DARK SHADOWS FORUMS

General Discussions => Testing. 1, 2, 3... => Topic started by: Mysterious Benefactor on April 15, 2007, 05:23:22 PM

Title: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on April 15, 2007, 05:23:22 PM
The often mentioned upgrade to SMF 1.1 *should* take place at some point this week. However, it will be taking place in the wee hours of some morning, so most visitors shouldn't be inconvenienced when it comes to accessing the forum. And an announcement will be made in this topic prior to the upgrade taking place so that most people won't be too surprised to find that the forum is offline.  ;)

Once the upgrade has been completed, a few of the forum's features will be a bit different and a few new ones will be added. Everything will be explained in full at a later time, but some of the things to look forward to are:
(The admins/mods will also have a whole slew of new moderation tools - but we'll be the only ones having fun with those.  [wink2])
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: retzev on April 15, 2007, 06:21:21 PM
Sweet. Here's hoping the transition is a smooth one  :)
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: michael c on April 15, 2007, 08:10:17 PM
i can't wait to see the new themes!
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: adamsgirl on April 15, 2007, 09:06:20 PM
That sounds exciting! I look forward to it!
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: MagnusTrask on April 16, 2007, 12:17:31 AM
I dread these things.  I hope it won't be some new format where my accessibility features won't blow the print up.   ProBoards and some others can't handle accessibilkity features and I can't use those boards.

I'm also afraid that suddenly I just won't know what the hell is going on, and I can't figure out new problems, especially with computers.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on April 16, 2007, 02:04:25 AM
Don't worry, Magnus. I'm pretty sure everything will still work with your accessibility features. And we'll be here to help you deal with any issues you might have with any of the new features.  :)
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Patti Feinberg on April 17, 2007, 07:01:26 PM
Quote
the ability to create personal messages buddy lists

[size=9]YEAH!!!![/size]

Thanks MB, Midnite and dom!!

Patti
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Gothick on April 17, 2007, 07:22:02 PM
I look forward to the "Destroy All Smilies" command.

Snarky Old Curmudgeon

Gothick
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on April 17, 2007, 07:30:22 PM
I look forward to the "Destroy All Smilies" command.

Actually, there was talk of that during the development phase, but I haven't checked to see if it was actually implemented. I suppose we'll see once everything is up and running. ::wink::
( Smileysless just for you. ::laughs:: )
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: loril54 on April 17, 2007, 07:37:32 PM
We shouldn't get rid of all the smilies  >:D
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on April 17, 2007, 07:47:09 PM
If it's available, the feature would only work for the members who'd activate it, lori.  :)  Everyone else would still have complete access to and be able to view all the smileys.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Gothick on April 17, 2007, 08:03:06 PM
I don't just want them all to go.  I want to watch them slowly ... BURN.

*sadistic leer*

G.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: retzev on April 18, 2007, 10:30:38 AM
*sadistic leer*

C'mon, lighten up. How about a nice *sadistic leer* smiley?
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Raineypark on April 18, 2007, 06:43:20 PM
*sadistic leer*

C'mon, lighten up. How about a nice *sadistic leer* smiley?

Forget it.....Gothick has taken a vow of "smiley" abstinence ...... >:D
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Jackie on April 18, 2007, 07:39:07 PM
I don't just want them all to go.  I want to watch them slowly ... BURN.

*sadistic leer*

What's wrong with the smileys??? ???
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Connie on April 19, 2007, 04:55:17 PM
I look forward to the "Destroy All Smilies" command.

Snarky Old Curmudgeon

What a party pooper.   ;)

[wave]
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: MagnusTrask on April 19, 2007, 06:26:17 PM
What's wrong with the smileys??? ???

Cutesiness.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on April 19, 2007, 07:34:44 PM
Well, 99.9% of them are cutesy. But there are those that are quite ugly and even insulting - though we don't have many of those here on the forum.


But sort of getting back on topic, unless something really drastic happens (like my computer blows up, our host's server blows up, or the end of the world takes place before then  ;)) the forum will be shutting down in the wee hours of Friday morning so that I can make some final preparations in the database for the upgrade. And if things go smoothly and quickly enough, I may even do the upgrade itself. But that's entirely dependent on how well our host cooperates with what I want to do with the database. If I think the changes are taking too long, the actual upgrade probably won't take place until the wee hours of Monday because I have a busy weekend coming up...
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: MagnusTrask on April 19, 2007, 07:44:31 PM
Good luck.

If only emoticons didn't have those cloyingly cute round yellow "Have a Nice Day" faces.    There's a Neil Young board where there are great ones, including a big hand that waves hello at you.     Anything that's not a round yellow face....
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Jackie on April 20, 2007, 03:02:46 AM
I just looked at the list of smileys and I see what you mean.  They can be annoying if overused and some are rather gross.  Some are quit appropriate for specific situations but it takes time to go through them to pick what one wants.  I can see people spend a great deal of time composing their message to use them.  I like using them for birthdays and to express some emotions but one can be misunderstood when using them too!!

It's all about bounce. [a_monkey]  I'm interested in seeing what the new changes are in 1.1.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: barnabasjr on April 20, 2007, 03:39:28 AM
Good luck with the upgrade, MB, can't wait to see it!
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on April 20, 2007, 06:45:01 PM
Well, I got a lot less cooperation from our host than I would have liked, but the majority of the changes to the database have been made. A few tweaks remain, but they're going to wait until after I get some sleep (I've had all of about 3 hours in the past 28  [a345]), so don't be surprised if you see a few strange characters in some posts. They were caused by some incompatibility between the collation definitions on my computer's MySQL/phpmyAdmin set up and our host's (basically, I'm using the current releases - they're not  ::)).

Probably needless to say, the upgrade to SMF 1.1 won't take place until next week...
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: michael c on April 21, 2007, 12:55:40 AM
i was expecting a new "theme" but i still have the red and brown.

is this change still yet to come?
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Midnite on April 21, 2007, 03:47:28 AM
Quote from: mscbryk
is this change still yet to come?

Yes, next week.  We're still using SMF 1.0.9.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on April 25, 2007, 05:38:34 PM
Our host actually completely cooperated today - IT'S A MIRACLE!!  :D

But seriously, the strange characters should *mostly* be gone from all posts. I may have missed a few here or there (particularly in the Robservations), so if anyone happens to come across any, please notify me here in this topic.

And quoting/replying to PMs is also working again.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on April 25, 2007, 05:52:32 PM
Fix two things - find something else.  ::)  Apparently modifying a post can sometimes but not always bring up a "Database Error: Duplicate entry '0' for key 1" error. However, the changes do actually go through despite what the error says, so simply ignore it, and I'll try to get to the bottom of why it's even coming up.  :-
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: rainingwolf on April 25, 2007, 06:27:20 PM
ummm...smileys have disappeared? Only words show now...eg..."wink" "Cheesey", etc. Just an upgrade bug?...please say you are not getting rid of them!
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on April 25, 2007, 06:31:27 PM
Hmmm - all the smileys are showing up for me.  [hdscrt]
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on April 25, 2007, 07:31:58 PM
Our host actually completely cooperated today - IT'S A MIRACLE!!  :D

Apparently it wasn't quite the miracle I'd thought. But...

Apparently modifying a post can sometimes but not always bring up a "Database Error: Duplicate entry '0' for key 1" error.

...this has now been fixed. And let's hope that's the end of it.  ;)
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Bette on April 25, 2007, 07:36:32 PM
ummm...smileys have disappeared? Only words show now...eg..."wink" "Cheesey", etc. Just an upgrade bug?...please say you are not getting rid of them!

I'm getting the same thing, a little box with the word"cheesey" plus a smaller box inside it with an x.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on April 25, 2007, 07:41:42 PM
ummm...smileys have disappeared? Only words show now...eg..."wink" "Cheesey", etc. Just an upgrade bug?...please say you are not getting rid of them!

