Something magical happened to the site software this week. No, recs still don't always stick and no, mojo hasn't been sorted out, but it's now possible to carry on a conversation in (more or less) real time, thanks to two developments.
Have you noticed your Welcome Back box now follows you around when you're reading diaries? This is one of the most popular new features, one that allows you to go directly to your comments and your stream and your groups and your messages and your profile and your diary drafts. You can still find the diarist's box right below yours.
The other exciting development, and this is HUGE, has to do with finding replies to your comments. Those of us who cherished the ability to communicate easily with each other across time and diaries, and who have been mourning the loss of our DK3 hotlist's Recent Replies, have reason to rejoice. Here's how it works:
Find your Welcome Back Box and click on Comments to see every comment you've made, sorted by time. Next, click on Recent Replies to see every reply you've received. Voila! Sure, this needs a tweak - I think the default setting should be on Recent Replies instead of My Comments - but it's a wonderful change.
I saw the difference in action yesterday in belinda ridgewood's Cranky Users' diary. At last count there were 325 comments, most of them taking place in real time because we were able to follow multiple threads at once, just like the old days. Yay!
If you think you know how everything works on DK4, better think again. Changes are being made several times a week. Follow the DK4 tag.
If you hate something and you aren't speaking up because you're sure no one will listen to you, think again. The developers and tech mavens, from kos on down, are users as well, and your opinion should be shared.
If you think the Bug Report Form is only for reporting bugs, think again. In addition to reporting software malfunctions, you can request a feature or discuss an aesthetic issue.
Finally, if you missed all the diaries about joining and following groups, this bears repeating: Joining a group will not make that group's diaries show up in your stream. (I know, I know! Crazy, huh?) Once you join a group it will be listed on your Welcome Back page. Click on each one to find the Group's profile and click the Follow link.
Let's go, cranky people! What's on your minds today?