The "view new posts" feature is very nice on these types of boards that have so many sub forums - it keeps you from having to open each one to find new posts. However, I have noticed that when i do click on it, even after being away awhile, only about three to five new posts are displayed.

But when i go into the sub forums there are MANY new posts since my last visit.

How come this happens? I am on another Forum that is almost the same exact format as this one and when you click view new posts ALL new ones since last visit display.

I am just curious...it is difficult to have to open each subforum sometimes when i just want to quickly see the new goings on, and i miss a lot of the new stuff.

the View New Posts function also helps to alleviate the freeazing up that happens during peak times in certain forums.

I have noticed these things as well... I don't undertand why it only displays about 3 new posts after a while.. It's really weird!

This may be due to server-sde caching (in addition to your computer caching). There are several functionalities that do not work as intended or are not available that does not limit the benefits of this forum (versus crappy AI-style board). However, through time, with more activity, the more these features are needed. The lack of features as:
1. SEARCH (this is supposedly coming with some upgrade to the software. No ETA yet)
2. fully functional New Posts fetching
3. Find Member's Posts (versus topics)

...are currently a small sacrifice in exchange for free hosting. I have no doubt forum management have considered laying plans for improvement, as they always do. Just look at how much sharper the board looks!

In the meantime, what can we do? The following suggestions presume I know everything, and I do not. LOL. (This is reminiscent of some AI mod telling me I don't know everything when I asked them how to manage "trolls" without having to delete the whole "E-Train Unite!" thread.)

For Mods:
1. Replace the View New Topics with Active Topics (either by changing the text or simply the link behind the text). If it's possible, lower the number of posts that will qualify it as an active topic. That way, the results will almost coincide with all topics that have new posts in them.

2. Dedicate a category to NEWS, and position it on top. Forums in the NEWS section can be ETrain, Media, Mama, AI Tour). This will, in itself, pre-empt any redundant postings being initial view with the most sought-after content. I can see many Pinned topics all over the site can be moved to NEWS. Everyone will eventually know to check News first before scouring the boards or their daily visit to YG's awesome E pics to give him a kiss.

3. Dedicate a HELP section and put Board FAQ, Blender and Graphics help in it.

4. Make use of screen "real estate" to full advantage: From top to bottom - News, Elliott, Members, Help. I realize that the Board will adjust to current need - for example, AI Tour will probably be put in the archives later.

For Us, Members:
1. Subscribe to topics you don't want to miss. Checking on Active Topics may take care of this, but it's another option to easily find what you want. Just click on "Track this topic" on the top right. You can either get email notifications or disable that and just check your control panel and see if there are new posts in the topics you subscribed to.

2. Don't worry too much about posting in the wrong place or not knowing if anything has been posted. But do check where something can logically go. The Mods are doing an excellent job moving, merging and purging. This really keeps the board well-aligned with its goals. Yes, purging is a good thing!

3. Before PMing Mods for help or starting a new topic, check the HELP section. More than likely, your question has been answered and will save time for everyone. But, this may be moot cause Mods MAY like interacting with members one-on-one! So disregard if that's the case.

Sorry for the long-winded post. Chug along, E-Train!

good job Fabb!! You would be a great mod yourself! You should look into it

I agree with Cat...this report is pretty amazing Fabb. And I am sure it will be extremely helpful.

Fabb i am late in seeing your response...LOL that is one of the reasons i posted this topic as I sometimes cant always find the replies to topics i want to follow..ironically!

But this was a pretty FAB response fabb thx! Great tip about subscribing to topics, i did not realize that option was out there. I also do try to check the HELP section but sometimes it is difficult to find the right tips.

Thx again for such an informative reply!

Lise did you guys tweak the view new posts feature? I noticed today that it is yielding a lot more than it used to. If so..>THX!