| Author | Post |
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chrisbet
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The original thread is buggy for some reason best known to itself - I have closed it - we can continue here.
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chrisbet
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Recent posts button added to splash page 
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Robert
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Thanks Chris. 
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jk
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Looks good.
So to confirm. If there are no posts since I last visited it then says "No new messages".
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chrisbet
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No - the "no new messages" is the PM button - same as on the left of the main page - I was thinking about whether the recent posts button could show whether there were new posts - both are dependent on a page refresh unless I can work up an ajax routine to call fresh info from the server.
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jk
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In the Modern Editor if I do an EditSource for a post I dont see the html coding. I find it really useful to see the code.
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chrisbet
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It is not an html editor - it works in BBCode - if there is any formatting on the page you can see it by using the view source button in the toolbar.
It's the grey page icon on its own in the 5th group from the left.
Try quoting a post and then using the button.
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Robert
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Can 'New Themes' be deleted?
I keep clicking on it's new post Green down arrow which always produces the same result... nothing!
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chrisbet
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Lol - I would like to find out what is causing just this one thread to misbehave!
I have now amended the splash page recent posts button so it turns green and says "New posts" if there are any unread posts on the forum for you.
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chrisbet
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Robert wrote:
And another! LOL lost in the ether, from my lost post, the timing of the image display in the splash screen seems erratic? The first image changed in a few seconds, the next, well I got bored waiting for it, I resorted to clicking the next arrow>.
Note: The carousel is halted if you put your cursor over the image ....
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chrisbet
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Robert wrote:
Can 'New Themes' be deleted?
I keep clicking on it's new post Green down arrow which always produces the same result... nothing!
I found a couple of posts in the db that never got onto the topic - I have deleted them from the db so you shouldn't get the green arrow now, and even if you do, it should take you to the last post.
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chrisbet
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chrisbet wrote:
Note: The carousel is halted if you put your cursor over the image ....
Not any more - I have turned the pause facility off - it caught me out a few times 
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Robert
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chrisbet wrote:
Not any more - I have turned the pause facility off - it caught me out a few times
Thanks for that Chris, I think the splash screen is a big plus for the forum, way better than the rotating and recent images in the left hand margin of the recent posts screen.
To be honest I haven't yet had the splash screen come up on my computer yet, except when coming back to the tab from other activities. I will try to leave the computer alone for five minutes, if I can...
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Robert
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Mmmm, have sat and watched the screen for 20 minutes and no splash screen appeared. 
What can I do to provoke it into action?
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chrisbet
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I reset the delay to 15 mins and there are 16 mins between your posts so I guess you missed it by a gnat's
I'll make it 10 shall I?
I have put a "Splash" button for you in the menubar on the right.
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Robert
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10 sounds good and the button is cream on the cake.
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chrisbet
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10 it is
I have found a plugin for the editor that is supposed to auto save the content to local storage - I have installed it but am yet to find out how it works!
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Robert
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chrisbet wrote:
10 it is
I have found a plugin for the editor that is supposed to auto save the content to local storage - I have installed it but am yet to find out how it works!
That sounds like me, get it, then figure out how it works, AND IF it works!
I just made a cuppa, when I came back the splash was active. I'm still trying to remember if I had activated it before I went downstairs or not. Time may reveal the answer.
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Robert
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Yep, the Splash screen kicked in all on it's own.
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chrisbet
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Nice to know that something is behaving itself ...
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chrisbet
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Robert wrote:
That sounds like me, get it, then figure out how it works, AND IF it works!
Absolutely, the javascript is written in some condensed form - I can't even work out where it is saving the data locally to check if there is anything there!
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chrisbet
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.... and when it doesn't, hack it till it does ....
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Robert
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It sorta started like this...
Went in here, a Marlin Berlinetta...
And some time later, ended up like this...
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chrisbet
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Lol - I have 3 of those engines in my store .... and one in the MGB. 
