On most connections, this is prohibitively slow and downright annoying. A linear conferencing layout has significant advantages over a threaded model regarding ease of use, administrative capability, neatness, and efficiency. In these respects, a threaded conferencing system is not practical for topic-oriented discussion or for conferences with a significant volume of message traffic. Ease of use With a linear message system, a user feels like he or she is part of a conversation, an active participant in an ongoing discussion about a topic. If the participant wants to leave remarks about a conversation, the remarks are left at the bottom of the message list.
Any user can easily scroll up to view previous messages.
One user posts a message, replies are posted, and replies to those replies are also posted. Because a user must click on each link to each message separately, the navigation of a message tree takes much longer than with a linear system. These disadvantages make the flow of conversation on a threaded board non-existent and difficult to navigate. Administrative Tools Linear messaging requires participation of a moderator on the board, although many packages, including Discus and Discus Pro, perform some administrative functions automatically to reduce the need for moderator involvement. Administrative tools also give the moderator the capability to delete, edit, move, or reorder messages and subtopics as appropriate.