HOME / slate fare: The inner workings of Slate.

The New-Look FrayReaders get some new user-friendly options.

By Kevin ArnovitzPosted Thursday, March 18, 2004, at 5:46 PM ET

Beginning March 18, users of "The Fray" will notice some important changes.

RSS

First, to improve Fraysters' reading experience, we've installed a block-this-user feature. Annoyed by that ALL CAPS SCREAMER or the rabid name caller? Simply block 'em.

Any Fray reader with a valid MSN Passport may choose to ignore posts by another Fray poster by 1) clicking Block This User in the upper-right corner of the message box or 2) on any Fray thread list, selecting the check boxes next to users you'd like to block and clicking Block Selected Users in the Fray navigation tool bar.

If you want to give Fraysters you've banned a second chance, you can manage your block-this-user list by clicking the Update Your Blocked User List button at the bottom of any Fray page and following the instructions.

Next, we've opened "Club Fray," an invitation-only section for each of the Fray's banner sections: Arts & Life, Business, Campaign 2004, News & Politics, Sports, Technology, and Travel & Food. This will improve the level of discourse in the Fray and allow the most thoughtful posts to remain on the front page of their respective boards. Star posters and Slate writers can automatically post in Club Fray, which is accessible from the Fray topics listing page, as well as via a link on any of the Fray topic pages. Other invitees will be welcomed over time.