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Just a thought. We have lots of threads posted without having any replies from originator. Being the ever optomist (as you have to be in this game) I wondered if it is due to the fact that there is no instruction on the boards as to how people can see the replies. To those of us that are up to speed with the site it seems so straightforward, but to someone who is on it for the first time, is it obvious that you have to click on the title of the thread to open it. Newcomers may think the number on the right is for the amount of replies sent privately to them. And as they have not had any private replies it confuses them. Do you think there should be a heading on the page to inform the newcomers how to acces the replies to their thread. Victor

I agree Victor ... 100% ... I also think there should be straight forward instruction on how to reply to threads etc ... I remember when I first came to these boards 2 years ago, I had never encounted 'boards' and I was a little nervous, to say the least. I sat for 2 days watching ... and 'playing' without typing ... and then I took the plunge, but it isn't easy ! I think full instructions/advice should be on the 'opening' page of GC ... rather than the success page ... which newcomers are actually using as a chat room ! We all start some where ... and a little guidance would go a long way ! Elaine :-)

Agree completely!!!

I agree with you. I now know how to use these boards as I've used them for about 2 years. However it is the only site I've used message boards on, and although there are other sites I would like to use, the message boards don't seem to work in the same way, and there never seems to be any instructions for newcomers. Because of this I tend to stick to this site, as it is what I know. Kath. x

Perhaps GR could email a welcome to new members directing them to a page with all this info or sending the info on how to use the site. Even a 'click on the thread title to open and view replies' at the top of the board would be helpful.

Yes I have to say I also agree with what as already been said, further more an experienced board user can easily mistake a newbies lack of comunication as sheer ignorance, when in fact this may not always be the case. Not to say Im excusing those few that are indeed damn ignorant! Lib

On the other hand, I have left information/comments on threads which it appears never get a reply. In fact the originator has sent me a private message to say thanks! No one else gets to see that. By the way I find it quite irritating when they do send a PM because it clutters up my contacts list - Ah well! never satisfied! Anne

Good point Anne, I also personally think repling via PM can also be misleading for others that may go on to read the thread, as it appears that the originator has not bothered to reply, again this makes the originator look ignorant which consequently can put off others offering future help and assistance! Lib

Um, there is a help button. You can choose 'message boards'. The answers to most questions are there. It would be nice if the help button was clearly visible (immediately under 'Message boards' on the left would be a good spot!) but it can be found.

I think part of the problem with 'no replies' is that a lot of new members are under the impression that they will somehow be notified when a reply is posted on their thread. Isn't it indicative of how GR fail to guide members, that we have to have so many of these threads, trying to get across to people how the threads work............... Rosemary

People Thanks for your replies and thoughts. It seems that most are in agreement that this site lacks tuition for the novice, and this in turn can cause some problems, not only for the originator, but also for the helpers. Would I be correct in saying that GR should be contacted to see if anything can be done about it. Victor

Hi Victor, this thread is throwing up some good points! How about also - When you first see the list of threads but have not opened anything, at present you can either click the thread title to open the thread or click the threaders name to send them a PM. The second of these options shouldn't be available at this stage. (it's confusing for a newbie - i know because I kept clicking the wrong place at first!). You should be forced to open the thread before you can send a PM to the threader. All encouragement should be given to get everyone to post on the thread as the default. So, if from a thread, someone clicks to do a PM a message should apear asking if they are sure that's what they want to do, with some message like, ''Are you sure you want to send X a personal message - other threaders may want to see your reply - please click here to continue , or click here to post on the thread''. Then also there should be a link to the Help or whatever it's called, showing all the time. ''Help to use the Tips Board'' when you are in that one should be clickable all the time you are on that board. Then ''Help to use the Record Office Board'' when you are in that one etc. I know there is help available, but many (most??) of us are quite lazy and don't go looking for it as we should!!! GR probably need to pay a team of us ''users'' to help them!! Go on then, Victor...will you offer your services?? Sarah

I am nominating Victor as spokes person, all those that agree say 'I' Lib

''I'' Sarah

I think Victor has made a very good point here and others have contributed some good suggestions. I for one, would like to have the Success Board moved so that it is not the first one to be seen. It is very annoying that so many people just post all sorts of stuff on it, as it is the first thing they see. I agree that Victor should be the spokesperson and I don't mind my name being given to GR as one who agrees with his comments. Lynne

All Thanks for your ideas an support on this. I am flattered that you feel I should speek for you, but as Leslie has said 'I think the more people tell them, the more they'll take notice'. Strength in numbers ond so on. I am about to contact GR now and raise this point with them. See if I get any response. I will be away for the next two weeks on holiday, so keep the pressure up and lets see if we can improve things for the newbee's. Once again thanks. Victor

Hi all I have posted off two emails to GR on the subject. After reading the help files there is one area that concerns me, it is this. If you look in help under Message Boards/How do I view the messages I have posted? you will see on the second paragraph the statement. 'Your replies will show your name in black. This is unique to your own postings, and not visible to any other members'. This could appear to mean to a novice that no other member can see their replies. A bit confusing. I have requested that this could be altered and made more understanding. Have also requested that some sort of instruction be given to aid the novice in posting a reply, either in the help file, or better still on each board. We will have to wait and see. I know this should be on the Tips Board, but I started it on here without thinking. Victor

Can I ask a silly question? When you have posted a question to one of offers of look-ups, what is the quickest way to find your replies? Do you have to go through all of the replies? Any advise would be appreciated. Susan

Have a super holiday Victor! You never know, when you get back all may be running smoothly.....................Mmmmmmm! Lib

Susan, As far as I know you are more or less right.....BUT... What you need to do is, when you see an ''offers'' post that you want to ask a question on, make a mental note of how many replies it has already. Lets say the one you are going to use has 103 replies already. Your question will be number 104. There are 20 replies to a page, so your question will come up on page 6. When you come back a few hours later there may be 150 replies in the thread, but you will know your reply won't be before page 6, so you will only have to start looking from there onwards. The alternative is to ask the threader to send you a PM instead, but many don't like doing this as the answers they give may be useful to others and it also makes things more complicated for them!! Happy Hunting Sarah