About the U2U system (and why it seems to go unnoticed)

Hello, I have another question (or perhaps even suggestion)!

I love the U2U system, I send private messages all the time, and I receive them all the time. However, it seems that the concept goes unnoticed by some.

I'm not sure if there is already a feature like this or not, but from what I can tell, the current and only way to be notified that you've received a U2U private message is when the little envelope in the top right corner of the page turns white.

The envelope isn't visible on the home/index page, the Top page (basically the same as home) or the Live page. It is visible in every other page of the site, to my knowledge. So right off the bat, the most viewed page (Home/Top/Index) it's not visible.

I've U2U'd people in the past, people who are very active, and I can see that they haven't ever opened the mail I sent them (despite being on good terms with the members in question). I can see which ones are read or not in the "sent mail" or "outgoing mail" in the Private messages page.

I think maybe having a more visible message, like a quick, but small and subtle popup type thing that indicates that you've either received new mail, or that you have a certain number of unread mail in your U2U mailbox may be beneficial, as I'm not too sure many members are aware that they have even been receiving anything.

Just a thought.

If it exists as some kind of option that I can check on, let me know!

I also enjoy the u2u feature frequently. Especially helps when you want to reply to a specific post without derailing a thread. I never really noticed that the envelope was never visible from those specific pages. The first thing I hit when I login is usually the my acts. I believe in the past there use to be a small alert at that top corner that would tell you there was a message or more waiting.

The primary reason the "envelope" isn't available on upper-tier pages is that those pages "above" the /forum/ directory don't check your account status. They get so much traffic that it might place an undue load on the servers.

A few years back, we actually did have a small pop-up window that alerted you when you had new private messages. But there was a revolt as too many people hated it, and we went to an on/off envelope. I'm looking at making it more obviously colored when you have messages... but that's a few weeks off.

a reply to: SkepticOverlord

I'm looking at making it more obviously colored when you have messages...

Oh my gosh, please don't make it red! I already get a sense of dread every time I see the white envelope, wondering what I did wrong, and/or who I ticked off! LOL.

I"m always relieved when it's a friendly note and not a warning or a rant from an offended member.

a reply to: SkepticOverlord

I'm looking at making it more obviously colored when you have messages

Can it be made to remain obvious until the recipient has read it?

a reply to: windword
I am glad I'm not the only one that fears the dreaded 'white' envelope.



Although more often than not I am pleasantly surprised too

It's a tightrope for SkepticO because whatever method he chooses some members will be angry about it. In my time here I've seen some members being furious about pop-up notifications, coloured buttons and the size of the icons.

Then we have those who are angered at change and prefer whatever came before. Even when he invites a consensus, some members will voice outrage at the results.

I mean we're talking about an icon for a PM and some will react emotionally regardless...

Poor guy is doomed if he does and doomed if he doesn't.

The issue isn't the method of notifying, the U2U system itself is quite bad, in my opinion. (The way it is handled on ATS, that is, not the concept of private messages.)

meh - when i get a message notification - i EXPECT it to be trouble - cos it usually is

if it turns out to be applause or a actuall message from a member

originally posted by: SkepticOverlord
The primary reason the "envelope" isn't available on upper-tier pages is that those pages "above" the /forum/ directory don't check your account status. They get so much traffic that it might place an undue load on the servers.

Ah I see

originally posted by: SkepticOverlord
A few years back, we actually did have a small pop-up window that alerted you when you had new private messages. But there was a revolt as too many people hated it, and we went to an on/off envelope. I'm looking at making it more obviously colored when you have messages... but that's a few weeks off.

Yes, I had sworn I remembered a small popup window back in the day. I'm not sure why so many people hated it.

it will be nice to see what you come up with in a few weeks or next month

originally posted by: Kandinsky
It's a tightrope for SkepticO because whatever method he chooses some members will be angry about it. In my time here I've seen some members being furious about pop-up notifications, coloured buttons and the size of the icons.

Then we have those who are angered at change and prefer whatever came before. Even when he invites a consensus, some members will voice outrage at the results.

I mean we're talking about an icon for a PM and some will react emotionally regardless...

Poor guy is doomed if he does and doomed if he doesn't.

Yeah, but that kind of reaction is intrinsic to anything regarding forums, video games, or basically anything that involves programming.

The way I see it is whatever the most useful approach should be taken. If some people feel like they've been so personally attacked that when asked in their next job interview "what struggles have you overcome in life" and they state "The hardest moment in my life was when SkepticOverlord Made a 20x20 pixel popup whenever I receive a U2U message, but after years of therapy, I finally have gotten through that terrible event", then they are not worth pleasing.

a reply to: Ghost147

I never bother looking at the envelope...just open messages to see, and for post replies.

a reply to: Ghost147

As you know there's been a recent thread that was critical of ATS and 'suggested' changes. In amongst the litany of complaints, and swipes, were posts by members who are happy with the way things are and who come to ATS because they like it. To me it was a great example of how changing for the critics would then upset those who are happy...and loyal. It's SO's business what happens to the site (or the PM button), but perhaps you are correct and the critics shouldn't be pleased at the expense of the content.

In reality, the owners always try to chart a course that pleases the widest section of the ATS bell-curve. Where once the site was castigated for being too strict on bad language, it's now taken to task for 'sliding standards.' ATS always tries to do its best by the critics, but they tend to want more. In practice, they always come back into threads that criticise the site and get their digs in.

The PM button is trivial enough and yet it's enough to generate emotions and threads. SO will have a bunch of ideas about changing it because he's always wanting the best for his site. My point is experience teaches us that whatever he does will alarm/offend/disappoint some members. Even your good self has felt motivated by the PMs to post a thread.

originally posted by: Kandinsky
a reply to: Ghost147
Even your good self has felt motivated by the PMs to post a thread.

True, but it was not because I was offended or emotionally distraught because of it. I just have observed a sort of "unawareness" for some members and thought it may be due to the U2U's visibility is all.

I'm looking at making it more obviously colored when you have messages... but that's a few weeks off

Could you make it flash?

First thing I do when I log on is to see if my envelope is white. I'm always relieved when it is not. My experiences with the white envelope is not that great. I am apparently an ass. However, I do know to glance at it, and it is fine with me the way it is. Please don't make it flash. Thanks.

a reply to: angeldoll
Even if the envelope is not white, it's worth checking occasionally.
If the sender opens a message up again, to change something or have another look, the message is marked "read" and the white diappears.