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General discussion

Keep subject line blank

Aug 26, 2004 4:40AM PDT

I've often suggested keeping the subject line blank, forcing the poster to create a topic, instead of the default behavour:
re: prior subject title.

The logic is that the subject line can tell a prospective reader whether or not to read the post. If the subject line reads

Hey thanks for all your help

I am less inclined to spend time reading the post. If the subject line reads

Re: HELP!!!

I am more inlcined to read, despite the fact that the two posts (in this example) might be the same.

I know this is not a major point worth worrying about, but I feel that all readers would be better served if they had a better clue whether or not to read a post.

Thanks!

Discussion is locked

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I agree, once I get some additional resources I will
Aug 27, 2004 8:44AM PDT

implement this. I have thought about doing this for a long time, it just slipped off the radar when we were adding all the other enhancements.

Thanks Larry.
-Lee

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In my case, it is like triage
Aug 27, 2004 7:47PM PDT

I only read threads with a low number of posts or when I can quickly see that the problem is unresolved. If I see a hundred re: posts, I wouldn't bother reading, glad to see you have this on the list!

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(NT) (NT) Understood Larry. Thanks!
Sep 3, 2004 3:04AM PDT
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UPDATE: This change will take place on Thursday 12/9/04
Dec 7, 2004 8:36AM PST

Forum users will now be required to fill in the subject line rather than continuing on with the RE: of the original post. Which from a readers perspective makes a whole lot more sense, rather than seeing a whole tree of this:

http://reviews.cnet.com/5208-6132-0.html?forumID=32&threadID=48638&messageID=577766

The subject will definitely tell at least part of the story behind the post and make the discussion more interesting to read.

Thanks all.

-Lee