I'm getting the same thing, a little box with the word"cheesey" plus a smaller box inside it with an x.

Try clearing your browser's cache. It may be storing a copy of the page prior to the changes to the database being completed, and for some reason the browser isn't refreshing it.  :-
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: MagnusTrask on April 25, 2007, 08:24:26 PM
But seriously, the strange characters should *mostly* be gone from all posts. I may have missed a few here or there (particularly in the Robservations), so if anyone happens to come across any, please notify me here in this topic.

There are more tactful ways of telling me I have to get the hell off the board.   Sheesh!
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on April 25, 2007, 08:28:10 PM
 [lghy]  You may be a "strange character," Magnus - but only in a good way.  [wink2]
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: MagnusTrask on April 25, 2007, 08:48:00 PM
[lghy]  You may be a "strange character," Magnus - but only in a good way.  [wink2]

Thank you! for the little boxes that say "laughing" and "wink #2" in them!
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: loril54 on April 25, 2007, 08:50:25 PM
I am just getting boxes with question marks.  I have a mini mac with safari?? have cleared my chache and re booted.

Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Midnite on April 25, 2007, 08:54:50 PM
Thanks, loril54.  They should be showing up again.  :D
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Bette on April 25, 2007, 10:14:02 PM
Thanks, loril54.  They should be showing up again.  :D

Thanks Midnite and MB. They're back!  [clap2]


Bette
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Gothick on April 25, 2007, 10:27:03 PM
Damn it, so they are.

Back, I mean.

The wretched SMILIES!

*grits teeth*

G.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: rainingwolf on April 26, 2007, 03:32:10 AM
YAY! Smileys are back! Thanks! (Sorry,Gothick).
[cheer] [cheer] [hello] [hello] [cheer] [cheer]
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 01, 2007, 12:42:42 AM
an announcement will be made in this topic prior to the upgrade taking place so that most people won't be too surprised to find that the forum is offline.

If all goes well, the upgrade will take place tonight.  :)
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 01, 2007, 11:00:14 AM
The upgrade to SMF 1.1.2 has been completed successfully - however, by no means are the changes done. Only a handful of the SMF 1.1.2 features have been activated, and many others will be activated in the coming days - though we'll do our best to stagger them out to try not to overwhelm too many members with too many new features all at once.  ;)

At the moment the forum is simply using the SMF default theme, but that will change very shortly. As soon as the bloodred and Variations on Blue themes have been upgraded to SMF 1.1.2, they will return. Though other newer themes will probably precede that. Barring something unforeseen happening (like maybe once I go to bed, I don't wake up until tomorrow afternoon  :D), one of those newer themes (Lightning) will replace the default theme before the day is over.

So, enjoy browsing the new features that have already been activated. And if you have any questions whose answers can't seem to be found in the forum's new Help section (accessible by clicking the "HELP" button in the main menu), please post them in this topic and we'll do our best to answer as soon as possible.

Have fun!  :)
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 01, 2007, 11:51:56 AM
I forgot to mention that several aspects of the stats page are off. But that will be adjusted in due time...
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: retzev on May 01, 2007, 12:50:58 PM
Looks great! Congratulations!
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: EmeraldRose on May 01, 2007, 01:29:50 PM
My picture avatar disappeared. [shkdg] Will it come back or will I have to add it to my profile again?  [hdscrt]

----- Sally -----
[coolg]
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: IluvBarnabas on May 01, 2007, 02:08:26 PM
I notice that the spoilers are gone from previous posts....is this temporary or permanent?
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: PennyDreadful on May 01, 2007, 04:06:43 PM
Lookin' really good! 
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Brandon Collins on May 01, 2007, 05:10:47 PM
I like the new look too, but can't wait for the different "skins" to get uploaded, or whatever, because I like the blood red. Has more of a DS feel, lol.

So far, I haven't really seen much different except for the new look, but I guess I will as the new features are added.

The only thing that I've seen different is that now it takes FOREVER to load a page, when before it didn't. Maybe that's a kink that'll work itself out.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 01, 2007, 05:38:18 PM
Hmmm...

My picture avatar disappeared. [shkdg]

It's always been showing up for me.  [hdscrt]  Are you still not seeing it?


I notice that the spoilers are gone from previous posts....is this temporary or permanent?

The spoilers have always been showing up for me, too (when one passes ones browser cursor over the spoiler box) - BUT the internal code for them is now completely different from what we had been using in SMF 1.0. Perhaps your browser doesn't like it? Passing the cursor over the box to automatically bring up the text has always been the way to read the spoilers and it has worked that way in all browsers except for that ridiculous piece of crap that is IE [Blow_Up_IE] - it made people highlight the text.  ::)

Why exactly did you think spoilers were gone?

And speaking of spoilers, notice that there is now an icon to add the BBC code to posts: (http://www.dsboards.com/SMF/Themes/default/images/bbc/spoiler.gif)


I haven't really seen much different except for the new look

There are already many new features activated. (One of them (the instant preview feature) is even on the page to compose posts/PMs.) You'll definitely come across them in time.  ;)  But to point them all out now would ruin the fun of people finding them on their own.  :D

Quote
The only thing that I've seen different is that now it takes FOREVER to load a page, when before it didn't. Maybe that's a kink that'll work itself out.

Pages have been creating for me in the same amount of time as always. In fact, that was something that I specifically checked repeatedly for the first two hours after the upgrade was completed. However, from time to time, particularly in the mornings, our host's MySQL server can respond slowly. The best way to check whether or not it's our host or ones own Internet connection that's slowing things down is to scroll to the bottom of the page and check the "Page created in" info. Most pages create in under 1 second. But the more graphics/database queries intensive ones can take around 5 or so seconds. If the "Page created in" stat says something like that, but the page is taking forever to display, then the problem is most probably some sort of bottleneck along the path of someone's own Internet connection.  :(
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: loril54 on May 01, 2007, 05:40:52 PM
When do we get to change the sceams, the darker colors that we are used to are not there. Some of the font and colors of print do show up as nicely. Yellows and light greens are hard to read. I like the format, the place of things.

Thanks for all your hard work, I know how challanging it can be. 
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 01, 2007, 05:47:10 PM
When do we get to change the sceams, the darker colors that we are used to are not there.

As I said, the bloodred and Variations on Blue themes will return once I've had a chance to upgrade them to SMF 1.1.2.

I prefer the darker colors for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is they seem more suited to DS.  ;)  (And the new Lightning theme will be quite dark - possibly the darkest theme we've ever used on the forum.) But this is SMF's default theme and we'll be using it until the other themes are ready.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Midnite on May 01, 2007, 06:19:26 PM
There are already many new features activated.

One feature that I was really looking forward to has to do with something appearing inside quotes that didn't before the upgrade.  :D
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Nancy on May 01, 2007, 07:07:37 PM
Nice job!! :D
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Bette on May 01, 2007, 07:35:01 PM
Looking good to me.  :)

Thanks for your continued hard work for us, MB.

Bette

Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: EmeraldRose on May 01, 2007, 08:11:07 PM

My picture avatar disappeared. [shkdg]

It's always been showing up for me.  [hdscrt]  Are you still not seeing it?

I left here, cleared the cache, then came back...  and now my picture is back! [cheer]  So everything's great again! [cheesyg]

By the way, I also prefer the "blood red" color scheme.  I'll be glad when it's back! [bigok]

----- Sally -----
[coolg]
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Gothick on May 01, 2007, 08:15:27 PM
Congratulations!

I hate to be the Cracked Crab (but you know I secretly revel in the role) but I will have to force myself to chivvy out the intricately concealed menus for changing the colors back to the crimson and black.  Right now I feel as if I really have been exiled to the Lilac Ward at Wyndcliffe.    Either that or a strange spacewarp on the Starfleet Academy fansite.

