How do I get a URL that references part way down a discussion?

[Robert Blean]

Many discussion threads get a bit lengthy. How do I make a URL that refers to a particular posting within a thread?

— MV

[Greg Mihalik]

Bob,
Look in the URL window at the last part of the address –

…..thread_id=29286&skip_to_post=251213#251213

where the last digits identify a particular post.

Decrement/Increment that number until you get to your target.

For instance, do a 'Previous' until you see the page with the target, and add to the value in URL window the number of posts 'down' from the top.

With a little trial and error, you'll get there.

[Robert Blean]

Greg,

Thanks for putting me on the right track.

Here is a way I worked out that avoids the trial-and-error
=====
To get a URL that points to a particular entry in a discussion thread:

Look at the last part of the thread's URL:
…..thread_id=29286&skip_to_post=251213#251213

The last digits (251213#251213) identify a particular post.

These numbers appear to be an overall sequence number for postings. Adjacent postings in the same thread will not necessarily have adjacent numbers.

What the numbers are is the anchor name for the posting. To find it:

* Choose View Page Source from the right-mouse menu

* Search the source for a string from the posting you care about

* Look up for a line like {/table}{a name="251220"}{/a}
(replace the braces with angle brackets)

Replace the last digits of the original URL with the name:
"251213#251213" becomes "251220#251220"

— MV

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