UPDATE V2: Texokie's Digs
Thank you to all who submitted comments and pms regarding wall-of-text digs/posts. (I am aware of the irony of responding to the issue with a wall post of my own!)
For a brief time, I request that Texie continue to describe/summarize (shorten) on thread and link to wall-of-text posts on old threads. I'm interested to see if she incorporates a suggestion received up thread asking for a brief summary (h/t ez), or if that's too time consuming for her, if she continues with a brief description and links.
From the time I began posting Q threads, I've received very strong requests that my introductory posts be shorter because phone users, possibly using particular operating systems or hardware, have a very difficult time swiping through long posts, locating the break to a new post, and then checking on something upthread.
Navigating long posts meant those users had to swipe/swipe/swipe away to back up, and then again repeat the process to resume reading the thread. Some FReepers explained that they must give up on Q threads entirely if long posts continued to consume so much of their time swiping and searching.
Our thread resource table, the post at the top of the thread, and the FAQ table were long and received numerous sustained input requesting changes to a shorter format until I posted portions of them and linked the rest elsewhere.
As I shortened and linked those long posts, the vigorous requests faded away and the only input I've continued to received re long posts over the past 3 or 4 months are Texie's wall of text dig posts. I know the wall format (like her excellent content) has many grateful fans, but it continues to be very difficult for those with phone/operatng system issues. I never made format requests to her previously because I was waiting to see if people became acclimated and the issues resolved themselves.
I know this request for forebearance must generate some disappointment, but I think I have some good news.
When I agreed to post Q threads, I did not conceive of any function beyond posting a thread every few days. But, FReeQs asked questions on thread and via pm by the dozens and I began to try to answer them because...well...I didn't know any better! :D
Then our threads came under long, sustained, and at times overwhelming troll attacks. Some threads were so immersed in troll battles that I pinged FReeQs to start reading at around post 60 on a new thread to avoid the troll mess.
Our efforts at coordinatomg our responses to trolls, and most importantly, making one Q thread format work for as many people as possible, led to a Mother of Dragons role. However, it was never a goal in and of itself to operate any differently from other threads on the forum; it was a technique enacted for a period of time to address specific circumstances.
I think it won't be long before multiple Q content threads can function like other threads on FR. We can still have a combined Q thread for those interested, but I don't see a need for coordination (MoD) type efforts because we won't be limited to one thread intended to meet many different needs.
Once we are no longer limited to one shared thread, I will continue posting Q threads in the current (shared) format long enough to support a smooth transition while new threads and new thread formats take root and FReeQs find their preferred sources of info.
I believe those who've longed for "normal threads" that function like others on FR do not have long to wait. So, to those I have disappointed with my request to Texie on behalf of phone users, I wish to encourage you by saying this too shall pass. :)
ThankQ.
