More consistency in reply-indicator

[erlend_sh (Erlend Sogge Heggen)]

Continuing the discussion from Moving post-specific reply indicator into the editor:

@codinghorror

(…) I think the major loss would be that every single reply would suddenly have this weird metadata shoved into the body, when the reality is that 95% of replies are to a single person – or to nobody at all, because they are replying to the topic in general.

You’re proposing a change that would make it worse for the 95% to make the 5% case better. That doesn’t wash.

Okay, you made some good points there, so I’m gonna flip-flop completely and suggest a milder UX change instead, focusing on this:

@erlend_sh

I’m gonna be pretty convinced that my reply to that user is somehow the “parent, overarching reply” here, due to its unique UX.

I think when you reply to someone’s post, the Editor Header should just tack on that person’s name, instead of changing the header entirely:

If you quote other people in that same post, those people are tacked on up there.

Furthermore, there’s actually an inconsistency in the UX with regards to replies:

• If I start an empty Reply to OP immediately followed by quoting someone’s post, the Editor header doesn’t change.
• However, if instead of quoting someone after I’ve opened the editor I do it before, (i.e. the quote action opens the editor), the header will now tell me that I’m replying directly to that person.

I think this method of “tacking on” the user(s) you’re specifically addressing would more effectively teach new users how Discourse handles replies.

[codinghorror (Jeff Atwood)]

Would not fit on mobile, unfortunately. Also buries the lede IMO.

[Tom_Newsom]

I like the motivation behind these ideas. How about applying a style to the post you’re replying to? A subtle highlight would let you know that you’re doing something to that post, rather than the thread at large.