Strolen's Citadel

Rise of the Strolenati-Ideas/Suggestions · Legacy archive

Lockmor 3.0 Blogish Kinda Thread

Started by Strolen Jan 27, 2008 113 posts Locked

  1. Re: Lockmor 3.0 Blogish Kinda Thread

    #81

    More input:
    It seems that many a new user is awed by the high threshold of acceptance at the Citadel. How many times have we seen a potential future fixture disappear because his sub was torn to pieces?

    How many others have turned away just by sensing this threshold, or witnessing how users disappear?

    I still remember my own dread before I began posting here...

    Yet, it can be no other way.

    This poses a problem.
    I have thought about how to remedy that problem, and, well, here is the idea:

    "Strolen's Playground"
    - No votes
    - Xp for subs and comments
    - Lower threshold of acceptance.
    - Instead of "Hall of Honour", "Golden Submission" and XP ranking we could have "Magical Focus" (Based on views and comments) and "Orc Camp" (based on replies and comments) and the like.

    It would be a haven for the general public, the Drizzt fans, the users that love fantasy, that have that feverish gleam in their eyes, but have yet to become picky, difficult, acid tongued old farts like the rest of us.

    I know you guys have something in the backburner for that. I read about it somewhere, but it wasn't good enough. My idea ain't either, but the playground should happen. If done right it would probably become the most popular part of the citadel.

    Do you think it is possible for the Citadel to have two identities such as this?


    Hey look; i'm still an admin!

    I quite like that idea, actually. I'm sure when I posted my first submission here, bright-eyed and young with only Dragonlance novels and computer games on my resume (not to say that resume's enlarged at all =) ), I had a few smirks towards my generic Raistlinesque black-mage. Back in that time, I thought what I was posting was all hip and fresh! It never even crossed my mind that It would be a nasty cliche of the tabletop world.

    One issue I see with it though, is that newcomers may not think to post it in the playground, rather thinking their submission good enough for the citadel proper. What if, before you are allowed to post something in the citadel section, you have to have 5 submissions in the playground (kind of a 'trial run' area, to warm them up.) Or better still: they have to have 5 "ticks of approval" or more in a playground sub(s) given out by those of higher rank, before they are given access to the citadel.

    Also, I'd enjoy a "general Musings/scribblings" kind of submission/section in the playground, where I could just post the small thoughts either not worth fleshing out or that aren't significant enough for a full submission.

    ___________
    Another general thought is that if the playground were to be done in this manner, it would give a sense of accomplishment for those who "finally got access to the citadel proper", and make them a)Stay around longer to use the citadel, and b)Strive harder to garner good feedback.

    Maybe it could even be done in stages: Get 2 ticks of approval for the right to comment in the citadel, 4 for the right to vote and 6 to be allowed to post in there.


    wow... it's been a while.

  2. Re: Lockmor 3.0 Blogish Kinda Thread

    #82
    SE *gasp*

    Just because you rise from the dead doesn't mean I have to entirely agree with you though. :)

    I am anti another level of approval. Like having to go through the gauntlet and would be just as intimidating I think, if not more.

    I would rather have a trout button on comments so admins can throw a trout at people that are rude or unforgiving of a new post.

    I think a better used "in work" (apprentice) section would be the best bet. Give some mods/admins better access to toss stuff into that area if it is going to be abused too much. I would expect most posts to remain and get whatever "polite" advice given vs. throwing everybody's new post into the apprentice section.

    I still like the idea of allowing only 1 sub in the "help me" section and then having the public but not submitted are separate. The site can do a better job announcing the help me's and can better reward those that do help as well. I have a few ideas about how to make that a little more worth it for people.

    I understand the general complaint though and I don't disagree. I just don't think a "pledge week" for new posters is the way to go.

  3. Re: Lockmor 3.0 Blogish Kinda Thread

    #83
    You dare to disagree with me!?

    *Throws a trout at Strolen*

  4. Re: Lockmor 3.0 Blogish Kinda Thread

    #84
    I'm liking the trout idea.

  5. Re: Lockmor 3.0 Blogish Kinda Thread

    #85
    I'm just wanting a carefree section. A section where people can post and not fear the executioner.

    Trouts are okay though.

  6. Re: Lockmor 3.0 Blogish Kinda Thread

    #86
    The friendly area should be better in the new site. Will have a whole page dedicated to helping others and getting those kind of things visibility.

