do have to open each post. I'd find that tedious and am frankly not sure why anyone would prefer it, either. Hybrid, as Pam mentioned, has the caption box on top, allowing you to scroll through the whole thread, and all the posts under that, already opened.

[Colleen]

Lest anyone get their feathers ruffled, rest assured I'm not trying to tell anyone what to do. I'm makin' conversation, wondering if I'm missing an advantage to the other viewing modes, and offering a suggestion to those folks who don't know different modes even exist.

[Doran]

I remember now why I changed. I don't like having to open each post to read them. I like to scroll quickly through all the posts. Am I doing something wrong?


I prefer hybrid because it offers a foot in both worlds. I can scroll through just the subject line window, or I can read through each post one by one down below. I have to admit, I scroll more often than I read each post -- that is, until I can discern whether or not I'm ready to be engaged in the thread or not. Make sense?

[Jenny in Atl]

I tend to use linear. The hybrid does wacky things with my little MacBook screen. :confused:

[Mrs Mungo]

Lest anyone get their feathers ruffled, rest assured I'm not trying to tell anyone what to do. I'm makin' conversation, wondering if I'm missing an advantage to the other viewing modes, and offering a suggestion to those folks who don't know different modes even exist.

No feathers ruffled here. Just to clarify. My posts are often just to the point and can sound cranky even when I wasn't intending it.:D

[Andie]

I remember now why I changed. I don't like having to open each post to read them. I like to scroll quickly through all the posts. Am I doing something wrong?


The Hand Slapping Squad will be there shortly, Mindy.

Is this your first violation? ;)



I changed back for the same reason.

[readwithem]

Well I'm in hybrid and I *still* can't follow the flow most of the time, sigh....

[Denise in IN]

I've tried to like the hybrid mode, truly I have, but I always end up frustrated.

If you open a thread to the last post (which I do often), then it only shows that post. Or if you click on a post within the thread, then you only get that post, or that post plus the others listed under it. It just ends up being too much "clicking" and drives me crazy.

So I always end up back in the linear mode, and just switch to hybrid if I can't easily follow the responses. I do appreciate quotes showing who the post is responding to; that helps make the linear mode much easier to navigate.

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

The Hand Slapping Squad will be there shortly, Mindy.

Is this your first violation? ;)

Is that what it sounded like? I was actually just clarifying that hybrid actually is the way she likes it -- that is, you don't have to open each post and can just scroll down and read all the opened posts.

Mindy, I'm really sorry if it sounded like I was scolding you. (And Andie, of course, the same goes in your direction. And I did see your winking icon, but I figure the truth is often spoken in jest.)

[Queen_Zarga]

I use linear mode so I'm certain to see all of the posts. I have read some threads where someone has posted something that really doesn't apply anymore and I can only assume they were reading and replying to the first "group" of messages in the hybrid/threaded mode w/o reading through the other posts. (That really didn't make any sense, did it?)

Also, the time progression (linear) is more important to me than who said what to whom (threaded).

It certainly does help when people use the quote feature in their posts.

Plus, every other board I visit uses the linear mode and I'm familiar with it.

[GailV]

I prefer linear mode because it's what people typically use on other boards I frequent. I prefer just to scroll through the whole thread. It's true I have no idea who some people are talking to when they post a random question or "I agree." That's why I try and quote people when I'm answering a post directly. That way no matter how people are viewing the boards it is easy for them to tell specifically what I'm referring to.

I prefer linear mode as it's what's in use on every other board I read. So I appreciate when people quote at least a little bit of the post they're replying to, or at least mention the poster's name in their reply. :)

This sums it up for me, too.

And I'm way too tired today, because I think it's funny that Mrs. Mungo and Plaid Dad wrote similar things in spite of Mrs. Mungo's sig line about being no relation. I think I need a nap.

[LizzyBee]

I've tried the other views and I just don't like them. No particular reason. If I really want to know who's replying to whom, I switch, then switch back. If I reply to a specific comment, I quote it in my reply.

[Carol in Cal.]

I'm kinda curious why some of you read the board in linear mode. It seems most who do that have trouble following the thread of the conversation, e.g. who's replying to whom. That inevitably leads to posts trying to clear up confusion, e.g. "Were you responding to me?", "Why did you post below me?" etc.

I'm wondering if some people perhaps don't know there are other viewing modes? On the other hand, I know there are some people who prefer the linear mode but if there's an advantage, I'm missing it. Both the hybrid and threaded formats include the subject-line caption box; that allows you to better follow the sub-threads. I prefer the hybrid mode because I can both skim through the caption box and page through the actual posts.

When I used the other modes, I was always missing posts, which would appear in the middle of the pages--wedged in, as it were. I find that linear mode is the easiest way to keep track of threads that interest me.

Interesting to hear that you are using the other, though. I have been wondering about that because I have noticed lately that I never know who you are responding to, which kind of militates against appreciating your comments--a shame, because I always used to enjoy them!

[Andie]

Is that what it sounded like? I was actually just clarifying that hybrid actually is the way she likes it -- that is, you don't have to open each post and can just scroll down and read all the opened posts.

Mindy, I'm really sorry if it sounded like I was scolding you. (And Andie, of course, the same goes in your direction. And I did see your winking icon, but I figure the truth is often spoken in jest.)


I was just joking! Since she'd asked if she did something "wrong" and (maybe since I'm in linear LOL) I thought she was kidding and meant was her choice wrong, didn't read it as asking for clarification about one or the other. Clear as mud?

No malice, no intent, at all, really. (There's no solomnly swear icon. Hmm. :lol:)

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

I was just joking! Since she'd asked if she did something "wrong" and (maybe since I'm in linear LOL) I thought she was kidding and meant was her choice wrong, didn't read it as asking for clarification about one or the other. Clear as mud?

No malice, no intent, at all, really. (There's no solomnly swear icon. Hmm. :lol:)

Oh, I missed the "wrong" part! Gotcha.

Yes, I vote someone in the big admin building in the sky should provide us with a WTM book icon so we can say "So help me Hana" with a hand on the book on one side and on our heart on the other.

[freethinkermom]

I prefer linear. Most other boards I frequent are in linear mode. This is the only one where anyone uses anything else :)

I try to switch to hybrid if the who is replying to whom becomes confusing, but when people write their post in the subject line it messes up the screen.

[Pencil Pusher]

I actually didn't know there were other ways to view the boards until you mentioned it in a previous post. I do wonder, however, how a post knows where it belongs, who it belongs beneath, etc. I guess if I'm reading a post when I decide to reply, it goes beneath that one? But sometimes I've been mulling something over for a while before I decide to go ahead & reply.

It makes more sense now, though, when people say, Oh, I meant this to go beneath so-and-so's post. I thought those comments were just...um...a little dense. Because who knows *where* your post will end up! But, turns out it's me who's dense. That's why I mull things before I speak as much as possible. I don't want to give it away! ;)

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

I actually didn't know there were other ways to view the boards until you mentioned it in a previous post. I do wonder, however, how a post knows where it belongs, who it belongs beneath, etc. I guess if I'm reading a post when I decide to reply, it goes beneath that one?


