A new Forum Feature?

DR Buck · July 28, 2011, 05:26:10 PM

I just noticed a "new" reature today. I'm thinking it's not a FF feature, but a feature of IE 9.0 A list of Who's on line and an chat feature. Anybody have insight to this?

Jeff · July 28, 2011, 05:59:18 PM

No, it is a new forum feature and it should work with all browsers, not just IE. The bar goes across the entire length of the page, and you might notice some icons on the left end to some forum "extras".

What everyone should be aware of with the chat feature, is that it is not a private message system like your personal messages. The chat feature creates a security log that can be accessed by a site admin if it ever needed to be, so its a good idea to treat it like you would public areas of the forum. Use it to communicate, have fun with it, but use it wisely.

Another feature is that you can use it to transfer files directly to one another if you have a need.

Warbird · July 28, 2011, 07:32:20 PM

[chat] Man, that Jeff guy. I just don't know about him. He's always adding new cool stuff to the forum. [/chat] ;) ;D

My way of saying I like it.

Bibbyman · July 28, 2011, 07:57:06 PM

What? Something new. I don't think I'm smart enough to know something new. :'(

What's the value in a "chat" that can't be put in a post or i/m to someone if it's just between two members?

I've had members send me i/m asking questions that would be better off posting on the open forum so everyone could help or learn.

Magicman · July 28, 2011, 08:10:10 PM

And I have used it already. Pineywoods sent me a message and I figured out how to answer. ;D

Jeff · July 28, 2011, 08:19:29 PM

Quote from: Bibbyman on July 28, 2011, 07:57:06 PM
What? Something new. I don't think I'm smart enough to know something new. :'(

What's the value in a "chat" that can't be put in a post or i/m to someone if it's just between two members?

I've had members send me i/m asking questions that would be better off posting on the open forum so everyone could help or learn.

Its an alternative for a quick real time exchange between members on things that have no interest to the forum in its entirety, At least that's what I am going with. Gotta keep up with the times Bib. One thing I personally like about it is not the chat, but the little pop up that lets you know who is coming and going no matter where you may be on the forum. Its got be noticing just how many members check in everyday that I would not notice most any other time. The little link Icons on the left I think are a plus as well. Easy access. It might even give me another place to give a sponsor an alternative place to be noticed. Maybe a sponsor of the month link or something.

Jeff · July 28, 2011, 08:37:44 PM

One thing I have just decided to do, is limit the chat window to your "buddy list" You will have to add buddies to be able to use the chat window to correspond with. You can add as many as you like, but doing it this was greatly reduces the chance of server drags.

When somepne adds you as a buddy from your profile, you will get an instant message from the forum "Notifier" letting you know you need to either go approve it, or ignore it.

SwampDonkey · July 28, 2011, 09:25:03 PM

I see, It's kind of like internet relay chat (IRC) without a privacy option.

It's a nifty feature Jeff.

But, for anyone trying to chat with me using the cometchat toolbar, just letting everyone know that I have it disabled on this end. Not being a grumpy here, just letting you know so no one gets frustrated. ;)

Piston · July 28, 2011, 09:43:22 PM

I was hoping the new forum feature was going to be a new smartphone app ;D

WH_Conley · July 28, 2011, 10:57:35 PM

When I saw that little toolbar on the bottom of the page, I bounced my daughter and her boyfriend, asking them what they did to my computer. Giess I should look further next time. Probably not.

thecfarm · July 29, 2011, 06:38:16 AM

I thought my wife added something again.
Thank-you Jeff.

Ron Wenrich · July 29, 2011, 06:44:26 AM

I noticed that the "Who's online" never matches the ones in the "users online". I've never been on my "who's online". Aren't they joined or is there a big time delay?

SwampDonkey · July 29, 2011, 06:53:56 AM

Lag was always an issue on large irc servers with thousands of users and being networked across the globe with other servers. But, probably much reduced here on the FF depending on the server load on the main forum functions (posting, picture display).

Another thing being introduced here is file sharing and Jeff has made a good point of only allowing the use of this and chat with "buddies" as some turd using a shell account could try and use it as a file sharing site and really slow up the system.

Jeff · July 29, 2011, 08:42:30 AM

Quote from: Ron Wenrich on July 29, 2011, 06:44:26 AM
I noticed that the "Who's online" never matches the ones in the "users online". I've never been on my "who's online". Aren't they joined or is there a big time delay?

They are not connected, as it is two different processes, but if you look they are close to the same. The bottom bar however alphabetizes. I also did some tweaks to it last evening and went back to running where everyone is on, not just buddies, at least for now while I get on a handle on how the server handles it.

Magicman · July 29, 2011, 12:24:15 PM

What does the green/yellow dot denote?

submarinesailor · July 29, 2011, 02:01:45 PM

I have already screwed something up on it.................. :

:

Raider Bill tried to buddy me and I deleted him by mistake. Got to work on not deleting my friends

;D ;D ;D :D :D :D Sorry Bill

Bruce

beenthere · July 29, 2011, 02:08:53 PM

Quote from: Magicman on July 29, 2011, 12:24:15 PM
What does the green/yellow dot denote?

Nothing runs like a Deere

WH_Conley · July 29, 2011, 02:35:21 PM

I did the same thing Bruce.

isawlogs · July 29, 2011, 02:46:11 PM

I did not delete the ones asking , just was not sure how to do it the correct way , best leave things be if not sure .. well that really ain't how things usualy go, but this time that is what I did . :D

Magicman · July 29, 2011, 02:53:05 PM

Quote from: beenthere on July 29, 2011, 02:08:53 PM
Nothing runs like a Deere

I agree with that, now what are the dots ??? :D :D :D

Radar67 · July 29, 2011, 02:55:52 PM

Green means they are online and active, yellow means they are online, but inactive.

Jeff · July 29, 2011, 03:46:11 PM

What Radar said. It's pickier than the who's online list. It drops you to inactive after only about 5 minutes. I think it's 10 or 15 on the forum who's on list

DR Buck · July 29, 2011, 05:31:01 PM

Quote from: submarinesailor on July 29, 2011, 02:01:45 PM
I have already screwed something up on it.................. : : :

Raider Bill tried to buddy me and I deleted him by mistake. Got to work on not deleting my friends ;D ;D ;D :D :D :D Sorry Bill

Bruce

Way to go Bruce. And I thought raider Bill was an OK guy. ;) Next thing you know you'll be deleting the admins and Jeff will have to send you to the woodshed. :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

Banjo picker · July 29, 2011, 05:50:33 PM

My dots are green and orange...is my computer got the chicken pocks...And while we are asking questions...What does that bug mean that has been running around on my profile for so long now...I thought I would figure it out by just waiting and reading...but that ain't happened.... :D Tim

Jeff · July 29, 2011, 06:02:01 PM

What Bug?