Feature: New Posts & First Unread

[Scarbrow]

I want to ask something in case there is already a way to do it, before I start to hack the code.

When you use the "New Posts" feature, or even when browsing a forum, you can single-click to access:

The full thread from the start
Some pages of the thread, including the last one
The last post


But if a thread has had more than one new post, there is no way that I can find to get to the first unread post on that thread, short of accessing that thread (any page) and click the "View First Unread" link, which is initially in the form of "Thread Link" + "&goto=newpost", but then changes to link to the direct link to the first unread post for you.

So in short, if I want to get to the first unread post on a certain thread, I have to click twice - at least. When I'm quickly perusing the forum, this is most annoying. Do you know of any way to get more quickly to the first unread post? If not, I'll get to create a direct link for that.

[Oldschool]

Not sure if I understand your post Scarbrow (no coffee yet) but I hit "New Posts" which shows a page with all threads with new posts. I can then click the arrow on the individual threads which takes me to the first new post (first being oldest). I'm thinking that's what you're talking about since I'm also having to click twice.

The only time I don't have to show the new posts first is if the thread with the new post happens to be the newest one in the forum/subforum which is what shows for me on the various forums or main page.

Maybe an easier fix (total clueless guess btw :rolleyes:) would be to allow the option to jump to the new posts on login instead of the current main page/screen which necessitates clicking the new posts option.

[Scarbrow]

I'm soooooooo stupid... :o:o:o:o:o

Can you believe I wasn't seeing the arrow icon?

Even worse, can you believe I actually found it by looking at the forum parser code, before reading your comment, and even though I wasn't seeing it with my own eyes on the screen?

Now I'm sorely tempted to remove this thread to hide my embarrassment... I just wonder if somebody has been in the same position as myself, completely ignoring something he was seeing every day. I wonder if maybe a full-text link... *** mumble, mumble ***

[Oldschool]

Well you did find it on your own albeit your method was a bit unorthodox. ;)

After reading your initial post I was wondering if you were using the arrow icon or I was misreading your post. As far as I just wonder if somebody has been in the same position as myself, completely ignoring something he was seeing every day. Unfortunately and speaking from personal experience....... yes and in and out of the forum. Actually it took me and a few others I'm betting awhile to notice the arrow.

[scout1idf]

Well you did find it on your own albeit your method was a bit unorthodox. ;)

After reading your initial post I was wondering if you were using the arrow icon or I was misreading your post. As far as Unfortunately and speaking from personal experience....... yes and in and out of the forum. Actually it took me and a few others I'm betting awhile to notice the arrow.

I hope this makes you feel better Scarbrow, but when Oldschool mentioned the "arrow icon" my first thought was "What arrow icon?":confused:

I had to back out and look. Now I have to ask, "How long has that been there?":o

[zmflavius]

Heh, I never found it until I clicked it by accident.

[Oldschool]

Can you believe I wasn't seeing the arrow icon?


Actually it took me and a few others I'm betting awhile to notice the arrow.

I hope this makes you feel better Scarbrow, but when Oldschool mentioned the "arrow icon" my first thought was "What arrow icon?":confused:

I had to back out and look. Now I have to ask, "How long has that been there?":o

Heh, I never found it until I clicked it by accident.

Anybody else......? ;)

[shadowblack]

Which arrow are you guys talking about? This one? http://www.srythforum.com/images_sryth/buttons/firstnew.gif If so, that's how I check new posts. Or is there some other arrow you're referring to?

[scout1idf]

Which arrow are you guys talking about? This one? http://www.srythforum.com/images_sryth/buttons/firstnew.gif If so, that's how I check new posts. Or is there some other arrow you're referring to?
That's the one.

Funny how you don't notice the simplest little things that can make life easier.....

[Scarbrow]

So, would anybody consider helpful to add another, more visible, only text link?

I would put it next to "Last" (as in, 1, 2, 3, Last Page, First New Post), and I'm pretty sure I could make it appear at the same time as the arrow icon, that is, only when there are new posts in that thread.

