vga256Jul 3, 2023

as some of you know, i'm writing a decentralized #foss reddit-like, not- #usenet server/web client called #tomo.

i'm at the stage where i need to make some decisions about how discussion groups are organized on the network, and i'd like your thoughts.

an open question for #fidoNet, #usenet and #reddit users of yore:

1. do you prefer nntp's hierarchical tree-style format for groups, e.g. alt.binaries.warez.ibm.pc.old, or reddit's flat organization of /r/mysubreddit? how about fidonet-style?

2. what's a reasonable character limit on group names? e.g. reddit enforces a 21 character limit on subreddit titles.

Show threadBogusMeatFactoryJul 3, 2023
@vga256 I prefer the flat organization of things. That way I can search for one thing instead of having to dig deeper and deeper down the branches to find the group I'm looking for.
Show threadvga256

@Bogusmeatfactory that is definitely a point in favour of flat. i never liked having to dig through usenet's baffling hierarchy to find anything useful.

would a search bar solve that problem? (e.g. type in a name, and have it show only hits of that name in the hierarchy)

Jul 3, 2023 at 8:16pmWeb
Show threadBogusMeatFactoryJul 3, 2023
@vga256 Oh for sure! I see a positive of the tree hierarchy is if you could start at the end of a branch and work hour way up instead of the other way around so a search engine may be very helpful.
Show threadvga256Jul 3, 2023
@Bogusmeatfactory interesting UX idea! i hadn't thought of that before.