Genealogy Chat

Have noticed some members especially board newbies asking how they can get feedback about responses to their posts.

I sort of feel abit disconcerted if somebody sends me a pm reminding me to check the boards - good intentions appreciated but it is like those days back in school wth teach keeping a beady eye on you.

I would suggest the wellmeaning souls advise members especially the newbies to tick the box at the end of their message before posting to the boards.

If they forget they will see a 'Watch' button at the top of their post on the boards which they can click and it will have to same effect.

They should then receive an email advising them when anybody comtributes to their thread.

:-) :-) :-)

Interesting...... I have never, ever ticked that box...................

The trouble is - sometimes the email response to a 'watched' thread works, frequently it doesn't.

I've quite a number of threads on my Watched lists, mainly as resources to refer others. Last week I acutally recieved an email to say that another post had been added to one .......but none since even though people have!

Even though the facility is good if it works, its probably better for all concerned (especially new board users) if a 'friendly' PM with guidance is sent. They can always ignore it! Unfortunately there is sizable minority who don't read the GR guidance notes, or the various sticked threads which cover this topic.

You can but try ;-)

As DET has stated, the Watched Thread facility doesn't always work unfortunately. It is much better for new folk to learn how to use My Threads for peace of mind.



There were comments about the unreliability 'Watched Threads' sometime last year I think.

How on earth can you advise a newbie to tick watched threads before they have posted?

Jax - there is a little tick box 'Add to my Watched Threads' below the emoticons. People can/could use that even when they are starting a thread :-)

Tested it this morning with my own post before I dashed out - came back and found GR update emails which also included my thread.

Gosh makes life so much easier.

Sad that GR didn't let members on the boards know when they activate this - can remember so many requests and suggestions about it.

Det - I was'nt saying I did not know where it was, I know how the boards work unlike some people who like to advise others how to do things...I was stating the part of NS's post

"I would suggest the wellmeaning souls advise members especially the newbies to tick the box at the end of their message before posting to the boards".

Surely once they have been sent a pm from perhaps Cynthia, they will then know they do not get an email unless they do tick the box (if it works of course)

A newbie cannot be told before they post unless they read the guidelines before hand...which most do not

If any member, new or otherwise, bothered to read anything on these boards then the helpers would not have to keep explaining to them how to use this site.

They do not read the Terms and Conditions, message board guidelines or any of the many helpful threads on the boards.

So why should they actually read this one !!!!

The first 'My watched thread' I have dates back to June 2009. So I think the 'problem' is that not everyone is as curious (as to 'what does this do?' ) as I am :-D

I have three threads in my watched thread folder, all of which have new posts on today however I have only received an email for one.

I think it is just too hit and miss.

Also, how welcoming for a newbie to receive a message advising on how to return to their posts. A helping hand is always welcome especially by those who are not experienced in the use of the forum.

What I don't understand is why we cannot elect to be notified that a thread we originate has replies on. This forum is a basic SMF which comes with those features.

I haven't used the facility for I don't know how long - because it didn't work and I prefer to use My Threads anyway.


However, I have just had a look at my Watched Threads and I have 1 thread in it - from 2009 but recently added to by MC. I have not posted on it and never had an interest in that thread, so I do not know why it has appeared there. Very strange. :-S


Another point is, that whilst I have always thought it would be a good idea for GR to let people know when they have replies on their threads, it is imperative that there is an 'opt out' facility. I and many other regulars I am sure, would not wish to be notified every time someone responded on a thread we were interested in ......we would be inundated...... :-S :-S :-S

Cynthia as this is a SMF the same as other sites like Roots Chat, Family Tree Forum, who do you think you are forum etc.... all of which allow you to opt out of receiving the notification I don't think it should be a problem.

:-D Cynthia, considering I have 97 pages of threads I've started myself I would be snowed under if I got an email every time someone added ;-)

I seem to remember when they started this "watched thread" business a couple of years ago it went wrong and people were recieving 100+ emails for one reply.

I have found odd threads in my "watched threads" which I can only think my curser accidently ran over it and clicked it??

I was one of be many who reported the 100+ email problem for watched threads , and was advised to untick the email notification ... Which I did

Are you now confirming NanaSue that this function is fully operational

If it is working NS will have at least 10 emails since she last looked in on this thread :-D

Yes, yes, yes - I'm chuffed to bits.

it may get annoying if you are very active on the boards and you receive an email for every single post, especially if email comes down onto your phone.

Agree but you can switch it off if they are too much.
Very good for those asking for help and those that don't have much traffic on the boards :-D :-D :-D