I just tried posting a comment and got a message flash up that I'd exceeded the 1000 character limit.
This is something new!
I think it's a little tight - could it be upped to 1500? I'm not prone to posting long missives on here and every word of what I just wrote to someone in need of advice was important. IMHO ;)
Thanks, Powers That Be - You do a great job.
Suzie
I just discovered that too right now, and in the process of shorting things down, I lost my post.
Why this limit?
(Maybe it is explained somewhere on the board, I'll go look.)
I like the idea. Long posts are to hard to read. I just skip them quite often. 1000 characters is a lot to me. ;D
Some have trouble with long posts, but the problem is not universal.
Also, some posts, such as Magistramarla's wonderful seminar notes and my recent notes (which I hope were helpful to some), need to be long.
I guess people with a lot to say can break their posts up by responding within their own threads.
I empathize with those negatively affected by long posts, but they aren't a problem for everyone.
Wow, what happened to just skipping over what you don't like to read? I think 1000 is a bit short. Yes, 10,000 is a bit long (In my opinion) but there should be middle ground. With this 1000 limit you really have to choose your words or make multiple posts. Also many people prefer breaks in the writing for easier reading but if the 1000 includes spaces we may see less of that and things will be harder to read.
Hi everyone :)
This is being reviewed urgently!
Take care - Scottie :)
As you all know I am a little long on the "gab" and I have found that 1000 is a little short also. I could live with the 1500 or so or even the 2000. I think it would be nice to try out different amounts so we get a feel for it. It will take a while to learn how to cut our postings down, especially when we like to be a little silly.
The problem is that many words are needed. The other problem is that there is a fine line between posts that are well received by pretty much all people. We know that we don't have to read everyone's post or read all of a post. We all have a different tolerance when it comes to vision, etc.
Maybe the powers that be can sort of do different amounts and see what the feedback is. The main thing is to make sure to keep the paragraphs short. We all can get long winded at times. Irish
Is there such a thing as a word counter that we could see??
Not a bad idea Irish. I don't mind skipping or skimming a post that looks too long.
It's fine, most people get their point across.
YAY!!!!
Elaine
A bit longer would be better, please, oh managers of the technology that runs this fine site.
1000 can be a bit short when dealing with something complicated.
While brevity is the soul of wit, sometimes real information takes a bit more.
Thanks!
I think putting a limit on how long or short a post can be is counterproductive to an "open forum." Writing is therapeutic, aesthetic, educational, expressive and social.
This has been a wonderful board. I appreciate the helpful responses that I've received from other members, as well as the "search" function so I can look up information and learn more.
Good writing comes from an open, relaxed and friendly environment, which this board has worked hard to create.
Occasionally (very rarely) someone has said something rude to another member. That's inappropriate, but shortening the length of posts isn't going to improve someone's character. (Also, internet writing involves instant publication. It's easy to misspeak or misread something.)
I like the suggestion about indenting paragraphs (or skipping lines) to help readers.
Livvie2
I say keep it here a while, then maybe take a poll in a week or two.
A word counter would be nice, but after a while I'm sure we'll all get use to what 1000 words looks like in text.
Hi :)
I just have word from the 'top' that the limit has been raised to 5000. :)
Take care - Scottie :)
Let's see what happens. I just saw this. I, like Irish, tend to be wordy. It will take a little time to see how we can write to the limit of the letters.
If it's too low, then you may have people saying, oh heck, I'll just do multiple posts and end up writing a bunch on the same subject.
Or, some people might just skip writing at all if they don't think they can get it in 1,000. So, let's wait a few and see. I don't think it's a bad idea as of now and we know you're just trying to make things simple. Thanks moderators, Lucy
A change to 5000 words is good news, Scottie! Thanks.
thank you 5000 sounds like it will work just fine.
5000 seems like good middle ground to me, it is probably enough so that people won't feel constrained when they write.
Kerrikins
Glad to see that they went with the 5000 Scottie. Tell them all thanks. I am sad that this had to happen at all, but understand. I know that I have most likely gone way over the 5000 but at the same time there are people that can match or beat me. We will all get through this together.
I have to admit that this makes me feel sort of like "big brother" is watching. I do wish that there was a counter that could sit to the side and keep you updated. It would influence how much you write and sentence structure. Thanks again.Irish
P.S. Me thinks that there might be some money to be made developing a counter for the computer.
Just read that the ante has been upped to 5000 characters, and that seems reasonable.
Find that going back and editing (rethinking) often not only shortens but improves a post. And there's a lot to be said for clarity and brevity (good old Strunk & White), regardless of topic or forum. It's not a creative writing class.
But can a way be constructed so that informational posts such as notes about a Sjogren's conference attended by a forum member can be put up separately due to their necessary extra length?
For the most part, those on this Board offer help, empathy, information and humor in very positive posts - all therapy for both the physical and emotional ups and downs that we experience as Sjogren's people. And occasionally, a rant is cathartic. Although the disease doesn't define us, we have it and some to varying degrees. There's no getting around that fact.
But a little respite from the serious never hurt anybody, that's why the fun threads are so great. Loved the "House" one.
Best wishes,
Sheltiemom