I also need to find the "Destroy All Smilies Now!" command.  You did promise that I would be able to do that...

G.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Heather on May 01, 2007, 08:26:33 PM
I know how complicated web stuff can get so - tipping my hat to you all. Everything works for this Mac user so far (in Firefox, Netscape, and Safari... no, I didn't try it in IE - I obliterated that infuriating browser from my machine a looooong while ago)
::hug::
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: arashi on May 01, 2007, 09:03:10 PM
Wow! Looking totally slick! Nice work!
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Lydia on May 01, 2007, 09:52:11 PM
I'm having trouble with the Preview function in "Discuss - Ep #0287'.  I got "Fetching preview..." forever.  I came to this topic, and did a Preview and got it immediately.  Went back to Re: Discuss - Ep #0287 and tried it again, and once again got 'Fetching preview..." forever.  And back in this topic, Preview again works just fine.

I hate giving you one more thing to worry about.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Lydia on May 01, 2007, 10:09:11 PM
I just remembered that I had a spoiler warning in the post I was trying to make in "Discuss - Ep #0287", so that was probably the source of the problem.  I haven't time to try it spoilerless now.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Midnite on May 01, 2007, 10:37:51 PM
I just remembered that I had a spoiler warning in the post I was trying to make in "Discuss - Ep #0287", so that was probably the source of the problem.

The spoiler is the cause, though it's not just that topic or board.  When posting as a non-admin, I'm receiving this error: "Sorry - you don't have the proper permissions to post spoilers," though I got stuck a couple of times too in Fetching Preview using different browsers.  And MB, spoilers aren't seen by regular members either.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 02, 2007, 12:33:35 AM
MB, spoilers aren't seen by regular members

OK - I *think* I've gotten to the bottom of the problem. Unlike SMF 1.0, permissions have to be set in SMF 1.1 for members to see and use spoilers. The default setting is supposed to be that all members can, BUT that was not the case when I just went to check it out. Even though the individual membergroups (newbie, junior, full, etc.) had the permission set for them, an overall group called "regular members" (which is actually a more complicated membergroup that it sounds - but I won't try to explain that because it will only make things even more confusing than they already are  :- ) did not, and apparently that was what was preventing 99% of members from seeing and using them. But I've corrected that and all members *should* be seeing spoilers and *should* be able to add them to posts.

Quote
I got stuck a couple of times too in Fetching Preview using different browsers.

Which browsers were those? Strangely, I can't duplicate the problem in any browsers. I wonder if setting the permissions fixed it? But I'm not about to unset them to find out.  ;)
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Midnite on May 02, 2007, 01:05:02 AM
Which browsers were those? Strangely, I can't duplicate the problem in any browsers. I wonder if setting the permissions fixed it? But I'm not about to unset them to find out.  ;)

LOL, noooo.  It was Firefox and IE 6.  I tried posting spoilers in different places and usually received the error but I did get stuck in Preview twice.

I hope Lydia can return to post the spoilery comment soon (and if you should miss the unending Fetching Preview, sweetie, my dog would be more than happy to play it with you ;)).
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: loril54 on May 02, 2007, 01:10:26 AM
tried doing a spoiler for 287  It wouldn't white it out or block it. Tied to do an edit but that didn't work either. That just got me into the code. I erased it and re-did it but it didn't change it.  I did get the preview what it is showing is spoiler with the colon, but it is not hiding it. I hope that you can go in and fixit. PLEASE. SORRY I messed it up Used spoiler button. Is there some code missing???
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 02, 2007, 01:23:29 AM
It was Firefox and IE 6.

Interesting because I can't duplicate it in either. I don't even get the Fetching preview notice - the preview just comes up.  :-   But I'm not going to worry about it unless/until it keeps happening.


what it is showing is spoiler with the colon, but it is not hiding it.

How very odd! It was working perfectly fine for me before I set the regular members permission to allow members to see/use spoilers, but now it's not working at all for new spoilers beyond the word spoiler showing up. BUT odder still, spoilers posted before I set the permissions ARE working!  [hdscrt]

We've joked before that the forum is haunted.  [Ghost00]  But in instances like this I really do wonder if it isn't actually true!  [lghy]

But seriously, I'll do some experimenting to try to get to the bottom of this latest bizarre development. Something very wrong is apparently happening now with the way the system is processing the spoiler tags before posts are being written to the database. I've gone into the database and manually fixed your post, but until I do get to the bottom of it, people probably shouldn't put any spoilers in their posts, so I've disabled the permissions again...
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 02, 2007, 01:58:42 AM
Something is definitely screwy with the code for the spoiler feature because no new spoilers will work - only older ones. And I should probably point out the spoiler feature is a mod - it's not actually a part of SMF 1.1.2 - and whoever wrote it certainly needs to go back to the drawing board.  :-

As soon as I get a chance, I'll see if I can figure out where they went wrong. But if not, I'll probably try to figure out how I can upgrade the code that I wrote for SMF 1.0 to make it work with SMF 1.1.2...
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Brandon Collins on May 02, 2007, 03:00:24 AM
Thanks for the earlier info, but things seem to be loading just fine for now. I suspect that it was stupid AOHELL that was screwing things up.

And as for spoliers--before I upgraded to IE 7, I had to highlight what was in the text box. I assumed it was that way for everyone. I had no idea that other people could just roll over it and it would appear. However, since I've upgraded to IE 7, it's been that way--I can just roll over the text box and the spoilered text appears.

Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: loril54 on May 02, 2007, 03:32:25 AM
Something is definitely screwy with the code for the spoiler feature because no new spoilers will work - only older ones. And I should probably point out the spoiler feature is a mod - it's not actually a part of SMF 1.1.2 - and whoever wrote it certainly needs to go back to the drawing board.  :-

As soon as I get a chance, I'll see if I can figure out where they went wrong. But if not, I'll probably try to figure out how I can upgrade the code that I wrote for SMF 1.0 to make it work with SMF 1.1.2...

Is there anyway you can just go back and copy the old code?? I know that doesn't always work but it is an idea?? What code is it that this datebase uses??


Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: rainingwolf on May 02, 2007, 03:39:15 AM
I just tried to go to the video on "KLS on Huff", and could not make it work. Am I doing something wrong, or is this part of the update not yet fixed? When I put the cursor on the URL given, it does not give the "pointy" sign that usually means you can click on it to make it start.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 02, 2007, 03:45:36 AM
Is there anyway you can just go back and copy the old code??

Unfortunately, no. The scrpits that run the system have been completely rewritten in SMF 1.1. They're practically nothing like the ones for SMF 1.0

Quote
What code is it that this datebase uses??

Well the code for the database and the code for the system are two separate things. The database uses MySQL code. The scripts that run the system are written in a scripting language known as PHP. There are links on the bottom left hand side of every forum page for anyone who might want to learn more.  :)
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 02, 2007, 03:48:12 AM
I just tried to go to the video on "KLS on Huff", and could not make it work.

I'm glad you brought that up because I'd completely forgotten about it. None of the videos in the Members' Mausoleum will play until I write some new code for them.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 02, 2007, 04:11:39 AM
Barring something unforeseen happening (like maybe once I go to bed, I don't wake up until tomorrow afternoon  :D), one of those newer themes (Lightning) will replace the default theme before the day is over.

