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Original poster

Can I see 'views' as well as 'replies'

40 replies

KOKOagainandagain · 03/10/2013 11:46

Just this.

Smile

TIA

OP posts:
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Tee2072 · 03/10/2013 14:58

I just read the thread NAPL. Oh my! Orange was already crap good to know they are still crap. Grin

NotAnotherPackedLunch · 03/10/2013 14:50

In general I also think that a view counter would be a bad idea, but I would really love to know just how many have viewed the current EE promotion thread that has backfired so spectacularly. Grin

BuffytheFeministFeminist · 03/10/2013 14:49

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Tee2072 · 03/10/2013 14:32

You posted in Site Stuff. Of course HQ responded!

Original poster
KOKOagainandagain · 03/10/2013 14:18

The namechanging facility is very interesting. I suppose it is different on different boards.

ime posters appears to be hiding their identity from people in rl life rather from each other.

OP posts:
Original poster
KOKOagainandagain · 03/10/2013 14:11

Rowan - are you spying on us Grin

I can well understand your reasons for not providing a view-counter. On a personal level I would hate it, but on an abstract level, I would like to be able to easily collect data that may be useful to demonstrate difference between forums initiated by official institutions and charities and those initiated by users with shared practical concerns.

You can always PM me

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DameFellatioNelson · 03/10/2013 14:09

I think it would be a bad idea, althoug I understand why we might wish for it at times. It will lead to all sorts of paranoia about being ignored by supposed royalty.

SwedishEdith · 03/10/2013 14:05

Threads are pushed off within minutes. The beauty of mn is that it's difficult to spot newbies unless they announce it - the namechanging facility means can be all newbies whenever we want.

MNHQ
RowanMumsnet · 03/10/2013 14:03

Hello

Your research sounds fascinating, KeepOnKeepingOn1

The responses on this thread give a flavour of our reasons for not providing a views counter; it's just not a very MN-y approach, we think.

But as ever we really appreciate the feedback - thank you.

Original poster
KOKOagainandagain · 03/10/2013 14:02

Maybe part of the appeal is that we can all pretend to be having a chat in a cosy cafebar whilst actually our words are being broadcast to hundreds!

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nannynick · 03/10/2013 14:01

MN is not off-the-shelf software to my knowledge but is developed inhouse and has evolved through the years.

Unlike off-the-shelf systems a users post count is not displayed so I feel that makes it easier for a newbie to just leap into a conversation and if they say something useful rather than spam they may be instantly accepted as someone with something to contribute on that subject.

Post views are not helpful in my view, while handy for statistics, advertisers, for most users I don't feel it helps and it can be depressing to see a viewcount yet get no replies.

I hate introduce yourself boards, I like to keep people guessing.

Original poster
KOKOagainandagain · 03/10/2013 13:58

I consider that the comparatively simplistic format of MN is significant to the nature of the users engagement - it is more dynamic and 'of the moment'. Threads on active boards are pushed off the first page after a day rather than being visible for weeks or months.

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BuffytheFeministFeminist · 03/10/2013 13:53

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
KOKOagainandagain · 03/10/2013 13:51

Buffy - rest assured I am not stealth researching you. I am a real mum! For my actual research I had to request specific consent from all respondents, the site hosts, my university etc and follow the usual ethical regulations and guidelines.

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LunaticFringe · 03/10/2013 13:48

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
KOKOagainandagain · 03/10/2013 13:47

BIWIZ - my research has specifically focussed upon those who have come to forums as a result of rl health conditions and felt incredibly vulnerable and in need of help and support at the time. The newbie threads were a safe introduction when they didn't feel able to just get stuck in. Not being active in the forum (ie posting) does not mean being passive in rl. Plans are formed and actions are taken as a result of reading posts - sometimes more so than by a perpetual poster who goes around in circles.

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MooncupGoddess · 03/10/2013 13:44

I've always thought that MN is an amazing resource for sociologists!

I haven't seen many forums with an 'introduce yourself' topic though a lot of the more technical ones have a section for newcomers with basic questions.

BuffytheFeministFeminist · 03/10/2013 13:41

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
KOKOagainandagain · 03/10/2013 13:39

Therefore, desperate first posts from a 'stranger' are more likely to be read but not responded to (in the absence of an 'introduce yourself' board that at the very least a moderator will respond to).

The ratio of views:replies may also depend on the originator of the message (at least I can work this out) but I definitely do not want to know when it comes to my own posts!

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BIWIZ · 03/10/2013 13:36

Not sure what you mean saying there isn't anywhere for a newbie to go. They can go anywhere! Or they can start a thread saying they are a newbie. Generally though people seem to just get stuck in - and I can't see the problem with that.

Original poster
KOKOagainandagain · 03/10/2013 13:33

Very interesting perspectives.

There are other forums that are more formally organised into sections but MN is relatively unstructured in comparison. There seems to be no-where for the newbie to go. It also appears that regular long-term members are more likely to reply to posts (even if it is only to say they have nothing to say) if they feel they 'know' and have a reciprocal relationship of trust, with them.

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Tee2072 · 03/10/2013 13:29

Are we running out of pixels that we need to conserve them?

MooncupGoddess · 03/10/2013 13:24

I might actually do that, KeepOn! Need something to read over my sandwich.

I can't stand 'I have nothing to say as I've never been in this situation but didn't want to read and run' head-tilty posts. Seriously, what a waste of pixels.

SwedishEdith · 03/10/2013 13:23

No, I think it's a terrible idea on here because of teh nature of this site. People can post when they are very emotionally vulnerable. I've seen it on technical sites where posters are asking non-personal questions but on here it could be really damaging for some people

rockybalBOOOOa · 03/10/2013 13:23

We have this function on another forum I use regularly. Every now and then someone gets the hump because loads of people have viewed their thread and hardly anyone has replied. Lack of reply is usually because the post needs some thinking about to respond to so the more trivial ones get lots of replies because it's quick and easy to do. View counter is not a good thing IMO.