Q: One visitor asked, "We want to put down the wide pine board planks in our living room. The regular boards, not tongue and groove. What can I put in between the boards so stuff won't fall in the cracks? We just want that old time flooring look with the cracks. We just cannot afford tongue and groove."

A: You could have the floor sanded and filled with a latex filler. The filler will stay in as long as there is no movement between the boards. I know my next comments are unsolicited, so please forgive my intrusion, and simply disregard these questions and comments if you like. Are you sure it would not be money better spent if you just saved until you could afford a solid 3/4 tongue and groove hardwood floor? You surely are not getting these pine planks for free! Pine, as you know, is very soft and will mark easily. It is also subject to extreme shrinkage, and you will need to have it in your house and well dried and acclimated before you install it. I heard of a deal on 3" and 5" select and better oak for about $3.50 per sq. ft. That is a pretty decent price for something that is going to last your lifetime. Installation and sanding/refinishing are extra, of course. If you feel you could handle the installation, then you would only have the sanding and refinishing, which is really not something a novice should attempt.
I hope that helps and gives you something to consider.