Well, something unforeseen did happen - though at least all this trouble with spoilers was far less drastic than not waking up until tomorrow afternoon. ;)  However, it definitely did put a crimp in any hope of me being able to complete the Lightning theme before the day is over.  :(  But I will definitely complete it as soon as possible...
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 02, 2007, 07:25:26 PM
I've received several inquiries from people wondering why the attachments on the Caption This! board are now so small, but actually those are simply thumbnails. Clicking on them will bring up the normal sized image.  :)


Also, I believe I've figured out why the spoiler mod isn't working with our forum - it's because we don't allow HTML in posts. The mod writer has devised his spoiler feature in such a way that the HTML code for it is translated to our posts before the text of our posts is written to the database, but because we don't allow members to use HTML code in their posts (and likely never will because it can be a security risk), when the system reads the database to format our posts for our browsers, it sees the HTML code, tosses it out, and what we get in our posts is simply the word "spoiler" with the spoiler text also on display. Not particularly useful.  ::)  I can only assume that the mod writer did it that way because he does allow HTML code on his forum, and it never occurred to him to write his code so that it writes the spoiler tags to the database, which is the way every other BBC tag is handled, and then translate it to HTML only when someone's post is going to be displayed in a browser, which is also how every other BBC tag is handled. The only reason our older spoilers work is because he did actually allow for spoiler tags to be in older posts, presumably because he figured people may have been using other spoiler features on past versions of SMF and YaBB SE. At least he got that right.

But anyway, I may be able to figure out how to correct the code. Or, as I mentioned last night, I may just try to rewrite my own code for SMF 1.1.2. But either way it's going to wait until after I've finished/installed the Lightning theme...
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: loril54 on May 02, 2007, 07:51:19 PM
last night I was reading through all the data on SMF, I didn't find anything, I know that you had already probobly done that. I have done some visual basic, oh well.  I know that you will figure it out. Thanks for all your hard work. I will try to refrain from thinking of things that are spoilers. I hope that people start posting more on watching project.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: EmeraldRose on May 03, 2007, 12:33:41 AM
I hope that people start posting more on watching project.

Since we recently went on a 5-day trip, I have gotten behind on my DS watching. [shkdg] When I have a chance to watch again, I will start posting there again. [thumb] I'm sorry the posts will be very late, but better late than never! [cheesyg]

----- Sally -----
[coolg]
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Midnite on May 03, 2007, 12:49:07 AM
ALT characters didn't fare well in the upgrade either.  For example, naïve became naƒ¯ve.  There were a handful in the DS alphabet list but they've been fixed.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 03, 2007, 04:08:47 PM
I've noticed that since the switch several members have quite a few unread PMs. I'm assuming that might be because this particular theme doesn't say "Hey, (member's name), you have (so many total) messages, (number) are new" in the header like most of our other themes have (and only the SMF developers know why that is :- ). So, I should probably mention that in this theme the number in parentheses to the right of the "MY MESSAGES" button in the main menu indicates how many new PMs are waiting to be read.  :)  To read them, simply click the button.  ;)
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 03, 2007, 11:51:45 PM
Just for the record, the forum downtime this afternoon had nothing to do with our recent upgrade. Our host was apparently working on something, as hosts do from time to time.  ;)
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: retzev on May 04, 2007, 01:34:28 PM
Also, I believe I've figured out why the spoiler mod isn't working with our forum - ...

Holy shite - call me a simpleton, but your work makes my head spin! Thank you so much for what you're doing for us and the online community of DS fans.



Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: retzev on May 06, 2007, 09:03:47 PM
I've checked back through the last thirteen pages of the alphabet game, and none of the posts that show the tally of all the words that have been used are showing up.

?

Strange.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 06, 2007, 09:47:19 PM
No need to worry - only the latest update shows up in the topic, retzev. As soon as the new updated list has been posted, whoever posted it deletes the previous list. Not only does that save a lot of space in the database, it eliminates a lot of repeating of the entries in the game.  :)
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: dom on May 06, 2007, 09:49:49 PM
It's on the last page (3rd post/reply).
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: michael c on May 07, 2007, 08:39:57 PM
since it appears that we cannot presently include spoilers in our posts could the spoiler icon at least be returned to the choice of message icons?
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 07, 2007, 08:47:59 PM
The spoiler message icon should return before the end of the day - along with a few other surprises.  ;)
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 08, 2007, 05:36:06 AM
The spoiler message icon is back.  :)  The surprise, however, will be a bit longer...
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: loril54 on May 09, 2007, 12:42:48 AM
when I tried to do a spoiler and tried to do the preview it just keep loading but didn't come up. So I took out the spoiler. Sorry to be so dense can we do spoilers or not?

If the Icon is back ???

Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Midnite on May 09, 2007, 03:37:41 AM
when I tried to do a spoiler and tried to do the preview it just keep loading but didn't come up. So I took out the spoiler. Sorry to be so dense can we do spoilers or not?

If the Icon is back ???

Lori, only the icon is back (found in the list of Message icons)-- to warn that a spoiler is in the post since most posters still can't use the spoiler code.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: MagnusTrask on May 09, 2007, 03:46:31 PM
I plan on simply inserting into my posts at appropriate junctures:   LOOK OUT!!!!!!   SPOILERS!!!!!!   RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!!!!!!!!!!   So, watch for that.      Not for those with high blood pressure.

Midnite.... congrats on the 5000 posts!    Only 1000 to go to catch up with MB!     If you work hard, you could catch up tonight....   that'd be a big surprise for us all tomorrow morning, wouldn't it?!
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 09, 2007, 03:58:24 PM
She actually has less than 1000 posts to go to catch up to me, but I just haven't gotten around yet to adjusting our post totals for a certain type of post that at present isn't being counted.  ;)
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: rainingwolf on May 10, 2007, 06:48:21 PM
Just a question--when will we be able to change the colors? The blue is sooo washy-outey...? I do love all the changes so far--you guys are doing a fantastic job!  [clap2] I'm not complaining--just wondering. [wink2] Thanks! 
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 10, 2007, 06:54:45 PM
I agree, rainingwolf - I can't wait to get rid of this theme! And I assure you I'm working as hard as possible on that. The Lightning Theme is nearing completion, but it's not there yet (damn the intrusions of real life  ;)). But as soon as it's even mostly presentable, just to get rid of this one, I may simply install the Lightning Theme and then continue tweaking it. And that *may* happen soon (if real life cooperates  :D).

Until then, here's peek at the look/color scheme:

(http://www.dsboards.com/Cap2.jpg) (http://www.dsboards.com/Cap2.jpg)
Click on the image for a larger view.

Though there have actually been a few tweaks since I shared that image with Midnite and dom a few days ago...
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: loril54 on May 10, 2007, 07:52:38 PM
so does this mean that we need to use light colors so when the background changes we will have the color effects that we want?? Or are they just going to contrast. Like a negitive.???
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 10, 2007, 08:04:37 PM
Everyone should just keep posting the way they always have. There's no need to adjust colors.  :)
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: MagnusTrask on May 10, 2007, 10:04:55 PM
I like the lightning bolt. I probably won't see it with the accessibilty features though.    I'd like to.   I saw the image you gave of the new look... you definitely must have dark colors like those.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: retzev on May 10, 2007, 11:05:43 PM
But as soon as it's even mostly presentable, just to get rid of this one, I may simply install the Lightning Theme and then continue tweaking it...

I vote yes!

(looks great, BTW)
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: barnabasjr on May 11, 2007, 01:52:30 AM
That really looks awesome, MB! I am so on the edge of my seat. Thanks for your efforts. And congrats to you, Midnite!
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Midnite on May 11, 2007, 02:09:41 AM
Thanks!  And thank you for noticing, Magnus!
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Josette on May 11, 2007, 07:35:36 AM
Wow!!  Apparently, you didn't even have to take it off-line to make the changes.  I was in the midst of reading things, when suddenly the whole appearance totally changed!!!

It's very impressive.  However, with the menu on the side, it seems to cramp the main viewing board.  I don't care for that too much.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 11, 2007, 07:43:12 AM
The Lightning Theme is in place. But keep in mind that the scripts for this theme are not all completed and the theme will continue to evolve. The only reason that it's in place before it's complete is because I was dying to get rid of SMF's default theme. However, if anyone would prefer to go back to it, simply use the "Look and Layout" link in the "Profile Menu" submenu, click on "(change)" opposite "Current Theme: Forum or Board Default", and then choose "Variations on Blue" (though it's no longer actually Variation on Blue - though VoB will return, so I didn't bother to change the name there).

