What bells & whistles should the new board have

[filbert]

Thread to discuss features of a new SDSUFans.com Forum board--what you want, and how bad you want it.

For me:
- SQL database
- Doesn't take too many host cycles (we're running on a "shared host")
- Easy to administer
- Easy to moderate
for starters.

What do you, the SDSUFans.com community, want in a new SDSUFans.com Forum?

[jackrabit1]

To keep our stats and status!

[JackJD]

Some posters have inquired about an ignore button. Is one available with new software and if so, do people really want that available?

[JimmyJack]

IP address display, to help catch nefarious users with multiple identities. It's not foolproof, but it's helpful.

[filbert]

Some posters have inquired about an ignore button. Is one available with new software and if so, do people really want that available?
Yes, many of the systems I'm looking at have an ignore-user feature.

[filbert]

IP address display, to help catch nefarious users with multiple identities. It's not foolproof, but it's helpful.
Moderators have that now . . . just become a moderator! ;)

[filbert]

To keep our stats and status!
I'll keep an eye out for this . . .

[jackmd]

Thread to discuss features of a new SDSUFans.com Forum board--what you want, and how bad you want it.

For me: *
- SQL database
- Doesn't take too many host cycles (we're running on a "shared host")
- Easy to administer
- Easy to moderate
for starters.

What do you, the SDSUFans.com community, want in a new SDSUFans.com Forum?

I'll adapt to any changes. Don't care about stats or status. Just like a place where I can get info and opinions on the Jackrabbits. Something easy to navigate and easy to read for those who use the site only for info and rarely or never post, like many of my friends.

[1stRowFANatic]

I'ld like the "new" button to function as it does on the "old" board. It may be my limited brain power, but I've never gotten the one on the future board to work.

[BTownJack]

I'ld like the "new" button to function as it does on the "old" board. It may be my limited brain power, but I've never gotten the one on the future board to work.
I agree with this statement...the new button is awesome and significantly reduces reading time. Also, I like how it colors the thread groups on the main page to denote new information is in the group.

I'd say if the new board can do this then I won't be too opposed to changing over to something new/better.

Lastly, I'm all for the Ignore button as I've stated on here many, many times!

[jackmd]

Ditto on the "new" button, definitely a must on any future forums.

[UWMandSDSU]

Ditto on the "new" button, definitely a must on any future forums.

I third that. I have tried to view "NEW" postings on the new software and I when I select "new postings since my last visit" it comes up blank every time.

[1stRowFANatic]

Ditto on the "new" button, definitely a must on any future forums.

I third that. *I have tried to view "NEW" postings on the new software and I when I select "new postings since my last visit" it comes up blank every time.

That is what happens to me.

[NorCalJack]

I agree with the "new" feature. A must have.

I would also like to see more emicon's.

Go State!!! 8-) 8-) 8-)

[CatchEmAll]

Automatic threadkiller button

[filbert]

Automatic threadkiller button
Heh.

[Hammersmith]

Three comments/sugestions if you decide to move to vBulletin:

1: To fix the unread thread marking issue, change the following setting in the Admin control panel:
AdminCP>vBulletin Options>General Settings>Thread/Forum Read Marking Type
Change from "Inactivity/Cookie Based" to "Database (automatic forum marking)"

2. To discourage spam, make changes in the following location:
AdminCP>vBulletin Options>Image Settings
If your server supports True Type fonts, change the "Image Verification Library" setting from "GD (Simple Font)" to "GD (True Type Font)" and then check all the boxes in the next section except "Random Shapes". If your server does not support True Type fonts, leave the first setting alone but check "Random Shapes" as well as the others.

3. Allow a little more time for posters to modify their posts without notification by changing the following setting:
AdminCP>vBulletin Options>Message Posting and Editing Options>Time to Wait Before Starting to Display 'Edited by...'
Change from default 2 minutes to something like 10 minutes.

[filbert]

Three comments/sugestions if you decide to move to vBulletin:

1: To fix the unread thread marking issue, change the following setting in the Admin control panel:
AdminCP>vBulletin Options>General Settings>Thread/Forum Read Marking Type
Change from "Inactivity/Cookie Based" to "Database (automatic forum marking)"

2. To discourage spam, make changes in the following location:
AdminCP>vBulletin Options>Image Settings
If your server supports True Type fonts, change the "Image Verification Library" setting from "GD (Simple Font)" to "GD (True Type Font)" and then check all the boxes in the next section except "Random Shapes". If your server does not support True Type fonts, leave the first setting alone but check "Random Shapes" as well as the others.

3. Allow a little more time for posters to modify their posts without notification by changing the following setting:
AdminCP>vBulletin Options>Message Posting and Editing Options>Time to Wait Before Starting to Display 'Edited by...'
Change from default 2 minutes to something like 10 minutes.
Yeah, I was already looking at some of those . . . thanks.

[thebluehatman]

Just wondering if we will filter spambots or if that is in development?

[JackJD]

Just wondering if we will filter spambots or if that is in development?

If anyone sees a bot, send a Moderator a message right away and we can dispose of them. I don't know if there's an automatic filter.

