Forum Changes - 2009-10-23

This post is to address anyone interested on forum changes that went live on 2009-10-23. Most of the work has been done on the backend of the forum but there are small changes to the UI. I tried my best to keep the UI exactly the same except for a few additions, so here is a list.

* Show/Hide forum groups on the front page.
* Jump to last post arrow
* Icon's added for new topic/reply
* Private message link (appears on each post) brings up a cleaner dialog box.
* When selecting your identity to post, it will display your mini-avatar.
* Users without a verified character can post, and users with a character can post as their user.
* As of right now, the default identity is your 'main' character (if you have one set).
* You can change the user avatar on the "Change Password" page. (I know, I had to throw it somewhere for now)
* User posts will have a grey name until I hyperlink them to some user profile page.

Why let users without a character post?
Many of you have become accustom to our unique forum rule that only verified characters can post. This rule has made the forums easier to manage by preventing most spammers or trolls from littering the forum. With a declining FFXI population and FFXIV on the horizon, the forum had to evolve to allow others to collaborate and make the forum portable. I will always allow FFXI characters to post on the forum. If I can get an automated way to verify FFXIV characters, I will do it.

Please report any bugs in the bugs forum.

Only request is when quoting to take the server name out.
It just looks...odd.

Besides that, I love the changes.
Of course, I will ask for a blue name/line with my posts again.
Can I pwease? D:

Your name wasn't red on the front page, Scragg.

Whats the blue line going to represent?

I just noticed that. :P

You could do some lame level system where more posts (or alternatively, more higher-scored posts) give you different colored lines, I guess.

But that's sort of a waste of time.

It could represent...ummm...
I don't know but damnit I'd like one. ; ;

too many colors will start to look lame trust me. If you are an admin in the FFXI community, you can probably apply to me for a purple name.

I would probably make a color for FFXI developers or GMs... but I have my doubts they would go along with it.

I can be special!
The line represents the one person that isn't special at all!
IT'S PERFECT!

I don't like how the threads w/ new posts no longer are highlighted

I didn't even know they were highlighted in the first place.

I have a issue where the posts are breaking, I can't see the full text as it runs through into the side bars and such.

no, just no!

I am still tracking this data although I am taking a second look at it. The thing is, forums/threads were mostly marked unread for me and it started to lose meaning. I may just add it back like it was, just give me a sec. My brother coded in this feature, I need to talk to him.



Can you give me a URL that does this... and tell me what browser you are using.

STILL NOT RED -Annoying-

It makes you seem like just any random person if your name isn't red. c.c

Every thread, let say for example, your first post in this thread.

I am using Google Chrome (don't hurt me )

It's because I'm not a darker blue.

Hmm. I am on chrome now, I don't see it. What version of Chrome are you running?

I am using 4.0.220.1

Yay his name is red again!

Oh that might be why lol, I'm on version 3.xxxx


Wow, I better update I think XD


Edit:
How the hell do I update chrome x.x

Don't tell me I have to go to the website and download it

But it's not bold... D:

I am using a beta version. I am hoping you are just experiencing a bug the new version will fix. Otherwise, the beta is bugged.

You guys are so picky.

We just can't win damnit!

So is that "Reply +" button at the top the same as a "Bottom" button?

It instantly brings you to the bottom of the page, where the quick post box is.

Which is redundant given the "Reply" button on every post. If anything, it facilitates people posting without ever actually reading the thread. By the time you get to the point where such a button is off the screen, you're at the bottom where the reply box is.

I do like the new interface. I'm curious which option people will end up using... server.name or their forum username. I like being able to see who's on my server, I don't know everyone on Fenrir >_>

Garuda.Wooooodum likes the changes, although Garuda.Wooooodum wishes it didn't say Garuda.Wooooodum everytime Garuda.Wooooodum posted.

One thing I would like to request, if possible, is a "Clear" or "Reset" button in the post box. On my very redundant computer at work, I can't easily CTRL+A,DEL, which makes emptying the post box annoying if I've clicked to quote somebody and changed my mind or decided the manner of my post wasn't suitable. The only workaround I found was to Refresh, but it doesn't always refresh down to the post box, which is an added nuisance.

A completely benign request, I understand, but it should take all but five seconds to add in.

You can just change Garuda.Wooooodum to Wooooodum as your Post As.