The only pages that should be complete at this point for members are the BoardIndex, the MessageIndex, topic displays, and the Calendar. (And that's only for members - there's still a bit more work to be done on some of those for admins/mods  ;)) Every other page is still in transition, and all the final icons, fonts and buttons are not in place. I've simply added a few just to have something (like this "new" icon (http://www.dsboards.com/SMF/Themes/Lightning/images/english/new.gif) which will be history very soon).

Also, this theme is designed to be used with a monitor resolution of 1024X768 (which has quickly become the Web standard) (or larger). If you're not currently using at least that resolution, you'll see a warning at the top of the screen above the forum's logo - and more importantly, the right side will not be displaying correctly.

But anyway, enjoy what is complete so far...
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Gerard on May 11, 2007, 12:27:54 PM
Maybe it's just my computer.  But with the new format, if I open the boards on IE, no movement (up and down) bar appears on the right hand side.  If I use IE, I won't be able to use the board!  It does appear on Netscape, however, and thankfully I also have that.  Is it just my computer, or is there a kink with IE that still needs to be worked out?

Gerard
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: barnabasjr on May 11, 2007, 01:03:54 PM
Is it just my computer, or is there a kink with IE that still needs to be worked out?

Gerard
It isn't just yours, Gerard. This happens for me in IE7, and the menu on the left doesn't work either. Fortunately for me I'm a Firefox user 99% of the time, so I am able to make this post.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Gerard on May 11, 2007, 01:17:55 PM
It isn't just yours, Gerard. This happens for me in IE7, and the menu on the left doesn't work either. Fortunately for me I'm a Firefox user 99% of the time, so I am able to make this post.

It's weird.  On my IE, while the right-hand movement bar doesn't appear, the menu seems to work (at least what I've tried with it on IE).  However, if it opens up a link, again, there is no movement bar.

Gerard
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 11, 2007, 01:45:14 PM
is there a kink with IE that still needs to be worked out?

Sadly, any problems are most probably caused by IE itself.  [sad3]   [Blow_Up_IE]

I don't have IE7 so I don't actually know what's happening in it, but in IE6 the only problem I'm aware of is that sometimes, though not always, the display disappears off of the right hand side of the screen, even if someone is using a monitor resolution of 1024X768. But this is a well known and frequently lambasted issue with all versions of IE so far as I know. IE is simply not up to the W3C standards of today's Web design, particularly when it comes to xhtml. Supposedly putting IE in standards compliance mode will fix some problems, but surprise of surprises, not always and not all of them.  [Blow_Up_IE]  [Blow_Up_IE]. IE also has problems with DIVs (specifically overflow, which is why the display sometimes goes off the right side) - and this theme uses DIVs extensively.  [Blow_Up_IE] [Blow_Up_IE] [Blow_Up_IE]  But then, as I've lamented many times, IE is a piece of, well, you know what!!  [angryf]

I'm a Firefox user 99% of the time, so I am able to make this post.

Firefox is the browser that we highly recommend, chiefly because it understands everything it should because, unlike the idiotic IE developers, Firefox's developers actually keep it up to code. Being compliant with all current standards is quite obviously simply a novel notion at Microsoft.  ::)  >:(

If I use IE, I won't be able to use the board!

If IE causes too many problems, I strongly recommend going back to using SMF's default theme. IE users can do so as I laid out in reply #97.

Other new themes are in the works - *perhaps* IE will work better with them (though why am I not likely to hold my breath on that?  [Blow_Up_IE]). Or there's always the bloodred and Variations on Blue themes, once they've been updated for SMF 1.1.2...
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: barnabasjr on May 11, 2007, 02:04:59 PM
And thank youse, btw, for giving us this treat even while it's in progress. LOVE it!
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: loril54 on May 11, 2007, 05:15:25 PM
I am posting here, having to use very small font that I can barley see, having to squint. There are no scroll bars on this forum. I have them on my other pages that I visit. I don't think that there is anything wrong with my settings. Sorry to be so pesty. Right now i am typing at font 4 I usually use 12 or 13 but can't even scroll down the page or send. -----


ßß
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: rainingwolf on May 11, 2007, 05:20:06 PM
Wow! This is super fabulous! Thanks for all your hard work...I LOVE it!
[cheer] [clap2] [headbang] [hello] [cheer]
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 11, 2007, 06:13:17 PM
Because of all the problems people who, for whatever reason, are still stuck using IE are having, for now I'm changing the forum's defaut theme back to the SMF default. Anyone who does not use IE and who has been enjoying the Lightning theme can go back to using it by following my instructions in reply #97 but, of course, picking the Lightning theme instead. However, I would strongly suggest that people who are still using IE give serious consideration to forgoing it in favor of Firefox. It's by far an infinitely better browser - and not just because its developers have the good sense to make it compliant with the internationally recognized/supported W3C standards - it offers many other advantages.  [thumb]

For those who are stuck with IE, the good news is that I have some other themes in the works that will work better with IE. The bad news, though, is they're nowhere near ready to install. However, SMF offers several alternative themes on their Web site. I'm going to go see what I can find over there that's suitable for DS and that will work with IE, and I'm going to install one so that IE users will at least have an alternative to the SMF default for the time being until a more DS approriate theme is available.  ;)
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Gothick on May 11, 2007, 07:40:51 PM
Thanks for switching it back.  We don't have Firefox here at work, so if you return to the Lightning theme, I'll likely only be visiting here on occasional weekends.

With the lightning theme I couldn't make the site do anything or go anywhere.

G.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 11, 2007, 08:29:11 PM
I've found a theme called Mystic Night that seems to work well with IE (at least with IE6), so I've installed/changed it to the forum default. However, I don't have time to tweak it to add things like the slideshow, users online today, spoilers etc. features, so anyone using this theme will have to do without them for the foreseeable future because I have plans for tonight and all day tomorrow. But you can always go back to the SMF default theme. And firefox users can also go back to the Lightning theme.  ;)
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Gothick on May 11, 2007, 09:58:23 PM
Mystic Night is *very* copacetic with IE!  And I like the colors MUCH better than the other one.

I may have the chance to try out the Lightning theme on Sun. on a machine equipped with Firefox.

Thanks MB for working so patiently on this!  by now I'm afraid I would have thrown my hands up over all of it.

cheers, Gothick
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: joe integlia on May 11, 2007, 10:26:02 PM
has anybody brought up the problems the new format will cause for webtv users? i no longer use webtv so i cant test it but webtv user/friend david n says he can no longer access the board. guess its time for him to get a computer.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: loril54 on May 12, 2007, 12:56:25 AM
I wanted to say thanks for changing it. I love the purple, I always say a royal color. And we are the best. I have Safari as my browser and i guess it doesn't recognize the lightening  format.  :D :D I hope that I didn't get to cranky but it was really hard to post at font size 4. I saw my spelling errors.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 12, 2007, 03:36:58 AM
but webtv user/friend david n says he can no longer access the board.

David had no trouble posting using SMF's default theme, so he shouldn't have any trouble with Mystic Night - or he can always go back to using the default.  :)


I love the purple, I always say a royal color.

