11 replies to this topic

[marko]

As you will already know if you're a regular to FreewareBB, all our downloads have the ability to add "comments" although in the early days of FreewareBB we had "support topics" instead.   We're asking those who use our site if they would consider it more useful to have these "support topics" back or if the current "comments" section works better and to help you decide here's a better explanation of both systems with a few pro's and con's of each ...

Comments
* At the moment, only members can use the comments section of the download system whereas guest's can use the forum section and post in, for example, "freeware reviews".   This potentially creates 2 seperate area's for posting which could be a little confusing!.
* At the moment, there is no facility to track comments, which means if you raise a query or ask a question through the comments section you wouldn't receive an automated notice telling you of any response.

Support Topics
* Both guest's and members would be allowed to post in the support topics for a download giving one location for all relevant queries and comments.
* With the creation of support topics, this potentially gives 2 identical systems where you can find the downloads, i.e. the forum area and the download area.   This could potentially be confusing to some, landing on the support topic first, although there are clear links between the support topic and the download itself.
* Support topics are basically forum topics and allow much more flexibility in your posting, with the ability to track these topics and get notified when someone replies, etc.
* Organised and complete overview of all support topics from one page, similar to when you view the download section, giving you the ability to see which area's are generating the most comments.

These are just a few pros/cons we could think of, and we're opening the doors for your own suggestions, comments and queries.   Please let us know what you think
Cheers
Marko

[marko]

Unfortunately, the makers of our type of site/board (IPB) don't include the option for guest's to vote, probably because guest's could vote multiple times by changing their IP address or something like this.  

[ablaze]

marko, as a keen board user and webmaster myself I know exactly what you mean but I'm not sure other may.   Think you might be better showing a working example of what support topics look like using maybe invisionize or invision modding (didnt want to put the links in just in case I got a lashing)  

[marko]

haha, as if I would   - OK, if you look HERE this is what a "support topic" looks like, nothing unusual really, it's simply a thread that was started automatically from someone adding a download in the download section - and THIS LINK gives you an idea on how all the support topics might look when viewed through the forums.

[setianfarts]

support topics definitely

[marko]

With the replies and votes here and with the contact I've already received from other members I decided not to hang around and I've went ahead and made the change for support topics.   On each download we now have "Click here to view or add comments" in the 'Other Information' area and this link will take you to a topic which is automatically created from the download and will contain similar information to the download itself, but as this is a topic you can reply, subscribe and use this as you would any other topic from now on.   This will now act as our 'comments' section.   You can view the entire comments section HERE as well as by following the link on the respective download also.   Hope this change meets with others approval and happy commenting
Marko

[google]

Support topics would appear to be the better option marko

[marko]

Just a note to explain that we did actually change the download system from support topics to comments last year for other reasons, but the question is now do we want a return of the support topics?

[marko]

Support topics have been re-introduced - on each download you will now find a link "Click here to view or add comments" which will lead you to the relevant support topic for that download.
Enjoy
Marko