When you hit "quote," the reply goes under that post, whether or not you retain any or all of the quote or not. Like here, I erased part of your quote. Had I erased it all, it would have still ended up "below" yours.

I sit and mull things over, too. :D

[elegantlion]

I didn't know there was another way until this thread! Yeah, something else to play around with online. Thanks, I think. :001_huh:

[elbac]

I prefer linear. It's what other forums that I frequent use, and I prefer to read through posts in the order that they were made.

[Scarlett]

I tried the Hybrid and didn't like it at all. So I use linear. I use the quote feature to clarify which poster specifically I'm replying to. If someone doesn't do that (and I care enough) I turn Hybrid on long enough to figure it out.

[WTMindy]

You must be referring to threaded mode. Viewing with that format, you do have to open each post. I'd find that tedious and am frankly not sure why anyone would prefer it, either. Hybrid, as Pam mentioned, has the caption box on top, allowing you to scroll through the whole thread, and all the posts under that, already opened.

When I look at hybrid mode I only get the first couple lines of a post and then I either have to click on each one to read it, or scroll down and read it is linear fashion. I then have to scroll down linearly anyway, so I guess I don't totally see the value of the hybrid, other than it is easier to see the flow (which I don't have too much problems with in linear). Also, since not everyone seems to respond to posts in the same way, the hybrid mode ends up being a bit wacky at times also. I have tried all 3 ways (and I'm re-trying hybrid today since you brought it us) but I still think I might prefer linear. But, I'll give it the old college try.

[WTMindy]

Is that what it sounded like? I was actually just clarifying that hybrid actually is the way she likes it -- that is, you don't have to open each post and can just scroll down and read all the opened posts.

Mindy, I'm really sorry if it sounded like I was scolding you. (And Andie, of course, the same goes in your direction. And I did see your winking icon, but I figure the truth is often spoken in jest.)

Pam, you KNOW how easily offended I get, and yet you still proceded to hurt me that way!!! :lol: I didn't take it that way at all, my dear! I still don't get why hybrid is easier when you still have to scroll down and read it in linear mode.

[Susan in TN]

Well, I had no idea there were modes. So new to this stuff. If I start experimenting, can I skip cooking dinner? Hee Hee!

[Colleen]

No feathers ruffled here. Just to clarify. My posts are often just to the point and can sound cranky even when I wasn't intending it.:D

You didn't sound cranky in the least. I can't imagine you get your feathers ruffled that easily.;) Just wanted to explain myself to anyone who might not care for my original question.

[Susan in TN]

Well, isn't this nifty. So I can respond to myself or someone else. I apologize to everyone for responding randomly within threads. I think I've been just clicking on any "respond" button my arrow thingy comes across. It certainly makes things more clear.

[Eliana]

We're going into the last two day of Pesach, so I am not really here... but this caught my eye.

I use linear because I am in and out of the forums so often - when I pop in I can glance at the last few posts of a thread I was following, and catch what's new. I find hybrid and threaded take too long for me, and I spend more time going back and forth to see what is new than I do reading new stuff or posting...

I'm pleased that we have these different options so we can each use the one which helps us get the most enjoyment from the boards and/or spend our time here most efficiently. :)

See ya late Sunday or sometime Monday....

[Night Elf]

Linear looks better to me. It's easy for me to read through the posts. If I come back to a conversation later, I can click on 'view first unread'. I've been on the 'net for 15 years now and am just in the habit of quoting people I'm responding to.

[Twinmom]

Lest anyone get their feathers ruffled, rest assured I'm not trying to tell anyone what to do. I'm makin' conversation, wondering if I'm missing an advantage to the other viewing modes, and offering a suggestion to those folks who don't know different modes even exist.


Well, count me as a grateful listener! I had NO idea you could change how you view the threads. Very cool, and very helpful! Thanks!

[Colleen]

When I look at hybrid mode I only get the first couple lines of a post and then I either have to click on each one to read it, or scroll down and read it is linear fashion.

I'm not sure what you mean when you say you only get the first couple of lines of a post. This thread has highlighted for me some advantages to the linear mode, e.g. posts are displayed in chronological order. But what Pam and I were saying is that an advantage to the hybrid mode is the presence of the subject-line window. It would take me forever and a day to read conversations here if I had to scroll through each and every post. Instead, I often just glance through the subject lines in order to get the gist of it, hone in on particular posts that interest me, and decide if and where to reply.

I still think I might prefer linear. But, I'll give it the old college try.

Oh, Mindy, I'm honestly not trying to get everyone to view the board according to my preferences. I can see how my question might be interpreted that way, but it's not my intent. I've just noticed some folks don't seem to know when they're being addressed; or inadvertently post below someone when they aren't specifically responding to that person. Quoting provides clarity, definitely. Although if one quotes, it's nice if they put a title in their post, too. That way the subject line is specific, rather than merely showing part of the quote. Clear as mud?;)

[WTMindy]

Oh, Mindy, I'm honestly not trying to get everyone to view the board according to my preferences. I can see how my question might be interpreted that way, but it's not my intent. I've just noticed some folks don't seem to know when they're being addressed; or inadvertently post below someone when they aren't specifically responding to that person. Quoting provides clarity, definitely. Although if one quotes, it's nice if they put a title in their post, too. That way the subject line is specific, rather than merely showing part of the quote. Clear as mud?;)

Colleen, I did not take your post as telling me what to do at all!! I'm open to finding a way to make this easier if I can, so I wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something. I am seeing it the way you are, and I guess I just like to skim more than the first line of the posts. But, I'm actually going to give hybrid a try for a few days to see if it grows on me or not. I tend to use the quote feature to respond most of the time.

[GailV]

Although if one quotes, it's nice if they put a title in their post, too. That way the subject line is specific, rather than merely showing part of the quote. Clear as mud?;)

The problem I have with post titles is that they don't show up when I get email notification of the latest post. I just get the body of the new post. If the title of the post contains different info than the body, the body often makes no sense. Sometimes I get an email that simply says "nt" and am left wondering what the heck is going on, kwim?

Also, I'm not sure that the post titles are searchable -- are they?

Also, if my post ends up under the post of whomever I'm quoting, what happens if I quoted various posts from various people? Oh, I know -- I need to just switch to hybrid and see where my last post ended up.

[Colleen]

I use linear because I am in and out of the forums so often - when I pop in I can glance at the last few posts of a thread I was following, and catch what's new. I find hybrid and threaded take too long for me, and I spend more time going back and forth to see what is new than I do reading new stuff or posting...

I understand what you're saying. I'm all for efficiency!:) I wanted to mention, just in case (or anyone else reading this) doesn't know it, that when you view the subject-line window (in hybrid mode), new posts are highlighted, so you can see what's been added since you last read the thread.

Happy weekend, all!

[Tutor]

Well I'm in hybrid and I *still* can't follow the flow most of the time, sigh....

LOL! I'm in the same boat. Half the time I can't figure out why responses end up where they do. :confused: This format has taken a lot of getting used to for me... especially in trying to figure out how to get my response to show up where I want it to.

