Most of the basics – the things that work well – will remain the same but there are several things that will change that ChildLine hope will improve your experience of using the messageboards.
Important – All of the current messageboards, threads and posts will still be online and accessible after the update
Alex-Host
I now have a spot on the landing page that I can use to give updates, highlight certain areas of the message boards and keep you updated on what is happening on the boards. It could be a really good discussion about a frequent topic or a technical problem you are reporting that I’d like to hear more about.
Categories and messageboards
Some of the feedback ChildLine received about the old message boards was that it was hard to find certain subjects, especially when you are new to the site.
In the new-look boards, messageboards are grouped into categories of related subjects, to make it easier for you to find the information you need and to give you access to related areas.
There are 8 categories that the different messageboards are grouped into. All of the categories and messageboards are listed on the landing page and there is a page for each category that just lists the messageboards in that category. There are also added quick-link areas on the right-hand side so that, if you know exactly what you are looking for, you can find it quickly.
More information about activity on the message boards
Many users mentioned that it could be difficult to know where the current conversations are taking place. With the new message boards each individual board displays what day and time the last post was received and provides a quick link to that thread. There is also a guide to the total number of threads and individual posts for each messageboard which helps you to know where the busiest areas are. On individual board pages, you will also see the ‘views’ column. Starting from today, this will show the number of times an individual board has been viewed. Please note: the ‘views’ column will start counting from Tuesday 19 April.
Gallery pictures thread
If you choose to allow comments on your gallery pictures, they can now be commented on and this automatically generates a thread in the ‘Gallery pictures’ messageboard. The opening post of each thread will be the image that you commented on.
Alert me to replies
The ‘Alert me to replies’ button has been fixed which will be a great help to us all. If you choose to check this box you should now find that any replies to that thread will generate a message to your inbox to let you know.
Quoting fixed!
Quoting a message will now only quote the text of the message you are quoting. This should prevent those long threads where there are a series of quotes within quotes framed within boxes within boxes. From now on it’s just the person you are responding to and your own reply. This should help to avoid those threads where discussions get impossibly stretched making it difficult to keep up to date. Please note: Previous message boards posts will still be presented in the old style.
Hot topic
From time to time there will be topic that gets a lot of attention or maybe topics that are relevant to the time of year it is. Exam Stress in May for example or Safer Internet Day. The hot topic panel on the right-hand side will inform you about popular and relevant topics!