I've been working on my own purple theme on and off for a year (mostly off), but it's nothing like this and it's nowhere near ready to be used.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: EmeraldRose on May 12, 2007, 11:57:23 AM
I use monitor resolution 800X600.  When I use 1024X768, the print is too small for my liking.  I like the Lightning Theme, but I can't/won't use it.  When I use Safari, even with 1024X768 resolution, the right scroll bar is missing, and I can't access the whole page.  When I use Netscape, the right scroll bar is there, but the print is too small, and it won't work properly in my preferred 800X600 resolution.  So I'm stuck...  [tngg] However, I do prefer the current  Default Theme to the old one... and it works perfectly in 800X600 resolution. [bigok]

----- Sally -----
[coolg]
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 12, 2007, 12:13:58 PM
When I use Netscape, the right scroll bar is there, but the print is too small, and it won't work properly in my preferred 800X600 resolution.

That's why all browsers allow people to adjust their font sizes.  ;)

It's interesting that you say the fonts are smaller in Netscape because I find the font sizes appear larger in Netscape than they appear in Firefox (even though the default settings in both browsers are exactly the same (size 10)).  [hdscrt]  Which version of Netscape are you using?
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: EmeraldRose on May 12, 2007, 12:35:23 PM
I prefer to use Safari - I'm using it now -  but the Netscape that I have on this computer is version 7.2. [winkg]

----- Sally -----
[coolg]
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: MagnusTrask on May 12, 2007, 05:22:12 PM
Wow...  I have almost no idea what everyone is talking about, but I do know that in Windows98 I have accessibility features that blow print up...under Control Panel.     I doubt they'd ever get rid of that.   My print is about a centimeter tall.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Midnite on May 12, 2007, 05:41:08 PM
Wow...  I have almost no idea what everyone is talking about, but I do know that in Windows98 I have accessibility features that blow print up...under Control Panel.

Well, browsers allow users to set a minimum font size; searching the individual browser's Help contents for font size will tell you how.

In Firefox, use Tools > Options.  Select Content.  In the Fonts & Colors section, click Advanced.  Specify a minimum font size in the dropdown menu (i.e. 14 to enlarge the Forum's text) and click OK.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: michael c on May 13, 2007, 12:43:21 AM
i'm assuming i have IE because i have the purple theme.

i never did get to see that elusive "lightning" theme but this is much better than the default blue.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Midnite on May 13, 2007, 02:08:32 AM
i'm assuming i have IE because i have the purple theme.

The dark purple theme is the current default theme.  Regardless of whether you have IE or not, you have it until you change themes via your profile.

To identify your browser, click Help in the top menu bar on your screen, and in the dropdown menu select "About ___".   A window will identify your browser and its version.  (In the case of IE7, you may have to enable that menu toolbar if it's missing.)

Quote
i never did get to see that elusive "lightning" theme but this is much better than the default blue.

I don't see why you can't preview the lightning theme, even if you use an upgraded Explorer.  Open the Look & Layout Preferences area of your Profile, click "change" that follows Current Theme, and on the next page "preview" the 3rd theme down.  You can click Mystic Night's "use this theme" (listed 1st and 4th) to return to the dark purple.

Hope that helped.  :D
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Josette on May 13, 2007, 07:49:24 AM
I agree with the resolution statements.  Right after I posted about not liking the size of the lightning theme, I noticed the message about the preferred resolution.  I tried changing mine, but it made everything too small, so I went back to the 800 x 600.  I'm using Netscape 8.2

By the way, previously there used to be a "legend" showing the symbols for items with new posts and those without.  With this purple theme, it's very hard to tell the difference and I don't see anything explaining what they are.  It seems that the purplish squares are a bit lighter in color for the categories with new posts, but it's not obvious like our previous themes.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 13, 2007, 02:57:08 PM
By the way, previously there used to be a "legend" showing the symbols for items with new posts and those without.  With this purple theme, it's very hard to tell the difference and I don't see anything explaining what they are.  It seems that the purplish squares are a bit lighter in color for the categories with new posts, but it's not obvious like our previous themes.

I noticed that. Who knows why akabugeyes did it that way?  [hdscrt]  ::)  Well, I suppose akabugeyes knows - but they're probably the only one. (And BTW, if the theme is written correctly, and if you click their name at the bottom of every page in that theme, you should be able to e-mail them to ask.  ;))
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Midnite on May 14, 2007, 06:34:49 AM
With this purple theme, it's very hard to tell the difference and I don't see anything explaining what they are.  It seems that the purplish squares are a bit lighter in color for the categories with new posts, but it's not obvious like our previous themes.

I noticed that the upgrade made the ones on the Home page clickable.  So if you're unsure whether they're indicating a new post on that board or not, you need only place your cursor over them (this is true of ALL themes).  Or ... you can click the square (or diamond) and see what happens.  Does that help?
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Josette on May 14, 2007, 07:17:54 AM
I noticed that the upgrade made the ones on the Home page clickable.  So if you're unsure whether they're indicating a new post on that board or not, you need only place your cursor over them (this is true of ALL themes).  Or ... you can click the square (or diamond) and see what happens.  Does that help?

How interesting - with the cursor over it a message shows of "new posts" or "no new posts" - I never thought of trying that.  Actually, the "no new" ones are sometimes confusing, but the "new" ones definitely show up brighter.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 14, 2007, 07:30:11 AM
Actually, it doesn't much matter at the moment because the Mystic Night theme is history until further notice. We recently discovered while checking the error log that since installing it, it's logged over 300 pages ( :o) of errors because there's a coding mistake in one of its scripts. And until I can track down in just what script the mistake is located, the default theme for the forum has been set back to the SMF default. Sorry - but clearing out all those errors is already going to be a monumental task without letting the Mystic Night theme go on to created another hundred or more pages.  :-
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Josette on May 14, 2007, 08:21:05 AM
It still amazes me that you can make these changes without taking it offline, at least for a few minutes!!  It's very strange to be reading or replying and suddenly find everything looking different, this time in reverse!!
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: MagnusTrask on May 14, 2007, 08:42:20 AM
Actually, it doesn't much matter at the moment because the Mystic Night theme is history until further notice.

History is always being rewritten.  Barnabas told me so.    We must I Ching ourselves silly, into our former selves from a few days ago, to save this Mystic Night thing from extinction.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: EmeraldRose on May 14, 2007, 10:13:41 AM
I apologize if my posts are sometimes hard to read.  I am now using darkgreen as my color.  I used to use   springgreen as my color, but you can see that it shows up as hard to read on this light color scheme. [shkdg] However, when I use this color on the darker color scheme, it becomes harder to read.  Oh well... I guess once the darker color scheme is back, I'll be able to use  springgreen again. [winkg]

----- Sally -----
[coolg]
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: MagnusTrask on May 14, 2007, 01:06:11 PM
It's all white lettering to me....
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 14, 2007, 04:32:19 PM
I apologize if my posts are sometimes hard to read.  I am now using darkgreen as my color.  I used to use springgreen as my color, but you can see that it shows up as hard to read on this light color scheme. [shkdg] However, when I use this color on the darker color scheme, it becomes harder to read.  Oh well... I guess once the darker color scheme is back, I'll be able to use springgreen again. [winkg]

Some of us are using a dark color scheme (those of us using the Lightning theme) and the text is hard to read in darkgreen:

(http://www.dsboards.com/Cap3.jpg) (http://www.dsboards.com/Cap3.jpg)
Click for a larger image


It still amazes me that you can make these changes without taking it offline, at least for a few minutes!!

There's really no need to take the forum offline. Changing the default theme is just a matter of going into the forum's Admin Center and changing the default theme setting from one theme to another. Then once anyone using the default theme switches pages, everything changes for them. Everything needed (scripts, icons, etc.) for each installed theme is all stored in its own separate directory in the forum's Web space.  :)


History is always being rewritten.  Barnabas told me so.    We must I Ching ourselves silly, into our former selves from a few days ago, to save this Mystic Night thing from extinction.