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chrisbet
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Well - the autosave doesn't work if you just leave an unfinished text in the editor - but - if you do a preview first, go away, come back and use the back button to return to the editor, the post is still there - methinks that it maybe just the editor doing that rather than the plugin ....
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Robert
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chrisbet wrote:
Lol - I have 3 of those engines in my store .... and one in the MGB.
Bxxxxr, I took longer than ten minutes to compose this post!
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jk
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New Splash Screen working well.
It makes it easy to see if there is a new post, etc.
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chrisbet
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I am working on the autosave - patience! In the meantime just hit the preview button after your first sentence and then continue in the editor box under the preview panel, occasionally hitting the preview again. Then you can just back out of the splash screen to the editor.
Or, I'll set the timer for longer until I get an autosave working?
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Robert
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chrisbet wrote:
I am working on the autosave - patience! In the meantime just hit the preview button after your first sentence and then continue in the editor box under the preview panel, occasionally hitting the preview again. Then you can just back out of the splash screen to the editor.
Or, I'll set the timer for longer until I get an autosave working?
No, I doubt anybody will be as slow at creating a post as I am.
I was saying I scrapped two V8s, no space, one an SD1, the other a 10.5:1 P5, shame really, I tried to sell it but no offers.
The other thing I was going to say was I have a Dolomite Sprint factory reconditioned gearbox, unused, which has the Lay**** o/d, I have tested the o/d and it's holding 400psi hydraulic pressure under test, which is spec. I believe the o/d unit to Be suitable for an MG replacement. I could (easily) be persuaded to part with it, I have no real use for it.
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chrisbet
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OK - so now I have de-bugged the autosave plugin and hopefully any unfinished post (ie before you press the "Post" button) will be saved and will reappear in your editor window if you go back to reply TO THE SAME topic.
You can even close the browser and come back within 24 hours and it should still be there - untested as yet!
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Robert
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Good news, that sounds like we are moving into 21st century! Thank you.
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chrisbet
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Robert wrote:
The other thing I was going to say was I have a Dolomite Sprint factory reconditioned gearbox, unused, which has the Lay**** o/d, I have tested the o/d and it's holding 400psi hydraulic pressure under test, which is spec. I believe the o/d unit to Be suitable for an MG replacement. I could (easily) be persuaded to part with it, I have no real use for it.
Neither do I these days - I have sold off most of my stock now, though I still have a couple of MGB o/d units on the shelf. I'd put the box on ebay and raise some pennies!
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chrisbet
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Hmm - minor bug - it isn't clearing the saved text when you post ....
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Robert
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chrisbet wrote:
Hmm - minor bug - it isn't clearing the saved text when you post ....
Yea, right, I can confirm that...  I just lost a long technical post! 
Never mind, we live to tell the tale.
Will try again in the morning. 😴
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chrisbet
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OK - bug squished - clear the local storage added to the post script so now the text is saved for 24 hours or until you post it.
Note - you can have an open post on more than one topic and it will save each one to the right topic. Damn clever....
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Robert
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chrisbet wrote:
Note - you can have an open post on more than one topic and it will save each one to the right topic. Damn clever....
Posting in one topic at a time is challenge enough for me!
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chrisbet
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Lol - but it is nice to know that it won't post the wrong thing in the wrong place ..... as long as it posts the right thing in the right place.
I have just added the autosave to the ME theme as well as Ndslr.
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jk
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Well done that autosave feature will be very useful.
Robert, please can you test that it works for you.
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Robert
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I will, a bit later, have my hands full right now. 
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Robert
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I will, a bit later, have my hands full right now.
Seems we have a bit of a bug, the text from the previous post appears when I select reply...
Other than that it worked perfectly in my astronomy thread.
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Robert
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I will, a bit later, have my hands full right now.
Seems we have a bit of a bug, the text from the previous post appears when I select reply...
Other than that it worked perfectly in my astronomy thread.
And again... My italics.
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Robert
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I will, a bit later, have my hands full right now.