Most of the time, I skim through the "tree" at the top to see if it is a "conversation" I want to participate in, read, or ignore then end up scrolling through all the posts anyway if it's either of the first two. :001_smile:

[WTMindy]

I understand what you're saying. I'm all for efficiency!:) I wanted to mention, just in case (or anyone else reading this) doesn't know it, that when you view the subject-line window (in hybrid mode), new posts are highlighted, so you can see what's been added since you last read the thread.

Happy weekend, all!

good to know. Thanks!

[LaMere Academy]

I'm kinda curious why some of you read the board in linear mode. It seems most who do that have trouble following the thread of the conversation, e.g. who's replying to whom. That inevitably leads to posts trying to clear up confusion, e.g. "Were you responding to me?", "Why did you post below me?" etc.

I'm wondering if some people perhaps don't know there are other viewing modes? On the other hand, I know there are some people who prefer the linear mode but if there's an advantage, I'm missing it. Both the hybrid and threaded formats include the subject-line caption box; that allows you to better follow the sub-threads. I prefer the hybrid mode because I can both skim through the caption box and page through the actual posts.
Linear is much easier IMO, and you can use the quote feature if you are directly responding to someone. That makes it much clearer! :D

[Tutor]

I think that if you hit any of the response options inside a particular post it will appear underneath that post with the most recent response on top. If you hit reply at the top or bottom of the page, it will post your reply at the end of the thread as a response to the OP, and if you hit the reply button at the bottom of the page, it will post your reply under the last post on the page you were viewing when you hit the relpy button. I think. Not positive, though.

I hit quick reply inside Pam's post, so let's see where it ends up.

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

Pam, you KNOW how easily offended I get, and yet you still proceded to hurt me that way!!! :lol: I didn't take it that way at all, my dear! I still don't get why hybrid is easier when you still have to scroll down and read it in linear mode.

Well, then I can't help you.


:lol:


I can see the thread, and I can see all the posts open. It's not *easier*, it's just... more.

[Sharon in SC]

... so I guess I don't totally see the value of the hybrid, other than it is easier to see the flow (which I don't have too much problems with in linear).

The value of hybrid mode, for me, is that I can, at a glance using the top frame, know where the new posts are (without having to scroll through pages of posts) and then click on those that I want to read (without having to skim pages of posts I've already read). Clear as mud? :-} After all is said and done, though, I fully appreciate that what works for me may certainly not work for another. :001_smile:

[WagsWife]

I use hybrid. When the main screen shows a new thread, or a thread I am interested in, has new posts, I right click on the link and choose to open in new tab (or new window.) After I am in the new tab, depending on how interested I am in the topic, I either: Scroll down and read all the posts of a new thread OR I scroll through the window at the top...browsing the titles of the posts. If it is a thread I have been tracking, I scroll through the top window looking for a yellow folder(yellow are posts you have not read yet.) When I get to a yellow folder, I right click to open it into, yet another new tab to read.

Opening in new tabs...though it sounds like more work,really isn't. I think it saves time. I am not having to click, wait for the link to open AND THEN click back and wait for that link again. It is just a matter of right click, wait for link to open, then close out of tab and the main page is still there.

[Sharon in SC]

Opening in new tabs...though it sounds like more work,really isn't. I think it saves time. I am not having to click, wait for the link to open AND THEN click back and wait for that link again. It is just a matter of right click, wait for link to open, then close out of tab and the main page is still there.

I think this fellow hybrid lover has learned something new from you today - I like the sound of the right click/new window option and will have to try it out! :D

[WagsWife]

I think this fellow hybrid lover has learned something new from you today - I like the sound of the right click/new window option and will have to try it out! :D

Once you get used to it, it becomes second nature. Besides using it for all of my message boards, I use it for almost everything on the internet. If I Google a topic, it is nice just to be able to close out a tab and be right at the original search. I almost never directly click on a link.

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

The value of hybrid mode, for me, is that I can, at a glance using the top frame, know where the new posts are (without having to scroll through pages of posts) and then click on those that I want to read (without having to skim pages of posts I've already read). Clear as mud? :-} After all is said and done, though, I fully appreciate that what works for me may certainly not work for another. :001_smile:

Yes! Thank you for mentioning this. That little orange box beside unread posts is great!

[Leah]

Well, looking at the responses, I must be the odd ball since I like the threaded mode. I like the see the order of responses and I only want to read the messages I click on...hmm, that sounds picky, but I like to just scan and then read... :)

[Frontier Mom]

Yeah, I didn't really know either. I'll try hybrid for a while and see if I get used to it.

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

I tend to use linear. The hybrid does wacky things with my little MacBook screen. :confused:

Yeah, well, wacky isn't good! I wonder why.

I can't do hybrid if I use Internet Explorer. Only in Firefox. And I have no clue why that is.

[Robin in Tx]

Actually, I'm glad you asked this because a while back, admin suggested to me to read in linear mode to more easily see what the new posts are. I was completely confounded by that suggestion... I had a hard time trying to imagine how linear would be better... I can see from all these responses, though, that there are some perceived advantages. For a while there, I thought admin was nuts! I'm glad to hear otherwise :).

Hey, now I'm just trying to figure out how a thread about display modes could end up needing posts deleted! LOL I stay so far behind the loop that it scares me sometimes :).

[OnTheBrink]

Oh good heavens. I had no idea there were even options. I've been threaded all this time and didn't even know it. :lol:

[nmoira]

I use linear because I like seeing all new posts at once. This is the only vBulletin board I have issues with because so many people are using it like the old WTM board. When all relevant text is in the Title, notification emails are blank. The text also cannot be quoted unless the responder cuts and pastes.

It's a courtesy to the community to quote the relevant text of the person you are responding to (unless it's the OP, or an new offshoot of the discussion), just like it's a courtesy on email lists to quote the relevant text of the email you are responding to.

[Robin in Tx]

Moira - how do you see the new posts all at once? By going to the last page? Or some other way?

That is interesting about the email notification. I never thought of that. The reason the whole text ends up in the subject line is because that's what the quick reply does for some reason. There's not a separate place for the subject line in quick reply mode. As a matter of fact, it distinctly says "Message:" as the header for the box to enter your text.

That's how I'm responding to you now... quick reply... so all of this will show up in the subject line.

Somehow, though, you managed to "reply" to another poster, and not to the original poster. Was that intentional? How did you do that?

[nmoira]

Moira - how do you see the new posts all at once? By going to the last page? Or some other way?I'm set up: Linear Mode, view old posts first. I subscribe to posts I'm interested in, go to user control panel, and open the subscribed threads in new tabs by right clicking (I actually use command-click, but that's a mac thing) on the check marks (go to first new post).

That's how I'm responding to you now... quick reply... so all of this will show up in the subject line. No, that's not what happened. All the text was in the message area. :) At least the way I'm seeing it.

Somehow, though, you managed to "reply" to another poster, and not to the original poster. Was that intentional? How did you do that?I'm not sure what you mean. I thought I'd chosen "Post Reply" at the bottom. If not, mea culpa... I might have started out with the intention of responding to a post and then forgot to go back and start again.... I try to be considerate of threaded viewers... really. :)

[Robin in Tx]

Yes, you responded to Sola Michelle... not that it's any big deal (no mea culpa necessary :))... I was just wondering how you did that since you don't have a quick reply button in linear mode.

