Linux Forum and related issues

Major (or is it Tim?),

I tried to send this via PM, but the site wouldn't allow it. This is the only other way I could think of to communicate with you.

I just wanted to give some brief feedback for the new forum layout. For the most part, i like it...much more stream-lined, and i understand it...mission accomplished! But there's a problem that I'm not sure you anticipated, and in a nutshell, it no longer "works" for me. i know i need to give it more time to get used to it, but i don't think "time" will fix my particular issues.

i recognize i'm only 1 person out of thousands, and i don't expect MajorGeeks to cater to me personally. But I was originally drawn to MG for its Linux forum! MG was one of the very few resources on the internet that consistently gave good (and correct!) advice. It was nice to go straight to the Linux forum for troubleshooting, not having to wade through irrelevant Windows and Mac posts. As my Linux acumen has increased, I've been able to help others with Linux issues. Again, it was nice to go straight to the Linux forum and see who needed help, without sifting through the irrelevant Windows and Mac posts.

In its current format, it is very hard to identify Linux postings now, often requiring trial and error click-throughs. It is no longer easy to identify a request for Linux support, where I can quickly assess "yes, I can help with that" and respond. Now that I have to sift through so much Windows and Mac cruft to identify a Linux support request, I fear many Linux requests will go unnoticed, buried in the Windows & Mac requests. What used to be a compelling reason to check into Major Geeks every day has been mitigated.

I am only looking to assist Linux newbies, as I was assisted here as a newbie myself. And I am happy enough to go straight to a Linux forum, see what problems arose overnight, and help where I can. Please do not make me SEARCH for those folks who seek Linux help. I fear that, given enough time, I will grow frustrated looking for people who require favors, and those people will grow frustrated waiting for the favor they requested, with both parties eventually moving to another forum where their itches get scratched. Please don't let that happen...I kinda like it here!

I understand the need for change, and stream-lining forums, and new ways of doing things. And I understand and actually like the majority of your tweaks to the forums...sensible. But I think you've missed the mark by grouping Windows, Mac, and Linux together in a generic "software" classification. PLEASE consider restoring the Linux forum as a sub-class of the Software forum, or some other method to easily identify this form of requested assistance.

Thank you for considering this request, and keep up the good work on this awesome website! I hope to stay here a long time!

Sincerely,
Jim