Seems we have a bit of a bug, the text from the previous post appears when I select reply...
Other than that it worked perfectly in my astronomy thread.
And again... My italics.
Ad nauseam!
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Robert
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Robert wrote:
I will, a bit later, have my hands full right now.
Seems we have a bit of a bug, the text from the previous post appears when I select reply...
Other than that it worked perfectly in my astronomy thread.
And again... My italics.
Ad nauseam!
If you copy from elsewhere and paste text the editor seems to attempt to mimic the source formatting. Previously it stripped all formatting.
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Robert
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Robert wrote:
I will, a bit later, have my hands full right now.
Seems we have a bit of a bug, the text from the previous post appears when I select reply...
Other than that it worked perfectly in my astronomy thread.
And again... My italics.
Ad nauseam!
My expectation is the local data needs zapping after a new post is called?
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chrisbet
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The data should be wiped as you post - maybe we need a different javascript command for the mac. It works fine on my pc.
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chrisbet
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Works on my phone as well
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Robert
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Running High Sierra 10.13.6
After I pasted the image the beachball spins until I click the screen, perhaps indicating an open script? Not my subject so just guessing.
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chrisbet
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I have put in a plaintext copy filter to overcome the issue of formatting.
I have also moved the clearStorage command to just before the posting command, in case the mac was ignoring it!
Need to test again please Robert.
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Robert
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I will, a bit later, have my hands full right now.
Seems we have a bit of a bug, the text from the previous post appears when I select reply...
Other than that it worked perfectly in my astronomy thread.
And again... My italics.
Ad nauseam!
Mmmm, seems to be ignoring it, still! Perhaps I better clear the cach?
I will post this then try again, that might flush it out...
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Robert
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I will, a bit later, have my hands full right now.
Seems we have a bit of a bug, the text from the previous post appears when I select reply...
Other than that it worked perfectly in my astronomy thread.
And again... My italics.
Ad nauseam!
Mmmm, seems to be ignoring it, still! Perhaps I better clear the cach?
I will post this then try again, that might flush it out...
But then again, perhaps not. Will clear last hour.
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Robert
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OK, clearing last hour has got rid of previous residue. 
Now I will try replying to this...
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Robert
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Sorted!
Thanks as aways Chris.
Will try waiting for the splash screen to interrupt an edit.
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jk
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I am looking at the Topic Review item below the reply.
Is it possible to have a Reverse/Forward sort option?
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Robert
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Robert wrote:
Sorted!
Thanks as aways Chris.
Will try waiting for the splash screen to interrupt an edit.
Some text Still stuck? Ask an expert That was in a modern font, your mod has stripped the formatting.
Hey! I went browsing elsewhere, the splash screen kicked in, I returned, swiped it away and hey presto, it was just as I left it.
The ultimate test would be to turn the Mac off but not keen on trying that, I have a very large UPS specially to avoid that scenario...
So it seems to pass all I can throw at it.
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Robert
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jk wrote:
I am looking at the Topic Review item below the reply.
Is it possible to have a Reverse/Forward sort option?
What, to enable the most recent post to be at the top?
Not sure I have come across that, in some ways it makes sense, although I would have thought that would be better in the user preferences, rather than in the display screens, I can see that causing confusion for for some users? And adding to the plethora of buttons we now seem to enjoy. Simple is good.
On the BBC News website, the HYS comments give the option to have 'Newest first' or 'Oldest first' the default is 'Newest first' but I find it hard to follow the posts backwards especially when they are referring to previous posts, it's like reading a story backwards. I always switch to 'Oldest first', much easier.
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Robert
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The splash screen seems to be kicking in much quicker than previously? Getting a bit too quick maybe?
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jk
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Robert wrote:
What, to enable the most recent post to be at the top?
Not sure I have come across that, in some ways it makes sense, although I would have thought that would be better in the user preferences, rather than in the display screens, I can see that causing confusion for for some users? And adding to the plethora of buttons we now seem to enjoy. Simple is good.