Okay, now I'm confused about everything in the title... when does that happen? Right now, I have not been given the option of composing a title... just the message... but when you view it in threaded mode, it all shows up in the title. The only way to type a separate title from message body is to hit the "go advanced" button.

I'm wondering if people aren't just using the quick reply feature, not realizing what it does to the title vs. body thing.

Okay, one more question... how do you do those multiquotes? The only reason I haven't done it so far is I can't figure out how! LOL

Thanks so much for your posts. I will try to post in a way that is more considerate of linear viewers in the future :). I really had no idea how certain features effected each other.

[Pencil Pusher]

Make sure to go back and read my ETA under the same post. Thanks for the opportunity to clarify :) Sometimes I forget you folks don't have ESP and the fingers get ahead of the brain

Barb
Me, too! LOL

[LisaNY]

I use hybrid mode for the reasons you state, Colleen.

[Laurel]

Yes, you responded to Sola Michelle... not that it's any big deal (no mea culpa necessary :))... I was just wondering how you did that since you don't have a quick reply button in linear mode.

Okay, one more question... how do you do those multiquotes? The only reason I haven't done it so far is I can't figure out how! LOL


I'm in linear mode, and there is a quick reply button on each post...

For multiquotes, at the end of each post, next to the quote button, there is a button with quotation marks and a plus sign. Click that on each post you want to quote.

[GailV]

Okay, one more question... how do you do those multiquotes? The only reason I haven't done it so far is I can't figure out how! LOL


Hey, I know this one! You click on the icon next to the "quote" button that looks like a giant quotation mark. You mark all the posts you want to quote from, then hit the quote button, and all the quoted messages show up in your reply. You can then clean them up appropriately.

There was a discussion about this in the How To forum not long ago.

[LizzyBee]

Yes, you responded to Sola Michelle... not that it's any big deal (no mea culpa necessary :))... I was just wondering how you did that since you don't have a quick reply button in linear mode.

There is a quick reply button in the bottom right hand side of each post in the linear mode. There's also a multi-quote button, but I can't figure out how it works. In another thread, someone said they use the quote button, then copy and paste the quote, then delete the parts of it they don't want from each quote. Hope that made sense.

[Robin in Tx]

Wow, y'all are fast! Thanks for the replies. I've tried the multiquote button before, but couldn't figure out how to clean it all up andmake it work. I"ll try again, and maybe go look for that thread in the How To Forum. Thanks again!

Robin

[Robin in Tx]

Okay, I just checked... you have no quick reply in *threaded* mode. I was getting that confused with linear. Sorry!

[nmoira]

Yes, you responded to Sola Michelle... not that it's any big deal (no mea culpa necessary :))...I just think that one who is lecturing others (however gently) about posting courtesy should exhibit the same... so mea culpa anyway. :)

[Robin in Tx]

Hey, you are welcome to gently inform me of posting etiquette any time! Lord knows I could use a few lessons in that department :)

[nestof3]

Why do some of you view the board in linear mode?

Because I prefer it. It is also how all of the other forums I post on are formatted, so I am used to it.

I always quote someone when I am responding to them.

[Peek a Boo]

I still prefer the OLD Board best [die hard here!], but the threaded and hybrid just don't compare w/ it, so i stick w/ linear. I usually only bother OPENING discussions that I'm really interested in, and just skip over the "ITA" posts looking for real info ;). If there's something i wanna reply to, then i go back and re-read stuff to make sure there are no discrepancies in who said what. That helps keep me from posting in haste. Usually, lol


Linear offers the easiest way to scan straight down 40 posts of information. Now i just wish it could display 80 at a time --esp on the forum pages. watching threads get booted off the first page so fast is kinda demoralizing..... My fave set-up even from the old board is Teachingmom's style! collapsing threads, still have bmail, can see stuff at a glance....

Linear is faster for me to scan pertinent info. If the threaded/hybrid BOX was larger, i might change my mind tho....can i change the size of the box so it takes up most of the page??

[Colleen]

Interesting to hear that you are using the other, though. I have been wondering about that because I have noticed lately that I never know who you are responding to

Interesting! I virtually always quote when I'm responding to specific comments, so I'm not sure why it wouldn't be clear...

[Colleen]

I prefer linear. Most other boards I frequent are in linear mode. This is the only one where anyone uses anything else :)

Several people have mentioned that the other boards they frequent use linear; I can see why you'd prefer it in that case. The only other site I visit that uses this format is Sonlight, and it also allows for three different viewing modes. I think I originally set it to hybrid and became accustomed to that, so it's just naturally how I view this board, too.:)

[Tammyla]

Big threads...I like to view everything in Linear, but open thread tools...pick printable version, and then click view 50 per page. This makes short work of scrolling down real fast:) & similar to the old board. :grouphug:

[Oak Knoll Mom]

I love the handy dandy "view first unread" button. It's much easier for me to hit that and scan through the responses than to keep going back up and scanning through the post titles an looking for the orange posts.

I also think it's common courtesy to use the quote button if you are replying to someone specifically. I think it should be in the rules, but of course no one has asked me. :biggrinjester:

[Tammyla]

I like to click "view first unread" for returns too. I love the handy dandy "view first unread" button. It's much easier for me to hit that and scan through the responses than to keep going back up and scanning through the post titles an looking for the orange posts.

I also think it's common courtesy to use the quote button if you are replying to someone specifically. I think it should be in the rules, but of course no one has asked me. :biggrinjester:

[nestof3]

I also think it's common courtesy to use the quote button if you are replying to someone specifically. I think it should be in the rules, but of course no one has asked me.

Actually, on all other boards I've been on, this is the unwritten rule.

[Jill, OK]

...big reasons I love hybrid mode.

I shared in another thread that when I visit the boards, I open up "New Posts", and scroll through the pages, just looking at thread titles (not opening them up). If something catches my eye, I'll open in a new window (right click with the mouse), and scroll through the top, where just the post titles are (if you're viewing in hybrid). I'll only click and read a few of those that grab my eye, or if I'm going to reply, I might look at all of them. I still feel like I get a good gist of the thread without reading the entire thing.

If it's a thread I've been following, and I see there's a new post, I open the thread in hybrid, and just scroll 'till I see the new post, and click and open that.

I know most of you ladies probably know this, but I thought I'd share in case someone new is having as much trouble as I did, figuring out an easy way to keep up, lol.

As I said elsewhere, not reading each and every post probably keeps me out of the 'loop', with regards to a bunch of stuff, but my personal preference is to see what's happening, at a glance (New Posts), and just follow a few threads, in depth. If that's what you want to do, this way might work better.

If anyone has a quicker way, though...I'd love to know, lol!

[ELaurie]

I can only see the first 7 posts, so I end up using linear mode for longer threads anyway. Is there a way to see more of the posts at a glance in hybrid mode?

[nutmeg]

Actually, on all other boards I've been on, this is the unwritten rule.

re: quoting others - another unwritten rule is to do just as you (& most) have done here - trim the quoted message to just the pertinent info. At a board I used to frequent, folks quote but they do not trim. There's nothing like scroll past a long message, then many long quotes of that message each followed by "ITA!"

