Suggestion from newbie, don't shout!

[luckylipgloss]

I'm a long time lurker and have to say that I find the board really tricky to navigate, and somewhat limited in scope, kinda dated. Are there still plans to switch to another format?

[nasa]

wwhhhaaaaat?! are you mad?! I think it's one of the most user friendly sites out there.

what do you think would make it better?

[SoupDragon]

I think a lot of posters like the simple layout without the distraction of all the pictures, flashing emoticons and complex signature lines often seen on other boards.

[SoupDragon]

(oh, and welcome!)

[nasa]

absolutely

[SoupDragon]

I think it depends on what you're used to actually - I find the other common layout of boards more complicated to navigate than this one.

[KangaMummy]

Welcome to posting

I really like it as it is,

I don't really understand how you want to change it....

[codswallop]

yes I cant stand the naffo quotes people have under their neames and the way they cut and paste quotes - thats eems really rude to me
yes sorry we love it this way ( well aprt formt lal the new naffo topics)

[codswallop]

also dont see the need for " fora(?)" to be " led by anyone

[beansmum]

Please don't change it! I like it how it is

[Gobbledigook]

JoolsToo thinks the C4 forum is easier to use but I prefer this one - I think it's simple and clear. Wouldn't want it to change personally - not sure how it could be more user friendly.

Did you have anything specific in mind luckylipgloss?

[Blu]

Hello Lipgloss,
I think it's chemistry - I like the way the simplicity of MN keeps things flowing, and have found every other board clumpy and over-complicated. But hope you can enjoy the conversation here anyway

[coppertop]

I love the MN format and hope it doesn't get changed too much.

[luckylipgloss]

Thank you everyone for the welcome. Feels very weird 'talking' to the people I've read for so long!

Sometimes I think it would be good to be able to click on a name and see the profile rather then going to another topic, or to send a message instantly. As I understand it you have to wait for messages to be sent and people can sometimes not get them at all?

I have to say codswallop I don't understand what you're saying at all. Not sure how it is rude to make sure other people know exactly what part of a post you are replying to. Or about the 'fora'?!? Can you explain or is your typos? ;

I'll try to adjust, just used to a pretty standard type of board!!

I use Mumsnet for info, really good to be able to search threads, though perhaps the search function could be more comprehensive? But hadn't started to post because of the differences.

Thanks again for the welcome, and for not bitting my head off. Well not completely!

[Justine (mumsnet)]

Hi Luckylipgloss,
Don't think we have plans to switch formats (though tech's a bit of a dark horse and has many secret plots on the go, so reminds me to ask ). We have made a few changes recently in terms of functionality and capacity that should allow us to keep growing without too many glitches. We've discussed other bells and whistles a few times but the general feeling has always been that simple is the way to go. But we are always open to suggestions both in terms of content and design - so do tell us how you think we could improve things and we promise to consider. Many thanks for your thoughts.

[luckylipgloss]

Whoops for my typos! Used to have a spell check!

[luckylipgloss]

Wow! Thanks for getting back to me so fast Justine.

I thought I had seen a thread saying that you were switching when I did a search to see if this had been asked before. It was started by tech saying something about vbulletin? So I was wondering if that was still on as it was a while ago.

Thanks anyway for the reply.

[jabberwocky]

Justine, please, please don't let them add all of those moving icons and quotes under poster's names. It is soooo distracting.

[Tissy]

look what happened to UKP when they tried to "update"

[beansmum]

I do think being able to click on a name and see the profile would be a good idea.

But I love the layout of MN, it's so easy to use and not too fancy.

[Justine (mumsnet)]

Yes there was some talk of vbulletin wasn't there but even if we switched forums we would most likely keep our current format, as it seems to be poplular with most.

We think the member profile idea might be nice and is definitely worth considering. Would others like it?
The reason by the way that CAT messagess aren't instantaneous is to prevent abuse of the system - every message gets checked before it's sent on - so there can be a time delay but we think it's worth it. The only reason CATs don't get there is if people have requested not to recieve them (you can change your member profile here you change your mind about this).
Thanks again.

[SantaFio2]

dont change the format, it i so easy to use! i am finding all the new headings etc. really confusing but at least the active conversations bit is still easy to use

love the new "threads Im on" facility

[codswallop]

I was using the latin plural of froums.
I think anyway.
and yes I dont liket he naff qoutes that are like a signature.

[codswallop]

forums

[Nutcracker]

God no please don't change it i like it just how it is.

Have been nosey and checked out other forums and the format has really really irritated me.

[Blu]

I think the 'click on profile' is a good idea, but I wouldn't ever include my e mail or want people to be able to do instant messaging - I like the security of the CAT system, labour intensive as it is for Justine, Carrie et al.

I don't think MN is ever going to get silly signatures, is it?

I don't like the 'quote boxes' with the reply facility to each post, clumpy and affects the colloquial conversational human tone which keeps MN warm.