[Oldschool]

It certainly wouldn't hurt. And I wonder since we have several members who use screen readers if it might be more helpful for them to have such a link.

And I've been reluctant to mention this since I was one of the ones who asked for a top button as with the old forum as I don't want anyone to think this is a complaint about that function but what about a new posts clickable that would appear similarly in posts or in the last post in a thread/bottom of a page? If possible how hard/easy and time consuming would it be? If too much don't worry about it on my account.

And thanks for all your Forum Functioning in addition to your Wiki Work Scarbrow.

[spencer]

Welll....slap my face and call me Susie. I did not know you could click that icon and go to the first new post, either...thanks for the information.

[thingirl]

Wait.... You can click the arow? I thought you could only click the text next to the arrow........

[scout1idf]

Well, now I don't feel so embarrassed about missing the arrow all this time...

[Taleria]

It certainly wouldn't hurt. And I wonder since we have several members who use screen readers if it might be more helpful for them to have such a link.

Well, for the so-called arrow icon, my reader says "Graphic: Go to first unread post." So I've always known about it. It even scrolls properly, except that it only works if I hit Tab when the page first loads after clicking that graphic. Otherwise, it will lose its place and begin reading from the top of the page instead of the first unread post.

But I have a question: What is multiquoting for? I see that after every post but when I click it, nothing seems to happen.

[scout1idf]

But I have a question: What is multiquoting for? I see that after every post but when I click it, nothing seems to happen.


When you want to reply to multiple posts, click the multiquot link in each post you want to include except the last one. Click the quote link in the last post and all of them will appear in your post.

It took me a while to figure out so I kept copy and pasting the posts I wanted in my post.

[Taleria]

LOL! OMG! Yet another "What?!?" moment. I've bben copy/pasting quotes and all this time I had a button that would do it for me? Sheesh. I thought maybe that button was just inaccessible and never thought I could use it. Is there some visual indication of which posts you clicked on? What if you forget you already clicked it? Is it a check box type thing where you can turn it on or off or is it that once it's clicked, it stays that way? I'll test it to see if I do it right. But there's no audio indication if I try clicking the Multi-Quote button, so it would be hard for me to know if I clicked or not.

Edit: Tested it and it works as advertised. I love this button. Just repped you.

[shadowblack]

When you want to reply to multiple posts, click the multiquot link in each post you want to include except the last one. Click the quote link in the last post and all of them will appear in your post.

It took me a while to figure out so I kept copy and pasting the posts I wanted in my post.
You can also click the multiquote link in each post you want to include and then click the New Reply button. The selected posts will be quoted.

[Oldschool]

One thing I'd like to point out particularly since it was quite some time before I noticed it :rolleyes: and then only after Thingirl pointed it out.

Clicking the multi-quote is the only way to quote a post from another thread whether it be one or several. Also they will quote in the order that you tag them. Prior to TG mentioning it I was copying/pasting across threads.

The difference and the reason I wasn't noticing it worked across threads was because they do not automatically display when you post a new reply in a different thread. Instead it puts some small text up between the text reply window and the thread icon displays.

It says, You have selected 2 posts that are not part of this thread. Quote these posts as well, or deselect these posts."Quote these posts as well" or "deselect these posts" will be a clickable link. While they don't display unless you click "Quote these posts..." the multi-quoted posts will stay flagged until you select one or the other or log off the forum.

And as far as I can remember you can not use this function on thread creation - the first post in a thread.

[spencer]

You can also click the multiquote link in each post you want to include and then click the New Reply button. The selected posts will be quoted.

One thing I'd like to point out particularly since it was quite some time before I noticed it :rolleyes: and then only after Thingirl pointed it out.

Clicking the multi-quote is the only way to quote a post from another thread whether it be one or several. Also they will quote in the order that you tag them. Prior to TG mentioning it I was copying/pasting across threads.

