Well, I only go to the member's gallery first. I mean, what's the point of joining a gardening forum if I don't get to see any pictures? After that I am off to the village square. As that I believe is the next most interesting area. And third is the garden design section - But I hardly ever reach that far, as I usually find something interesting at the member's gallery or the village square to talk about.
I click on the numbers to the right of the Forum directory too. I also check the 'Unanswered Posts' section every so often because I know what it feels like to not have a post responded to.
If I've posted a topic recently, I'll go to the "Your Posts" clickable link to the right of my photo on the home page, so that I don't miss anyone's answers. After that, I too will click on the number next to the "Forums" title, or to the clickable "View New Posts" link. If, however, I have a specific question or issue, the first thing I'll do is make a post about that, then I'll browse, hoping that before I have to leave, I'll have had an answer or two. I'm also always logged in on my phone, iPad, and computer, so the forum is easy to access.
Ronni.... you can set it up so that anytime someone responds to your posting or any topic you reply to - you'll get an "Topic Reply Notification" in your email.
Cheryl, yeah I know I can. But I'm already overwhelmed with the volume of email I get , to the point where sometimes I overlook things. Doing it the way I do in the Stew means I am certain to see everything I want to.
Yes. Didn't mean to sound so abrupt or ungrateful. I appreciate you looking out for me. When I'm on my phone, as I was with that last response, I shoot for comprehensive response with minimum wordage, because it's so labor-intensive! You know me well enough by now to know that I'm a motor-mouth, so if you ever get a somewhat terse response from me, just know that I'm on my phone. Back in the dark ages I used to be a secretary, with extreme shorthand/typing skills. Though I no longer remember much of any shorthand, I can still type 85+ words a minute, so I'm sure you can imagine my frustration at having to peck out a response on a phone screen, versus the speed at which I can type one out on a keyboard. And see, this response is a perfect example. It's so easy for me to become wordy because my fingers move at close to the speed my brain does....at least before coffee anyway!
I didn't take it that way Ronni. So no worries. And I hear you about trying to type on a phone... Pure torture for me.
I always go to the interior design section first, as it is my main area of interest. I do have a look around at other areas but rarely (never?) post as others have more knowledge in those areas than I do.