While BE Communities offers much more content than Usenet, I find the Forums are far less convenient for accessing and monitoring content of interest. A newsreader allows us to quickly browse the content of forums by picking a forum in the list and seeing the posts list in a seperate window for immediate review. Any flagged topics are highlighted and easy to isolate and review. Reading the threads under a topic are easier to review since replies to a particular comment can be placed under the comment in the comments tree. While I don't expect we will return to Usenet, at least it would be helpful if some of it's advantages could be implemented here.
A couple of suggestions I would like to see implemented are:
1) A forums browser with list of content like a News Reader. Currently we have to jump into a web page to view the posts to a forum and back out to access a different forum. This results in lots of waiting for pages to reload. Content is much less accessible.
2) The ability to tag topics of interest and be able to filter them and have them highlighted when browsing posts. I am aware of the ability to list topics I have posted to but the list does not include topics I want to follow even though I made no comments. Email subscription to a forum results in constant emails which become a distraction and a nuisance. Subscribing to individual threads is cumbersome since we have to access email to see if any topics have been updated.
Firstly, I'd like to see something a little more like MSM come back. A little less sales and a little more tech. JMO.
I think the BE Magazine could be part of that vehicle, but I wonder how many people really know about it. Why not add release notices here as well and make it a Resource addition?
Bear:While we're at it, instead of sending emails about the release of the Bentley e-Zines, why not post the links here so all users get access to them and maybe encourage some input from forum users?
We are planning to do some more with the home page, but could you explain what you mean a little more?
Cadfox, don't let Phil scare you. Sometimes he comes off a little harsh; I can assure you it's because he really cares about Bentley and he will go out of his way to help when you really need it.
Not sure what blocked groups you may refer too, you can get all the information you need here to use the software and more. I was a huge AutoCAD advocate some years ago but once I found MicroStation, I haven't looked back. The user community here is knowledgeable and helpful. Although I have differences with Bentley from time to time, this Community is GREAT! Like Mike says, ask a question and give it a chance.