[BTownJack]

There is one small thing I see missing...that is the hierarchy/path of thread location not being at the bottom of the thread as on top. The new board only has it at the top, therefore you have to scroll all the way to the top to go to the location you want. The old board had it both at the top and the bottom. By hierarchy/path I mean this:

SDSUFans.com Forum > About SDSUFans.com > Et Cetera > What bells & whistles should the new board have

Maybe there is a setting on the new board software that will let you put this on the bottom as well???

Just thought I'd point it out.

[filbert]

Just wondering if we will filter spambots or if that is in development?

It's got the usual stuff--e-mail authentication, limited activation period for a new account, CAPTCHA, content filters, etc. It's a commercial product which means that it's better than the YaBB board we just left behind.

It's a balancing act between making it a royal PITA for normal users to get an account, and making it so easy the spammers swarm onto you.

[propar80]

Can someone help me out with how to get the smiley faces, etc in the reply? And are there more choices that I'm missing?

[filbert]

Can someone help me out with how to get the smiley faces, etc in the reply? And are there more choices that I'm missing?
Go to User CP at the top of the page;
Pick Edit Options at the side of the page;
Pick Miscellaneous Options;
Messaging Editor Interface (at the bottom of the page)
Select Enhanced Interface-WYSIWYG

That should do it. When you edit a post you'll have a smilies button at the top of the edit box, and smilies on the right side as well.

[filbert]

There is one small thing I see missing...that is the hierarchy/path of thread location not being at the bottom of the thread as on top. The new board only has it at the top, therefore you have to scroll all the way to the top to go to the location you want. The old board had it both at the top and the bottom. By hierarchy/path I mean this:

SDSUFans.com Forum > About SDSUFans.com > Et Cetera > What bells & whistles should the new board have

Maybe there is a setting on the new board software that will let you put this on the bottom as well???

Just thought I'd point it out.
Don't recall seeing that as an option but I'll keep an eye out for it . . .

[NorCalJack]

You know maybe I am just slow, but I just noticed that under the "Quick Links" tab at the top of the page has a section called "Todays Posts". If you click on that it will list all of the posts for today in chronological order. That may be the best feature on this message board. If you have not checked it out, try it for all the latest posts.

:D:D:D

[filbert]

You know maybe I am just slow, but I just noticed that under the "Quick Links" tab at the top of the page has a section called "Todays Posts". If you click on that it will list all of the posts for today in chronological order. That may be the best feature on this message board. If you have not checked it out, try it for all the latest posts.

:D:D:D
You mean the option that's right above the "Mark forums read" option? You're not the only slow one . . .

[pepbandalum]

Would it be possible to have the sports schedules included in the calendar?

[filbert]

Would it be possible to have the sports schedules included in the calendar?
Yeah, that's been on my want-to-do list since the new board came up. I'm sure I'll get to it before the school year begins . . .

er . . .

well . . .

[jackmd]

It appears as if you may need to check monster.com under data entry. Better yet you could get an intern, much more affordable.

[JimmyJack]

Does the board have an RSS feed? I searched and didn't find one.

I use a widget that keeps track of the boards I read and I'd like to add this one.

[filbert]

Does the board have an RSS feed? I searched and didn't find one.

I use a widget that keeps track of the boards I read and I'd like to add this one.
Yes it does, but I'll have to go look to see if I turned it on.

[filbert]

RSS feed now turned on . . . from the FAQ:
RSS 0.91 - This feed is based on a standard written by netscape and provides a link and the title of the thread.
http://sdsufans.com/board/external.php?type=rssRSS 2.0 - This feed contains title, author, date and the contents of the first post of the thread.
http://sdsufans.com/board/external.php?type=rss2
Looks like it works (at least the 2.0 one . . . )

[JackFan96]

The Texas Sate board has the school fight song. How 'bout being able to play "Ring the Bells" and/or "Yellow and Blue" for a bell/whistle. I love bells and whistles!

[NorCalJack]

I just wanted to see if these emoticon's would work.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k177/NorCalJack/rofl1.gif


http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k177/NorCalJack/Running_rabbit.gifhttp://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k177/NorCalJack/Running_rabbit.gif




Guess so.

[BitsTD]

I was just wondering if you could put something on the page that would allow me to read all the posts on one page. On the old sight there was a "read all" icon. On this one when I am away for awhile and come back to read the posts I have to keep going to the next page.

Just one thing I would like to see on this sight. Otherwise I think it is great what you are doing for the Jackrabbit nation.

Thank you.

[Hammersmith]

I was just wondering if you could put something on the page that would allow me to read all the posts on one page. On the old sight there was a "read all" icon. On this one when I am away for awhile and come back to read the posts I have to keep going to the next page.

Just one thing I would like to see on this sight. Otherwise I think it is great what you are doing for the Jackrabbit nation.

Thank you.
One thing you can do is increase the number of posts per page. Click 'User CP' in the top blue bar. Along the left side of the screen, click on 'Edit Options'. In the third section, 'Thread Display Options', change the 'Number of Posts to Show Per Page' setting from 'Use Forum Default' to 'Show 40 Posts Per Page'. Occasionally, you still may need to go to the next page for very active threads, but this should help.

