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I have long wondered what the various versions of the topic icon actually mean. Today I found this list, so now I (and you!) know.

First, two general points
- Red icons are unread items, blue/grey are read
- A star on any topic means you have posted in it
- Announcement
- Sticky topic
- Read topic
- Topic containing unread post(s)
- Read topic that you have posted in
- Topic that you have posted in containing unread post(s)
- Topic with 25 or more posts
- Locked topic
- Moved topic
- Forum with subforums (which have been read)
- Forum with subforums (which are unread)
- Link forum
- Attachment
- Go to last post in the topic
- Go to last unread post in the topic
- Subforum read
- Subforum unread

Thanks for clearing that up Hugh. I have often wondered what each symbol represented but was too afraid to ask in case I made myself look a total fool!

The mystery icon for me was the scrolling text. at first thought it was indicating someone was reading that thread, but I could not check this because as soon as I went to the thread...I was reading it, proving nothing...

Ghosty.

the...unread topic that you have posted in...is confusing

i havent read it but i have posted in it...hmmm

motorman wrote:Thanks for clearing that up Hugh. I have often wondered what each symbol represented but was too afraid to ask in case I made myself look a total fool!

Such a tempting set-up for a sarcastic comment, but I will resist.

Actual exchange between the company owner and an employee at a staff meeting where I work:
Employee: Can I ask a stupid question?"
Boss: "You always do, so go ahead."

This prompted some laughter as the particular employee did tend to constantly ask some rather simple minded questions. However, I thought the boss could have handled it better and not belittled the employee in front of everyone.

Brad Pittiful wrote:the...unread topic that you have posted in...is confusing

i havent read it but i have posted in it...hmmm

Yes, the terminology isn't brilliant, is it? I'll change it to something clearer

Idris wrote:
Yes, the terminology isn't brilliant, is it? I'll change it to something clearer

How about something like "a topic that you have posted in with some later responses which you have not read"?

Tinman wrote:
Actual exchange between the company owner and an employee at a staff meeting where I work:
Employee: Can I ask a stupid question?"
Boss: "You always do, so go ahead."

This prompted some laughter as the particular employee did tend to constantly ask some rather simple minded questions. However, I thought the boss could have handled it better and not belittled the employee in front of everyone.

I have to agree with you Tinman. The boss's comment sounds like a textbook example of "what not to do".