 :D  But Mystic Night isn't quite extinct - at least not yet. The error is actually a simple one:

Code: [Select]
Use of undefined constant calendar24 - assumed 'calendar24'
Meaning that in at least one place in one script, akabugeyes forgot to put the calendar24 constant between single quotes. It can easily be done - but it can also be a bitch to track down in which script it occurs. And then there's also the possibility that he did it with another constant and the system is simply finding that example first and tossing that error out. So, that means every one of his scripts has to gone over line by line - and we're talking hundreds of lines of code. Fun, fun! ... Not! But I will track everything down once I get a chance (I was so not in the mood last night) and Mystic Night will return...

But in the meantime, I'm going to see if adjusting any of the CSS style settings for the SMF default theme can make that theme darker and still usable...
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 14, 2007, 04:46:41 PM
But in the meantime, I'm going to see if adjusting any of the CSS style settings for the SMF default theme can make that theme darker and still usable...

Way too much needs to be changed, so so much for that idea...
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 14, 2007, 11:34:19 PM
I apologize if my posts are sometimes hard to read.  I am now using darkgreen as my color.

I'm testing out the corrected Mystic Night, and the darkgreen may look even worse in it than it does in the Lightning. So, now's probably about as good a time as any to remind everyone that if you choose to use a color in your posts, please keep in mind that, even though it may look fine in the theme you're currently using, it may not work at all in a theme that other members are using. Please be sure to experiment before posting.  :)

But the good news for those who feel they have no other choice but to use it at this time seems to be that Mystic Night will return as the forum's temporary default theme as soon as I can change the settings...
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Josette on May 15, 2007, 07:50:55 AM
A hint re the colors.  If someone posts in a color that doesn't show up for you, just run your cursor over the text - it turns to white text with a dark background - very easy to read!
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 15, 2007, 03:43:39 PM
Yes, we've mentioned that in the past, Josette. And it works quite well.  ;)  But still, it should only be something that people have to do as a completely last resort.

I hesitated mentioning anything yesterday because I don't want to give people ideas now before things are in place, but eventually there will be a way to get around the use of colors that don't show up easily. But that's all I'm going to say for now. How's that for being cryptic?  >:D
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: MagnusTrask on May 18, 2007, 01:05:14 AM
Twice today, I've gone to Capotion This, ep #200, with Burke Vicki looking up at the sky, tried to click to q
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: MagnusTrask on May 18, 2007, 01:20:02 AM
There's another problem... occasionally it will post without my permission, when I'm in the middle of writing it.

To finish and correct, since my typoes were left in the previous post:   I clicked to post , quoting Loril's recent caption to Ep # 299...(Burke and Vicki looking at sky)...  "Flying Velveeta".... this froze my computer.  I had to shut off and restart by hand.   I tried again.    This time, it just took clicking onto "quote" and my computer suddenly froze again.

Sorry for the problem, but that's all I know about it.   Wait there's some post number... back in a minute.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: MagnusTrask on May 18, 2007, 01:24:37 AM
All I found was "Reply #1".  Sorry.   Year two.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Lydia on May 18, 2007, 01:29:42 AM
There's another problem... occasionally it will post without my permission, when I'm in the middle of writing it.
Yes, that's happened to me a couple of times, though not recently.  I hit Return or Backspace or something, and it saved the post.  I went to Testing and tried to reproduce the phenomenon, but was unsuccessful.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 18, 2007, 02:58:46 AM
If someone accidentally hits the Alt and S keys in combination, a post will be submitted. Other than that, I have no idea how it could happen. It's never happened to me.

As far as freezing goes, more often than not that's a Java issue. Chances are you need to update your version of Java.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: MagnusTrask on May 18, 2007, 05:50:49 AM
Chances are you need to update your version of Java.

My knowledge is so primitive, that I don't even know what this sentence means!
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: michael c on May 19, 2007, 05:00:15 PM
i like the purple theme but i miss having some kind of artwork at the top of the page that said "dark shadows".

if the slide show is not returning can we expect some other type of visual?
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 19, 2007, 05:37:42 PM
The slideshow *might* get put into the Mystic Night theme. I haven't gotten a chance to even think about putting in the code for it (I've been concentrating on things like the spoiler feature, which isn't exactly going well so far because the person who wrote the mod is using PHP code that I'm not familiar with and which is so advanced that it doesn't even appear in any of my PHP manuals (:o) so I've been spending a good deal of time familiarizing myself with it via various PHP Web sites). And that theme is simply a temporary alternative for the people who choose not to use the SMF default and Lightning themes, both of which do feature the slideshow.

Speaking of the slideshow, it has been slated to end once it completes its second run with the June 26th episodes, but I haven't given any thought as to what might replace it...


Changing the subject, I've noticed that this system is far more finicky  when it comes to nesting BBC tags than previous versions. The placement on tags that did indeed work in past systems are no longer working. For example, this code had worked:

Code: [Select]
[b][color=LimeGreen]On Lifetime TV's web site under the topic of their new vampire show, Blood Ties, there is a quiz to see how much you know about "spooky stuff"...one of the questions concerns our own Dark Shadows. Go here if you want some fun:
[center]http://www.lifetimetv.com/shows/bloodties/quiz/main.php?bloodquizpage=intro[/color][/center]
PS: I only got 8 out of 11--who can do better? ;)[/b]

but now it has to be:

Code: [Select]
[b][color=LimeGreen]On Lifetime TV's web site under the topic of their new vampire show, Blood Ties, there is a quiz to see how much you know about "spooky stuff"...one of the questions concerns our own Dark Shadows. Go here if you want some fun:[/color][/b]
[center]http://www.lifetimetv.com/shows/bloodties/quiz/main.php?bloodquizpage=intro[/center]
[b]PS: I only got 8 out of 11--who can do better? ;)[/b]

so, whenever anyone is using multiple tags, please be sure to preview your posts before posting them to make sure everything is displaying the way you'd like it to.  :)

(Nesting is discussed in the new Help section. First click on the "Help" button in the main menu, then click on the "Posting" link, followed by "Tags and Nesting (for beginners)".)
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 19, 2007, 11:16:38 PM
Chances are you need to update your version of Java.

My knowledge is so primitive, that I don't even know what this sentence means!

Java is a scripting language that your browser interprets to run  certain parts of the forum (and other Web sites). If it's not up to date, your browser may not know how interpret Java scripts, and that can likely cause your browser to freeze or even crash.

I finally got a chance to check the access_logs and I see that you're using IE6. Do you have automatic updates set for Windows, or do you check for updates on your own using Windows Update? If it's the former, your version of Java *should* be up to date, but when it comes to IE, I've learned to never count on anything.  ::)  And another complication is that you may be using Microsoft's own version of Java. They've been court ordered not to use or distribute it any longer - but I strongly suspect they've never removed it from the Windows users who've already had it installed - especially the Win98 users, of which I also see you are.

If you go into Windows Control Panel, do you see an icon that looks like a steaming cup of coffee that's labeled "Java"? If so, click it, and then check which version of Java you currently have installed on your computer. You really shouldn't be running anything less than Java 2 version 1.5.0 - preferably even build 11.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: barnabasjr on May 20, 2007, 03:34:05 AM
Speaking of the slideshow, it has been slated to end once it completes its second run with the June 26th episodes, but I haven't given any thought as to what might replace it...
I'd like to vote for keeping the slideshow. It keeps me in tune with segments of the show that I may not be currently watching, and I guess there's some sort of nostalgic comfort there. OTOH you've managed to both surprise and entertain us with the things you whip up, so if the slideshow dies I can live with it, consoling myself with the anticipation of your next trick.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 20, 2007, 08:56:32 PM
The slideshow *might* get put into the Mystic Night theme. I haven't gotten a chance to even think about putting in the code for it

By popular request, the slideshow has now been added to the Mystic Night theme.  :)


And on a different note, maybe it's just me, but I find the font sizes in the Mystic Night theme to be much smaller than those in the Lightning theme.  :-

This post in Mystic Night:
(http://www.dsboards.com/images/MN.jpg) (http://www.dsboards.com/images/MN.jpg)
This post in Lightning:
(http://www.dsboards.com/images/L.jpg) (http://www.dsboards.com/images/L.jpg)
Click on each for a larger image.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: MagnusTrask on May 20, 2007, 10:42:24 PM
MB---thanks for investigating.   Don't go nuts on my little problem.... skip to bigger things if your sanity requires it.