[thebluehatman]

What about a retired game day thread for past games so no one has to search through specific sports threads to find what they want?

[JimmyJack]

How about the ability to post HTML code so we could embed YouTube videos in posts?

[filbert]

How about the ability to post HTML code so we could embed YouTube videos in posts?
I'm inclined against this one. From what I understand, embedded HTML like YouTube is a security problem waiting to happen, especially on a board that basically allows just about anyone to sign up and get a user id.

[BTownJack]

I'm inclined against this one. From what I understand, embedded HTML like YouTube is a security problem waiting to happen, especially on a board that basically allows just about anyone to sign up and get a user id.

Filbert - you would be correct on this one as I dabble in computer programming. It would be cool to be able to embed stuff like YouTube videos and such but you open a big hole for somone to breah security or just wreak havoc with one line of code.

An example would if someone embedded this as javascript:


this.close()


then your IE window would suddenly close when a user navigated to the thread page with that posting in it.

[jackrabit1]

Can we add a poll function again?

[filbert]

Can we add a poll function again?
Already there. When you start a thread you're offered "Additional Options" towards the bottom of the page. One of the options is "start a poll."

If that's not showing up for everyone I need to tweak the permissions a bit.

[thebluehatman]

How about Boosting the Private Message load from 50 to 100?

[JimmyJack]

Filbert - you would be correct on this one as I dabble in computer programming. It would be cool to be able to embed stuff like YouTube videos and such but you open a big hole for somone to breah security or just wreak havoc with one line of code.

An example would if someone embedded this as javascript:


this.close()


then your IE window would suddenly close when a user navigated to the thread page with that posting in it.

Yeah, except that's not what I was talking about. I teach new media courses, so I'm pretty familiar with this stuff. By enabling html code, I meant just html, not higher level code like javascript. Most bulletin board systems are smart enough to parse text looking for html code (and limiting what code can be used) while ignoring javascript or other malicious code. vBulletin is actually one of the best at that.

For example, vBulletin allows administrators to create custom formatting codes.

Read this: http://www.vbulletin.com/forum/showthread.php?t=199304

So an administrator can create a [youtube] tagset that allows only the embedding of YouTube videos.

[BTownJack]

Yeah, except that's not what I was talking about. I teach new media courses, so I'm pretty familiar with this stuff. By enabling html code, I meant just html, not higher level code like javascript. Most bulletin board systems are smart enough to parse text looking for html code (and limiting what code can be used) while ignoring javascript or other malicious code. vBulletin is actually one of the best at that.

For example, vBulletin allows administrators to create custom formatting codes.

Read this: http://www.vbulletin.com/forum/showthread.php?t=199304

So an administrator can create a [youtube] tagset that allows only the embedding of YouTube videos.

I agree...you should be able to distinguish between the two (HTML & Javascript). Maybe if we did a little research we'd find somone that has already created a [youtube] tag for the software that runs this site.

Check that...i just did a quick search and came up with this: http://www.vbulletin.org/forum/showthread.php?t=130868

Filbert...if you can play around with this I think it might work for us.

[JimmyJack]

I agree...you should be able to distinguish between the two (HTML & Javascript). Maybe if we did a little research we'd find somone that has already created a [youtube] tag for the software that runs this site.

Check that...i just did a quick search and came up with this: http://www.vbulletin.org/forum/showthread.php?t=130868

Filbert...if you can play around with this I think it might work for us.

From that original site, it looks trivial to create the [youtube] tag. That's a vBulletin developer who posted the instructions. So you can trust that they'll work, and will be secure.

[filbert]

How about Boosting the Private Message load from 50 to 100?
You can download messages to your own computer, which quite effectively transfers the cost of providing disk space for those messages from me to you. This seems to me to be a preferable approach, but I'll admit that it is a bit more cumbersome.

[filbert]

From that original site, it looks trivial to create the [youtube] tag. That's a vBulletin developer who posted the instructions. So you can trust that they'll work, and will be secure.
Man, you just want to make work for me! :-)

I'll take a look when I get a chance . . .

[JimmyJack]

Man, you just want to make work for me! :-)

I'll take a look when I get a chance . . .

Sorry. Now might be a good opportunity to say how much I appreciate all your work on this site. Really. And I know I'm not the only one.

[Jack4Life]

Sorry. Now might be a good opportunity to say how much I appreciate all your work on this site. Really. And I know I'm not the only one.

I second that!

[Jacks#1Fan]

I second that!

Ditto to that, Filbert...you are doing a great service for a large number of fans in Jackrabbit nation! THANKS!!

[thebluehatman]

Is it too late to suggest CAPTCHAs again filbert????:)

[filbert]

Is it too late to suggest CAPTCHAs again filbert????:)
Hmm, I thought I'd turned CAPTCHAs on . . .

[MilwaukeeJacksAlum]

What are CAPTCHA's?

[filbert]

What are CAPTCHA's?
Those funky hard-to-read letters in a box that you are asked to type in when you're signing up for an ID - - - they cut down on automated spam.

Unfortunately, they work less well when the spammers pay guys in Delhi two cents a day or whatever to type them in and spam sites by hand :-(