Your feedback on Unread Posts and PMs page

[Marjo]

Hi everyone, how's your week going?

Thanks a lot earlier for providing your thoughts on how you use the forum search page as well as the profile and settings pages as part of the forum platform improvement work we're doing this year. We have made the initial changes to Search page elements, and the settings pages are currently being worked on.

The next areas we would like to improve are:

• The Unread Posts page (you can get there by clicking on the Unread Posts next to the Private Messages icon)
• Private Messages page (click on the envelope icon next to the Unread Posts link)

As before, it would be very useful to hear your thoughts on what you think of these 2 pages and how you use them, both on mobile and desktop.

For example...

• Which tabs on those pages do you use the most?
• Anything in there that you never use and feel should be removed?
• What about the tables for the posts and messages, are there any columns you feel are either unnecessary, or need to be added in?
• Any text on those pages that you feel is not clear?
• Etc...

Thanks a lot in advance for your comments! 

[MI5]

A dropdown of suggestions as you start a new post, as suggested on the search improvements thread, would also help, but this thread isn't about a search box.....

[Bambino]

Frankly, I don't give a rat's what this thread was about. The search box was mentioned in the first paragraph, and I was reacting to that. This isn't the first time a thread has strayed off-topic, and I doubt it will be the last.

And while I'm here, thank you @Cleoriff 

[Glory1]

I'm quite happy with unread posts and PMs.

I think @Bambino's suggestion of an FAQ page is fantastic. It would save all of us repeating the same information again and again and.....

[jonsie]

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@Cleoriffwrote:

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@Bambinowrote:

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 An even better solution would be a FAQ page. Why doesn't this site have one? There should be a big bold link to it in red that should be the first thing a new visitor should see and it should say "Have a question? Click HERE to see if it's been asked before" Job done

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What a damn good idea @Bambino

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First off, in keeping with the thread title, I've no problem with either the unread posts or the PMs. However, I give diddly squat what the thread title is. Let's concentrate on what DOES need fixing ie. the search box and the damn fine idea by @Bambino

It's taken a long time to get the unread posts fixed so fgs let's not break it again! 

[MI5]

So just rename the index page to "FAQ's" or do we need to duplicate that too?

[jonsie]

Surely the index page is, and should indeed remain a standalone page worn a link if necessary from the faq page. The problem with the index page is that it is in no order of frequency. Sort that out by importance and frequency or some sort of up to date relevance if you prefer? 

[Cleoriff]

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@MI5wrote:
So just rename the index page to "FAQ's" or do we need to duplicate that too?

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No Rich I don't think that at all. The Index of Community guides should remain exactly as they are. There would certainly be some overlap pointing them to the index should that be the case. However not many new members have a clue about that Index of guides

There are many questions asked which don't relate to the guides though.

Such phone stock, orders and deliveries.

Credit checks

Insurance and claims

Mobile data not working etc etc etc

I could think of a lot more but those are just examples

Also the FAQ (Section /Box) could be on the Home page for new members to click on and check first.

[MI5]

I'm just curious as to how this wonderful FAQ page would differ?
A link from the home screen to the page (whatever it's called) would fulfil the suggestion, surely?
What else would be in the FAQ's?

[MI5]

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@Cleoriffwrote:

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@MI5wrote:
So just rename the index page to "FAQ's" or do we need to duplicate that too?

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No Rich I don't think that at all. The Index of Community guides should remain exactly as they are. There would certainly be some overlap pointing them to the index should that be the case. However not many new members have a clue about that Index of guides

There are many questions asked which don't relate to the guides though.

Such phone stock, orders and deliveries.

Credit checks

Insurance and claims

Mobile data not working etc etc etc

I could think of a lot more but those are just examples

Also the FAQ (Section /Box) could be on the Home page for new members to click on and check first.

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So guides need writing for those missing questions which then get added to the index.FAQ page.

No different to now - just needs promoting better.

No page is any good if not promoted.

[Glory1]

I think @MI5 the search box definitely needs sorting. If newbies could find answers to their questions in the first instance then we wouldn't have to keep repeating ourselves. Certain queries come up again and again: how do I get/what is a PAC; how do I cancel my contract; how do I upgrade? etc etc.

What @Bambino is suggesting is a page of FAQs containing the answers to the constantly asked questions that it's very clear are not easily found by doing a search in the community. I, and others, use Google which is far quicker and more effective.

As I've already said I think @Bambino's idea is fantastic. Clearly you disagree. Fair enough but we are all entitled to our opinions. And it would seem @Cleoriff, @jonsie and I like @Bambino's idea.