Re: XTree Forum Suggestions

> you might want to increase it to the top 200? I guess the down side
> is that it will take longer to initially see the page, especially
> with slower modems. But with my 56K, (actually usually 41 - 44K),
> connection, it loads quite fast, and I think 200 would be fine.

IMHO, increasing the number of latest postings displayed may helped but is not addressing the problem adequately. The real problem is that using a Web-based forum may be simply too inconvenient for some when the volume of posting increases. After an initial strong interest in the Xtree Forum, my enthusiasm is now decreasing as I have now to download hundreds of Web pages each week just to catch up. With an average download time of 3 to 5 seconds for each page, in addition to online reading time, this is really time-costly. Participation to the forum also imply to use the Web page post form - thus, again being online. These characteristics are serious limitations for people like me who do not have a fast modem (sorry, my university still tops at 28k...) and unlimited connection time available (I am limited to few hours a week)

Example: As I write these lines, my online stopwatch already shows me 40 minutes, but I just checked very few of the hundreds of recent and interesting postings on this forum. Unfortunately, I won't have enough available online time to read all the other postings.

While I agree that using a Web-based system might increase the participation of newcomers, I will definitively prefer a more traditionnal listserv system in our email box. It will be at least 10 to 20 times faster and economical. A dual system forum (simultaneously Web and email) would be the best solution. Wouldn't be possible ?

Of course, it is just an opinion ! 8-)