The difference and the reason I wasn't noticing it worked across threads was because they do not automatically display when you post a new reply in a different thread. Instead it puts some small text up between the text reply window and the thread icon displays.

It says, "Quote these posts as well" or "deselect these posts" will be a clickable link. While they don't display unless you click "Quote these posts..." the multi-quoted posts will stay flagged until you select one or the other or log off the forum.

And as far as I can remember you can not use this function on thread creation - the first post in a thread.

And, something else new that I have learned. Thanks to all.

[Young Ned]

So are Shadowblack and Taleria and I the only people who have been using the arrow to go to the first unread post in the thread? Seems odd, especially because when you hover your mouse over the arrow, it pops up a tool tip that says "Go to first new post"...

However, I have to admit I couldn't figure out what the multi-quote button did either. I finally had to ask about it -- probably right here in the forum information section, in fact -- and get the straight dope on how to use it. So they definitely don't make that very obvious.

[Taleria]

Can you believe I wasn't seeing the arrow icon?

Even worse, can you believe I actually found it by looking at the forum parser code, before reading your comment, and even though I wasn't seeing it with my own eyes on the screen?

Now I'm sorely tempted to remove this thread to hide my embarrassment...

LOL! It's a good thing you didn't. Seems a lot of us learned new things because of it.

You can also click the multiquote link in each post you want to include and then click the New Reply button. The selected posts will be quoted.

Very cool. Shame it doesn't work for quick replies.

Clicking the multi-quote is the only way to quote a post from another thread whether it be one or several. Also they will quote in the order that you tag them.

Good to know it even works in separate threads, though it's doubtful I'd use the function. I'd be too lazy to find the quote in the first place. Does it work across pages of the same thread?

[Scarbrow]

And I've been reluctant to mention this since I was one of the ones who asked for a top button as with the old forum as I don't want anyone to think this is a complaint about that function but what about a new posts clickable that would appear similarly in posts or in the last post in a thread/bottom of a page? If possible how hard/easy and time consuming would it be? If too much don't worry about it on my account.

I'm afraid I don't understand this request. Could you clarify, please?

Does it work across pages of the same thread?
Absolutely. All pages on the same thread are considered a single, uninterrupted conversation, they are only split for ease of use for us humans.

[Oldschool]

So are Shadowblack and Taleria and I the only people who have been using the arrow to go to the first unread post in the thread?

/Pedant redemption/ ;) Actually I've been using it for some time but it took me a while to stumble across it. If the "confessions" including mine are any indicator it seems you and Shadowblack may be in the minority though.

Does it work across pages of the same thread?

As far as I know though I'm not sure I've tried multi-quoting an early post in a deep thread, but since you can customize posts per page I'm guessing so.

I'm afraid I don't understand this request. Could you clarify, please?

First thanks again for adding the TOP function awhile back similar to the old forums.

In addition to the top button what about a button or function in the last post of a thread for "new posts". Currently if I've read all the posts in a thread even if I click TOP then I have to click "New Posts". A "New Posts" in the the last post or probably each post as I'm guessing it's easier that way since the top button is already set up that way would eliminate that extra click. I'd say replace the TOP button but that's a bit overbearing since some folks might not want it replaced.

Again if it's too much time or trouble don't worry about it. I've thought about mentioning it before but thought what's one more click. Then I read your opening post regarding additional clicks and thought you and others might find it appealing.

Again just a thought.

EDIT:


After reading your initial post I was wondering if you were using the arrow icon or I was misreading your post. As far as,

I just wonder if somebody has been in the same position as myself, completely ignoring something he was seeing every day.

Unfortunately and speaking from personal experience....... yes and in and out of the forum. Actually it took me and a few others I'm betting awhile to notice the arrow.

