Maybe this already exists and I just don't know how to use it, but some forums have a function that enables you to automatically go to the first unread post in a thread. This would be quite convenient, as many threads can get quite lengthy and it is nice to be able to jump to where you last read (which you probably don't remember), rather than only being able to start from the beginning or from the last page.
If this function does exist, maybe it would be nice to make it easier to use, as I can not figure it out. (Sorry)
I was using cruisecritic a bit recently, which has this function automatically, and I found it extremely convenient and just thought that it would be nice to have here at least as an option for those who appreciate it.

What works for me is to click on the down arrow to the left of the title of a thread with unread posts. If the thread has a Wiki, the down arrow is to the left of the block with the word WIKI.

As serpens mentioned, the blue triangles will open the thread at the first unread message. If the thread is particularly long/old, or if FT is just being slow to load, it may appear to first load an earlier page of the thread, then after "thinking" about it, it will jump to the first unread, so sometimes patience is required.



If you are using the mobile skin, the buttons with the bolded numbers and red dot serve the same function:



If you have clicked into the first page of a thread already, there is a "view first unread" link that is perhaps easy to overlook in the blue header bar;



It's more obvious in mobile skin:

It was easy for me to overlook it. Thanks for pointing that out. And thanks for the screenshots with the highlighting.

Several forums with a similar design as this one have what is automatic in that if you're logged in when you click on a thread you go to the first new post, not page one post one like is here on FT.

I remember one of the arguments/excuses for the long delay in adding a Dark Mode was that whoever was responsible didn't want to take the time to do it.

Is that the case with the ability to go to the first new post?
Has this been suggested before?
It's very noticeable when the other similar designed forums have it but not here.

Please work on it.
Thanks

If I am understanding your "ask" correctly, then this feature has existed on FT for years but the UI may not be the most obvoius -- the trick is knowing where to click to access it (or, to notice the "jump to first unread" button at the top of a thread)

See this similar question: Suggestion: Option to be able to jump to first unread post

[EDIT: this thread has now been merged into that one]

The screenshots in post #3 are from the user control panel and/or forum thread listings.

e.g. in desktop mode, my usual starting point for FT is this page: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/usercp.php

in a mobile phone browser I prefer starting here: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/subs...n&folderid=all

but the interface is similar in other views, including if you start out at the forum level, e.g. https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/tech...-feedback-386/

Thanks for covering this for me, Zorak!