Reversed threading: after collapsing a thread, the oldest message is shown

[Simplenuity]

Thanks for all the work on this feature (esp. #160 and #245)!

• Question
  Are there other ways to activate reversed threading than using the Config Editor to set mailnews.reversed_threading to true?

• Feature request/ bug(?)
  When I have reverse threading active unfolded threads show up in the expected order, the newest message on top (in a straight back and forth conversation). But, as soon as I fold the thread, instead of only seeing the newest message, actually the oldest message of this thread is shown in the message pane. I would expect to see the newest message. Am I missing to apply a setting to achieve this?

Many thanks for your consideration and help

[Betterbird]

Qestion/Answer: No, setting the pref is the only way. We consider this niche feature, so there is no UI for it.

Feature: Yes, in a collapsed state only the thread root is shown and that is the oldest message. The feature basically just changes the "expansion" direction. It doesn't change the collapsed display.

[Simplenuity]

Thanks for the speedy reply!

Setting: fine by me

Feature: Would it be even possible to implement a change to newest message shown if reverse threading is active? Or is it a question of funding?

[Betterbird]

It would certainly require some investigation and incentive. The trouble is that when you collapse/expand, the display of the thread root would have to change. And that potentially opens the door to a host of regressions.

[Simplenuity]

It would put it on par with Gmail's behavior in regard to threading.

A behavior I'm almost every time confronted with when I transition people over to Betterbird in their first step to get away from Google.

The already implemented changes mentioned above are a considerable improvement. But unfortunately they seem to leave it in an incomplete state.

Feel free to close the issue if you don't want to keep it open as idea or for discussion.

Many thanks

[Betterbird]

We appreciate your effort to transition people away from Gmail. However, as we said, we consider threading to be a niche feature and reversed threading even more so. We can't just comply with any wish expressed by a user, especially if its a) not a common use case 2) difficult to implement and 3) doesn't offer any incentive.

[Simplenuity]

Fully understand, esp. as I seem to have misjudged the importance of this to a common user.

Highly appreciate you taking the time to consider and explain.
The work you do with Betterbird anyway.

[Betterbird]

Let's leave it open for the time being, maybe it will attract others.

[Simplenuity]

Some further information for anyone who's interested in this topic:

This feature is not built into Gmail, but achieved via browser add-on/extension!

Here a non-exhaustive list of some projects:

• https://gitlab.com/redribbon/gmail-reverse/blob/master/README.md

• https://github.com/bartsolutions/gmail-conversation-reversal

• there are also closed source solutions

[fluxpixel]

Is there any updates on this? Im on MAC OS - Thunderbird Version 139.0.2 64bit and when i change the setting to true or false nothing changes, i always have the newest message on the bottom of a thread. Thanks

[Betterbird]

Thunderbird 139? The reverse threading feature is implemented in Betterbird.

[fluxpixel]

Sorry made confusion with apps, I can confirm its implemented on betterbird, thank you very much for the amazing work