I still hate the time out feature.

The time out on log in when I've been actively reading posts is getting old and very aggravating. When I respond to posts, I have to always copy my post to my clip board first or I risk losing it when the system decides it's time to ask me to log in again. I've raised this before and I again ask that either the log in time out be eliminated or, as some sites do, retain the submitted post while I log in and then complete the submission once the log in is accepted. Losing replies because of this log in time out feature is simply not acceptable—other sites don't cause that to happen, and neither should this one.

Ditto - why can't this be fixed?

Hi Taxagent,

I'll work on it.

Please understand that feature isn't intended to create frustration for those replying. We're trying to accommodate two sides: protecting the privacy of participants who've left their browser open but wish to be  auto-signed out and participants who read/reply who wish to remain signed in.

Denise

I understand what you are trying to achieve. Let me more fully explain the problem, as it is not frustration with having to periodically log-in that bothers me, but the loss of posts. When I submit a reply after my log-in has expired, it takes me to the log-in page to sign in. That's fine. But when that's done, it takes me back to the page to compose the post, and the post that I had composed is deleted. I have to then start all over and recompose the post and submit it again, hoping that the system won't again take me to the log-in page and lose the post. It is the loss of the post that reallly irritates me.

It particularly irritates me because I know it doesn't have to be this way. Other sites handle this better. When you submit a post and a sign-in is required, they take you to their sign-in page, but they keep the post and either automatically complete the post submission after the log-in is done or they take you back to the page to compose the message but the post that was composed is still there—all the user needs to do is hit the submit button again to submit what had been written. While the latter gives users a chance to edit the post one more time before submission, I'd prefer the former approach because it saves having to hit yet another button to get the message posted.

But either way is far preferable to what happens here; there is no good reason to lose the post just to sign-in. It is not difficult, from what I understand, to do one of the two things described in the previous paragraph. Certainly sites less sophisticated, and operated by folks with far fewer resources than the firm that owns this site, manage to do it.

Hi Denise,

I'm one of those who doesn't sign in half of the time simply because of that little "chess piece," as Ford referred to it, that indicates I'm signed in.

Therefore, I appreciate it disappearing after I sign out. I guess that makes me one of those whom you are accommodating.

Is that icon really of any great significance in encouraging online discussions, if, in fact, that is its purpose?

If you'd get rid of the thing I'd remain signed in without that icon attached until I close the browser.  You wouldn't have to have the time out feature.

I'd be happy; Taxagent would be happy.

The time out seems to occur after two hours of being logged in no matter if your reading and responding to posts or just sitting there staring at the screen.

Perhaps an option could be added to teh profile to log out after two hours or remain signed in until you log out.

Also

You could add another option to say wether you want your online status to show up. That will allow people who are waiting for an answer to show that they are online.

I'm with Taxagent about loosing the reply - that's really annoying espically when you post a long thought out reply.

I also still encounter the problem where I get logged off and can not log back in unless I close my browser and re-openit.

Vadgue.1026:

I also still encounter the problem where I get logged off and can not log back in unless I close my browser and re-openit.

Ditto that.

Hi Taxagent,

Got it.

I sat down with the programmer and walked through your message and issue. Currently, the act of selecting "reply" should be keeping the session active for at least 60 minutes.

We also reviewed saving any posting "in progress" should sign in be prompted. I agree with you, the program should accommodate this.

Denise

Hi,

Okay.

Vadgue, I know you provided information on the browser and version you are using before but would you mind adding it to this thread? IT has the link to reference.

Thanks.

Denise

Hi Jack,

Would you also add your browser and version to this thread?

Thank you!

Denise

Logged in icon.

Let me take a general poll on this via a new message.

I'll check to see if it can also be an optional field in the account settings.

Denise

Denise, Community Director (Admin):

Would you also add your browser and version to this thread?

IE 7

I use IE6, IE7 and FireFox (I don't know if this happens on FF or not) depending on which computer I am working on.

IE6 version information: &nbs... V6.0.2900.2180

WHY do we have to sign in anyway?  I liked the old site better, no one had to sign in.