[HPFGU-Feedback] Re: From OTC: List-volume discussion (way long)

[Sherry Gomes]

OK, let me say a couple of things.

(1) The idea of a message board that has been suggested again - 
once again, just to point out that a *lot* of people don't like 
message board formats and HPFGU has probably flourished in large 
part because it's not a message board format which requires people 
to be online all the time they are using it. If HPFGU was a message 
board, I would not bother with it, and I suspect there are a lot of 
other people who wouldn't either. I'm also on a dial up connection 
which makes a huge difference as well.

Sherry answers

I totally agree on this one!  I use screen reading software.  Most message
boards are not very accessible or at best are difficult and tedious to wade
through or participate in.  When you can scroll and click on a web page, I
have to use arrow keys, tabs and other ways to navigate.  I am very skilled
with the computer, but there is just no way that the internet is going to be
as fast for those of us using screen readers as for those who do not.  I
wouldn't even bother.  I don't have enough time in a day to try to
participate in that kind of thing.  

As for only posting summaries instead of long messages, again, I would never
go read those posts.  As it is, I don't go to the archives or when someone
says, look this up in message number ... I just don't go.  The yahoo site is
not one of the best for me, though it is relatively accessible.  It is far
easier however, to read through my email, picking and choosing what I want
to read.  I don't necessarily read every thread on the main list, because
some topics just don't interest me.

I was on an HP list, that seemed to be mostly kids, who argued constantly
and couldn't type or spell check and never just discussed, which was what I
longed to do.  I was delighted to find HP for grownups because of the
discussions that go on.  It's always fascinating!

Sherry
email and MSN messenger:
sherriola at ...