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Even if you are a long-time reader of Slashdot (an outdated version of whose code became the basis for this site), the user interface for SoylentNews can be confusing. We've been averaging about two dozen new registered users per week. I cannot imagine that all of them have prior experience with our UI. What tips or settings have you found useful in getting the most out of this site?
Continued...
Here are a couple settings that really improved my experience here.
Get a second look at previous stories.
I've been amazed at the conversations that have continued after my first reading of a story on the main page. This tip activates a "Slashbox" which presents a list of older stories on the right-hand side of the page. There have been countless times that I've seen the comment count go up dramatically after a story first aired on the main page. Here's how to keep an eye on things and easily dive back in:
- As a logged-in user, go to your Preferences page.
- Click on the "Homepage" tab.
- Scroll down to the "Customize Slashboxes" area.
- Select the "[] Use Slashboxes" checkbox.
- Select the "[] Older Stuff" checkbox.
- Click on the "Save" button.
Activate Polls.
With the caveat that the poll results have no scientific validity (e.g. ballot stuffing is easily accomplished), I find these to be a light-hearted adjunct to my usual SN fix. Besides the vote itself, there is often a slower-paced, but no less interesting conversation in the comments. Setting this option is very similar to the preceding tip:
- As a logged-in user, go to your Preferences page.
- Click on the "Homepage" tab.
- Scroll down to the "Customize Slashboxes" area.
- Select the "[] Use Slashboxes" checkbox.
- Select the "[] Poll" checkbox.
- Click on the "Save" button.
Note: Prior polls can be accessed using the Polls link which appears in the "Navigation" slashbox on the left-hand side of the main page.
So, I'll repeat my question: What settings or options have you found helpful? What suggestions would you make to someone who is new to this site to help them make the most of their time here?
(Score: 5, Insightful) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday March 08 2015, @10:39PM
This isn't a trick, but I wish that there was a "View All" button next to "Change" and "Reply". When clicked, it would show all comments, including those at -1. That would be more convenient than having to use the drop down lists.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday March 08 2015, @10:43PM
This!
(Score: 1, Informative) by Anonymous Coward on Monday March 09 2015, @02:56AM
I have a link like this on my Personal Toolbar.
&mode=nested&threshold=-1#topcomment [soylentnews.org]
(I've left the significant part as link text.)
I almost never click on things.
As a rule, I hit F6 to move the cursor into my Address Bar and backspace to clear that.
I then drag what I want into the Address Bar and edit it as desired.
I can drag the link above to the end of what is now in the Address Bar and edit out what isn't necessary.
I can then highlight the URL and and drag and drop that where I want the new tab.
N.B. A keyboard macro app like AutoHotkey (or AutoKey for Linux) makes this even easier.
.
I've noted before that, for folks who aren't signed in, you can't get more than 50 items per page (fully expanded).
Apparently, folks signed into an account can get more.
I'm still interested in a parameter I could add to the URL that addresses that issue.
I remember that the other site had that at one time.
-- gewg_
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Monday March 09 2015, @12:46PM
and show comments nested by default ffs
(Score: 2) by Kell on Monday March 09 2015, @02:08PM
Seconded.
Scientists ask questions. Engineers solve problems.
(Score: 3, Insightful) by bob_super on Monday March 09 2015, @06:23PM
More important: show a placeholder at the right place for a hidden comment. When someone responds to a troll and you're not at -1, you don't see the troll, just the response and the GP, which is confusing.