Question of the Day: Matrix Notices--Helpful and Useful or

Whistle
1

Hey everyone:

By now, I think everyone knows about the Matrix and what its all about.

When threads are added to the Matrix, I’ve been posting a comment to that effect with a link to the index page. I’ve done this for two reasons. First, its seems that Matrixed threads are more likely to be found and viewed on a continual basis in the future, rather than being lost and buried in the Archive never to be found again by the overtaxed Chiffboard search engine—and thus I’ve felt a sort of obligation to let people know that the posts theyve made, or are about to make, might be viewed more often than others. Second, if you see that a thread has been Matrixed, my thought was that you would salt that tidbit in a corner of your brain and know that if you wanted to find it again, you could do so through the Matrix.


On the other hand, I recognize that it may be annoying to see posts from me all the time that basically only say “Hey, this one has been Matrixed”.

So I hope you all understand that Im not trying to be annoying, I was only trying to be helpful. Quite frankly, its easier for me not to be posting Matrix notices and links, because thats an extra step for me to deal with. Some have suggested that I post a weekly or monthly update that says what I’ve added tothe Matrix, but after considering this suggestion I’ve decided that I just dont have the time to add that extra layer to the process.

Since I really dont want to be offensive in any way, I thought I’d throw it out to all of you…unless I hear on overwhelming desire otherwise, I’ll stop posting these notices. I’ll keep the link to the Matrix on my signature line (though for some reason I cant get a hyperlink to be active when typed as a signature), and y’all can check in every now and then to see whats new.

One thing I’ve noticed that is interesting, though…1/3 to 1/2 of the people who view a thread with a Matrix notice follow the link, which up to now has indicated that people like having the links. But thats all I’ve had to go on, so please let me know what you think.

Thanks again for everyone’s helpful suggestions and comments.

2

Try typing your signature link this a-way:
The](http://www.geocities.com/whistleannex/Matrix001.html%22%3EThe) Whistle Annex

3

Senior Walden, thou art a scholar and gentleman!

Thanks for the help re my signature. I think it works now.

Kev

4

Kev, I think the only posts you need to make are alerting people to the existance of a topic on the matrix when a question comes up. So for instance, if a newbie posted, “hey, what are a couple of whistle tutorials?” you could post the appropriate link. But I think you’re right in that you don’t need to post “this or that has been added”. I wasn’t annoyed by them, I just think it’s extra work that you don’t have to do. :slight_smile:

5

As a NEWBIE, I have found it to be useful. Thanks.

6

For new stuff, you might just add a little note into your signature if something new has been added. If you put it after that at the end, the note will be added along with your signature.

7

Oh no… the “Matrix” actually EXISTS? Where is Neo when you need him?

8

Hi Kevin,

You sure have done a lot of work in parsing out the matrix. Your site looks good. Though, I’m not certain that there is a point in announcing when a subject has been matrixed b/c at that point the person is already reading that thread and there may be more added to it later.

Erik

9

Thanks for everyone’s helpful comments. Based on what I’ve heard, I’ll stop posting the notices, but If I happen to be posting a normal post and it happens to be one Im matrixing, I’ll toss that in.

Thanks again,

Kev