The Priceless Tag
I seldom enter Challenges but felt it important for more Prosers to weigh in on the Tagging option, and I appreciate this opportunity from our friend voiceinthewind.
I have an unequivocal opinion on Tagging, en masse or individual. I strongly feel that the ability to Tag others on Prose is an invaluable feature, especially when considering the potential crosswires of opportunity... When a post is posted, and when a potential reader might have enjoyed it, are whens that may or may not align favorably. Tagging allows for ties to be made, continued, and strengthened. A post that is read, liked, or commented upon, lives longer in the Trending timeline. It only stands to reason that Prosers should identify their audience and reach out to them, whether few or many.
I believe this is of particular importance for posts that are entered outside of Challenges, or outside of Portals, as these posts disappear from viewing most quickly within the stream of new postings.
It seems to me that Tagging in comments is also very important, as a consistent practice. I know that it is sometimes redundant... if you are commenting to the primary Proser authoring the post, they will receive two notifications ("commenting on post," and "tagging in a comment"). However, new Prosers do not know this immediately!! If routinely posting Prosers omit this polite seemingly superfluous Tag, new Prosers cannot catch on to the Tagging system.
Also, I have noticed that if a Proser comments in response to a comment (indented below an original comment) we don't always receive a Notification, unless the respondent has also included a Tag. I note the discrepancy between my email notice, which does arrive signaling a comment was posted, and the corresponding lack of notification in Prose upon logging in.
As a relatively new Proser, I do not tag anyone in my posts, because my posts are few and far between for the most part, and truly I do not have a "list" of potentially interested parties.
I more frequently post Challenges and responses to entries within these. And if I may, lastly, I would like to clarify why it is that I always include the notation "no need to tag me," in my Challenge prompts:
I include the statement to free the potential entrant from fretting over this detail. I have observed that on clicking Enter, the challenge prompt description remains, but the "by who" disappears... meaning it would be necessary to click back to the general list of Challenges to check who posted the prompt? a hassle that might dissuade participation!
For myself, it is easy for me to see who has posted into the Challenge when I am logged in. I simply go to (my) Desk, in the menu column at left and click on my posted Challenge(s), click View, and select the sorting for Newest. I can quickly scroll down and know which posts I have not yet seen/ liked/ reposted/ commented on.
I love reading entries to Challenge prompts! and always make a point of responding promptly... with a Tag :)
And if you do Tag me, at any time, that is most kind and appreciated. Thank you.