Threads with new posts are sorted toward top of the list, although a few threads that haven't yet gotten any replies are also at the top.

The color of the thread links that have been visited change color per browser history conventions ... at least they do for me. Threads I've read are a maroonish color. Threads I haven't read, or that have changed since the last time I did read them, are blue.

There's no function to go directly upon clicking to the newest post in a thread. Have to manually scroll down.

As I understand it, this is not as new fangled a forum as some others, and I hear its short on disk space...

In the main listing, the first (top) threads are the most recent -- including those without a response, if any. Threads here are sorted by recency, except that unanswered (single-post) threads remains higher in the main list than those with one or more responses, and threads with a single response (e.g., spam) drop more quickly than threads containing multiple comments.

Within a thread, newer posts are added at the end (bottom), but the thread itself will move up in the main listing as new responses are added.

Blue threads are either new, or older stuff you haven't read (respectively, higher or lower in the main list). When you read (really, open) a thread, its color changes from blue to purple. If, when you return, the color of a thread you're following has changed back from purple to blue, then one or more new responses have been posted that you haven't seen. [I suppose this assumes a cookie knows you were here before.]

In time, old threads drop off the first page to subsequent pages. You can go directly to these subsequent pages by clicking on 2 or 24 or whatever, or search all posts here using the search form at the bottom of your screen.

HTH...

Yep. Clunky old design. Actually makes for more lively discussions, but there is no way to isolate new entries (though that idea does pre-date GW). The closest would be to choose the e-mail option for the threads you're interested in. Make sure to turn on receive e-mail in your profile as well, if you choose that.

Sometimes you need to refresh your browser window to see the latest posts.

I've had the same questions and dissatisfaction as the OP. Often, I can't remember threads I posted in or wanted to follow. Overall it's a very poor experience with great content. This is the 'brand' of forums that I find works best: vBulletin� Version 3.8.6 Copyright �2000 - 2011, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.

And here is an example of a very busy forum that works very well:

Here is a link that might be useful: Excellent Functioning Forum

But, you see, the bad software means that every time a newbie asks a question, there's a fresh answer, even if it's just restating the accumulated wisdom. That keeps the conversation dynamic and new little details creep in, instead of just referring people to the already answered pile. The crappy software is a major secret to the GW success.

Works fine for me, never had a problem.

As nearly as I can tell, it's all run by machines. The supposed administrators are mythical. In any event, the stuff that gets by is incredible in volume as well as in content.

Sad state of affairs.

plllog is right.

Also, we can link to previous threads that contain a discussion of the topic.

I'm totally with plllog on the same wavelength. I think she is onto something, worth a gazillion dollars once we formalize it.
" ... dynamic and new ... "
" ... little details creep in, instead of ... the already answered pile ... "
" ... secret to the GW success ... "

Here is a link that might be useful: If this is the 21st Century, why ...