    ----

    Updated a ton of small stuff that I had been avoiding so things work more how I want them. Got the link parsing working in comments and subs so you can use the [My Submission] type linking and it works....if you spell the post right. :)

    I think I will start on the browsing part to roll through submissions. I want to get all the clicking stuff working because those dropdown menus that you can't use annoy the heck out of me. Would be nice to be able to use them and have a bigger testing ground then just the quick picks at the bottom of the home page.

    Off I go!

  7. Re: Lockmor 3.0 Blogish Kinda Thread

    #87
    Did more fix-it-ups on the main viewing page and currently have the top category view showing with pagination.

    http://www.readpostplay.com/index.php/browsing/items/0/0/880

    The side menu works, just doesn't hit the database yet but it will give you a feel for it. Still got some work to do to get the subcategories working (not a big deal really and will be done tonight) but I am going to have to get creative for the sorting options (vote, author, title, comment, asc, desc etc...) to work. In order to be safe and more moduler codeignitor doesn't allow the use of $_get, only $_post, so nothing can be sent through the early as a variable, it all has to be defined explicitly and pulled from each section/of/the/url.

    It will be interesting. Trying to see how nice I can make form buttons so that a button press sends the data....then I have to propogate it too. Tough job actually. Might have to figure out how to stuff it in the ever growing url on these pages but might be worth it.

    We shall see!

  8. Re: Lockmor 3.0 Blogish Kinda Thread

    #88
    COOKIES!!

    It used to be evil to have cookies, but do you think it would be a huge issued to track sorting options via cookies?

    That is how it is right now since it is a damn simple solution. If not, I could probably go database sessions to keep it...but is that necessary?

    EDIT:

    It is more or less working so please click away and see what happens. There are some random issues with certain categories and I think I know what it is but if you see a pattern, that would be swell. :)

  9. Re: Lockmor 3.0 Blogish Kinda Thread

    #89
    Well, the alternative to cookies is sessions...  (as you already said). You could probably attach to the smf session, but you probably already do so.

    In my opinion cookies ain't that bad. Of course, the user can disable them and then they get that nasty "You have to enable cookies to surf on Strolen's" message (or something like that ;)).

    That would disallow corporate site members, but, well, perhaps they shouldn't be here in the first place? (Meaning they should be working, hehehe).

    *Suddenly remembers that he is at work and quickly logs out*

  10. Re: Lockmor 3.0 Blogish Kinda Thread

    #90
    The format will probably be updated by the time anybody takes the time to look at the new pages but they are working pretty solid now.

    www.readpostplay.com

    I started out with the 2.0 queries and after *really* reading them to see exactly what they are doing and how long they took I am completely embarassed that I wrote such crap. One had a double join against two other tables with some extreme check and once I looked at it closely I have no idea what one of the joins was supposed to do as it was completely unnecessary. It worked, granted, but did nothing.

    I saw that I was also a fan of using one function and numerous switch statements to make the single function do a whole bunch of different things. I still have that aversion to writing similiar code over and over but separating the functions and having do one thing sure makes it a ton easier to troubleshoot. I think some of the hacks in there were holdovers from v1.0 that worked and I just moved over. The site _really_ needed this review!

  11. Re: Lockmor 3.0 Blogish Kinda Thread

    #91
    Recent comments:
    Time stamps, or "Commented today", "Commented Yesterday", and the like would be greatly appreciated in the "recent comments section of the main page.

  12. Re: Lockmor 3.0 Blogish Kinda Thread

    #92
    I am sure I can figure that out. Remind me when we do the transition or if you help test it. Those are the small things I want to work on once we start the beta testing.

    I have the submission page working find but am running into a snag with updating submissions. I might have fallen into my old ways and am trying to use one function to do too much. There is so much similiar between the inputting and updating that I tried to stuff the udpate in there with some switches. I HATE duplicate code so maybe I will have to break it up into many little functions so I can call what I can reuse but keep the logic of updating/inputting separate.

    It will be easier to troubleshoot and update in smaller pieces too. Darnit! I fall into the trap of my old ways again and didn't even realize it.

  13. Re: Lockmor 3.0 Blogish Kinda Thread

    #93
    Got the freetext kinda working. Issues with freetext with spaces but that is just a formatting issue.

  14. Re: Lockmor 3.0 Blogish Kinda Thread

    #94
    Wasn't in the mood for hardcore code today so just added a few little graphic flashes.

    Rating is in a shield now that looks OK I think.

