This is how I tend to read the BBS:

Open a separate window for each forum with new messages.

For the n (pretend n< 10 or so in this case for simiplicity) new/updated threads show in a forum, create n copies of the forum thread list (using ctrl-n), then click one thread with new messages in each window. [I do this rather than right-click new window on each topic in the original forum window, since IE seems unable to scroll to the achor point when I do it this way. Work computer, so I can't use another browser.]

Sometimes, not always, when making the new windows for the threads, the new windows will suddenly mark all threads in that forum as already read, making hunting for the beginning of the new posts difficult. Haven't found the reason.

Anyone else have a better technique?

-brendan

i use opera, and i use tabbed windows exclusively. i goto one forum, middle click (open new window in backgrond) all the orange posts (new), hit back, then do the same on all the rest of the forums with new posts. then i minimize that window, and then i start reading one post, closing the window, next post automatically shows, til everything is parsed. i hate it when i don't have opera, but i do a similar thing in IE.

Similar:

Open a separate window for each forum with new messages, then right click on each new/updated thread and select open in new window. Works beautifully under IE5 and IE6, and as long as you wait for the entire window to open it gets to the anchor point just fine.

Mozilla with tabs-open-iin-background turned on and open-to-right-of-tab. On main screen, middle-click every orange forum, then go to each tab and middle-click all orange messages that look interesting and immediately middle click the forum tab so it closes (so i know I've looked at the forum)

Preach it, brotha!

Same way for me. I get through the whole BBS in a few minutes that way.

I always just use one window and it goes pretty fast for me.

what i wish one of the browsers would do, is to be able to draw a box over the text (ala photo editing tools), and then right clicking on the selection will give us the option to open all links contained in it. cut a few seconds of clicking, especially if i haven't been checking the OFFTOPIC forum.

I always just use one window and it goes pretty fast for me.

Ditto. I wouldn't get more done in multiple windows, and it helps me keep track of what I have and have not read.

Plus, for those of you who use multiple windows, don't you ever find that by the time you've gotten to your last window, sometimes people have posted replies that you aren't seeing?

> Plus, for those of you who use multiple windows, don't you
> ever find that by the time you've gotten to your last
> window, sometimes people have posted replies that you
> aren't seeing?

Yes. But on the other hand, it's quite possible to get stuck in an infinite "oh look, new posts" loop with your method.

it's quite possible to get stuck in an infinite "oh look, new posts" loop with your method

That's what happens when you have too much free time on your hands