Minor Slashdot Changes

I subtly changed comment spill- originally articles switched to indexed mode once the total number of comments exceded the spill. Now, the switch to indexed occurs when the number of siblings excedes the spill. This makes more sense to me- extremely deep conversations could cause indexing to occur even if there were only a few top level comments. Added an option to hide scores if you really don't like them. Lots of positive feedback on Highlight Threshold too: I love that feature personally. I'm still working on the Login problems- but I'm not getting very far. Its cookie related though. Also, its Hemos's 23rd birthday today, so send him mail and wish him well. Lets see how much mail he can get *grin*.Update: 03/28 01:37 by H : Well, thanks to all of you yahoos *grin* out there, I've been Slashdotted-or rather, my inbox has. 707 birthday messages-and fetchmail is still going. Thanks folks.

Comments

What is the default for new users?

[bjk4]

Hmmm... I think the biggest problem is understanding how this moderation is supposed to work. The moderators are supposed to promote good, well-thought out and insightful comments. They are also supposed to demote stupid comments, flames, and way-off-topic comments.

However, the moderators are *not* supposed to demote negative comments. Rob has repeatedly reminded the moderators that they are not to demote viewpoints with which they disapprove.

This all means that your biggest concern, that what they see upon first entering /. does not include negative posts is a moot point.

We do not necessarily want to expose newcomers and possible contributors to the verbose maniacs who swear, flame, and cannot make a contribution. We want to expose people to the average joe shmoe and better. That is why the 0-level threshold is good. We see all the average and poor posts, but miss out on the very worst comments.

Finally, these comments are saved, so they are not completely censored, just pushed aside.

-Ben