This Forum could be more efficient, effective and useful with better software running it. I know that I would go to it more often if it was quicker to load and more efficient to see new posts and follow old threads.

For an example of excellent Forum software see "Woodcentral.com". Using Woodcentral as an example this soft ware has the following features that make it efficient to use, which invites greater participation.

1. Topics can be displayed in a number of formats that QUICKLY enable one to see what is new or to follow a previous thread of interest. For example new posts from last visit are highlighted.

2. Topics and responses can be titled to enable efficient scanning of posts to see what is of interest.

3. Search of archives is efficient.

On Billīs point 3.: Some of us have pointed to problems with the keyword search. Either some of us are to old for this PC stuff or something doesnīt function as is intended.

Good points!

For the past several months, we've been looking at updating the Discus software that the Forum runs on, but it's been an "as time permits" project. Your posts have goaded me to set up a separate Message Board and solicit broad feedback.

Here's my starting list of desiderata:

1. First and foremost, whatever we migrate to has to allow the archives to be transferred over easily.

2. The ability to have "Subtopics" within boards (e.g., under LC, we might have "Method Development", "Validation", "Troubleshooting", etc.)

3. The ability to make threads "Sticky" so that they always show up at the top of the list (this is mostly an Admin issue).

4. New threads since last post (per Bill's #1, above)

5. The ability to easily embed or attach
graphics

6. Speaking personally, I prefer the present "look and feel" to the indented thread format (which I find hard to follow).

The Woodcentral.com Forum site software(what ever it is) gets rave reviews from participants. The presentation can be customized in many ways (I think at least 10)to suite individual tastes. There is provision for Articles that participants can submit. I think this would be a helpful feature, especially for topics that come up regularly, eg. buffers. Attachments are easy to make. Archives from a previous Forum have been moved to this site, so this Forum's archives could also likely be accomodated. There is a photo gallery which for this Forum could be a chromatogram gallery(library). There is provision for advertisers to post material, a helpful way to pay the way. I can't say enough how welcoming it is to use.