Subscription Default for New Topics

[SerranoG]

Whenever I reply to a thread, I have the option of turning on the subscription if I want to continue getting e-mai notification on the topic. The assumption is NO unless I click it. That's OK.

However, whenever I start a new topic (I'm the originator), I would assume that I want to be subscribed to the thread so I can be on the look-out for an answer. However, the checkbox is UNchecked. Would it be safe to assume that when someone starts a thread that this checkbox's default should be checked, not UNchecked?

I ask because more than once I originated a question and it didn't dawn on me I actively had to check something to get an answer via e-mail. I assumed I would. So I had to go back later and subscribe. I thought I was being ignored. :( <--- milking for sympathy

Greg Serrano
Michigan Dept. of Environmental Quality, Air Quality Division

[bluckcuck]

Greg,

It would not be a good idea to always default the topic subscription to checked - not everyone wants to receive subscriptions via email. The subscription process is an opt-in process requiring you to take action to subscribe - rather than subscribing you via your inaction (like failing to uncheck a checkbox).

However, you can go into your profile and change the setting:

    Topic Subscribe checkbox checked by default?

This will control the default behavior of the Topic subscription checkbox for your personal profile.

You might want to consider subscribing to a forum (rather than topics) if you are posting frequently to specific forums. Subscribing only to the topic will mean that you will only see replies to that topic in your email, not other new topics in the forum posted by other members.

Note that if you are subscribed to a forum, you will not be able to subscribe to topics in the forum (otherwise you would get duplicate emails).

Bruce Luckcuck
Director, Applications & Support Services
Wiley Publishing, Inc.

[SerranoG]

quote:Originally posted by bluckcuckIt would not be a good idea to always default the topic subscription to checked - not everyone wants to receive subscriptions via email. The subscription process is an opt-in process requiring you to take action to subscribe - rather than subscribing you via your inaction (like failing to uncheck a checkbox).

Bruce, that is not what I asked. I didn't ask for it to always default. I asked if it could be checked by default if the person was starting a thread. When one starts a thread, one would indeed want to be automatically subscribed to the post because this person is seeking an answer to a question that he/she posted in the first place.

I agree with you that when replying to someone else's question is better to leave that box UNchecked.

Greg Serrano
Michigan Dept. of Environmental Quality, Air Quality Division

[bluckcuck]

Greg,

The P2P forums will do exactly what you're asking for. Simply go into your profile, and set the Topic subscribe checkbox checked by default? to "Yes". Then you will be subscribed by default to any topic you initiate.

Once again, not everyone wants to interact with the forums via email or subscribe to topics they create. The option in the profile makes it your personal choice how the forums behave regarding subscriptions and new topics. Having the option to personalize this function is a far better solution than forcing the system to behave one way or the other.

Bruce Luckcuck
Director, Applications & Support Services
Wiley Publishing, Inc.

[SerranoG]

quote:Originally posted by bluckcuckThe P2P forums will do exactly what you're asking for. Simply go into your profile, and set the Topic subscribe checkbox checked by default? to "Yes". Then you will be subscribed by default to any topic you initiate.

Not quite. Won't setting this option to YES subscribe me to ALL forums that I create and reply to, even if I didn't start it? This is an all-or-nothing approach.

quote:Once again, not everyone wants to interact with the forums via email or subscribe to topics they create.

They create? Not having interest in their own creations? I disagree here, but your next point is very true.

quote:The option in the profile makes it your personal choice how the forums behave regarding subscriptions and new topics.

Yes, true.

quote:Having the option to personalize this function is a far better solution than forcing the system to behave one way or the other.

Yes, but an all-or-nothing approach is not great either. How about this? Let me revamp my original suggestion to this:

In one's profile, how about separating that function into two? That is, 1) autosubscribe (or not, your choice) to topics you create, and 2) autosubscribe (or not) to a topic you participate (not create).

See? I'm flexible. ;)

Greg Serrano
Michigan Dept. of Environmental Quality, Air Quality Division

[bluckcuck]

quote:Originally posted by SerranoG
 Not quite. Won't setting this option to YES subscribe me to ALL forums that I create and reply to, even if I didn't start it? This is an all-or-nothing approach.

No. This option only affects topics you create - not topics you reply to.

Before we look at making any changes to the system, try out the functionality that is already there.

Bruce Luckcuck
Director, Applications & Support Services
Wiley Publishing, Inc.

[chrislepingwell]

Bruce, I think the problem is in the name of the checkbox. It doesn't make it clear that it only applies to topics that you create. Perhaps a little more info should be provided there.

[vinyl-junkie]

Why not add an option in the profile for automatically subscribing to topics I reply to but didn't create? I find it annoying to have to remember to do that every time. Can't this just be a separate opt-in preference on the profile?

Pat Wong
http://www.napathon.net/ - Music Around The World
For collecting tips, trade and want lists, album reviews and more.