# Why are some features not available on first reply box? **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [May 22, 2003, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-some-features-not-available-on-first-reply-box/176897 "2003-05-22T21:07:37Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![FatBaldGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ecd19e/32.png) [@FatBaldGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FatBaldGuy)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2003, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-some-features-not-available-on-first-reply-box/176897/1 "2003-05-22T21:07:37Z")
Is there a reason that the reply box at the bottom of a thread does not have all of the normal features available (smiley icons, vB Toolbars, etc.) until after the user clicks on “Preview Post”? Seems that this would enable faster posting if we didn’t have to partially compose a message, then preview before putting in the bells & whistles. Yes, I know you can type in the html code directly, but it’s a lot more convenient to have the tools to help. ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2003, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-some-features-not-available-on-first-reply-box/176897/2 "2003-05-22T21:53:33Z")
You can also get those tools by clicking the Post Reply button at the bottom of the thread page. The purpose of not having those tools available in the Quick Reply (is that a clue?) box at the bottom of the page is to save server loading by not having to load all the tools and javascript necessary to make them work every time a users upens a thread or wants to dash off a quick reply. At the current server load levels, any savings can only help. Loading unnecessary graphics and code only makes things worse. ---
**Author:** ![Arnold\_Winkelried](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Arnold\_Winkelried](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arnold_Winkelried)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2003, 2:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-some-features-not-available-on-first-reply-box/176897/3 "2003-05-23T02:28:29Z")
I think that Q.E.D. has demonstrandumed it well. ---
**Author:** ![FatBaldGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ecd19e/32.png) [@FatBaldGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FatBaldGuy)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2003, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-some-features-not-available-on-first-reply-box/176897/4 "2003-05-23T14:52:25Z")
Thanks! I had never even noticed the “Post Reply” button until QED pointed it out.:smack: ---
**Author:** ![Thunder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a8b319/32.png) [@Thunder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thunder)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2003, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-some-features-not-available-on-first-reply-box/176897/5 "2003-05-23T16:16:40Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Arnold Winkelried \* > \*\*I think that Q.E.D. has demonstrandumed it well. \*\* Quotes like that simply crack me up. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b2d939/32.png) [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C_K_Dexter_Haven)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2003, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-some-features-not-available-on-first-reply-box/176897/6 "2003-05-23T17:54:24Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Arnold Winkelried \* > I think that Q.E.D. has demonstrandumed it well. I have to think that this is the only Message Board in the whirled where that could be posted and understood and crack folks up. Makes me quietly proud. Nice one, **Arnold** , very nice. ---
**Author:** ![Coldfire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a587f6/32.png) [@Coldfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coldfire)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2003, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-some-features-not-available-on-first-reply-box/176897/7 "2003-05-23T23:23:34Z")
That’s a dubious compliment, coming from the King of Bad Puns. But I guess Arnie will take what he can get. 😉