I happily use linear mode because that is what I am used to. If everyone would quote who they are replying too, my life would be perfect. ;) But since I don't make the rules, I'll adjust.

[asher]

Well, count me as a grateful listener! I had NO idea you could change how you view the threads. Very cool, and very helpful! Thanks!
:iagree:

[Doran]

I guess I'm alone in my fascination with the fact that *this thread* has generated so much discussion. My, but aren't we a passionate bunch when it comes to our chosen format for viewing our addict....er....discussion board?! :D

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

Linear is faster for me to scan pertinent info. If the threaded/hybrid BOX was larger, i might change my mind tho....can i change the size of the box so it takes up most of the page??


Can you scroll in your hybrid box? I can only do so in Firefox, not in IE, so it makes no sense to use hybrid when I can't access Firefox, like in the university computer labs.

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

I can only see the first 7 posts, so I end up using linear mode for longer threads anyway. Is there a way to see more of the posts at a glance in hybrid mode?

Use Firefox as your browser, is all I can say. In IE, I can only see about seven posts, and it's extremely frustrating. In Firefox, I can scroll the whole thread like on the old board.

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

I guess I'm alone in my fascination with the fact that *this thread* has generated so much discussion. My, but aren't we a passionate bunch when it comes to our chosen format for viewing our addict....er....discussion board?! :D

Well, I'll think it's this... It may be that this is the only time such a discussion has been allowed to continue on the General Board. Usually, three posts into it, the Admin (bless their hearts) choose to move these discussions to the "appropriate" place on the How To and Test Posting Board. Not many people "go" there, esp if they don't view in linear mode! :glare:

:D

I would like to say that I am grateful that this discussion has been allowed to continue *here* until it runs its course, when, I imagine, it will be moved to its final "resting place."

Thanks, Admin! :grouphug:

[Doran]

Well, I'll think it's this... It may be that this is the only time such a discussion has been allowed to continue on the General Board. Usually, three posts into it, the Admin (bless their hearts) choose to move these discussions to the "appropriate" place on the How To and Test Posting Board. Not many people "go" there, esp if they don't view in linear mode! :glare:

:D

I would like to say that I am grateful that this discussion has been allowed to continue *here* until it runs its course, when, I imagine, it will be moved to its final "resting place."

Thanks, Admin! :grouphug:

The thought did cross my mind to wonder how it was that this thread had survived on the General Board at all. Since I haven't followed it in detail, I thought I might've missed something that made it "worthy". I agree that thanks are in order. :D

[Apiphobic]

I guess I'm alone in my fascination with the fact that *this thread* has generated so much discussion. My, but aren't we a passionate bunch when it comes to our chosen format for viewing our addict....er....discussion board?! :D

Nodding here. Reminds me of the oft-repeated, "Don't feed the trolls."

And since I went ahead and stepped in it, I view in linear mode probably because it's the default setting and that's how I learned to use this forum. The other modes remind me too much of the old boards and seem a little "Sybil"-like. Or maybe double vision would be the better term. ("Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don't" just popped into my head.) So I guess for those that really miss the old boards, the non-linear views would be familiar and "a taste of home." But the linear view is easier on the eyes, and quoting the person/s you're responding to deals with the "You talkin' to me?" aspect. Otherwise, I feel stuck in a quagmire trying to sort through who said what where and which one do I hit the quote button to respond to?

Now I'm off for an Almond Joy because I do feel like a nut today. :D

[Sharon in SC]

Can you scroll in your hybrid box?

I can scroll in IE....

[*anj*]

I prefer linear mode because it's what people typically use on other boards I frequent. I prefer just to scroll through the whole thread. It's true I have no idea who some people are talking to when they post a random question or "I agree." That's why I try and quote people when I'm answering a post directly. That way no matter how people are viewing the boards it is easy for them to tell specifically what I'm referring to.

Okay, you clearly climbed into my brain and said what I was thinking.
Those are my reasons as well. And see? I quoted you here so that everyone would know exactly what I meant.

And I have one more reason. The hybrid mode gives me a headache. I don't like the way it looks. I get all weirded out by it. Maybe it's my ADD, I don't know....

[Oak Knoll Mom]

Exactly. That's one of the...big reasons I love hybrid mode.


See? This is an example of why I wish everyone would use the quote button. I have no idea who and what this post is addressing since I view in linear.

(Not picking on you Jill...it just happened to be the first example I saw that supports my reason for wanting everyone to use the quote button.)

[Calming Tea]

I love it. Thanks!

[GailV]

I love it. Thanks!

Hee, I just got an email from this thread that simply said, "I love it. Thanks!" and had Calming Tea listed as the author.

Nothing about "it" was. How tantalizing.

Of course, now I come to the thread and read her post title, and it's not nearly as scintillating.:tongue_smilie: I thought maybe she'd discovered some great new cookie recipe. But, nope, just hybrid mode.

Just posting this to let you know what it's like to get email notification of subscriptions. I can usually follow the discussion via emails, except on this board where so often the post titles contain separate info than the post body.

[nutmeg]

Just posting this to let you know what it's like to get email notification of subscriptions. I can usually follow the discussion via emails, except on this board where so often the post titles contain separate info than the post body.

Yes! On the old boards, it was common to put much (sometimes all!) of our message in the post titles. Now, post titles are irrelevent. They just get trimmed in the email notifications:

The following message has been posted:

nt

And they do not matter in hybrid or threaded mode either: if you do not put in a post title, the system simply uses the first line of your post for the thread tree.

[~FireFly~]

How do YOU view the boards? I'm still trying to figure out the best way to look at it.
I'm not here that often any more, and am still trying to learn all the facets.
~S

[Doran]

How do YOU view the boards? I'm still trying to figure out the best way to look at it.
I'm not here that often any more, and am still trying to learn all the facets.
~S


There has been a veritable dissertation of a thread on this very topic on the boards. Beware, though, that as of this morning, there had been some sort of quirky merging thing going on, so the Thread Viewing post (http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23134) now incorporates an entirely different thread about birth stories. Just so you don't think you'll really never figure out the new boards! ;)

[mcconnellboys]

I use hybrid mode, because it seems to merge the best of both worlds. I allows me to quickly scan some of the content of the posts, see what sort of order they're in, and go to the one I want to post under. It also allows me to quickly click on any post I want to read and see it in large, easier to read format. When a thread gets very, very long, and I want to read a series of posts that are together, I will switch over to linear mode and read through those, then switch back.

[Jill, OK]

And when I look at my post (in hybrid mode)...it's right under Pam's.

I almost always use the quote button when I reply. I did when I just now responded to you, as well.

I think I get what you're saying, though; you want me to include an actual quote from the person I'm responding to, so that you know who I'm addressing.

It's not the method (reply vs. quote), it's that not everyone is keeping material from the person they're responding to. If we did, it would make it easier on those viewing in linear.

Or, you guys could just view in hybrid. (*G*...I'm teasing, in case it doesn't come across).

