We’re trying out a new feature at The Planet (we’re always evolving and adding functionality here) and we would really like your feedback on it.
The new feature (that is now available for you to test drive) is an option to receive an email notifying you that someone has replied to your comment. It shows the text of your comment, who replied and what their reply was.
To activate this feature on a comment, click the check box at the bottom of the “Leave Your Comment” box which is titled, “Notify me of follow-up comments via e-mail” before you click the Submit button.
BTW, we are simultaneously testing on the technical side to make sure it doesn’t cause any issues. If it does, even though it may be popular, we will have to go back to the drawing board.
So, please try it out first for a while then we invite you to return to this post and participate in the poll below to help us figure out if we should keep this feature and if so, how best to configure it. Thanks!!!
[poll id=”34″]
[poll id=”35″]
One itsy-bitsy suggestion, AdLib: for those of us who are sadly absent-minded, would it be possible to have an “opt-in” button by the “save” and “cancel” buttons when you’re editing an already submitted comment?
Excellent suggestion. However, they are two separate pieces of software, a bit complicated to do. I may have another way to go too. More later!
I like the idea, AdLib…some threads move fast and if you leave for a few days (as I am wont to do ;0) you’re liable to “miss” people.
…of course I forgot to click “Notify me of follow-up comments via e-mail.” (It’s probably better “automatic” in which case each individual could turn it “on” or “off”.)
What would be great is if this software provided controls for each member…but unfortunately, it doesn’t.
As a rule of thumb, when sites send emails it should always be opt-in or we could be reported as spamming…even though folks could uncheck a box to not receive emails.
From our poll, it looks like a pretty even split between folks who want it automatic and those who want it manual. That being the case, I’ll have to keep it as opt-in.
I think it can become second nature, it already is for me.
…I know I can be slow, but is “opt-in” synonymous with “manual”?
Not at all, Redemption.
Yes, Opt-In typically means that one must take an action to receive an email. As opposed to receiving emails unless you take an action.
So, in the case of this function, Opt-In would mean keeping it manual, where folks would need to click the check box before clicking the Submit button (as I just did!).
Ah. Thanks for the clarification, AdLib. (I’m off to finish grading mid-term exams…for joy. :0)
Have a good one!!
–Redemption
Cool Redmption! BTW, we should post it here tomorrow when it becomes available, but if you didn’t see it, Jon Stewart focused on teachers tonight, some excellent tv confronting the corporate/GOP propaganda machine churning against teachers.
Cheers!
Thanks, AdLib–I’ll definitely look for it. (Stewart is good fun…and food for thought.)
Warm regards,
–Redemption
Let me please campaign for email alerts to “all comments that I post.”
(Currently !0 votes vs 11 votes.) It’s easy to set up a separate folder for planet responses so that it doesn’t spam your regular inbox. It’s an extra step to click “let me know when someone replies.”
I vote for that.
I can’t just sit here refreshing the page. I got other things to do. Besides, during some discussions, the latest comments bar recycles between refreshes…
I vote for that. My allowed time sitting at a keyboard is limited, so it would be nice to be able to see what comments & replies I should deal with quick smart in a dedicated email folder. Other disabled users might also find that useful. 🙂
Thank you for another improvement! 🙂
Thanks Abby! Always trying to make it a better Planet!
bootyfull
Cheers Dbos!
AdLib, again many thanks for the new feature, and hopefully the technical side is in favor of it too….
Truth– WOW! Gorgeous! BTW, I added something to your HP thread.
You’re so kind Truth!!! Thank you!!!
great
Jenuwin!!! HI! 😯
Hi Cher!
Hi Jenuwin!
This is a good feature IF I were not already inundated with email. But it’s nice to know if people are responding. It’s the best part of the Planet.
Hi to your significant others. Good to see you here.
Hi Choicelady!
Lovely to see you here too! Your right about getting too many emails..but then again, I don’t blog so much, so it is fun to see a reply in my inbox! Hope you are well!
Neato!