Hmmm, while my Observation was fizzling it seems my Divination was functioning at Legendary. ;):cool:

[Scarbrow]

In addition to the top button what about a button or function in the last post of a thread for "new posts". Currently if I've read all the posts in a thread even if I click TOP then I have to click "New Posts". A "New Posts" in the the last post or probably each post as I'm guessing it's easier that way since the top button is already set up that way would eliminate that extra click. I'd say replace the TOP button but that's a bit overbearing since some folks might not want it replaced.

Do you mean the "New Posts" link which is on the top navigation bar? I'm investigating a way to duplicate that navigation bar at the bottom of threads, because that would be much more powerful. But in case I'm unable to do that, I've just added the link to the postbit template

Is this what you wanted, Oldschool?

[spencer]

OK, does everyone also know that you can double click the New Threads in this forum icon to mark an entire forum read? The icon has to be yellow or gold or whatever color it is in order for this to work.

[Scarbrow]

OK, does everyone also know that you can double click the New Threads in this forum icon to mark an entire forum read? The icon has to be yellow or gold or whatever color it is in order for this to work.

Wow, really? I currently have all the forum read, but that would certainly be useful. Sometimes I resort to reading all the most important threads and then click the "Mark all forums read" to clean up the rest (multiplayer announcements, etc) I'm not usually interested in.

[Oldschool]

Is this what you wanted, Oldschool?

Yes and you rock Scarbrow - duly repped.

OK, does everyone also know that you can double click the New Threads in this forum icon to mark an entire forum read? The icon has to be yellow or gold or whatever color it is in order for this to work.

Yes...... at least now I do. ;) Actually when I want to skim past posts I was doing like Scarbrow. Thanks Spencer.

[Oldschool]

While we're discussing tips don't overlook the Quick Links along the top bar. I particurlarly like it for PM'ing. And though I don't send many PMs out that go to multiple members it pulls up a list of your contacts which allows you to select who you want it to go to. I also use it a lot when I'm editing my sig. And although I haven't delved into subscribing threads it seems if one did it would be handy especially since there is a function for it on the Quick Links.

[scout1idf]

For post #1600, I thought I would make a request.

The arrow http://www.srythforum.com/images_sryth/buttons/firstnew.gif that most of us missed, is there any way to make it a little bigger?

I still keep missing it.

[Scarbrow]

For post #1600, I thought I would make a request.

The arrow http://www.srythforum.com/images_sryth/buttons/firstnew.gif that most of us missed, is there any way to make it a little bigger?

I still keep missing it.

It's a difficult question. I could make it bigger by stating a fixed size (bigger than 100%), or by replacing it with a bigger icon. Both options are troublesome if the user resizes its window (high probability of scrambling the design).

I've added the full-text link I originally suggested (thanks for reminding me, Scout). By the way, I've managed to keep it vBulletin standard through the use of the $vbphrase[go_to_first_new_post] construction. It gets a little long, but it certainly improves visibility. Would that be enough for you, or should I keep racking my brains for icon-related ideas? It's certainly enough for me as it is now.

EDIT: I wish I could set up a personal variable so each user could opt to have a bigger icon or the standard one, but my knowledge of vBulletin is not nearly deep enough

EDIT2: Oh, and I almost forgot to mention it, it's the "threadbit" template I modified this time.

EDIT3: But wait! I can do just that! I can add a user option, just like the AG/Free option. I just found out how. If you want some "personal" option to modify how the forum is displayed to you, just request it, I'm warming up

[Scarbrow]

Double posting to notify of update

I've been tinkering with profile fields for a while. It should be easier than this. I just can't get it to work.

I'll continue tomorrow, since right now I'm about to both
a) fall sleep
b) bang head on keyboard.

[scout1idf]

The full text is fine, but if you want some practice, that's cool to...

[Young Ned]

The arrow http://www.srythforum.com/images_sryth/buttons/firstnew.gif that most of us missed, is there any way to make it a little bigger?

I still keep missing it.

Wow, how do you miss it? It looks pretty big to me. But then, I do keep my font size a bit larger than usual so my middle-aged eyes can read websites without forcing me to get the bifocals for which I'm years overdue, so maybe that's all it is...