Forum Moderators: open
In contrast to the html version of the active list [webmasterworld.com], the RSS feed includes titles and links to new threads in pre-moderated forums where the thread has not yet been approved. This means many of my clicks result in a Google News page with the brightly yellow background'ed[sic] text:
On Hold: This discussion is temporarily on hold pending administrative review.
This simply means there was something about the post worth reviewing before public viewing.
It could also mean work is being performed on the thread or forum.
Although I truly appreciate now why that forum is pre-moderated, I'd rather be able to click on each topic subject that seems valuable and actually land on a thread. If this is a nuisance for others, perhaps this could be changed? :)
Also, I don't know how many members even use the RSS feed, but I have the following suggestions that might make it more useful. (Well, to me for sure -- hopefully for others too!)
1. The active list feed could include additional info: forum name, thread starter.
2. Each forum could have it's own feed.
3. The "unanswered messages [webmasterworld.com]" could have it's own feed.
Or, a member could simply configure a 'personal' RSS feed to include the stuff they want. :)
Thanks!
In addition, I wouldn't mind seeing a short blurb from the thread itself. Most feeds will at least give you 50-100 words from each topic as well. If the pre-moderated stuff was eliminated then additional text in the feed wouldn't be that much of an issue I gather.
Very good catch.
Thanks! I think it's because I've had lots of extra time while everyone else was at Pubcon. ;)
short blurb from the thread
I'd thought alot about that, too. I think if the RSS was improved more people would use it and the 'automated fetching' bandwidth could rapidly rise without a commensurate increase in participation. If the thread snippets had to be removed later to conserve bandwidth, that might frustrate some folks that were used to it. :)
I also considered that full-featured RSS feeds could be a benefit of being a supporting/subscribing member. That way any increase in costs for Brett would be offset by memberships.
