This gives question a helpful title under 'update' question
By Bertiefox
Maine et Loire,
France 
This tells you nothing whatsoever about my question, which is why this part of the site cannot be changed so that the title of the question is shown first? With lots of questions you have to click on it first before finding out what the subject matter is. I find this quite annoying.
On plant
Botanical name
19 May, 2012
Answers
You're right of course, Bertie, a brief 3 or 4 word heading is an excellent idea. Then GOY-ers can immediately see whether the subject applies to them.
After this they can ask the question.
19 May, 2012
However, this would require the person writing the question to enter a sensible header - most don't!
19 May, 2012
A separate box for a title would help rather than the site putting up "Helloooo Everybody" as the title.
19 May, 2012
Or, "Good morning, I've just ..."
19 May, 2012
I don't mind the vague titles - I enjoy finding out what the rest of the question is!
19 May, 2012
Oh dear - I'm afraid my first question began "Hi - this is my first question" !! But I didn't know then that that would come up as the "title". And the people who prefix the question with a social remark are very polite!
19 May, 2012
Dinna fash tha sen!
19 May, 2012
That's reet canny of ya, Moongrower! (And I always thought that to be a Geordie expression - husband is from Jarrow, I lived and worked there when first married)
19 May, 2012
lol!
19 May, 2012
And... I see no way to politely ask folk to put a succinct statement into the topic lime!
19 May, 2012
No, but I shall be more careful next time! :-)) I think the only way would be to have a topic box to be filled in. But that might be a bit daunting .... I don't know.
20 May, 2012
I think no matter what we will get questions it is impossible to assess the content of until we actually open.
20 May, 2012
Yes, I think so too - and it makes life more interesting, doesn't it! lol
20 May, 2012
I agree it does :-)
20 May, 2012
I've just noticed that when you click on 'update question' you get the option to put a 'helpful title' (and also a botanical name). While I can see the botanical name bit would be intimidating, the 'helpful title' bit would still be quite useful as the option when you first get to ask the question, though I guess some people would still put down something rather vague. Never mind!
21 May, 2012
I'd settle for folk asking their question in such a way it was actually possible to a) understand what the plant/problem was they were referring to and b) putting up a photo of a problem plant. We'll still get 'My plant seems to be dying what should I do?' though I suspect...
21 May, 2012
I have to admit that it was an overwhelming desire to join in that made me find out how to upload a photo! My ability to manage "My documents/My pictures/whatever" has increased 1000% in the last month!!! My television consumption has dropped considerably since! However, I am now logging off to catch up on the Chelsea coverage!
21 May, 2012
And there you have it Bertie... someone who is learning how to use this site!
21 May, 2012
Personal as well as horticultural growth!!!
21 May, 2012
Yes. Not all people are that skilled at writing. I really do think lack of writing skills is a lot to do with it. So nice to see you again Bertiefox.
19 May, 2012