Similar Threads

[JVN]

Now for some random vb3 praise...

I've just been enjoying the "similar threads" list down at the bottom of every thread. I think it's great, gives me a chance to look through old CD discussions from before my time, and see how old experiences relate to current discussions.

I think this is a GREAT feature.
I'm wondering if anyone else takes the time to flip through the old "similar threads" when they are browsing, and especially... before they post.

Remember, those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.

John

[Brandon Martus]

I wish it had a feature where you could see those threads before posting a new thread. (ie: 'hey, before you post .. these threads are similar')

I think its too database-intense to do on the fly though.. i'm not 100% sure. If not, it may be a good hack to put into place.

[IMDWalrus]

Wouldn't that require previewing the thread? I know that a lot of us (like me) are impatient and don't always use the Preview feature. If you screw up, you can always edit, right?

Forcing us to preview or to go through a screen like the one you described would just get to be annoying. Even if it was feasible...please don't do it, Brandon. Think of the Robotics geeks.

(By the way...I'm proud to be a Robotics geek. You should be too. :D)


Whoops...forgot my original post. Oops.

In any case, the "Similar Threads" feature is really cool. Especially when nothing else is related to the thread and you get random results.

[rbayer]

Wouldn't that require previewing the thread? I know that a lot of us (like me) are impatient and don't always use the Preview feature. If you screw up, you can always edit, right?


While I agree with you that it would be incredibly annoying to require it for every post you ever make, requiring it before creating a whole new thread seems reasonable to me. If nothing else, it could help cut-down on the duplicate threads all discussing the same issue, thus making it much easier to navigate and find the information you're looking for.

As for the Similar Threads feature, I definately think it's one of the best new parts of vb3. Especially since it includes all the old forum archives that I otherwise forget even exist.

-Rob

[Adam Y.]

Just a sugestion. Get rid of the Chit-Chit posts for the similar threads functions. There is a topic on retaining rings and two topics on Lord of the Rings appeared. The other two were actually relevant to the discussion. I like the function. There was a topic on a three-speed transmission and the similar threads function had a few other topics on it.

[Brandon Martus]

Unfortunately that would take a big modificaiton of the vB system, I think. (Unless I'm missing a setting in the massive admin area.) I'll keep this in mind, though, and if I see it I will turn off Chit Chat for those.

[Wetzel]

Just a sugestion. Get rid of the Chit-Chit posts for the similar threads functions. There is a topic on retaining rings and two topics on Lord of the Rings appeared. The other two were actually relevant to the discussion. I like the function. There was a topic on a three-speed transmission and the similar threads function had a few other topics on it.

I think this is also a good idea. A hack to check similar threads before posting a new thread would also be a good idea.

With regards to viewing the similar threads, I don't often, but am doing so more often. It has taken me a bit to get used to scrolling down that far, in the past there hasn't been real content down there. I am adjusting to it. It makes for some interesting reading.


Wetzel

[Rickertsen2]

exactly how does the similar thread thing code work?

[shyra1353]

i love the similar threads feature ... i look back into old threads all the time ... its awesome !!