Allow @Mentions to increase user-to-user interaction?

I did a search here and didn't see it mentioned.

I don't really know what this forum is ran on but I'm sure it's one of the larger providers, which must have a plugin that allows some sort've mention functionality? I so often reply to a thread, and specifically want to mention and 'alert' someone more than a reply or a quote from them. Some people just never see the thread again, I known I often don't. But if I had some sort've 'alert' that I'd been mentioned, I'd check out the thread again. Likely reply again.

I know on here spamming might be a concern - but we already seem to have moderators that are on top of that. I see it fostering community and interaction.

Anyway, just my thought on it. I think it would increase user interactivity with the site considerably. But I'm obviously not a coding type at all, so there must be a good reason we don't have some way beyond sending a PM, or quoting and reply (great for the OP, not so much someone who commented once and forgot/moved on).

Thoughts/reasons?

Thanks!

I know phpbb can do that so I would have thought this forum could right?

This is something I have given thought to also, might be hard to moderate though.

Beven said:

This is something I have given thought to also, might be hard to moderate though.

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Why would you need to moderate it'?

grohokopal said:

Why would you need to moderate it'?

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If you read the OP's post you would understand that spammers could potentially use a mention system to... spam.

I've done some digging since yesterday, it looks like most of the forum software does offer some sort've mention system. Vanilla Forums, phpBB, bbpress, vBulletin.

Here's a vB example for instance: http://www.vbulletin.org/forum/showthread.php?t=242733

Advanced @User Tagging: What is it?

DragonByte Technologies is proud to present [DBTech] Advanced @User Tagging.


The @user Tagging mod is designed to increase activity on your forum by allowing members to mention each other in posts when talking about them.
This is done in a very easy way, very similar to how Twitter mentions people. We use @ ; as the tags, so for instance you could say:
----
This new mod from @Dragonbyte Tech; is pretty cool.
----
The "@DragonByte Tech;" Will become a link to the DragonByte Tech users profile, it will also inform DragonByte Tech they had been mentioned, and link to the relevant thread/post via a new area in the profile section, as well as a new tab in the shoutbox.


It also allows members to "tag" the thread for specific other members by inputting their usernames in the tag box above the posts of the thread.

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I swear this was talked about last week by bk071

I'll look for the thread but I think it's a great idea!

http://www.blackhatworld.com/blackh...118-suggestion-advanced-user-tagging-bhw.html

All ten to vote liked the idea!

Fifteen now. ;-) Still all in favor.