GNOME Bugzilla – Bug 597055
Add a visual cue when a folder has deleted messages
Last modified: 2021-05-19 11:08:49 UTC
On the Evolution mailing list a frequent issue is that of users who don't realize that deleted messages are still taking up space. This is particularly evident when users have the "Hide Deleted Messages" option turned on. I suggest that such folders be indicated with a visual cue in the folder list, e.g. a colour change, font change or other marker. The cue would be optional, and the user could set a threshold level below which it would not be signalled.
I'm open to this, but I don't really want to complicate the folder list any more than it already is. One of the enhancements I'd like to make to some upcoming release is to add banner-like messages (both errors and helpful tips) in the main window, kind of similar to what Gedit, Evince and Firefox are already doing. For this case, I can imagine a dismissable nag banner. Something like: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- This folder contains XXX messages marked for [Show Deleted Messages] deletion. You can show them or delete them permanently by clicking Expunge Folder. [Expunge Folder] [ ] Do not show me this again [Dismiss] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Needs more thought, obviously...
My idea was either a sort of warning sign next to the folder name, which when clicked or hovered could say that in a tooltip, or a notification popup. Oh, and "don't show me again" checkboxes are a very bad idea UI-wise: once you've checked them, there's usually no easily discoverable way of having them show up again. Ask Calum Benson about them ...
I agree with Comment 2. The banner idea might be appropriate for other uses, but not for this. When would the banner appear? Every time the folder is visited? That would be very intrusive and I can see everyone turning it off immediately. The point is to have a permanent but discreet reminder (though I suppose some users will still want a config option to turn it off), and I guess a tooltip wouldn't hurt as well though I don't see it as crucial. Another option would be an extra column in the message list ("Deleted Messages", say, or just "D"). This fits in with the existing UI. It would be on by default, as would any of these proposals.
I just realized my last paragraph in Comment 3 makes no sense :-) Sorry about that, brain not fully engaged.
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