On the BBC News website, the HYS comments give the option to have 'Newest first' or 'Oldest first' the default is 'Newest first' but I find it hard to follow the posts backwards especially when they are referring to previous posts, it's like reading a story backwards. I always switch to 'Oldest first', much easier.
Yes.
It can be in user account Preferences as this will tend to be a personal thing.
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chrisbet
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Robert wrote:
The splash screen seems to be kicking in much quicker than previously? Getting a bit too quick maybe?
It is set at 10 minutes. Time flies when you are enjoying yourself and faster still as you get older....
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chrisbet
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I am not sure you two are talking about the same things...
Yes, it makes sense to read the topic itself cronologically, but when replying I am assuming you have read the topic and when typing a reply the review is there to refresh your memory as to what was said in the topic, in this case it makes sense to see the most recent posts at the top immediately under the editor.
I have made a quick change, settable in config.php, that turns the REVIEW posts to newest first - if you want this to be user settable then I can add it to the preferences.
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jk
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chrisbet wrote:
I am not sure you two are talking about the same things...
Yes, it makes sense to read the topic itself cronologically, but when replying I am assuming you have read the topic and when typing a reply the review is there to refresh your memory as to what was said in the topic, in this case it makes sense to see the most recent posts at the top immediately under the editor.
I have made a quick change, settable in config.php, that turns the REVIEW posts to newest first - if you want this to be user settable then I can add it to the preferences.
I agree with your logic but we need to cater for different modes of working if possible.
I think that it may be better to have it as a choice in user Preferences.
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jk
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chrisbet wrote:
It is not an html editor - it works in BBCode - if there is any formatting on the page you can see it by using the view source button in the toolbar.
It's the grey page icon on its own in the 5th group from the left.
Try quoting a post and then using the button.
OK that is good. Found the icon. It works.
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chrisbet
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jk wrote:
I agree with your logic but we need to cater for different modes of working if possible.
I think that it may be better to have it as a choice in user Preferences.
No problem - new switch in user preferences to set the topic review posts to show the newest first if checked, oldest first if unchecked.
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Robert
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chrisbet wrote:
It is set at 10 minutes. Time flies when you are enjoying yourself and faster still as you get older....
I agree there, you have to take into account I'm a big kid with grey hair!
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jk
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Robert wrote:
I agree there, you have to take into account I'm a big kid with grey hair!
With lots of boys toys!
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Robert
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Yes! You are right there, I'm having the time of my life, although I have always enjoyed myself.
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Robert
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I have noticed an inconsistency, on the Splash page, a button says "Recent Posts" yet the header button says"Recent Topics".
May I suggest "Recent Posts" is correct and "Recent Topics" is wrong, since it's a list of all the most recent topics ordered by most recent posts. It is NOT ordered by how recently the topics were created.
It may sound nit picking but it may cause some confusion for a new member or an infrequent visitor.
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jk
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Robert wrote:
I have noticed an inconsistency, on the Splash page, a button says "Recent Posts" yet the header button says"Recent Topics".
I think the labels are correct-ish but it depends on your logic.
On the Splash page it is showing you the Recent Posts which is also logically Recent Topics as if they have been posted to recently then they are also Recent Topics.
I think the button should say "Recent Topics" to be consistent.
The header button (Recent topics) inside the forum should take you to the Recent Topics view.
I use this all the time and its behaviour is as I expect. I think naming is correct in this case.
May I suggest "Recent Posts" is correct and "Recent Topics" is wrong, since it's a list of all the most recent topics ordered by most recent posts. It is NOT ordered by how recently the topics were created.
It may sound nit picking but it may cause some confusion for a new member or an infrequent visitor.
The Recent Topics should be ordered by topic into which the most recent post has been made.
Dont forget the top topic at present is 'sticky' as it is an announcement.
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chrisbet
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Both buttons go to the same place - a list of topics with the most recent posts.
