[Callynne]

for keeping up with this message board?? If so, I sure could use some advice!!

This board has grown so much since I started coming here, so many more members, so many threads. I come in here and am almost overwhelmed! I start to answer a thread or two and find out I've used up all the time (and often more) that I can spare. I desperately need a system to do it....what do you all do?

I sure would appreciate hearing if you have a system. Oh great....one more thing in my life I realize I need to get organized! Deborah

[Kenny_S]

Organized! What's that?????

Nope, no system!

Even reread threads from the begining as sometimes the thread takes a different direction. You can kill several hours so basicly, I read what I want to read.

[DICK "chipncut" CAIN]

I usually click on new posts. It saves me time. You get the latest that way.
Dick

[whitecree]

I just look at the newest threads unless I'm looking for something in particular.

I also usually have 3 or 4 windows open on different forums. So I reply to one, click "submit" switch to a new window, do the same and so on.

I don't get as much said as sometimes I would like to, but at least I get around enough so people don't forget who I am (altough some would like to!)

[Ashbys]

I would help ,


But I can't find the thread !


But honest, I set the options where I always read the thread backward from newest to oldest .

Works pretty well .

Ash

[arbarnhart]

Scan the topics and don't read everything. Use the options to subscribe to threads that are really interesting. Watch the clock and leave when it is time to. Keep in mind that you can search for things so missing a relevant thread doesn't mean you can't find the info later.

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

I've limited the posts that I reply to. Example, somebody posts a carving. Two or three people have already said how great it is, me adding another one would be redundant and take time. Somebody asks for advice on tools, thirteen people gave thirteen different oppinons on what make is best, fourteen would be redundant. I don't even read those anymore unless it looks a little different. I guess I'm saying is quickly scan them and be very selective on what you answer and only really read the ones of interest.

[squbrigg]

Don't worry about organized Deb....just check out New s twice a day and you'll be fine. That's my minimum.....often three or four times a day! Hey....this is my social circle now!!!

Bob

[Donna_T]

Deb,
I have the same problem. When we first started posting on the old board, there were, what? 20 or so regular posters? 1/2 dozen categories? And I was only working part time. Now I work full time, plus moonlight by teaching a couple of college classes. Some weeks I'm lucky to get home in time to even log on, let alone read most of the postings.

My system is to first read the category I'm moderating. Like Ed (and others), I don't post if everything I already know has been posted by others. Then if time allows, I click on the most recent postings on the other 4-5 categories I have the most interest in--more if I get caught up in the postings.

I love the humor and helpfulness of our friends here. But I also know a fella could spend hours and hours wading through this site and never have time to carve, cook, clean, mow yards, whatever! For new posters who are looking for specific information, I'd recommend doing a search for old postings. I'm constantly amazed at the topics that come up every six months, again and again, but there's always something new added.

Organization? Naw, just survival. Priorities. Besides, if I had the talent that you do, I'd not worry about being organized. Just chalk it up to being artistic!

Donna

[Callynne]

Thanks guys, I'm so glad to hear I'm not the only one! Like Bob, I feel this is a very important part of my 'social circle'. And like Donna, I love the humor (definitely a high point in my day!) and the helpfulness of everyone!

Most importantly, I want to be able to give back a tiny bit of all the help, advice and friendship I've been given on this message board through the last five and a half years.

And Whitecree....I can't imagine anyone forgetting you.....or even trying to!

Thanks for all your responses, I think the answer is to post as much as we can, when we can, and not to feel guilty about not being able to be here as much as we'd like to!!

The great thing about how much this message board has grown is that there are more than enough very talented, helpful, friendly people here all the time, so that no one's questions will go unanswered and no one will ever feel no one cares. That's what makes this board so terrific, so many people really caring and looking out for everyone else! Thanks again guys, for everything!
Deborah