Language Icon?

[pking36330]

I believe that even though I'm personally language limited to my native American, I benefit from the cultural diversity I see in this nearly global forum. Good (or bad) news in one language is quickly (and mercifully) translated for those of us that are language challenged. So I do understand why there are threads in different languages here and I do think I benefit from those conversations indirectly.

But...it is somewhat frustrating to see a message header that looks like something I might want to read, only to open the thread and find the conversation is in another language. Often the message title provides a clue about the language the thread uses, but just as often it does not. I also know that on the front page you have a "Non-English Discussions" section, but when you use the "Quick Links - Today's Posts" to show all the threads I've missed since my last log-in, then even the Non-English Discussions are included.

OK, now that I got the sniveling out of the way, here is the request:
Does this forum tool permit the addendum of a flag icon to each thread to indicate graphically what the primary language is for that thread? I would even cede using the UK flag for thoughtful discussions in english and the US flag for less reverent threads (admitting that embedded flaming in a 'thoughtful' discussion might require changing the flag from UK to US).

Might not be do-able in this forum tool, but I think others might find the feature useful also if its possible.

If I've been politically incorrect to anyone except Americans in this post, I apoligize in advance and request you read the following Discaimer:

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[pshrynk]

Pking:

Where are you running into this? Most of the fora here are pretty much all English with an occasional German, Spanish, or French post. The German and French Fora are clearly marked and there is not currenlty a Spanish forum. If you are using the "New Posts" function, I am afraid that there is not really a current way of doing what you are nicely requesting, but there may be something that is coming in the new software upgrade that is rolling toward us. At least, Alex has hinted that there may be more ability to tag posts.

[pking36330]

Originally Posted by pshrynk

Where are you running into this?

I use the Quick Links selection "Today's Posts" almost exclusively to see what has been posted recently that might interest me. I've run across several items there with interesting titles that when opened are threads in another language. Nothing more than a back button to return to the list, but an icon indicating language would save that data call on the Mobileread server for a page I didn't really want, I just didn't know I didn't want it.

[pshrynk]

Originally Posted by pking36330

I use the Quick Links selection "Today's Posts" almost exclusively to see what has been posted recently that might interest me. I've run across several items there with interesting titles that when opened are threads in another language. Nothing more than a back button to return to the list, but an icon indicating language would save that data call on the Mobileread server for a page I didn't really want, I just didn't know I didn't want it.

That may be something we can eventually fix. I know that there are quite a few frustrations with similar concerns and Alex is looking ofr a solution. Thanks for any patience you need to expend in putting up with us in the mean time...

[igorsk]

Originally Posted by pking36330

I use the Quick Links selection "Today's Posts" almost exclusively to see what has been posted recently that might interest me. I've run across several items there with interesting titles that when opened are threads in another language. Nothing more than a back button to return to the list, but an icon indicating language would save that data call on the Mobileread server for a page I didn't really want, I just didn't know I didn't want it.

You can disable some forums in User CP - Edit Options - Forum Exclusion (at the bottom). I'm not sure if it works with "Today's Posts" but it definitely works with "New Posts" link. Use Ctrl-click to select several forums.

[pking36330]

Originally Posted by pshrynk

Thanks for any patience you need to expend in putting up with us in the mean time...

That is such a minor ting compared to the benefits I've gained from reading this forum that I almost feel guilty mentioning it. I think it would be an improvement, but there's nothing really broken. Thanks to all the moderators and the forum host for running this incredible resource.

[Steven Lyle Jordan]

Using a flag graphic often does the trick.