Thunderbird isn't a database, but you can do a search from top folder and include sub folders, such that you can see all of the content. I am unaware of any means to identify a message's folder from the message list pane.

Thunderbird isn't a database, but you can do a search from top folder and include sub folders, such that you can see all of the content. I am unaware of any means to identify a message's folder from the message list pane.

I'm sorry but that doesn't really help me here. I know it's not a database, but I feel that it is Thunderbirds job to make things that users may want to see, possible. I know there is current work being undertaken to rewrite Thunderbirds internals so maybe some of this requested functionality could stem from those improvements.

I just find that finding messages and viewing mail efficiently in Thunderbird is quite difficult. I realise that a lot of that is NOT 100% Thunderbirds fault (Mail is old and legacy I understand), but with a new database backed rewrite coming along, some of what i'm asking for surely is likely to be a lot more possible?

Especially things that are not really database dependant, eg: Providing an option for a Saved Search to automatically include subfolders without the user having to select and check every single one manually. A tick next to a folder, AND a tick in an option entitled "Include all subfolders of selected folders" would be massively helpful!

The classic search function (control+shift+F) has an option to search sub-folders and can save search folders.

The classic search function (control+shift+F) has an option to search sub-folders and can save search folders.

Yes, That is true (just tried it out), BUT if I add new sub folders (as I do several times a week), I need to manually update the Saved Search to include those new folders. Why can't Thunderbird do this for me automatically? Surely that's what our computers are here to do? Make things easier.

I feel like people are happy to just live with the functions Thunderbird used to limit us to. Why not re-invent and improve those features to make all our lives easier?

Let's make Thunderbird even better!

What you are saying is that you would like Thunderbird to provide what you want, not necessarily something that most want. This looks to me like the issue is in choosing the right tool. In your situation, I suggest switching to Gmail, where you can see everything from one view. That solves your issue. Gmail does that.

What you are saying is that you would like Thunderbird to provide what you want, not necessarily something that most want. This looks to me like the issue is in choosing the right tool. In your situation, I suggest switching to Gmail, where you can see everything from one view. That solves your issue. Gmail does that.

Absolutely not. My previous post stated "I feel like people are happy to just live with the functions Thunderbird used to limit us to. Why not re-invent and improve those features to make all our lives easier?"

Surely the "to make all our lives easier" tells you that I am asking for features that everyone can benefit from. I'm not necessarily asking for them now but as a hope to add them based on frustrations I have.

If products cannot listen to where customers have frustrations and feedback on them then what's the point in creating said product?

I've had an issue, come on here to post about it, I suggest ways that would improve the functionality, and then get shot down.

I like Thunderbird and wish to help it get better so the way I can do that is by letting the devs know where I have hit stumbling blocks. In the hope that those blocks can be smoothened out in the future.

It feels like Thunderbird is a bit stuck in the past and some people would rather stick to older clunkier methods rather than have those methods be rethought out and new more streamlines solutions be integrated.

I'm not trying to have an argument. I've said my piece and it seems like i'm being pushed away.

Thanks for the replies. I hope my struggles and suggestions may be taken on board sometime.

Neil

Hi Neil,

This forum is for users to support each other. The place to suggest a feature is here: https://connect.mozilla.org/t5/ideas/idb-p/ideas

One thing to think about, of course, as David pointed out, is what percentage of users would use a specific feature. You seem to be a more advanced user than most. In any case, everyone is free to make a suggestion to the developers.

I meant no offense. And Gmail does what you want, so I encourage you to consider it.