The Trek BBS was today upgraded from version 6.4 to 6.5.2, and some custom new things were also added. More importantly it's a fresh start for the entire messageboard codebase, which will hopefully make it more efficent and easier to manage going forward.
Quick reply
Probably the most noticeable change. In addition to clicking reply/quote, you can now also click 'quick reply' which will take you to a form on the bottom of the thread. Here you can type in your reply, click continue and your reply will be added to the last post in the thread. This is more efficient, taking out one step in the posting process—but it is entirely optional, just an additional way to post.
Updated search engine
I have made some modifications to the search engine. These should hopefully mean they will work without toppling the server! You also have two additional options to help refine your search results: Search Posts and Replies or Search Main Posts Only, and Sort By Relevance or Sort By Date. Due to the way the search is implemented, search queries MUST be at least four characters long now. i.e. if you search for the term TNG you will get no results.
Flood control ditched
There was quite a complicated flood control system based upon registration status, user level, server load etc. We've dumped all of that, so it'll be a lot easier to use The Trek BBS, particularly for unregistered visitors. There is still some flood control, however. New posts must be 20 seconds apart, and searches must 60 seconds apart. Quite a wait I know, but it's important to try and keep search traffic down. Search results are limited to a maximum of 100 topics. Also, you must be registered and logged in to be able to use the search engine.
Easier, more efficient avatar system
There was a lot of confusion with new members wondering where their avatars were before. Of course they had to make 100 posts first, but that wasn't obvious. So I've changed the way avatars are controlled. Now, on the profile update screen, the new user will see a message saying that they can't select an avatar yet, also telling them how many more posts they need to make. (As a small side effect of this change, some users currently under 100 may have their avatars early. For those few, you won't be able to edit your avatar until you get to 100 posts!)
Easier for new users to register
To make it a bit easier for new users to register, there's a more explanative error system. For example they will get errors like this:
It also goes back to the same page and repopulates the form (with the exception of passwords), thus avoiding the whole saga of pressing the back and maybe having lost all your information!
Previewing posts/replies
This is now off by default, so will mostly affect new users, again making posting quicker with less pages to click through. You can still turn your preview off and on by checking the relevant box when posting. You can turn it off or on by default too, by clicking on 'My Home', then 'Display preferences...' then changing the 'Do you want the preview post screen default off or on?'
Deletion of cookies
Sometimes your cookies can get corrupted. If you're having login/logout/posttracking issues, go to 'My Home' then click 'My Cookies'. Click 'Expire Cookies' to clear them, then start again by logging in. This will often solve many problems.
Known issue
There is a known problem with this version of the software, and that is post tracking oddities. For example, you may get a topic that persistently says it is new when you have read it. Clicking 'Mark All Read' from the top bar will normally always solve this, and you can also try expiring your cookies (see above).
Signature form counter
Something small... but don't you get fed up with typing in your signature, but it then saying it's too long? Now you get a count undernearth the signature form box telling you how many characters you have left as you type. [Reported not working in Firefox, will investigate].
New spoiler code
When you post, you'll notice a 'Spoiler' option in the 'Instant UBB Code' area. Click it, follow the on-screen instructions and then you get super-duper spoiler code as follows:
Please note: old spoiler code using code tags will no longer work. You have to use this new code. Old spoilers will look the same however, for now. A problem will occur if you try to edit a post with old spoiler code in. Please PM me if this happens to you, telling me what you want changed, and I'll do it manually.
PM space used
You can now see at a glance how many PMs you are storing and your total allowed amount under 'My Home'. Please note there is a 200 limit for normal members. Premium members get extra (see below).
Takeover ads
Takeover ads are now on only specific pages, to avoid problems that have occured (i.e. interuptting a form).
Premium memberships
Premium members now have a number of new goodies. They are as follows:
Stylesheet changes
I have changed the way stylesheets work here at The Trek BBS.
Stylesheets guide the look of the page, font sizes etc. Most of you will have not changed these settings, and this announcement doesn't affect you.
If you are happy with the way The Trek BBS looks, just do nothing. You are set to use the default stylesheet and no action is required.
If you find reading the text difficult, and would like to be able to increase the text size, go to My Home, then click the 'Display preferences' edit link and under 'Which style sheet (skin) do you want to use for your display?' select 'Default + scalable text'. Even if you had the "flexi" stylesheet before you will need to select this, due to me resetting everyone's stylesheet.
The only difference is the text size. Colours etc. remain the same on both stylesheets.
Any questions?
If you encounter any problems or have any questions, please post in this topic in Questions, Suggestions & Feedback.
Quick reply
Probably the most noticeable change. In addition to clicking reply/quote, you can now also click 'quick reply' which will take you to a form on the bottom of the thread. Here you can type in your reply, click continue and your reply will be added to the last post in the thread. This is more efficient, taking out one step in the posting process—but it is entirely optional, just an additional way to post.