You lost me with "Java is a scripting language".   That soon, I mean.    My brain isn't wired for this subject.    I don't learn new information well.

The freezing only happens with doing quotes (or "modify" too maybe), and only on DS Forums.   I'll just stop quoting.

No coffee cup under Control Panel.

I dowloaded Java "stuff", whatever it was, because someone online told me to, 2 or 3 years ago.  I don't know what it is and must never have used it but am afraid to delete.  ("Java Console"... blank screen...?)

The updates must cost, whatever they are.   I'm on an insanely low fixed Disability income, so I just don't buy things.   
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Lydia on May 21, 2007, 04:12:35 AM
I'd like to vote for keeping the slideshow.
I too like the slide show, and would like to see it repeated.  I said last year I'd like to see it repeated.  I'll say next year I'd like to see it repeated.  When I've been here ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, I'll still say I'd like to see it repeated.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: retzev on May 21, 2007, 11:16:01 AM
I'd like to vote for keeping the slideshow.
I too like the slide show, and would like to see it repeated.  I said last year I'd like to see it repeated.  I'll say next year I'd like to see it repeated.  When I've been here ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, I'll still say I'd like to see it repeated.

The slide show is cool, but a bit "spoilerish."

I'd like to nominate a subforum -
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 21, 2007, 02:35:09 PM
The slide show is cool, but a bit "spoilerish."

Which is why people have been repeatedly warned that they view it at their own peril.  ;)
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 22, 2007, 08:13:44 PM
The updates must cost, whatever they are.

Windows updates are free. However, unfortunately for the people who are still using Win98, Microsoft no longer supports it - though some of the older updates were still available the last time I noticed. If they're still there, they should be accessible by activating Windows Update through Win98 itself or by clicking on the Windows Update link in IE.

Java updates are free as well.

And speaking of Java updates, I'm automatically notified whenever a new one is released, and I just received a notice that Java 2 version 1.6.0_01-b06 (where "b" means "build") is now available. (I'm currently installing it.  ;))


Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: retzev on May 23, 2007, 11:33:43 AM
The slide show is cool, but a bit "spoilerish."

Which is why people have been repeatedly warned that they view it at their own peril.  ;)

It's hard to avoid it when it's at the top of the homepage  :'(
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: MagnusTrask on May 23, 2007, 10:46:01 PM
I hardly ever see the slideshow.   I have Caption This bookmarked, and that's the first page I see.   I usually need my cheering up as fast as I can get it.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 24, 2007, 05:06:42 AM
It's hard to avoid it when it's at the top of the homepage  :'(

True - it's hard to avoid the first capture/caption. But as I've said in the past, I try my best to make that first one as unspoilery as possible as often as possible (though some days it just can't be done). However, it's very easy to avoid checking out any of the other captures/captures - simply avoid clicking on the back and/or forward buttons.  ;)
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: michael c on June 02, 2007, 05:55:56 PM
i used to get an e-mail when someone pm'd me saying "so-and-so at the forum has just sent you an important personal message" or something to that effect.

lately that hasn't happened.i'm not aware that i've received a message unless i log onto the board.

is this because of the new set up?
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Midnite on June 02, 2007, 07:09:10 PM
mscbryk,

Have you tried adding this domain to your Custom Sender List?  I'm wondering if AOL might be mishandling your notifications.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: retzev on June 02, 2007, 07:11:37 PM
It's hard to avoid it when it's at the top of the homepage  :'(

True - it's hard to avoid the first capture/caption. But as I've said in the past, I try my best to make that first one as unspoilery as possible as often as possible ...

understood  :)
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Angelique Wins on June 08, 2007, 06:49:51 AM
Hi,  I've been away for awhile because my computer died.  Now I'm online with an old one, but I'm having problems.  Is there something I need to reconfigure in my computer?  Some switch I need to flip so this new system can work?  I'm finding it hard to distinguish between the light smoke color and the dark.  Anybody else having this problem?

Thanks,

Judy [angl]
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on June 08, 2007, 03:38:27 PM
It may be a contrast issue with you monitor - or it may be one of a few other things. But before you start fiddling with your computer's settings, check to see if one of the other currently available themes works better for you. The steps for switching themes is laid out in this topic:

Choosing A Theme

However, instead of selecting the "use this theme" link, try the "preview »" link to make sure another theme isn't worse than the one you're currently using.  :)
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on June 26, 2007, 05:21:09 PM
Eagle-eyed cousins may have noticed that we're now running SMF 1.1.3.  ;)

And a quick update on what's been going on behind the scenes:
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: barnabasjr on June 27, 2007, 03:06:25 AM
Your tireless efforts are most appreciated, MB! [clap]
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: B.Collins on August 12, 2007, 12:44:29 PM
well i'm THRILLED i am NOT the ONLY One who had trouble getting onto this site FOR MONTHS!  ;D
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: B.Collins on August 12, 2007, 12:49:21 PM
here's One ?, why is it when i post something, it doesn't add the number right away? like on other sites i'm a member of it adds it automatically.
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: joe integlia on August 12, 2007, 06:22:53 PM
when i log in and hit "view new replies since last log in" it takes forever to show them!
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on August 12, 2007, 07:07:38 PM
well i'm THRILLED i am NOT the ONLY One who had trouble getting onto this site FOR MONTHS!  ;D

I was so glad to read in another topic that your problems with your "piece of shit of a computer" ([lghy] - though I'm sure it hasn't been at all funny for you) are behind you.  [thumb]

here's One ?, why is it when i post something, it doesn't add the number right away? like on other sites i'm a member of it adds it automatically.

I'm assuming you're asking why the posts you've made on this particular board didn't increase your post total. Well, that's because the ones made here aren't counted because it's simply a testing board and/or a place to get support and/or answers to questions completely unrelated to DS.  ;)  However, all posts made on all the other boards are credited to all members' post totals immediately.  :)
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on August 12, 2007, 07:31:09 PM
when i log in and hit "view new replies since last log in" it takes forever to show them!

That's the price of the forum having almost 11,000 topics and well over 100,000 posts. The "Show new replies to your posts" feature checks every single topic on the forum to see if the member using the feature has posted in each topic and then checks to see who may haver posted in the topic since they did. With so many topics/posts on the forum, that can take a loooong time whenever the MySQL database server is responding slowly- and, unfortunately, our host's MySQL server has been temperamental off and on lately - but normally it will work in under 30 seconds. However, whenever there are server issues, there are two other alternatives to that feature:
Title: Re: *** Big Changes Ahead ***
Post by: B.Collins on August 12, 2007, 07:51:04 PM
well what happend was this, on my window that i had somehow it got clear?  & i lost everything! my bookmarks my passwords. i dunno it it was a virus or not? i'm what i call computer stupid. & than when i had to re-open it up. the damn thing woudln't let me go onto this site! errrrrrrrgh!  buut than late last nite for some UNKOWN reason it did it again & when i triied this board out of curiosity? it WORKED! i dunno IF it was a virus i had on my puter or whatever it was? buut whatever was wrong with it. i'm THRILLED i can access this board again! & reason i remembered my login name & my password is cause i think midnite? is it? had e-mailed me it a few months back. in i think January. & i just THANKFULLY NEVER delted the e-mail!  ;D & also thanxs for your answer by the way. here's another one for ya's. is ALL The changes done? or are ya STILL working on them? & what exactly did change? i didn't read all 11 pages. of this thread. & thanxs again!  ;D