RML suggested that I delete all replies over 2 days old to keep the downloads faster. So, that is what I've been doing in the busier threads. There is an advantage to just starting a new thread every day, such as "Hot Buttons 7/18". That way you would have a permanent archive of all posts. I tried starting a New Hot Buttons thread a few days ago for that reason, but it seems that you all would prefer to continue posting on the first original thread. Maybe because having older replies just scroll off the screen is more familiar? If so, I can continue deleting older replies. What say you?

-- (Benevolent Dictator@home.now), July 18, 2000

Answers

Oh...and at the tone the time will be 9:40 P.M. PST

-- Tick Tock (Time@Keeper.here), July 18, 2000.

I wondered what happened to the original posts.

The download time is very short as things presently are. I personally would prefer that new threads (e.g., HB 2, HB 3, etc.) be begun when download times get lengthy rather than that old posts be eliminated. One of the things that I didn't like about the Garry's HB was that there was no archive.

Another question. Since it seems that new posts *must* come in at the "bottom" of the scrollback, is it possible to create a button that would send the viewer/poster immediately to the bottom? This exists in the VIP site, and is quite useful for catching up on the discussion.

-- GRC (GRCCRG@hotmail.com), July 18, 2000.

GRC, Here's the best I can do for you. When the thread has loaded, hold down the "CTRL" key on your keyboard and press the "End" key.

-- (Benevolent Dictator@home.now), July 18, 2000.

I like having the old posts too. the falling off the bottom thing works in other places I have been. the archive thing may or may not be a good thing depending on how big your resources are.

-- Lisa (cslmc@eiu.edu), July 18, 2000.

Thanks for the "control/end" hint, BD. It does help considerably.

-- GRC (GRCCGR@hotmail.com), July 18, 2000.

Just a thought -- is there any way you can render a hall unable to accept posts? When one got full enough if you could just switch it off but keep it as a genuine archive that would be IMO desirable.

BTW, thanks again for setting this up!

-- GRC (GRCCGR@hotmail.com), July 18, 2000.

GRC, that's an excellent idea! I know I've seen it done on this software, though I haven't done it before. I'll try setting up a mock site somewhere and see if I can figure it out!

I've enjoyed trying to provide a temporary refuge for my favorite chat hall posters, so you're quite welcome.

9:15 PM PDT

-- Tick Tock (Time@Keeper.here), July 19, 2000.

Good thinking GRC! Give him a gold star! :o)

-- Lisa (cslmc@eiu.edu), July 19, 2000.

Unfortunately, I've been unable to figure out how to implement GRC's excellent suggestion. I've put in a call to Philip Greenspun. He is currently out of the country, so it may be a bit before I get a response. In the meantime, the posters continue to demonstrate a preference for posting on a long, continuous thread rather than using a new one. With that preference, the only way to keep the download time reasonable is to delete older posts. I'll continue that practice on the Hot Buttons thread. Thanks for your patience.

-- (Benevolent Dictator@Saturday.now), July 22, 2000.