[spiralscan]

Would it be possible to change the software so that when a non-alerted bid is questioned it is not shown as alerted? The current method automatically alerts the bid the moment someone questions any bid which makes it very difficult for TD's to determine the sequence of events if there is a problem. A lot of people still forget to make timely alerts or make alerts at all and by the time the question is made the auction may actually be over. When the TD comes, the bid shows as alerted and explained causing a lot of frustration to the non-offending sides (especially the person in the direct seat of the non-alerting bidder who has probably taken the bid natural and thus had no reason to bid or possibly made a bad double)

This would prevent untimely alerts and prevent the communication of UI. You could then say with clear definition if something is misexplained. Hopefully the TD would also be able to see if a bid has been queried and where.

[Trpltrbl]

I think that is a great idea.

Mike

[1eyedjack]

Bids are colour-coded once an explanation is provided, to alert the opponents to the availability of an explanation, rather than to alert the opponents to an "alert". If you wish to preserve the aim of the former, which I think is still a good idea, as well as to "record" the alert, which is also a good idea, then the programmers would need to distinguish between the two. Separate colour-codings, perhaps, or put an "!" mark after a bid that has been alerted but retain the dark grey colouring of explained bids.