    Person who's submission it is will have another small shield icon in their post. I always found that helpful in blogs and such where the author's comment was colored different, so I just put the icon. (the colors didn't look so hot)

    Also, if you are logged in, your comments will have a small quill behind your name to easily find your own posts.

    Was debating on bringing over the forum avatars but remember that thought didn't catch on very much last time it was brought up so trying these smaller, more subtle things.

    www.readpostplay.com

  15. Re: Lockmor 3.0 Blogish Kinda Thread

    #95
    Freetext links in each submission works now.

    Freetext link in the "Library" menu puts you in the freetext cloud. No list yet. Will hit that later. Just want to get stuff working and will add extra features later.

  16. Re: Lockmor 3.0 Blogish Kinda Thread

    #96
    Added some more small graphics to the page listings.

    A stack a papers means it is a codex.
    A corroded question mark means it is a sub asking for help.
    A small eyepiece and some maps means the sub was in a quest.

    Also started on the search page today. Mission is to finish that before I go to sleep however long it takes!!
    http://www.readpostplay.com/index.php/hunting

    Let me know if there are other options you want to search.

  17. Re: Lockmor 3.0 Blogish Kinda Thread

    #97
    OK, I maybe I said finish the search but I meant get it working.

    I got it going pretty good. The options are hard coded at the moment but I will modify that tomorrow. That part won't take too much time.

    No, no comment searching....yet.

    The ranking is if the word is in the title it gets x100, if in the summary x75, if in the description x10, and if it is a freetext x50.

    The most relevant should pop to the top...in theory. It worked pretty good from what I could tell.

    You can use boolean arguments and all that jazz.

    Then I have to put in the pagination and that should do it pretty much. Will finish tomorrow then will move on to the author pages.

  18. Re: Lockmor 3.0 Blogish Kinda Thread

    #98
    Go break the search. I think it is good.

    http://www.readpostplay.com/index.php/hunting

  19. Re: Lockmor 3.0 Blogish Kinda Thread

    #99
    At least the author's are now linked. Quite a bit of work to do there though.

    The search had some issues but they should be resolved now.

    It was a GOOD weekend!

  20. Re: Lockmor 3.0 Blogish Kinda Thread

    #100
    Authors are more filled out more. I used the accordian javascript and I think I like the effect and usefulness of it.

    Enough done on that profile page that I will move on to the next step.

    I found that stubs don't format very well when shown so will mess with that this weekend.

  21. Re: Lockmor 3.0 Blogish Kinda Thread

    #101
    Finished the quest viewing pages. Under Library Link.

    Working on admin pages now.

  22. Re: Lockmor 3.0 Blogish Kinda Thread

    #102
    Updated 3.0's forum theme as well. Still not entirely satisfied but it blends better with the main site's theme.

    Opinions requested on the entire site!

  23. Re: Lockmor 3.0 Blogish Kinda Thread

    #103
    Ah, you are definitely on the right track.

    As a legendary navel-gazer, I have once again peeked at my old, old, old subs and...

    http://www.readpostplay.com/viewing/the_stairs_of_kienor

    It has a vote of 10000!!!!

    YAY!

  24. Re: Lockmor 3.0 Blogish Kinda Thread

    #104
    (I am an inactive user, and yet I am the one to find all these bugs? Manfred, manfred, where art thou?)

  25. Re: Lockmor 3.0 Blogish Kinda Thread

    #105

    (I am an inactive user, and yet I am the one to find all these bugs? Manfred, manfred, where art thou?)


    Here, and there, and everywhere... I really need to take some time out for this page. It is surely in need of a good critique.

  26. Re: Lockmor 3.0 Blogish Kinda Thread

    #106
    Experimenting with an ajax shoutbox on the new site. Put it at the bottom to allow for longer, more readable discussions.

    Only issue currently is that the username isn't automatic, has to be manually typed. Only on for those that are logged in and I can't decide if I care or not at the moment. Might be on the list to fix later as I like the script and it will be easy to put on the forum as well.

    Also made it so you can reply to comments again.

  27. Re: Lockmor 3.0 Blogish Kinda Thread

    #107
    Got some solid work done today. Fixed up the suggestions so they actually work well now. Got the HoH working and got the golden going. Also made a sweet little graphic for the golden submissions that show up in their listings as well as when you are viewing them.

