Change Threads to Linear Mode by Default

[Tyrael]

I think guests see threads displayed in Threaded Mode by default. This is quite confusing. It should be changed to Linear Mode.

[Marx]

I don't see how it can be confusing for anyone. It lists the replies in threaded mode, clearly indicating 'click here for next part' and even has seperate links for "click to see next/click to see former".
I agree it's a bit more awkward, yes. But that is the point. Once they're signed up - they see it all laid out for them.

[Tyrael]

Originally Posted by Marx

I don't see how it can be confusing for anyone. It lists the replies in threaded mode, clearly indicating 'click here for next part' and even has seperate links for "click to see next/click to see former".
I agree it's a bit more awkward, yes. But that is the point. Once they're signed up - they see it all laid out for them.

This is counter-productive and a hassle, because with Threaded Mode you can't scroll down in a normal fashion and see all posts listed in order with content. It's like reading a book: you don't want to click on stuff to see the full page.

People can read the content more easily with Linear Mode so they will be more immersed, enlightened. Subsequently they'd be more likely to join.

[Marx]

Originally Posted by Tyrael

It's like reading a book: you don't want to click on stuff to see the full page.

And to keep in the analogy of a book, when you're selling the book, you don't send out free copies to everyone in the hopes they'd give you money... You'd send out teaser paragraphs to entice them into buying the book.
The threaded mode is similar to old style newsgroups, and offers the viewer the ability to get a darn good idea of what's underneath, without giving it all away in one go.
The same could be said for pages too - people have to click 'page 2' to read the remainders after page 1. Then page 3, then page 4, and so on.

[Tyrael]

Originally Posted by Marx

And to keep in the analogy of a book, when you're selling the book, you don't send out free copies to everyone in the hopes they'd give you money... You'd send out teaser paragraphs to entice them into buying the book.
The threaded mode is similar to old style newsgroups, and offers the viewer the ability to get a darn good idea of what's underneath, without giving it all away in one go.
The same could be said for pages too - people have to click 'page 2' to read the remainders after page 1. Then page 3, then page 4, and so on.

Yeah, but if you look at all the big(gest) forums out there, they tend to use the normal Linear Mode. I think that entices newcomers the most and makes it more likely that they'll sign up.

[Sophistry]

I found this place better to read when I joined. The threaded mode really is annoying. Were the topics not so interesting I would have said stuff it and moved on. Much better to have a forum style.

The only thing is, what really forced me to join (as stated in my intro) was that I could only view so many threads before signing up. Is that a help or a hindrance?

[Tyrael]

Originally Posted by Sophistry

The only thing is, what really forced me to join (as stated in my intro) was that I could only view so many threads before signing up. Is that a help or a hindrance?

I think a hindrance, because it's most important to inform and enlighten people about these issues. Revenue can be made from guests (traffic, page views) which doesn't require registration either. Signing up is very beneficial to build a community and activism, but not that much for the other goals.