Iris1745, you're right, I do use the site frequently. Frequently enough to know how it works. I know how to go to the previous day's posts. This is not my objection.

I don't like the "view all activity" page. I don't like that I am continually returned to the page that lists the first 25 posts when I want it to list more, and that I have to keep going back to the "view all activity" page every time I go beyond those 25. Yes, I know the ways to work around it. And I will do so if I have to.

But if anyone is seeking my input, I still say that it would be better in my opinion to list more posts on the left side of the page where we read the threads, the page I am on as I type this response. This does not mean I am enormously unhappy with the format. I am suggesting a change that I believe would make it more user friendly.

I believe Katie has done an excellent job of responding to the users' comments, and I believe it is useful to continue providing feedback as this thread is doing.

Delvino, my understanding is that the format was changed because the frames used in the old format depended on an obsolete technology, and it was not supported by Google, so that threads were not showing up in Google searches.

I do believe that the search function on the site has improved under the new format. It was barely working before.

Hi; For me, this is a 'great' travel site. Nikki, sorry if I didn't understand your concern. But for me there are so many people trying to help like yourself and adrienne and yk and many others, it just seems redundant to continually complain about Fodors in the EUROPE section. Why not go to the HELP section? As adrienne said, Fodor's people [Katie] are working on additional changes to address peoples concerns. Let's move on and talk about travel in the EUROPE section. iris1745/dick

The search function was quirky for me until I noticed the date parameters. It defaults to the last calendar year only. I just change the year (If it reads "May 20, 2008 to May 20, 2009" I change the "2008" to "2004" and have had great success--much, much better than before.

Except the search funtion will only allow you to search a three year time frame and requires multiple searches (changing the years)if you want to pull up all info on a topic.

Don't like it.

There are a lot of things that I like about the new format. First and formost, it's much easier to find trip reports. And that's been wonderful as I plan our upcoming trip.

But count me in the group that is not enamored of the new search function. Particularly when you're trying to find one particular thread (as opposed to threads on a subject). I know it was difficult before. But I think it's even "pickier" now.

I'm certainly glad they added the preview button. Now if they could just teach me to edit! Should be "foremost".

Just thought about my post and am checking back in again. These are some very interesting responses - especially iris1745. I really was not aware that a person had to make a certain number of comments before their opinion of the new format was deemed valid. And though you went to the trouble of checking to see how many comments I've made in the last 17 months, I do not owe you any explanations for not having made more comments in that time.

The original post was just my opinion - and I will repeat that I have used Fodors for many years. I think it is probably safe to say that many members of Fodors do not post on a regular basis. Some of us just enjoy reading and learning without posting. kybourbon made a valid comment in that you are making a big assumption.

the site was 100% better when the left column remained fixed and you scrolled the posts on the right. Now, if you scroll down, you have to scroll back up to find where you left off in the topic/thread list...its stoopdefying why in the world they made this change from two columns to a single one...makes NO sense whatsoever.

I don't like the new format either. I am addicted to Fodors, it's my favourite website but it used to be easier to use and much easier to look at. It looks messy now, do you look to the left, or at stuff in the middle? If you click on say, Greece, it's not as easy as it was to just read all the Greek threads.

I guess we just put up with it, it's still better than any other travel forum I've come across.

Kay

The editors have explained over & over again to similar posted question like these why they made the change from two columns to a single one and other changes. There are many old threads in the Lounge and in Forums Help forums from the time of the change explaining why they did what they did.

I was away for some months and was shocked when I returned.

They might have explained why they did it but we do not have to like it. I have been trying to research a Germany/Austria
segment of upcoming trip. The search feature is useless.

It is very annoying. I wonder who the neighbors think I am yelling at when I reach my limit and scream at the computer screen.

I am also visiting much less than I did - I just don't like it.