##4 YSN Structure Discussion

[Jay Banks <banks () darwin bu edu>]

[Abstract.  See YSN # 1314 for the article.  -ed.]
  In response to a post on alternative methods of structuring "threads"
of related messages on YSN, I present some nostalgia for the old
University of Illinois/Control Data PLATO system, where grouping of
messages by "threads" happened automatically, with responses to specific
posts grouped with the original post as the default next things to read.
Also, there were features that made it particularly convenient
(single-keypress commands) to view, for instance, only newly posted
messages (beginnings of threads) and new responses to previously
existing threads.

==========

From: hbh () astron mit edu (Heidi B. Hammel) [c.f. YSN #1315.  -ed.]

  Streamline - a suggestion for the YSN list administrator and editors
to consider: Put routine/repetitive announcements at the end of the
digest (or once a week) and keep the front reserved for the index and
any *special* announcements.  (Paging through the same stuff over and
over again is a real drag.)
  Threads - software exists but usually requires user smarts (e.g.
subject line keywords). They're hard to come by with a large group with
changing membership. Many posters here don't even know what an editor
is, or so it seems from some of the posts <- not-so-subtle hint. 
Supporting such software also requires development/maintenance expertise
and *time*.

------------------------------