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

[KOKOagainandagain]

Just this.

TIA

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Rowan - are you spying on us

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

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.

You posted in Site Stuff. Of course HQ responded!

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.

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