Brad,
It is a very tough issue that has been debated ad nauseum on numerous threads.
I think we can generally agree that the linkage between a user's ignore count and some sort of adverse consequences can lead to unwarranted and thus undesired results. So, moving on...
From my point of view, the most significant consequence of allowing users to filter another user's messages will result in them viewing many messages out of context, since they will see the responses but not the original target message. I'm not particularly concerned about the consequences to the filtering user, but rather with those who will have to put up with their sometimes uninformed responses.
If you are going to implement a filter, it would seem that you will have to adjust your next/previous logic, and your "new message" logic. (I would presume that thread listings, search results, and direct links ("(674)") would be unaffected by filters.) That being the case, it might be beneficial to have four navigation options from each message:
Previous-filtered
Previous
Next
Next-filtered
Alternatively, there could be a global toggle for filtering on/off, and next/previous would resolve to the appropriate message, depending on whether the user has filtered another user's posts and whether or not they have filtering active.
It's a tough call, but it's yours to make.
Personally, I'd rather see enhancement in the search engine function to allow keyword operators, and the ability to seach specific threads or a specific user's messages. But, I don't sign your check....
Whatever you do, or don't do, thanks for the effort. |