Recent topics does have the ambiguity of recent relating to when the topic was created, whereas recent posts is more clearly relating to when the post was created, naturally they fall into a list of topics.
Unless of course you use the "latest posts" option in the ndslr theme ......
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Robert
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chrisbet wrote:
Unless of course you use the "latest posts" option in the ndslr theme ......
I think that has the clearest meaning for anyone not familiar with the layout of the forum, just trying to avoid ambiguity for newcomers really.
Every forum has it's own layout and terms, once the user finds their way around, the descriptions matter less, it then comes down to button position and location map in the brain, like we don't tend to look at the keyboard too much.
I am still having difficulty knowing if the text in the splash screen Recent Posts button is green or blue. It either needs a change of text to "Latest Posts" and "No New Posts" or a different choice of colours like green and red, or change the background colour maybe? Frequently I think the text is blue but have a look anyway and find there are new, unread posts. Which kind of negates the benefit of the colour change. Either the colour isn't changing when there are new posts or my eyes aren't seeing the colour change. It did appear slightly green this morning. Maybe even a bold letter style might do the trick, like the header buttons?
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jk
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Robert wrote:
I think that has the clearest meaning for anyone not familiar with the layout of the forum, just trying to avoid ambiguity for newcomers really.
I am still having difficulty knowing if the text in the splash screen Recent Posts button is green or blue. It either needs a change of text to "Latest Posts" and "No New Posts" or a different choice of colours like green and red, or change the background colour maybe? Frequently I think the text is blue but have a look anyway and find there are new, unread posts. Which kind of negates the benefit of the colour change. Either the colour isn't changing when there are new posts or my eyes aren't seeing the colour change. It did appear slightly green this morning. Maybe even a bold letter style might do the trick, like the header buttons?
Agree with Robert on these points of ease of use and terminolgy.
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chrisbet
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The issue is that at the moment the button does not change unless the page is refreshed so if new posts have been made after the splash screen is loaded then the button does not show the current state of the forum posts. I am working on that.
The blue color is dictated by the color of all hyperlinks - change one and you change them all.
I can change the text - that is not a problem
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Robert
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chrisbet wrote:
The issue is that at the moment the button does not change unless the page is refreshed so if new posts have been made after the splash screen is loaded then the button does not show the current state of the forum posts. I am working on that.
The blue color is dictated by the color of all hyperlinks - change one and you change them all.
I can change the text - that is not a problem
Thanks Chris, I wondered about the refresh, perhaps the screen refreshed when I woke the Mac this morning. It was still blue when I entered just now and found this post.
I understand the global change thing.
Perhaps a text change would deal with it, but of course that has to be communicated from the server to client!
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jk
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I think consistent text descriptors is the important part.
The colours can remain as is, as otherwise the change has multiple other effects.
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chrisbet
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I have changed the New posts label to a brighter green, made it bold and added the flashing icon like the new PM button.
I think it is more accurate to stay with Recent posts as that is what the button is really taking you to and is common language with other fora.
When there are unread posts to see on the forum it is just announcing them - hopefully the clear distinction in color and flashing icon will also help when I get the refresh issue sorted as it will start flashing as and when new posts are made.
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Robert
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Thanks Chris. Flashing sounds good because I tend to leave the splash screen playing on one monitor while working on the other. Flashing will catch my eye.
It won't help with an eyepad since they go to sleep a few seconds after inactivity! 
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chrisbet
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I think I have cracked the refresh issue - once you reload the splash screen it should change the PM button if a new pm comes in and change the recent posts button if a new post is created.
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Robert
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Not working at this end on the Recent Posts, I refreshed the screen manually but it didn't change the colour of the text, I opened the Recent posts anyway and found this new post.
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chrisbet
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I sent you a pm to test the pm button - both buttons working for me - did u use the splash button to reload the splash page?
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Robert
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chrisbet wrote:
I sent you a pm to test the pm button - both buttons working for me - did u use the splash button to reload the splash page?
Replied in PM's
No, I usually reload by pressing Command + R.
