Sub-categories

[bernardo]

This ridiculous system of having the categories sub-divided into sub-categories is intrinsically flawed, as well as being annoying, ridiculous and time-consuming. It is no use giving us gimmicks like clicking on "Topics" so that we can see a list of all 96,537 of them. For example: If I have a question about a made-for-TV film, where do I put it? There is now confusion as to whether it should be in the "Film and TV" category, or the "TV" sub-category, of the "Film" sub-category. Should I put the same question in all three sub-sections? Should I expect the answerers to go gurgling through all the sub-sections to find it, on the off-chance that they haven't found it where they expected? The more categories there are, the more confusion and overlap there is. When I joined AB 3 years ago there were about 12 or 15 categories, which was quite sufficient. Now there are 26, which is far too much even without being subdivided. Having 96 subsections is mindboggling, offensive, and mindbogglingly offensive. I have now done 9999 answers, but I am not likely to get much beyond 10,000 if it takes half an hour of searching to find anything. You MUSTget rid of ALL of the sub-categories a.s.a.p. otherwise otherwise there will be a Maoist rebellion and the editor will be turned inside-out. Simply being on the AB site makes me feel fed up every second with all of this nonsense happening. Please do not waste your time (or ours) by writing any more patronising messages saying that you "appreciate our feedback" or "are listening to our concerns". First thing on Thursday morning, as soon as you arrive at work, get rid of this nonsense and put it all back to how it was before. WHEN (not if) you and your techies have done so, let us know. Otherwise I might as well just pack up my bags and leave.

[4getmenot]

I think you will be packing you bags

[Agent_Smith]

well said bernado, i have not been a member a long as you but i also feel as they have put a nail in the coffin of this once great site, i no longer go through any of the sections because it is no longer "simple".

i hope the ed puts it back to how it was and i can carry on walking the halls of home & garden and motoring without clicking in and out and in and out and in and out and in and out and in and out............................

[whiffey]

What is particularly confusing is that you can still post in the parent sections. So you go to "Food and Drink". Do you post there, or do you go down one to "Food" or "Drink" ?

It's making navigation a pain. I expect we'll get used to it, nobody likes sudden change after all, but Food and Drink is a prime example of strangeness !

[lector]

I agree with your thoughts and the general thrust of your point of view.

The feed-back from the editorial tem is patronising, and unapologetic for the changes made tof AB. They have already 'gone back' on some changes (e.g.removed the sub-category 'anagrams').

However, to be fair to the editorial team ..... they are probably executing a business plan that is part of a longer-term strategy .... remember, a quote from the last ed that AB was making changes to 'keep up with the big boys? There has also been talk of a 'premium paying service'

The reality is that this site has estabilshed a membership base and now is 'moving on' and implementing a 'grand design' .... it intends to 'commercially exploit' the site and its members.

They will have factored in a percentage loss of members but will not change tact now. Profit is the motive ... the day of the 'old-style AB site is in the past.

[hal]

I fully agree - the site is now very confusing.

[Pea Pod]

Well said bernardo.Its like being in a maze.

[netibiza]

I am also totally confused. Why is there a main Film and TV section when in the sub-sections there are individual Film and then TV ones. Where the hell do I post a TV q???I've done it on the main section and expect I'll get told off.

[4getmenot]

I posted a question in TV and it says reality tv above it!

[fee-is-me]

Ffs - it's really NOT that complicated.

What is this world coming to...?

Sheesh...

[jump79]

My feelings exactly, bernando. I am looking for my bags to pack as I speak/type.

[Cetti]

For once I have to agree with bernardo!! Far too many categories and I have neither the patience nor inclination to sift through each one looking for something that appeals.

Just imagine where the 'Marlboro' q's will end up. What a nightmare!!!!!

[smudge]

I initially thought 'some' sub-categories might be beneficial, but there are so many, I just don't have the time or inclination to trawl through them all now.

[smudge]

Whoops sorry Cetti - only read your post after I'd posted mine - similar sentiments - great minds think alike!!!!

[doink]

Am I the only one to pick up on lector's remarks?
I've seen this evolution many times with many sites.