I LOVE this forum. The information is so valuable when planning a trip. One suggestion I would have is, I wonder if it's possible to have the other posters' comments available in addition to the original post, as a comment is being added. Sometimes I'd like to question or add to another poster's comment but need to refer back to refresh my memory. I have opened the site up again in another window so its not like it is unworkable.
Thanks!
At least in the Mac world the prior comments are available by just hitting the back arrow button. Another trick is to copy the comment your are referencing, paste it into your comment field, make your comments, and then deleted the pasted copy since you are done with it. That just leaves your comments.
Pro Tip: Rather than clicking the "Add Reply" button, simply right-click that button and select "Open link in New Window" (or whatever equivalent your browser offers). The Reply window opens up, and the original post will be behind it, available to reference easily.
Admittedly, the forum software running here is a fairly basic, no-frills system. If you're used to other forum systems widely in use, it can seem a bit limited at times. Of course, the content and the contributors are what makes it valuable, so I think most of us calibrate our expectations.
It also seems to reflect the homey, informal, small-town, mom-and-pop business model that I think aligns with the overall Rick Steves' approach (it doesn't have the feel of a big, faceless corporation) - I think they like it that way.
It also seems to be a largely a self-sustaining system, requiring very little IT maintenance or staff time (at least that's how it appears to me, and I have a lot of experience with forum systems). Note that there are zero ads there - unusual for most forum systems - but maintaining a forum does have costs. Although we, the users, get a lot of value here, the forum is not a source of revenue for the company. At least not directly. One could (and I would) make the argument that the forum is a major draw and brings a lot of current and potential customer eyeballs here, and contributes a lot to the overall Rick Steves "brand" - just like the PBS shows and the classes in Edmonds, which are also "free" to users/viewers/attendees.
May not be perfect, but all things considered, pretty darn good. Just my 4 cents.
Frank is spot on in saying "...copy the comment your are referencing, paste it into your comment field, make your comments, and then deleted the pasted copy...". Easy Peasy and quick to boot. Have done it many times myself.
At least in the Mac world the prior comments are available by just
hitting the back arrow button.
Ok, I'm in this "world" with my Macbook Air & iPhone SE but not technologically savvy enough! Where is the "back arrow button"? Once you tell me where it is, when I click it, I will be able to reply AND see all of the posts in this thread as I reply?
(a nod to David for pretty much nailing it)
We appreciate the feedback. The UX aspects you've cited are on our list of improvements we'd like to make. Those who've been here awhile know that we do make improvements, though it's admittedly a slow process.
Thanks David! That will help!
Well, here is another strange thing. I responded to this thread from my iphone. (The original question was created on my PC) The message did not show up?? This also happened to me on another thread I responded to from my iphone. It's a puzzle!
All I said was that I believe that travel makes the world a friendlier and smaller place. Ditto for this forum. It is quite fun to see where all these great comments come from whether its someone for RS's office, travelers from the U.S. or other parts of the world or folks living in Europe who like to help travelers have a nice time in their countries. I noticed this morning that one of my commenters lives in Tel Aviv. Maybe I'm overly sentimental, but this is a really cool thing!
One thing I'd love to see is the date of the original post and the date of the most recent 'answering' post.
One thing I'd love to see is the date of the original post and the date of the most recent 'answering' post.
Toni,
The date of the original post is shown at the top beside the OP's name. The dates and times of all the replies extend down the thread. Is that what you were referring to?
I just want to see the reply I sent to someone when responding to a private message.
~dreaming of that day~ ;)
I'm with ya there, Nicole. It's maddening not to be see what I sent them 'cuz sometimes I wonder if I remembered to respond or not, and if I did, what the heck I sent them.
What Nicole and Kathy said -- I only know what I PM'd someone when/if they respond. At 70+ my short-term memory is a little hazy ...
Ken- I'd like to see both dates on the section page. If it's an old topic that someone has revived, you only see the most recent posting (*answering) date- not the original posting date. If both were listed on the 'topics' page it might save responders time if they want to be able to ignore 'revived' posts.
Put me down as another one who would like to see my 'sent' PMs, even if the recipient doesn't reply back to me.
Toni,
The date of original posting (beside the poster's name) always stays the same but as you say, it's not visible unless the thread is opened.
Would like to add my name to the list of those who would like to see all posts on a thread when replying instead of only the original post and also be able to see my replies to personal messages.
