Suggestions for this Blog

[none]

Please consider a more GannettBlog-type format, with one current conversation. You could tag substantive comments to particular topics. The requirement that the reader/poster follow various threads is not fun. For instance, I couldn't figure out where to post this. It also takes away the community conversation feel, the sense that you're up to date without poking around in a dozen different places.

[Gannettoid]

I understand those thoughts.

If you register, then the forum points out to you which comments you haven't read yet. That seems to make it easier to stay up-to-date with several comments at once. Much like the Blog at times had separate threads for New Jersey, Westchester or whatever else, this allows for unlimited conversations with you choosing which ones to ignore.

You can also subscribe to forums or separate topics and be e-mailed when something new posted anywhere.

If you're nervous about registering, sign up for a GMail or other e-mail that you can use only for this community.

I know many people like the one-thread format, but many, many have submitted notes saying they prefer this. I actually do have a page that also looks like the Gannett Blog, but am trying to avoid having so many different places need checked to stay updated.

I'm absolutely open to comments, suggestions and questions, though. So please, post away.

Thanks

[a nony mous]

This isn't a blog. It's a message board. Big difference. You can start your own threads on a message board rather than waiting for someone else to start it for you. Threads can be more specific which makes it easier to find info.

Seriously, message boards were around long before blogs. It's not that hard to use.

[rmichem]

That fact that Jim, trust you to somewhat take over his readers, is fair. I believe that you should tell your posters a little bit more about you?

[Gannettoid]

This isn't a blog. It's a message board. Big difference.

Exactly. I've never called this a blog. Others have, it wasn't started as a blog and is not intended that way.

That fact that Jim, trust you to somewhat take over his readers, is fair. I believe that you should tell your posters a little bit more about you?

I've considered saying who I am, but when I worked at a paper, I didn't know how it would be taken. I've never leaked anything. I haven't posted anything negative, but I didn't want co-workers thinking they had to watch what they said to me and who knows about management.

Now, I thought about it and almost did Thursday, but this round of layoffs is still going on and that's the focus. Other than that, I don't know anything else to say about myself. We'll see about later.

[GeMeRewrite]

This message board format has big advantages over a blog, where you have to wade through stuff you don't need to read -- like the corporate trolls. I would suggestion you continue to refine this board. AS you pointed out, registering makes it easier to find threads updated since one last read. Anything you can do to spruce up the front page might help, though -- perhaps more timely updates, links to hot threads or threads with real information. Just some ideas. Thank you for your efforts to do this, and my condolences on the layoff. I hope things work out for you, and for others here.

[Gannettoid]

Thanks GMR.

I added the layoffs forums specifically for this round of layoffs, but will be cleaning up the front page soon. There's a handful of changes in the works, so I really welcome constructive feedback.

Thanks again

[none]

Gannettoid- I appreciate what you're doing here, as well as the prompt reply to my post.

The multiple thread approach apparently suits many readers. However, it makes it more difficult to ferret out what is going on in this company, which despite its multiple sites is, as Jim exposed, one highly coordinated enterprise. Breaking the posts into narrow categories makes it more difficult to spot trends, to spot seemingly unrelated events that are in fact part of companywide strategies. As a reader, it feels to me like more work.

[Dr. Syn]

I know it's a small thing ... but any chance you could enable the avatars?

As I said elsewhere here, it may be the only fun we have in this place.

Thanks.

[amir]

Maybe start a Gannettoid Blog, for a "community" atmosphere, but keep this board the way it is, professional. And don't reveal who you are; trolls need any reason to attack.

[Anonymouse]

I prefer this format over "The Blog". Postings won't disappear into the archives after a day or so.

[Gannettoid]

All helpful posts.

I already have a Gannett Blog-type page set up, but after people tried the forum for a while, I began getting a lot of positive feedback (with constructive criticism as well) to stay with this format.

I was prepared to show off the blog look, but people are wanting one spot to discuss multiple topics, and this seems a good way to go about that. I've seen some suggestions that have me looking at other things, and I know many parts need tweaked, so changes will happen, but I don't know about the blog format.

Thanks

[amir]

Yes, the message boards are more permanent and resourceful; don't change it. In addition, a Gannettoid Forum Express Blog might bring back the hectic community atmosphere from the days of yore.

[Gannettoid]

Good thought.

Others? Too many places to find news? Or want that Blog feel also?

[MILKLUVR]

I like the blog type better seems to be more interaction also maybe we could post our pics or avatars if we want to be outed.I don,t care if Gannett knows me I don,t work there anymore but I still like to trash them

[none]

Is it possible to format this site so that all comments posted to a thread automatically go in their entirety to a community forum (for that date) with a link to the thread, so that a person can scroll down one forum if they prefer, or follow a particular thread if they'd rather? In any event, thanks to Gannettoid for this site.

[JerseyGirlAlways]

Just a thought here -- is there a way to link to a specific message board when there's hot news happening? You may have done that already and if so, I apologize for not noticing it.

Thanks for giving folks a place to go.

[Gannettoid]

is there a way to link to a specific message board when there's hot news happening?

The layoff forums will be changed after this week, or a bit later depending on how the layoffs continue. That's a case of adding more forums for big news.

The separate discussions for each newspaper will be retained, but not in a layoff forum.

Is that what you're looking for?

[Guest]

Thanks for the work you're doing here.

Maybe on the homepage, put DATES in front of each item, so we can quickly tell what's new. It would be especially helpful on items with time elements (like "responded to two e-mails last week" and "On Wednesday").

[Gannettoid]

Great points, 9:17.

I try to update the text to always keep the "On Wednesday" updated, and I change the stories as I get new information, kinda constantly updating rather than doing multiple stories with quick little updates, but I need a better way to say when something was posted and last updated.

I wish I was good enough to code that right in, but I'm constantly working on improvements and learning more.

Thanks!