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Robert
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Has done it again, I went to the splash screen by clicking the Splash button on Recent Topics page.
Splash screen claimed a new post but there wasn't one, so out of curiosity I clicked messages button from Splash screen and got this, I grabbed it for you.
These are the names of all members with whom I have had PM conversations.
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chrisbet
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I know what did that and have fixed it - I hope!
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Robert
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Maybe...
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chrisbet
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Third time lucky???
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Robert
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Yes, spot on. These mods take time and it's the usual issue of touch one thing and there is a knock-on effect to a dozen others!
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chrisbet
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My problem is that I use the ndslr theme to test things out and then when I add the feature into modern editor I have to insert conditional switches to get the links pointing to the right place.
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Robert
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Well I'm in the modern editor so that probably doesn't help.
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Robert
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Just testing on my eyephone ƒ
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Robert
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Not the easiest way to post!
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chrisbet
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On the contrary - you are my chief tester and critic, a vital role to keep us geeks feet somewhere in proximity to the ground ...
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chrisbet
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Easier from ndslr Attachment: 2019-03-14 21.03.35.jpg (Downloaded 119 times)
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Robert
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chrisbet wrote:
On the contrary - you are my chief tester and critic, a vital role to keep us geeks feet somewhere in proximity to the ground ...
I try to be objective and detached but don't always manage that.
BTW, Storm Erik thread had new posts but they didn't trigger the new posts alert system, neither on the splash screen or with a green down arrow in the recent posts listing. Your last post didn't trigger the Splash screen but did award itself a green down arrow in the 'Recent Posts' listing
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chrisbet
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That is odd - methinks there are gremlins in the works ... 
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Robert
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Just done it again, after 'Fred' posted, then I saw your post above indicated by green down arrow so I hit the splash screen button, no new posts announced there so I came back and hit the green down arrow and here I am replying.
This has been typical behaviour here for some time, I have noticed that the green down arrows sometimes didn't activate despite obvious new posts. Not all the time but occasionally, then occasionally the green arrow would activate and indicate new posts well down the list of recent posts, new posts which I hadn't read or noticed. I reckon to read every word of every post, I am constantly visiting the forum throughout the day, except when I am away, even then as often as possible, so not much passes my attention.
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chrisbet
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The routine grabs the last time you visited the topic from your user database and compares it with time each post in the topic was posted and if there is a newer post than your last visit then it triggers the button change.
It is the same with the PM button.
The latter works flawlessly but the former is erratic, I think it has to do with the timing of the database updates - I will have to investigate exactly what happens and in what order.
As for the green arrow, maybe I'll change the way that works first and see if it syncs with the button!
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Robert
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Sounds like a plan, I think there are probably some parts of the software which are't talking to other parts except occasionally when the Moon and the stars align.
Perhaps we need the Moon and stars to align more often.
Off to read a book! Yes, a real, paper book! Amazing.
Have been looking for the list of smilies I created just before the previous software was ditched... Nothing yet but I have't given up hope, I think I kept a hard copy somewhere. And I have numerous archive disks in my draw.  It just takes time trawling through all the folders.
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chrisbet
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Hmmm- checking the database and the time stored is 4 hours earlier than the actual time of posting - 4HOURS!!
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Robert
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That might explain something, a bit like the train departing 4 hours before you get on it.
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chrisbet
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No - your last post is shown in the db as being posted at 18.53 when it should be 22.53 so you would have got on the train before it arrived ...
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Robert
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Now I was confused, tomorrow is today, yesterday once more!
Bed! Zzzzz
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chrisbet
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My brain hurts - I am off to bed too. 
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Robert
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We almost gone another full circle.
I now have my MacBookPro working again, I went to my local independent Apple repair shop in town to see if they could get me a new battery for my MBP. The owner produced a very dusty battery which was the exact right battery. How much? I enquired... The owner said they had recovered it from a scrap computer a while back and couldn't guarantee it would work, take it, try it and if it works it's your lucky day, otherwise bin it.
