You have to realize so many of us come on in different ways, on different devices, different platforms, with different interests. And some are more vocal, any chance they get, to voice an opinion. Eg, on the threads that complained about the new format and login issues, you can see this. One person can’t do something or prefers one style over others or considers “change x” vital. Later, another 1 or 3 or 23 agrees and it looks like you’ve discovered some essential problem, what seems to be priority. But you haven’t. It’s only that feedback from those who agree. Something may not work on your brand of cell, cell vs tablet, Chrome vs Firefox…but that view of those posters’ problems is not a reliable picture of what most affects a majority or plurality- and as broadly as possible.
Please don’t take away, eg, Bookmarks, because more people on a thread or two say they use Latest, instead. But, each entry under Highlights should serve a decently vetted purpose that reflects how that plurality DOES use CC. We don’t need the whole kitchen sink. Most come on to locate a thread they have continuing interest in (are “following” the topic or the particulars, want to see what’s new or add info,) or to ask their own new questions.
As for long running threads, of course, after a while, they morph, as more and more info has been covered. To me, the point is the quality/relevance of the info you’re adding. Not your anecdotes, assumptions, some media hoohash or how it was for you, 25 years ago. Not something you heard 3rd hand. The point of a long thread IS to continue a legit conversation, NOT starts umpteen new threads to wade through, a la the covid situation with multiple starts.
Related: we all have posters we consider reliable, who we think hit the mark more often than not. But it’s wrong to assume they’re experts because you like their posts. Or they post often or because they seem to present their views in one way vs another. Remember, CC is a compilation. Even IF you had an adcom commenting, it’s their experience, not some universal truth. One big issue, as it is, is that many newbies rely on what sounds good. They look for shortcuts and don’t vet further.
Personally, I don’t need the “Index.” I don’t need more ‘hunt and peck’ to randomly figure where a thread I’m looking for is. “Hmm, would that be College Admissions or another?” I do see the value. But to me, that’s not efficient. Someone could respond, “Yes, but that’s MY preference, LF.” Fine. That only goes to show how varied the experience IS. When I log in, I head straight for Bookmarks, to find what I’m following, see what’s new or not. You need an idea of the breadth of how people interact with CC. “Function over form.”
And would folks quit quoting an entire thread? Either refer to it or its location (post xxx; the entire is already printed on the thread.) Or edit it to the few relevant points you mean to highlight and discuss.
I surely have more to gripe about, lol. I’m not sure if you’re considering the needs of a rookie more important than those who’ve been around longer. Navigation skills come with time.
I have had that problem in the past with some of the changes done on CC. Any chance the blue could be a little darker?