[Jill, OK]

...as to why I don't keep the quoted material in my reply post...it's because it can be a little laborious, moving the cursor to just keep part of someone's lengthy post, as opposed to just highlighting and deleting. It's an ease of use thing.

I'll try to do that in the future, for those of you committed to linear mode, lol...but I'm not promising. ;)

[dalynnrmc]

I'm used to this format on other boards. In addition, it's less scrolling. I don't have to scroll past every single post just to see the most recent topics.

Personally, being used to the linear mode, I forget that some people use it in hybrid mode, and didn't realize that most here use it that way. I'll be careful to hit the reply button on the specific post to which I am replying, from here on out. Thank you for the post! :)

[Brenda in FL]

Can you scroll in your hybrid box? I can only do so in Firefox, not in IE, so it makes no sense to use hybrid when I can't access Firefox, like in the university computer labs.

Pam, have you tried clicking within the hybrid box and using the arrow keys to scroll up and down when you are in IE? I think it was Peek that posted that technique when admin allowed the title line to contain more characters.

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

Pam, have you tried clicking within the hybrid box and using the arrow keys to scroll up and down when you are in IE? I think it was Peek that posted that technique when admin allowed the title line to contain more characters.

Thanks! I'll try this next time I open the boards at school.

[KidsHappen]

nor do I get the little orange boxes that alert me to new posts. I pretty much have to read through the entire thread or remember which ones I already read. Anyone know why? I just posted this question here (in the thread) because it seemed like a logical place to ask this question. Also, I didn't use the quote function because I somehow always mess it up. I am technologically challenged. :tongue_smilie:

[KidsHappen]

I am surprised as well but I was also surprised to hear that not everyone is seeing it the same way.

[nmoira]

...as to why I don't keep the quoted material in my reply post...it's because it can be a little laborious, moving the cursor to just keep part of someone's lengthy post, as opposed to just highlighting and deleting. It's an ease of use thing.

I'll try to do that in the future, for those of you committed to linear mode, lol...but I'm not promising. ;)Even taking the time to explicitly mention what you're talking about about (as opposed to "I agree" or "I've used that too") can make a all the necessary difference.

Here's an example:

I am surprised as well but I was also surprised to hear that not everyone is seeing it the same way.OK, surprised by what? I have no idea what is being referred to. I'm not trying to pick on this poster, as this type of post is common to these boards.

[Robin in Tx]

Even taking the time to explicitly mention what you're talking about about (as opposed to "I agree" or "I've used that too") can make a all the necessary difference.

I can see what you're saying... but of course, if you ever really need to know what the reference is, you can always switch to hybrid temporarily and see what the poster was responding to :). And truthfully, that's really not *any* more trouble than it is for hybrid users to be careful and include quotes in their messages for the benefit of the linear users... *someone* has to take the extra time and effort to click a few more buttons and I don't see why that burden should always fall to the hybrid user. Besides, that would leave the quick reply feature useless.

So, the hybrid users are not careful to always quote, and the linear users are not careful to always put their reply under the proper post. I think those quirks are easy enough to overlook, to be honest. There will always be aggravations no matter what mode you use, but for the most part I think we have all done a pretty good job of following the conversations and enjoying the boards in whatever mode we prefer :).

I will try to quote more often, though. Honest!

[nmoira]

I can see what you're saying... but of course, if you ever really need to know what the reference is, you can always switch to hybrid temporarily and see what the poster was responding to :). And truthfully, that's really not *any* more trouble than it is for hybrid users to be careful and include quotes in their messages for the benefit of the linear users... *someone* has to take the extra time and effort to click a few more buttons and I don't see why that burden should always fall to the hybrid user.I don't view keeping threads intact out of resptect for threaded or hybrid users as a burden, rather a courtesy. :)

[Oak Knoll Mom]

...as to why I don't keep the quoted material in my reply post...it's because it can be a little laborious, moving the cursor to just keep part of someone's lengthy post, as opposed to just highlighting and deleting.

I can see what you're saying... but of course, if you ever really need to know what the reference is, you can always switch to hybrid temporarily and see what the poster was responding to :).

Is it really that hard for y'all to leave a little bit of the post to which you are responding? It seems so selfish* to say that it's up to those of us in linear mode to make sure we understand what you're saying. I think it's the responsibility of the person writing to make sure she is communicating clearly.

(pressing "submit reply" with trepidation...I don't think I've ever been this confrontational on the board before:leaving:)

*I apologize for using the word selfish here. I should have found another way to get my point across.

[Robin in Tx]

But the threads *are* intact... you've just chosen to sort and view the posts in chronological order, instead of their intact relative order.

I really don't think anyone is being discourteous to anyone here - not intentionally, at least. I went to two other boards I frequent who use this format (one a weather forum, the other a travel forum) just to see what the norm is there (I've never paid attention, to be honest). Linear is the only viewing option and rarely do the posters quote each other in their responses. What they do is address the person they are responding to by name. I can't find where anyone is complaining about it, either. So I'm not so sure about the idea that everyone everywhere else is more courteous and does this as regular protocol. That may be true on certain boards, but I don't think that the way people post here is an anomoly.

AS long as admin makes the quick reply feature available to us, I assume that they don't intend to encourage any "unspoken but understood" rules about quoting text in your responses. And since most of the posters on this forum probably won't even read this thread, I doubt many will stumble upon the idea that quoting is an act of courtesy. Most are like me, viewing in threaded mode, who honestly didn't know about the woes of the linear viewer :). So its not discourtesy as much as it is honestly being unaware.

[nmoira]

Is it really that hard for y'all to leave a little bit of the post to which you are responding? It seems so selfish to say that it's up to those of us in linear mode to make sure we understand what you're saying. I think it's the responsibility of the person writing to make sure she is communicating clearly.I would just like to repeat that members not quoting text or adding a sentence to make things clear is not a pervasive issue on any other vBulletin board I frequent. This is not the old board... it's a new board with new conventions. Over time I'm sure it will be less of an issue here too.

[nmoira]

I really don't think anyone is being discourteous to anyone here - not intentionally, at least. I went to two other boards I frequent who use this format (one a weather forum, the other a travel forum) just to see what the norm is there (I've never paid attention, to be honest). Linear is the only viewing option and rarely do the posters quote each other in their responses. What they do is address the person they are responding to by name. I can't find where anyone is complaining about it, either.You mean members take the time to add material so their train of thought can be followed. I'm not sure I see why anyone would complain. :) Also keep in mind that different conventions can be used depending upon how busy a board/thread is.

FWIW, the biggest vBulletin board I frequent, Mothering, does have threaded and hybrid modes.

[Robin in Tx]

Is it really that hard for y'all to leave a little bit of the post to which you are responding?

We aren't deleting bits of the post when we respond. It's not like we're selfishly not leaving them... it's that we havea quick reply feature that goes straight to a blank message box. To go back to the post and cut and paste and wrap quote marks around it is a lot of trouble. What is the point of having quick reply if you're not making a quick reply, kwim?

