'View New Posts' search on all screens please

[Ian T]

Hello admins,

I wonder if you might consider making a small change to the forum template to include the 'View new posts' link in all screens please?

I don't think that PHPBB has the option by default, but it would be easy to add either to the header or navigation template using the link: search.php?search_id=newposts

Perhaps it might even reduce server load as I for one use that to show what is new since my last visit, then once I have replied to something, I have to back out to the Board Index to click the link again (in order to keep the results fresh. Perhaps I should let on that I administrate the 'old Vauxhall' forum at www.voc1903-57.co.uk - we tried out PHPBB3 for that when I first set out with it, but found MyBB more similar to vBulletin, which was at that time a market leader.

Thanks for considering it at least.

Cheers,

Ian.

[maz_r]

Nice idea; would make the forums a little easier to drive.

Good luck trying to make it happen though...we can't even change a link in the header....apparently.....

[dapinky]

It's basically there at the moment.......

search.jpg

I have my Firefox homepage as "unread posts" which brings up the screen as pictured.....

..... by clicking on the little orange page icon (arrowed) it takes me straight to the first unread post in that thread - easy to open 10 at a time in new tabs, then just close, post, or whatever each tab..... simples

(obviously, it only works so long as you have selected "stay signed in" on the forum homepage - thought I'd better add that for anyone else reading this unfamilliar with the protocols involved)

[GeoffSmith]

Good luck trying to make it happen though...we can't even change a link in the header....apparently.....

Sush you. I've laid an ambush for Chris.

[maz_r]

Sssshhhhhhhhhhhh.....

[Ian T]

It's basically there at the moment.......

search.jpg

I have my Firefox homepage as "unread posts" which brings up the screen as pictured.....

..... by clicking on the little orange page icon (arrowed) it takes me straight to the first unread post in that thread - easy to open 10 at a time in new tabs, then just close, post, or whatever each tab..... simples

Thanks - but not quite what I meant. I was looking for the link / button that brings that screen up rather than the 'take me to the first unread post' in a thread button.

It's more of a flow thing, if this makes sense...

Arrive on forum
Hit new posts
Open a thread, reply
Hit new posts
Open a thread, reply
(repeat until I've bored everyone)

Or, as it is now:

Arrive on forum
Navigate to Board Index page
Hit new posts
Open a thread, reply
Navigate to Board Index page
Hit new posts
Open a thread, reply
(repeat as before until asleep)

Hopefully that works - I guess I could learn the keyboard shortcuts and set that search as a favourite, but that wouldn't work on the iPad.

Cheers,

Ian.

[lotos]

I set my bookmark for LEC to open this page:
forum.lotuselancentral.com/search.php?search_id=newposts

Then I use the New Posts icon at the front of the threads that interest me and open them in new tabs. Sometimes it's one thread, sometimes I'll open 15. Each in their own tab. Close each when done.

[Simon_P]

Good idea Ian!

I think the reason that we all have workarounds.... is is be cause we are all working around!

[Ian T]

I set my bookmark for LEC to open this page:
forum.lotuselancentral.com/search.php?search_id=newposts

Then I use the New Posts icon at the front of the threads that interest me and open them in new tabs. Sometimes it's one thread, sometimes I'll open 15. Each in their own tab. Close each when done.

Ok, I could do that too, but I'd have to re-run the search to keep it fresh each time.

I do use the little icon to take me to the first unread post in a thread, but I don't use the tabs as you do, not least because I have at least 10 of them open at any one time anyway for other purposes. My home page is still Google mainly because that reflects the bulk of my web browser use.

Although disabled by default, I use the instant email notification to let me know about replies to threads I am following and so this is normally how I arrive on the forum, hence the search is invisible within a thread.

Sorry - I'm not moaning, just suggesting that it would be a pretty easy addition that aligns PHPBB well with some of the other forum software options out there.



Ian.

[Fredjohn]

Ian
I usually enter LEC via my favourites list or from the app on my main screen (Windows . The address saved behind these is the Board Index page, so I enter directly to this page.

Then I go into "Active Topics" rather than "New Posts", although they are similar. However, this only shortcuts the first part of your request, the latter would be a useful addition. I am no computer wizard, though, but maz_r's comments on trying to do this are interesting.

[Ian T]

I am no computer wizard, though, but maz_r's comments on trying to do this are interesting.

I think that really reflects that everyone has a life outside LEC and all forum admins inevitably find themselves overcommitted. Things change and the priority of optional improvements ends up outweighed by security patches and moderation.

Ian.

[GeoffSmith]

At the last release of phpBB, GoogAl decided that the layout should be brown paper bag† or cardboard box† or whatever term is used to describe the 'as it comes' flavour (flavour... ice cream... †vanilla, I knew I'd remember it eventually) to keep it simple and avoid the burden of minor tweaks, which invariably increase over time and can cause major issues at subsequent BB upgrades and patches. What you've got is what you've got so stop thinking raspberry ripple.

Server load is not an issue as our good friends on TLF now host the site for us.

Sorry Ian, consider it already considered and rejected.