We can edit comments, how about direct messages?

Why? If I have a significant typo, but the person read it before I can fix it, why not let me just fix it to better clarify? Mark it as edited or something, but I don't really see why it needs to be restricted at all.

Really bugs me seeing mistakes I can't correct.
 
An edit button carries the implicit promise that your changes will be read. But once the recipient has read what you wrote, they're unlikely to read it again.

Fine, then what if we also mark the changed message as unread again, then they will read it again, right? Except now I, as the reader, have to hunt for your change(s) to make sure I'm still correctly understanding what you said. Because the change may just be a typo, but even replacing just a single word can change the meaning of an entire message.

Typose are OK. Don't worry about it. And if you made a really big mistake, just send a second message.
 
And yet its displayed as a long thread, and even updated in real time, more like a chat room than an inbox. What do you lose if DMs can be edited? Nothing. But it could be useful, especially since DMs are currently the best way to hold detailed discussions about editing while reviewing chapters before approval, and in my experience, can often involve very lengthy individual messages. The ability to edit would only be of benefit to these sorts of discussions, with no downside other than the vague potential that the reader might feel slightly inconvenienced by the process.

Maybe you can't be bothered, but I would much rather err on the side of clarity and correcting of mistakes.
 
Though, perhaps while we're at it, I could also write up a suggestion for a dedicated "review discussion" messaging system separate from DMs and Comments? Something attached to the chapter being reviewed, perhaps. That is hidden once the chapter is approved/published. Or even only visible to people with editing/review permissions.
 
If you can edit a DM once it's sent and been read, doesn't that leave it open to abuse? For example, a DM with an abusive message could be sent, read, and then the sender could alter the wording before site admin can deal with it. Just a thought.
 
Currently there’s a small window for editing - I think it’s about five minutes? After that you’re stuck with what you’ve sent.
 
Well, I've tried to edit immediately after sending, couldn't find any method to do so.

Also, I assume even if you edit, the old version of a message could still be accessible by the admins to prevent that abuse scenario. 5 minutes isn't alot, especially when there doesn't seem to be an obvious button or other method used to edit. Maybe the time frame could be extended to a bit more generous window, that might be sufficient.

That and make it easier to figure out that the edit function exists?
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top