Updated search engine
I have made some modifications to the search engine. These should hopefully mean they will work without toppling the server! You also have two additional options to help refine your search results: Search Posts and Replies or Search Main Posts Only, and Sort By Relevance or Sort By Date. Due to the way the search is implemented, search queries MUST be at least four characters long now. i.e. if you search for the term TNG you will get no results.
Flood control ditched
There was quite a complicated flood control system based upon registration status, user level, server load etc. We've dumped all of that, so it'll be a lot easier to use The Trek BBS, particularly for unregistered visitors. There is still some flood control, however. New posts must be 20 seconds apart, and searches must 60 seconds apart. Quite a wait I know, but it's important to try and keep search traffic down. Search results are limited to a maximum of 100 topics. Also, you must be registered and logged in to be able to use the search engine.
Easier, more efficient avatar system
There was a lot of confusion with new members wondering where their avatars were before. Of course they had to make 100 posts first, but that wasn't obvious. So I've changed the way avatars are controlled. Now, on the profile update screen, the new user will see a message saying that they can't select an avatar yet, also telling them how many more posts they need to make. (As a small side effect of this change, some users currently under 100 may have their avatars early. For those few, you won't be able to edit your avatar until you get to 100 posts!)
Easier for new users to register
To make it a bit easier for new users to register, there's a more explanative error system. For example they will get errors like this:
It also goes back to the same page and repopulates the form (with the exception of passwords), thus avoiding the whole saga of pressing the back and maybe having lost all your information!
Previewing posts/replies
This is now off by default, so will mostly affect new users, again making posting quicker with less pages to click through. You can still turn your preview off and on by checking the relevant box when posting. You can turn it off or on by default too, by clicking on 'My Home', then 'Display preferences...' then changing the 'Do you want the preview post screen default off or on?'
Deletion of cookies
Sometimes your cookies can get corrupted. If you're having login/logout/posttracking issues, go to 'My Home' then click 'My Cookies'. Click 'Expire Cookies' to clear them, then start again by logging in. This will often solve many problems.
Known issue
There is a known problem with this version of the software, and that is post tracking oddities. For example, you may get a topic that persistently says it is new when you have read it. Clicking 'Mark All Read' from the top bar will normally always solve this, and you can also try expiring your cookies (see above).
Signature form counter
Something small... but don't you get fed up with typing in your signature, but it then saying it's too long? Now you get a count undernearth the signature form box telling you how many characters you have left as you type. [Reported not working in Firefox, will investigate].
New spoiler code
When you post, you'll notice a 'Spoiler' option in the 'Instant UBB Code' area. Click it, follow the on-screen instructions and then you get super-duper spoiler code as follows:
I luurrrve him.
Please note: old spoiler code using code tags will no longer work. You have to use this new code. Old spoilers will look the same however, for now. A problem will occur if you try to edit a post with old spoiler code in. Please PM me if this happens to you, telling me what you want changed, and I'll do it manually.
PM space used
You can now see at a glance how many PMs you are storing and your total allowed amount under 'My Home'. Please note there is a 200 limit for normal members. Premium members get extra (see below).
Takeover ads
Takeover ads are now on only specific pages, to avoid problems that have occured (i.e. interuptting a form).
Premium memberships
Premium members now have a number of new goodies. They are as follows:
- Avatar upload. Having trouble with your own webspace, or don't have your own webspace? Upload your avatar to the The Trek BBS server. (Plus: you do not need to post 100 messages to have an avatar if you are a premium member.)
- More private messages. Private message storage space is limited to 200 for standard users, but premium members can store up to 300 messages.
- More signature space. Normal users can have 150 characters in their signature, but premium members can have 250 characters.
- Premium Members' Lounge. A forum just for premium members. Like a secret society, but with no special handshake.
- Website link. Like you see under my name. If you have a website, you can have a link to it.
Stylesheet changes
I have changed the way stylesheets work here at The Trek BBS.
Stylesheets guide the look of the page, font sizes etc. Most of you will have not changed these settings, and this announcement doesn't affect you.
If you are happy with the way The Trek BBS looks, just do nothing. You are set to use the default stylesheet and no action is required.
If you find reading the text difficult, and would like to be able to increase the text size, go to My Home, then click the 'Display preferences' edit link and under 'Which style sheet (skin) do you want to use for your display?' select 'Default + scalable text'. Even if you had the "flexi" stylesheet before you will need to select this, due to me resetting everyone's stylesheet.
The only difference is the text size. Colours etc. remain the same on both stylesheets.
Any questions?
If you encounter any problems or have any questions, please post in this topic in Questions, Suggestions & Feedback.
