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In other words, the attraction to the state boards is the fact that they're just one thread, upside down (reverse chronological order.)

I saved a piece of my article body that ended up on the cutting room floor. I knew it would come in handy, but didn't want to steer the discussion until I confirmed my suspicions.

The only particularly unique feature about the state message boards are, well, their lack of features. I mean, that they are not threaded... every message posted is easily accessible, no clicking necessary. It's as if they are one thread listed in reverse chronological order.

Is this the attraction?

If it is, I can embed a standard forum thread into the individual state page but show it in reverse order. That would allow for paging back through earlier comments as well as the ability to address specific comments (Post Reply) and to address comments in private (Private Reply) etc.

I'd still like to push for use of the state topics, however. And possibly state forums in the future. But if it is this upside-down thread that is all the rage, then by all means, let's have an upside-down thread! It'll be fun.

In earlier mock versions of the forum, I had topic "home pages." And recently I've been toying with the idea of having a topic "cork board" which is essentially the upside-down thread idea.

In other words, I'd really like to replace the state message boards with a topic, and yet retain __ALL__ the features that made the state message boards desirable.

The only particularly unique feature about the state message boards are, well, their lack of features. I mean, that they are not threaded... every message posted is easily accessible, no clicking necessary. It's as if they are one thread listed in reverse chronological order.

BINGO! I know, for someone who has devoted a great deal of time to this site (and it is appreciated, even if it doesn't sound that way) it may be difficult to understand that many people pop in and out of this site, only spending a few moments...and want a quick update without having to jump through too many hoops.

I've also noticed mention of a state "ping" list...that may work for some, but, to me, being "pinged" incessantly for every state topic would be only a step or two above receiving telemarketing calls. Why would I want to endure that, when I know that, if it's important, someone will have posted a link on the STATE BOARD with a brief explanation of the content...instant decision on whether or not to go there without reading through lengthy threads.