Now that I know that this is helpful to linear viewers, I will certainly use it more often (when I think it makes a difference), but you have to understand that not everyone views in linear and they don't understand that linear viewers can't follow the conversation. They're not being selfish, they are simply ignorant to your situation. I am hesitant to scold all these wonderful women! My point is that it is just as easy for you, with two clicks of the mouse, to switch to hybrid and back when you want to see exactly who or what someone was responding to (if it's not clear). I can not tell you how many times someone obviously in linear mode posted a response that ended up somewhere that it should not have (they hit reply under the wrong post) and it confused the conversation - and they certainly didn't include quotes in their reply that would have made things clear. I would never accuse them of being discourteous or selfish! Hybrid users are not the only ones leaving out quotes which would make responses more clearly understood. Linear users do it too, and they put their posts under replies to which they aren't even replying. I think Moria did so in this very thread!

The point is that no one is being selfish or discourteous, and I think we should all show a little charity to each other and extend a little grace when we know for a fact the other never intended to do anything but make a contribution to a conversation, however awkwardly phrased or formatted or inserted.


ETA: I think I should quit posting on this, because it almost sounds like I'm getting all worked up! LOL I'm not... believe me... I just think perhaps the trouble this supposedly causing is maybe getting blown out of proportion a bit. I just don't see it as a huge issue, or least it shouldn't be a huge issue. Every board has it's "feel" and "culture"... we're still finding our footing here... we need to be tolerant and patient. This board will never be like every other one out there.. if it were, I wouldn't be interested in it... and for many, this is the ONLY board they frequent and you know, it's just not fair to expect them to behave like people elsewhere. We just don't need to be picking on each other about this, imo, inferring that others are discourteous or selfish when the truth is they're probably either clueless or made a clumsy mistake.

[nmoira]

The point is that no one is being selfish or discourteous, and I think we should all show a little charity to each other and extend a little grace when we know for a fact the other never intended to do anything but make a contribution to a conversation, however awkwardly phrased or formatted or inserted.I only used the word "courtesy," not the others. If one is ignorant of conventions or of other ways of looking at the board, I don't think that is a discourtesy. I wish there were stickies in the all forums, at least temporarily, explaining to everyone how the board works with respect to the different ways of viewing.

One thing though -- I don't think any of us can say that "most" people view one way or another. Not everyone is a power poster with the old board still fresh in their mind; there are plenty of occasional posters and lurkers on this board.

[GailV]

(they hit reply under the wrong post)

Actually, when using linear, I hit a general "reply" button that is at the bottom of the page. It is not "under" any particular post -- it's just sort of a "next reply in chronological order" button which is very big and easy to find, and seems to be programmed in to be the preferred option. So, no, I suspect the linear users aren't hitting reply under the "wrong" post, because we're hitting the big reply button under ALL the posts.

[GailV]

A: I think I should quit posting on this, because it almost sounds like I'm getting all worked up! LOL I'm not... believe me... I just think perhaps the trouble this supposedly causing is maybe getting blown out of proportion a bit. I just don't see it as a huge issue, or least it shouldn't be a huge issue. Every board has it's "feel" and "culture"... we're still finding our footing here... we need to be tolerant and patient. This board will never be like every other one out there.. if it were, I wouldn't be interested in it... and for many, this is the ONLY board they frequent and you know, it's just not fair to expect them to behave like people elsewhere. We just don't need to be picking on each other about this, imo, inferring that others are discourteous or selfish when the truth is they're probably either clueless or made a clumsy mistake.

I don't see this conversation as picking on anyone. I've learned a lot about how other people view this board.

[Robin in Tx]

Believe me, saying "David, I agree!" is not much more informing than "I agree". You still have to go back and find David's comments to see what they are agreeing with, since it wasn't quoted in the reply. :)

The other forums I frequent are not primarily women and are certainly not homeschooling boards, so maybe that's the difference. They hardly ever quote in their replies unless there is a very specific detail that they are challenging or inquiring about. I just think that every place has it's own unique culture/accepted way of doing things, and that that's a good thing!

[Robin in Tx]

Gail, some linear users do hit reply under individual posts. I suppose it's because they don't realize that it shows up as being a reply to that post since they are in linear view. Someone else in this thread has already admitted to doing that, because she honestly didn't know that it made a difference which "reply" button she used. So yes, sometimes a post shows up as a reply to one post when it was never intended to be a reply to that post... and if you are in threaded view it can be a little confusing because when read in one context the post can sometimes say something that the poster didn't intend (because she was actually replying to a different post or the original post).

Hope that makes sense. Yes, this has entered the "picking on" zone in my mind because of statements that imply that this is commonly understood courtesy and posters are being selfish for not following it. I've learned a lot too, including the fact that we should be patient with each other in these areas :).

[GailV]

Okay, Robin, thanks for the info. You're probably right. I had figured out the difference in the reply buttons years ago on another board, and assumed that everyone else was ahead of me on that since I'm usually the last to figure out anything.

So. I hit the quick reply for this, and you know what? I don't instantly see all the little smileys to pick and choose (they come up automatically when I use the "Post Reply" button at the bottom). I guess I have to hit the "Go Advanced" for that. Oh, and the top of my post just disappeared from my view, and I've already forgotten how I started this post. Hmmm, this is so not me ... I love my little smileys, and obviously don't have the attention span necessary to use this reply button.

[nmoira]

Something bothered me about our last exchange, but I think I've figured it out.

But the threads *are* intact... you've just chosen to sort and view the posts in chronological order, instead of their intact relative order.

Was this in response to:

I don't view keeping threads intact out of resptect for threaded or hybrid users as a burden, rather a courtesy. :)

I think it was, but I had to switch to threaded mode to figure it out.

I was talking about me... I don't view it as a "burden" for me to try to keep threads intact for the benefit of those who read in threaded mode.

[Mrs Mungo]

Hope that makes sense. Yes, this has entered the "picking on" zone in my mind because of statements that imply that this is commonly understood courtesy and posters are being selfish for not following it. I've learned a lot too, including the fact that we should be patient with each other in these areas :).

I have read most of this thread (I think I've been keeping up with it) but I might have missed a few posts. I definitely did say that I don't know to whom some posts are addressed. There are people who just post "I agree" with no context. It's impossible for the reader in linear mode to tell with whom that poster is agreeing. I don't think it's selfish at all (even if they are doing it knowingly) but if they are trying to add to the conversation they are missing their mark with a portion of the reading audience.

Other boards I post on definitely do quote as the norm or will give other context clues such as "I agree with Robin that the burden should not be on hybrid posters to accomodate people who choose linear mode." However, most of the boards I post on are more...contentious would be the best word. They seek to be understood the first time lest they create 25 pages of bickering over what they meant.

[Jill, OK]

Is it really that hard for y'all to leave a little bit of the post to which you are responding? It seems so selfish to say that it's up to those of us in linear mode to make sure we understand what you're saying. I think it's the responsibility of the person writing to make sure she is communicating clearly.

Okay, I'm posting with trepidation, too, lol...but did you see Robin's reply about it really not being that much more difficult for someone to open a thread in hybrid, *just in case* they need to seek clarification for context, than it is for someone to go to the trouble of fine-tuning cursor placement, and cutting out the majority of someone else's post just so someone in a different mode can understand it without having to look up at the top?

