This is something I've been eager to have for a long time, and I realize it's not a trivial request.
I propose adding a section to each Stack Exchange site for your own personal bookmarks. This would be useful for quick access to things like:
- Links to specific answers, comments, or questions from any site in the network
The request to add specific answers to your "favorites" has come up many times. Digging through favorites usually involves several clicks and digging through the list, it's almost easier to just search the site for the post.
- Links to external sites that you reference frequently
Having quick access to links for documentation, forum posts, or posts on other SE sites (including meta) is always useful. For instance, I'm always looking for the "Something on my web site doesn't work" post so new users understand why it's unacceptable to just post a link to their website.
- Links to sections of the FAQ or Meta posts
As stated above, it's easier to help new users the right way when links to the proper resources are easily available. The quicker I can access the link, the more likely I am to actually post it.
- Throwaway links to posts you want to revisit later that day, but don't want to add to "Favorites"
My current system for this is to leave a comment, then go to my comment history to find the original post. These comments are removed from the list if the post is closed or deleted. If I want to go back and check the post to cast a reopen or undelete vote, there's no easy way to find it.
I can't propose exactly how this would be worked into the UI, but I would prefer something as simple as possible. For example I don't think we need a button next to everything that says "add to my bookmarks", it's easy enough to copy the URL manually. Maybe something like this, for starters:
I've heard the argument that one can simply use their browser's bookmarks for this, but it becomes a lot of clutter, is difficult to organize, and it also requires that your bookmarks are synced across every browser you use. I don't even bother with this option, I'd guess that not many other people do either. Another hack would be to use the "About Me" section, but of course that's not what that's for. I do this myself, hiding the URLs and my notes in an HTML comment.
It could very well just be a free form notepad and be very useful, but it could be taken further by being able to tag, give titles to, and organize your "bookmarks". I'd guess that the most common use of this feature would be to post links in comments, questions, and answers. Ideally, the section could be managed and accessed without a new page load.
The goal here is quick, easy access to arbitrary links specifically for your personal use on the SE network. What you use the feature for is up to you. What do you guys say, would you find this feature useful?
+1