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Just a small suggestion - "Add a message in..."

4 replies

CherryChoc · 25/03/2009 22:37

Hello, not sure if this is the right place but I hope it is!

I have noticed that fairly often, new posters will post a message about their own problem in a thread started by another mner. Because the thread generally has discussion about the original post, the new post can be overlooked or ignored, which can be offputting to new members and/or cause confusion in the existing thread.

I realise some of the time this is caused because the new posters are unfamiliar with internet message boards, but I have a feeling that to some new users, the thing that might be misleading them is that when you are viewing a thread, at the top of that thread is a link "Add a message within 'Pregnancy'" (Or whatever the topic name is). When you click on the link it takes you to the bottom of the page to the box where you can add a post to the current thread, not the main pregnancy topic (or whichever topic). It's easy to mistake this for a box to write out a new thread - I've nearly been caught out myself and I have been using message boards for years. I think it would be easier for the new user to understand if it read "Add a message to this discussion" or something.

OP posts:
SlightlyMadScotland · 25/03/2009 22:40

I agree that the "Add a message in TOPIC NAME" makes uyou think that you will be starting a new thread (until you get used to it).

I don't think it will solve the problem about posters reviving old threads becaue TBH that has always happened....but I might find it easier

Trinityrhino · 25/03/2009 22:43

but it doesn't say add a message in

it just says add a message

and surely everyone knows that a message is what you add to an existing convo and

start a thread is what they need to find

HelenMumsnet · 25/03/2009 22:43

Yes, you do indeed have a point there, CherryChoc. Thank you.

Will pass it on to the powers-that-be in the morning..

JustineMumsnet · 26/03/2009 08:55

CherryChoc you're quite right - it's an error on our part - that link at the top should go to the topic page - eg pregnancy - and not to the current message. Well spotted and thanks for the heads up - we'll fix soonest.

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