Jim Martin
Searching by Date
Wed Mar 7 09:53:30 2001


Dear Wayne,

The message board software we're currently using is called DiscussionApp 3.0 and is owned by the hosting service "Server.com". Apparently there is a DiscussionApp 4.0 in beta testing which allows users to search by "thread" (the way we're doing it now) or by "date" (a feature I too would love to have). I keep bugging the technical people at Server.com as to when 4.0 will be released; however, they simply tell me "soon".

Of course, you can search the individual pages with the "find" command on your browser which is quicker than scanning the page with your eyes. You'll notice the date scheme for all the messages is the first three letters of the month a "space" and then the number of the day (no leading zeros).

I have the ability as the administrator of the site to access a maintenance page where I can view the messages by date. Let me take a look at this page and, at least for now, I'll see if I can send you all or a part of this list by email.

If I do not see the introduction of DiscussionApp 4.0 shortly, I will move the board to a dedicated site with a specific domain name that will include additional features such as displaying messages by date and increasing the number of messages visible on each page. Any move will be phased in with an announcement at this site and an email message to everyone who has included their email address in their postings. We have so much activity on this message board that sometimes three day old postings are shuffled to the second page and many of our visitors, either pressed for time or unfamiliar with the use of the "next page" button don't go beyond the first page.

Finally, I am archiving the message board so that we don't lose the old messages. I'll be placing this archive on the internet where those interested can search by any keyword or phrase they choose including a date expression.

I hoped this answered your question and encourages you that I am aware of some of the limitations of this board and am working to improve its use.

Thank you, as always for your contributions to the Alabama in the Civil War Message Board.

Jim Martin
Webmaster