Great Fourm. Very Confusing Posting Structure.

As you know, unlike most forums, the threads here are not in strict chronological order, which can make it very confusing both to follow the continuity of a thread, and to locate specific posts, especially in the longer threads.

The reason is because, again unlike most forums, we are given two options to post. We can either post to an individual poster, or post to the thread as a whole. Depending on which option we choose, will determine where that post will end up.

The reason for this unique structure, as explained to me by a moderator, is that it dealt with the problem of people starting off-shoot discussions (in it's extreme  called “hijacking a thread”) by letting people respond to the off-shoot discussions as opposed to the main poster, so that that like minded thoughts are kept together.

And while I think the intent of the moderators is admirable, I believe the solution is far worse than the problem.

Not only does it break up the flow of the main thread topic but it also has the unintended effect of enabling off-shoot discussions.

 I understand that the normal convention – strict chronological order – is far from perfect. Threads do go off topic, and can get very unwieldy. But that said, I think there’s a reason most forums remain that way. It still seems to be the best of the worst solutions. And, moreover, it’s what most people are used to which is very important.

I’ve been participating in multiple forums for over ten years and had no clue that in this forum you could post either to the forum itself or to an individual poster but to an individual  post. My guess, and from what I’ve read, is that most people here also have no clue –  so some post to the forum as a whole, others to individual posts, and for no particular reason other than they see a posting box. And that results in posts going here and there for no particular reason.

The result is a kind of thread chaos except for the minority who study up on the system, but with so many new people coming in with their problems, I think such a rite of passage is both a burden and an unrealistic expectation for such a diverse group of people, some coming here for the first time with some very important medical questions.

Just want to reiterate that I think this is a great forum, just wish the powers that be would consider going back to a more conventional posting format.

Best regards,

Jim

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