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Original poster

Suggestion from newbie, don't shout!

69 replies

luckylipgloss · 23/11/2004 09:12

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?

OP posts:
nasa · 23/11/2004 09:13

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 · 23/11/2004 09:14

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 · 23/11/2004 09:14

(oh, and welcome!)

nasa · 23/11/2004 09:14

absolutely

SoupDragon · 23/11/2004 09:15

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 · 23/11/2004 09:17

Welcome to posting

I really like it as it is,

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

codswallop · 23/11/2004 09:32

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 · 23/11/2004 09:34

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

beansmum · 23/11/2004 10:08

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

Gobbledigook · 23/11/2004 10:13

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 · 23/11/2004 10:18

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 · 23/11/2004 10:25

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

Original poster
luckylipgloss · 23/11/2004 11:02

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!

OP posts:
Justine (mumsnet) · 23/11/2004 11:02

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.

Original poster
luckylipgloss · 23/11/2004 11:03

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

OP posts:
Original poster
luckylipgloss · 23/11/2004 11:07

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.

OP posts:
jabberwocky · 23/11/2004 11:12

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

Tissy · 23/11/2004 11:15

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

beansmum · 23/11/2004 11:17

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) · 23/11/2004 11:17

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 · 23/11/2004 11:20

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 · 23/11/2004 11:22

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 · 23/11/2004 11:22

forums

Nutcracker · 23/11/2004 11:25

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 · 23/11/2004 11:29

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.