New Topic

[flubber]

I would love to see a "miscellaneous" topic - where any subject simply is not covered in the existing topics. More geared for a post that does not require a specific answer. I would love to write about the pleasure AB gives me and reading back through months of posts how much I have learned, but there is no topic which I could write that.

I would like to see some sort of wildcard search whereby anyone entering (for example) "apples" will find links to law (apple trees hanging over gardens) or cookery (how to make cider or a pie or chutney) or travel (holidays picking apples) people post a question and are then faced with possible answers so it would be nice to access a topic via an easy search first as some questions may well not be under the category that you think they would be under. This saves the re-hash of repeated questions and answers. Geneology, Religion and Nautical would be so good here. Not sure about PM's because members going private may take an answer away from this board and everybody reading the question would be left 'hanging' and would probably post the same question themselves just to find out the answer!

[Octavius]

Your �Misc� question kind of found its way here didn�t it. Perhaps this topic should be named Feedback & Observations with something independent and direct for �Suggestions�. I take your point on the new topics and understand that editor is currently reviewing all topics. However in direct response, if someone has a question on religion (or religious texts) it can usually fall in to �History & Myths�, or if it is more spiritual in nature, then �Body & Soul� should cover it. I am wary that a �Religion� topic would become too contentious and abusive between the believers, the other believers and the non-believers. Where does all this nautical business come all of a sudden? Perhaps too much of a niche � I think the editor may have ideas for a topic called �Recreation� which would probably cover that, unless you consider it a �Sport� or form of �Travel�. I really don�t see what a genealogy topic would achieve here, Q�s like �has anyone seen Jiminy Bloggs who went to my school in 1927?� when there are zillions of other websites covering genealogical resources, seems pointless to me.

[flubber]

Well Octavius - I thought the whole idea of this thread was to submit suggestions? I am sorry my ideas offended you. Actually I am not sorry - we have all been asked and if some people's ideas don't rest easy with you then please don't attack the posters. others may well agree with their ideas!

Oh apologies as I did not realise you were management and setting the standards and rules as to what is p-ermissable that anyone suggests.

[Octavius]

I didn't realise I had posted anything offensive and certainly not an attack. You asked some questions and I provided some opinions, that's all.

[Octavius]

ps - If you don't like my post then please report it, I am more than happy for it to be removed.

[flubber]

Nope, not reporting you because I have followed your replies in the past and enjoyed reading your comments and views.
No problem to me because this is a 'free for all board' and all suggestions/answers are welcomed. Your reply came over as in attack mode and I apologise for taking it that way.

[AB Editor]

wooooah - steady now people....

Thank you for the suggestion flubber. Our search the site facility does return all appropriate results regardless of topic. We used to have a category search, but that was removed after implementing the greatly improved site search.

I think in regards to repeated Q and As, that will continue to happen as - this is only my personal opinion - people post to participate as well as to receive information. We do our best to remove duplicate posts when we catch them (without losing answers) but only if they are posted by the same ABer.

The rationale behind installing some form of PM is to give people the ability to 'chat' freely and to build on a relationship they may have formed on the AB. It is not meant to deter Qs or Answers to appear on the site, but we can only fully gauge that when it is delivered.

Ab suggestions has somewhat turned into a "Feedback & Observations" topic - perhaps there is a good case for splitting the two and making it more formal.

All new topics are still being discussed and as always we greatly appreciate your thoughts and suggestions...xx

AB ED