*As I said before*, lol, I'm not opposed to keeping that idea in my consciousness (including material from someone else's post)...but I can't see how, when different modes of viewing are offered, that one is under more resposibility to the group than another.

[Mrs Mungo]

*As I said before*, lol, I'm not opposed to keeping that idea in my consciousness (including material from someone else's post)...but I can't see how, when different modes of viewing are offered, that one is under more resposibility to the group than another.

But I have seen linear mode people agree to hit reply on the post they are actually replying to in order to make it easier for hybrid or threaded view people to follow the conversation. If I didn't care about my responsibility to the other group I could just use the BB code to quote you at the bottom of each page and everything I said would go under the original post. So, I disagree that one group is asking for more than the other.

[Queen_Zarga]

So if everyone just used the buttons to reply to the specific post(s) AND quoted the appropriate text, everyone would be happy, right? :D

I agree with others that the onus is on the writer to be clear. Otherwise, too much is left to interpretation.

(And, for the record, I replied to the original post and didn't quote anyone because so many people have said so many things, and I'm trying to leave a general comment.)

I'm glad this is in the How-To forum because I have a feeling many people will be referring to it in the future.

[Jill, OK]

The idea that "It seems so selfish to say that it's up to those of us in linear mode to make sure we understand what you're saying."

I realize not everyone is saying the same thing...I was more directly replying to Oak Knoll Mom's assertion.

But you know what? I've been second-guessing ever since posting, and I probably shouldn't have responded at all.

Sorry.

[Mrs Mungo]

Jill-I never intended to make you feel bad. I think dialogue is always a good thing. I agree that it's silly to claim one side or another is more benevolent and the other is more selfish. I've posted on many boards where linear is the general mode of choice. That is what I'm used to. I am aware that many WTM posters are just learning the vbulletin style of board. I think it's a positive thing to have a discussion about it and see where everyone is coming from. Then, we make informed choices in how we post.

[Oak Knoll Mom]

The idea that "It seems so selfish to say that it's up to those of us in linear mode to make sure we understand what you're saying."

I realize not everyone is saying the same thing...I was more directly replying to Oak Knoll Mom's assertion.

But you know what? I've been second-guessing ever since posting, and I probably shouldn't have responded at all.

Sorry.

I'm sorry I used the word selfish.

Here's my point in all this, (which I can now state a little more eloquently now that we've had this little discussion,):

It is good for *everyone* for *all of us* to use the quote button on the post that is being replied to. It keeps the flow of conversation going for those in hybrid mode and gives context to those of us in linear. We all can do a little give and take in order to accommodate all viewing modes.

[Jill, OK]

You didn't make me feel bad. *I* was worried that *I* sounded bad, lol. That's what I meant.

But thanks for the concern. You're a good egg, Mrs. Mungo. :)

[Robin in Tx]

Jill-I never intended to make you feel bad. I think dialogue is always a good thing. I agree that it's silly to claim one side or another is more benevolent and the other is more selfish. I've posted on many boards where linear is the general mode of choice. That is what I'm used to. I am aware that many WTM posters are just learning the vbulletin style of board. I think it's a positive thing to have a discussion about it and see where everyone is coming from. Then, we make informed choices in how we post.

Well, it's a good thing I read in hybrid mode or I might not have understood what you were referring to there.

(snickering... ducking for cover...) :D


P>S> I agree.. the discussion has been good all the way 'round!


ETA: Dang! I just tried to rep you, Mrs. Mungo, but the system won't let me. You're a sweetie and I hope you know I was just trying to insert a little levity. :)

[Robin in Tx]

Something bothered me about our last exchange, but I think I've figured it out.



Was this in response to:



I think it was, but I had to switch to threaded mode to figure it out.

I was talking about me... I don't view it as a "burden" for me to try to keep threads intact for the benefit of those who read in threaded mode.

Yes, I was trying to point out that regardless of how you post, the thread is intact. It might be hard to follow sometimes, but it's still intact :). But hey... even when I carefuly word things I am often misunderstood so perhaps my poor communication is as much about my shortcomings as it is about my not quoting! LOL

Thanks for this thread. I'm glad to know how this all looks to everyone else.
Robin

[nmoira]

Yes, I was trying to point out that regardless of how you post, the thread is intact. It might be hard to follow sometimes, but it's still intact :). But hey... even when I carefuly word things I am often misunderstood so perhaps my poor communication is as much about my shortcomings as it is about my not quoting! LOLIt's all to easy to be misunderstood in this medium. I've been guilty on both sides of it more times than I care to remember, usually with embarrassing results. :) I just wanted to clarify because it was not my intent to be judgmental of others.

[Mrs Mungo]

Well, it's a good thing I read in hybrid mode or I might not have understood what you were referring to there.

(snickering... ducking for cover...) :D


P>S> I agree.. the discussion has been good all the way 'round!


ETA: Dang! I just tried to rep you, Mrs. Mungo, but the system won't let me. You're a sweetie and I hope you know I was just trying to insert a little levity. :)

I'm pretty hard to offend. If it looks like it could be joking I assume it is joking. And thanks for the rep attempt! :D

[KidsHappen]

OK, surprised by what? I have no idea what is being referred to. I'm not trying to pick on this poster, as this type of post is common to these boards.

I am replying to Doran's post. I clicked on her post and then hit, "post reply". If you were viewing in hybrid mode it would show that my post was linked to her post and was in reply to it. As I said in my original post, I did not realize that everyone was not seeing the boards the same way, so I did not know that it was not immediately apparent what my post was in response to. I am assuming that other people have had the same problem. So people are not necessarily being discourteous but honestly did not know that it was a problem.

As Robin mentioned, it was equally perplexing to hybrid viewers why replies seemed to be randomly placed in regard to the posts they were in reply to. Now I understand how that happens and it makes so much more sense to me. I agree that it would be good if everyone was using the same guidelines for posting but I don't think that many people even realized this was an issue until this thread. Kudos to Colleen for bringing it up. Hopefully this thread was equally enlightening and helpful to all of us. :)

[Colleen]

I'm kinda curious why some of you read the board in linear mode.

Who knew this question would generate such a wealth of discussion?:) I hope the conversation was of value; at a minimum, we learned what we can do if we want our contributions to be understood in context. Example: Quoting, and/or referencing the person or conversation we're addressing, is most helpful.

I appreciate the explanations as to why some of you prefer to view in linear mode. Having viewed in that format over the past several days, though, I am even less inclined to do so regularly. From my perspective, there is absolutely no question that hybrid provides the greatest ease of use as well as the best means of following the flow of the conversation. I disagree that not quoting, or keeping a reply merely to the subject line, is on par with lack of courtesy. That argument just isn't working for me. Certainly, we can all do our best to make ourselves as clear as possible to as many people as possible. But to accuse people who choose a different means of replying than you deem best as lacking courtesy is taking it too far.

Thanks for playing, folks. Here's to good conversation, good comprehension, and the ability to extend grace to one another!:cheers2:

[~FireFly~]

This is what I'm finding. I like the 'Old' way. I'm not much for change even if it's for the better. I find it difficult to get used to the newness of stuff.