    Some will notice that I didn't change it to Spotlight. I actuall did and had it there most of the day but I couldn't keep it. HoH is to ingrown into the center of my being. Every time I saw Spotlight I broke into cold sweats and my eyes dialated. I just couldn't allow myself to dispose of the Hall of Honour tradition.

    Some would argue that the HoH description isn't appropriate for what it does. 

    We really are honoring the posts we enjoy by punching them to the front page. For most of us, it takes something special to get us to give them a coveted HoH. Once they drift from the front page the only residue of the HoH is the name on the post and a link in the author and HoH person's profile. I think there is room for a HoH dedicated page that shows posts that have a few HoH votes yet aren't golden. If somebody gets 3 HoH's then indeed they have done something special. If they have more than that then they are usually of a quality or idea above the rest. If they get solid HoHs there is an excellent chance that they may get a Golden...but Goldens are only level 8 and above so they are very hard to get. Hall of Honour subs are indeed honoured by the vote while I think spotlight detracts from the importance of that vote. I can't make myself be satisfied with changing them to Spotlights...sorry.

  28. Re: Lockmor 3.0 Blogish Kinda Thread

    #108
    Got the challenge working with a little more informative voting system on the submission. Will need some more people to help check it out and use the challenge system to see if it works. (hint hint nudge nudge, I need some beta testers)

    Also started on the Newish page....but a list of links connected to the Freetext "Citadel Advice" is as far as I got. I am just not creative when it comes to figuring out what to put on these pages. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

    Fixed a lot of other small things as well that you probably wouldn't notice unless they were missing or broke....but they aren't now. :)

    http://readpostplay.com

  29. Re: Lockmor 3.0 Blogish Kinda Thread

    #109
    FYI: while Strolen is captured far beyond the enemy lines of hostile firewalls, he still continues to work on Citadel 3.0. A major update is coming up shortly. There will be still some things missing, but it starts to shape up nicely, so he'd like to make it work well first vs. adding more and more features.

    Are there any volunteers for bughunting, evaluating and general good ole testing? Please respond in this thread.

  30. Re: Lockmor 3.0 Blogish Kinda Thread

    #110
    Of course. Breaking software is my dayjob :P

  31. Re: Lockmor 3.0 Blogish Kinda Thread

    #111
    mafred did an awesome job finding a plethera of "improvement opportunities" on 3.0.

    I am currently sneaking some time on some free wifi they have over here and uploading the latest bug fixes to www.readpostplay.com

    If you have the time and/or inclination to do some experimenting, I would love it if you would jump over to www.readpostplay.com and do your best to break it. It is all experimental data so you can add/edit/delete/vote/goof off to it without any care in the world.

    If you find issues, post them or you can email me at my (Spam email harvester avoidance) gmail account using strolen.

    It is dang close so what you find now will limit the pain later. Expect the 3.0 conversion at the end of April!!!!!!!

    So it is written, so it shall be done.

    Miss you all!! Iraq is great, wish you could be here. ;)

  32. Re: Lockmor 3.0 Blogish Kinda Thread

    #112
    1. Manage Favorites under profile is busted or none of my older favourites carried over. I had a LOT of them and they have been in the system for quite some time.

    Edit: You can see them once you have at least one category. I would suggest automatically adding one category - Old Favourites - that contains the migrated favourites of the user. Then they can manage it later.

    That said, the interface is a little off for me. The favorite categories and titles of the subs themselves are too close in appearance.  The inclusion of the summary text really just makes the list very disorganized due to it variable content. I'd just like to see a list of the sub names - and in standard size font.

    2. Can we select a 0-graphics front page? I use the plain text on white much of the time.

    From the main page:

    3. Newish leads you to a dead end page - nothing to do there.
    4. Exploring is plain broke: http://readpostplay.com/exploring
    5. Selecting Helping on the main page leads to a list of fungi and stuff...
    6. Both looking for a community and looking for a game bring you back to the top of the main page.

    Bottom section selection of main.
    Latest 3 by type->Articals brings you back to main page.

    All for now...






  33. Re: Lockmor 3.0 Blogish Kinda Thread

    #113
    Manage Favorites fixed

    Task Pages (Newish etc) are in a working state with beginning ideas of what to have on them.
    NOTE: you will have to add freetext to match the pages (it matches the title Newish = freetext: newish) in order for that part to show up.

    Forgot about the articles this update.

    Under Quick added a Global type Recent page as well this update.

    These are starting points, tell me what should be on those pages and your wish is my demand!

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