I should qualify the Signpost idea:

It needs to open a new tab at the indicated URL.

I'm in two minds about whether it should be restricted to a URL with the same domain name.
I rather think it should, otherwise it could be misused to send the reader to a suspicious external site.

If a jump to an external site is what's required, then that should require a new post to explain what the link is for (as at present).

My intention is to increase the number of useful links within the forum.
At the moment, very few of us link to other topics.

Posted by: @transparent

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I should qualify the Signpost idea

I think this may be mixing up two purposes. The icons are primarily to give a reaction to a post. They are standalone statements that don't go anywhere. A signpost on the other hand is different, it has no particular reaction element, instead, it says/invites you to 'go here', either to get more info, see some evidence, whatever, in other words it is a link in the ordinary web meaning of a link. Maybe the thing to do is to actively encourage links in posts. For example, if I want to use something derived from 'we don't need no stinking badges' for my cowboy icon, then I should link to a clip from the film, like this (which reveals Gold Hat didn't actually say the immortal line at around 1:45).    

Posted by: @cathoderay

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Maybe the thing to do is to actively encourage links in posts.

That's difficult for members who don't keep lots of Forum tabs open.

At the moment I need to redirect attention like this.

Posted by: @cathoderay

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The icons are primarily to give a reaction to a post. They are standalone statements that don't go anywhere.

Yes, they are...
... and I freely admit that my suggestion was proposing to extend beyond their normal use.

A signpost offers the ability to tell a poster that there's another topic discussing his point, but without appearing to rebuke them for putting something in the 'wrong' topic.
From the viewpoint of a new Member, it would come across without any taint of hostility.

Posted by: @transparent

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That's difficult for members who don't keep lots of Forum tabs open.

I am not sure that is the case. When I add a link, I only need two tabs open, the tab where I will add the link, and the tab that has the page the link in the other tabs will point to. Typical steps:

1. Add a comment to a post and get to the point where I want to add the link.

2. Open the other tab which has the target for the link (if it isn't already open). I might open the tab by clicking on another link elsewhere to it, find it via google, or whatever. For the 'we don't need no stinking badges' link, I googled that phrase and found a suitable video. I then copied the page url  (address) for the video from the address bar. 

3. On the tab where I want the link, add the visible link text eg 'link here', select it, control + k to add a link, control + v to paste, enter and its done. 

I am sure an icon can be made to link/signpost to another page, it will just need some javascript for an on-click event, but, as I say, I think it mixes up purposes and might be confusing, given icons are about reactions, not further and better particulars.    

Posted by: @transparent

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A signpost offers the ability to tell a poster that there's another topic discussing his point, but without appearing to rebuke them for putting something in the 'wrong' topic.

From the viewpoint of a new Member, it would come across without any taint of hostility.

A text link doesn't have to be a rebuke. I could write for example 'You may be interested to see this page here for more on this topic' where 'here' is the link.

@editor - it seems the new deployed icons when hovered over just say 'ALL', rather than listing who has added the icon. Sometimes it is interesting to see who liked a post.  

I can definitely see the value in better linking. Way beyond my skills though. I'll raise this with the developers to see what can and can't be done.

Posted by: @cathoderay

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@editor - it seems the new deployed icons when hovered over just say 'ALL', rather than listing who has added the icon. Sometimes it is interesting to see who liked a post.  

Good point. I'll ask the devs.

Er...... Mars. A white, blonde, male face palming emoji? Really? Ahem 🤦🏻‍♀️

@lucia duly replaced with a yellow, blonde female.

@transparent, cowboy added.

Posted by: @cathoderay

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it seems the new deployed icons when hovered over just say 'ALL', rather than listing who has added the icon. Sometimes it is interesting to see who liked a post.  

When you click on the icon in brackets, it shows how different members reacted. 

It does indeed show who reacted and how...
... but it's extremely slow to do so.

I'm waiting 3 secs for the window to open.  😴 
The delay is the same whichever computer I use, regardless of processor speed or available memory.
So I deduce there's a lag whilst the server is busy doing an unnecessarily complex lookup.

Thanks for getting the Tab names fixed.

@transparent agreed. I've raised with the developers to see it they can speed it up.

@editor 🤦🏻‍♀️

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A huge thank you to everyone for your continued support and for making these forums such a vibrant and helpful community. Your contributions, questions and shared experiences have made this space invaluable for so many homeowners.

Here’s to another year of learning, sharing and growing together. Wishing you and your families a wonderful holiday season!