Here's some words from Rootsweb about the new message board format. Note that I can no longer correct email addresses, and the poster must do so via the "registration" feature. Homer R. Ficken, Benton GenWeb ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------------- It is time for you to discover the new boards and you should start doing so as a board user. Approach the boards with an open mind and a willingness to accept change. Changes are inevitable and I think you'll be pleased with the look and feel of the new boards once you adapt to the differences. If you have questions...ask them! The only dumb question is the one that isn't asked. Start here: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec?htx=main&r=rw Some things you will notice about the new boards... Navigation is smoother--no more archiving of old messages. Move from message to message by means of "previous" and "next" links 25 messages at a time either threaded or by date reversed (most recent first). View the list of 25 messages at a time either in a "collapsed" format (outline) or in an "expanded" format (full text of messages). Or better yet, search (using the advanced search feature) for any specific message or surname, etc. you wish to locate. Searching is much more advanced--search a single board, a category, or all boards using the Advanced Search functions. One of the first things you will notice about the new boards (and one I find most exciting) is that what used to be covered by 7 boards in a suite is now consolidated onto one master board. This does not remove any of the functionality of having the 7 separate boards as the one board gives you the option of selecting a 'category' when posting. If you are posting a query or general message you need do nothing with the category drop down menu. if you are posting data, select the appropriate data type from the menu when posting. By selecting the data type when posting, you enable board searchers to find your post under this specific data type. Search ONLY for a specific data type without all the hassles associated with moving from one board to another or searching separate boards individually--all of the features of 7 boards are rolled into one for ease and convenience. Also, note that the drop down menu includes a new expanded selection of data types!!! Here are the marriage, birth, death, cemetery, etc. boards you've all been wanting in category selection. Posting is easier and more intuitive and universal address changes on posts are now made possible to our users through a registration and login feature. User are now responsible for their own address updating and changes--no more struggling to wade through impossible bounce messages! URLs you include in the message text appear automatically as hotlinks in the posted message. You may include certain types of file attachments when posting to the new boards. There are many more new exciting features you'll find by doing a bit of exploring. Enjoy! As administrators you should be receiving an individual notice soon if you haven't already explaining what you need to do to continue your admin responsibilities for your current boards. Please be on the lookout for that important message. One last note: the servers are really overloaded right now, so if you experience problems accessing boards or pages or logging in or registering please try again later. We're working just as fast as we can to rectify the situation by adding additional capacity.