As we continue to explore ways to improve the Propeller experience, we sometimes come across decisions that benefit one group of members yet hinder the experience for another group. We try to minimize this hindrance whenever possible. However, as of today the behavior of the story headline link is changing, and we anticipate that it will cause temporary discomfort for some.

Here's what changed: Going forward, all logged-out visitors that click on headline links will be sent to the story source, instead of the Propeller discussion page. Logged-in members will also be sent to the story source, but can adjust a "Browsing" preference to restore the Propeller Discussion page as their headline link destination.

You can adjust your preference on your Edit Profile page (login required). Scroll down to the section titled "Browsing" and choose your preference. Your options are "Read Full Story", with which clicks to headline links will take you to the source story, and "Propeller Discussion", the previously default behavior, which takes you to the Propeller Discussion page for the story. Once you have made your decision, scroll to the bottom of the page and click "Save Changes". Your preference once saved should be immediately reflected on Propeller.

Regardless of your headline link destination preference, you can always go to the Propeller discussion page by clicking the "Discuss" link below the story description, and you can always go to the story source by clicking "Read Full Story at ...", directly to the right of the Discuss link. This is an important change being made, but by no means does your choice of headline link destination cut off access to either page.

The Propeller staff debated whether or not to automatically update member preferences for all active members to keep the experience the same and send those clicking on headline links to the Propeller discussion page. However, in the end, we decided not to update member accounts preemptively, as we wanted members to choose the behavior most appropriate for them.

Please let us know if you encounter any issues with headline links or with setting the new preference.

Happy Propelling,
Tom (tdrapeau)