Make the "Follow this topic" button / popup.... more intuitive!

[cmiller]

I'm not sure why, I am just not feeling the new "Follow this topic" options. Mainly because it doesn't seem intuitive. As a member who may not be familiar with forums, I feel like I really don't know what I am getting. I also don't think anyone is going to realize that they can actually choose NO option at all, and be notified only inline, or in the user bar.

SO... here is what I am suggesting. Ditch the checkmark next to "Receive Notification". We're going to make them choose SOMETHING there. Rename it to "Notification Type" and let's populate the drop down with:

1) Instant Email
2) Email only when not online
3) 1 Email per day max
4) 1 Email per week max
5) On-site notification only (no email)

Let's leave the checkmark box next to the anonymous option and let it be smaller and down low on the popup window.

I just think this will streamline everything, and make it easier for members to understand exactly what's going on.

Thoughts?

[7SiN]

Agree...somewhat. vB has it simple...as does XF. When I "follow" something on these different forum softwares, I have already defined how I want to be notified. I like on XF you have 2 options, get email notification or not. Makes sense, it's simple...which is what we want to aim for. I still don't know what is going on when I use follow on here...and I've been using forum software as an admin for 7-8 years now. Something that should be simple is overly complicated.

[Mellisa]

agree on this as well, i was thinking about how useless and seemingly not practical follow topic is in new ipb.

[Priest]

I also don't think anyone is going to realize that they can actually choose NO option at all, and be notified only inline, or in the user bar.

I liked your post, but I'd love it if I could! I didn't even know I could choose no option at all! Great idea, I wish it would be implemented this way!

[cmiller]

Bump ;)

[Aisha]

I liked your post, but I'd love it if I could! I didn't even know I could choose no option at all! Great idea, I wish it would be implemented this way!

Same same same.

[Cheapy]

Yeah, like the changes.

[markopolo2002]

I've been running our forum since around 2007 and even now we have members who just cant figure all the notifications and subscription options, made worse with the last upgrade cause it cleared everone's notification options completely and we've been told there is no fix for it!. I've already suggested the introduction of "real-time" subscription and notification options where a member would be prompted to make a choice on whether they want to receive updates on a topic they posted or replied to, other options could be to follow/subscribe to any thread they make/reply to, or not to follow/subscribe to anything with the option not to be reminded again - I'm positive this would stop all the confusion members have with notifications and subscribing to threads, I mean the options would be right in front of them - could even make it default to auto-subscribe them with the prompt telling them this and the option to unsubscribe, lots of options at the end of the day to make things a little less complicated, not sure where Invision are going at the moment though!!!

[Juan Manuel at EGA Futura]

You got my +1