Which .NET version Option on VBForums

[stimbo]

I've recently started learning .NET and visiting this site which is one of the best I've come across. The level of knowledge and available info is top notch.

On my journey through topic after topic I am constantly seeing people post questions without specifying which version of .NET they are using. The person who replies first will usually make an angry(ish) reference to the fact that they haven't specified etc... Which is fair enough in many ways.

However, the positioning of that option when posting is in the worst place possible. It shouldn't be above the Title text box as that text box target is much larger and easier to read so you immediately zone in on it. It also looks like the first option to start filling in. Subsequently, you would fill in the options BELOW that and never look at the top again, especially if in a hurry. The option should be moved below the text box and in red letters or something different a piece of text should say (in slightly bigger font than currently used) 'Specify .NET Version you are using'.

I'm betting this would dramatically cut the number of people not filling that info in and reduce the number of times people have to reply - PLEASE TELL US WHICH VERSION YOU ARE USING. It's mostly not because they have forgotten but because of poor placement and design.

Just my 2 cents.

S.

p.s. I'm using .NET 2003 btw.

The option isn't in this forum - not that it's needed.

[brad jones]

The option was a hack we added into the forum software. It definitely isn't perfect, but it is better than nothing. I'll point your suggest out to the guy that added it and see if he can do anything more with it.

Brad!

[stimbo]

Hi,

I'm not complaining about the existence of the actual option, in case that's how it sounded. It's definitely a very good idea.

Just from an interface design point of view the biggest reason people keep missing it/not indicating their version is mainly a combination of several features - mainly its placement and font size. (Although maybe too much text in the description & text colour also play a part).

Although you can lead a horse to water.... it doesn't mean everyone will do what they should.

S.

[brad jones]

I'm not complaining about the existence of the actual option, in case that's how it sounded.

No problems. Your comments were taken as simply suggestions for improving the site.

Brad!