It seems to be my lucky day, it was on 67%, I have it on charge, on 99% now, will let it soak a bit but if it's held charge @67% for quite a while it can't be all bad.
Downloading updates as I type.
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chrisbet
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Sounds good to me!
I am hunting down a 70-300 af-s lens - a couple went for too much money but I have one that looks promising - want to get it before I go off to Italy next weekend (23rd).
I think I have sorted out the recent posts button - just need to make sure the green arrow is doing the same thing!
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Robert
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It seems to be OK, but I'm a bit bleary eyed now, been a busy day with too much excitement, am battling passwords now on my MBP, it insists my long standing main computer password is wrong, but I haven't changed it in years. Grrrr
More updates, off to bed, leave it to it. Probably be OK in the morning.
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jk
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chrisbet wrote:
Hmmm- checking the database and the time stored is 4 hours earlier than the actual time of posting - 4HOURS!!
Well done. Good find.
Is that a one off event or something that needs a sync occasionally?
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jk
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Robert wrote:
It seems to be OK, but I'm a bit bleary eyed now, been a busy day with too much excitement, am battling passwords now on my MBP, it insists my long standing main computer password is wrong, but I haven't changed it in years. Grrrr
More updates, off to bed, leave it to it. Probably be OK in the morning.
Admin account and change your password to something else the go into your account with new password and reset to old password?
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Robert
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Sorted, it just needed time the settle down, I'm too impatient.
It's working well now. Just have to switch out the data SSD, I fitted a 128Gb, I have a 275Gb which I had intended to fit, got them mixed up in my excitement. Easy to switch. I want it ready for my Scotland trip in May.
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chrisbet
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jk wrote:
Well done. Good find.
Is that a one off event or something that needs a sync occasionally?
The server time will always be different to local time - it is adjusted in the software so that the time you see on screen is local time. There are four places that time is stored in the databases PLUS one on the cookie stored on your machine.
The problem I had was that I was inadvertently comparing the local time with the server time to determine whether there were new posts since your last visit to a topic - it now uses the server time for both topic visit and last post so should work as expected and in sync with the green arrow.
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Pam
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Posting from my MBP, on Pam's account.
Testing the recent posts button on my MacPro.
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Pam
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Instant! I posted the previous post and the MacPro screen updated instantly.
Now watching the recent posts screen, to see if that updates and displays the green down arrow.
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Pam
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No, I had to take the MacPro back to the splash screen, then to the recent posts, which refreshed the recent posts screen and the green arrow was present.
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Robert
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The green down arrow only appears after a manual screen refresh, probably expected behaviour.
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Robert
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It looks like you have fixed a long standing bug which has been a bit of a nuisance, well done.
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chrisbet
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Yes, the green arrow, the pm new messages and various other things ONLY refresh on a page load.
I have developed interactive things like the "like" button and the splash screen buttons that use two way chat with the server to refresh themselves.
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Robert
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I think most people expect to refresh to get updated pages, in fact I find it better because continuous updating webpages can be hard to follow if it isn't clear where you are 'up to'.
I like to make mental note of last read post, then refresh if there are no green arrows, as on some forums.
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chrisbet
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Working on a green arrow refresh.
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chrisbet
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Just need to see whether my logic works in the real world
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fred
| Joined: | Wed Mar 13th, 2019 |
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I'll just test it
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fred
| Joined: | Wed Mar 13th, 2019 |
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Well that works but puts the arrow on the next line ..... is that an issue??
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fred
| Joined: | Wed Mar 13th, 2019 |
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There is an annoying delay on the green arrow appearing if you go from splash page - not sure why the original arrow code isn't populating the arrow and we are waiting for the refresh ... working on it ...
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jk
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Getting some strange effects after a refresh!
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fred
| Joined: | Wed Mar 13th, 2019 |
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Inevitable while I adjust things - should be back to normal now, I'll continue on ndslr theme until I have ironed out the bugs
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Robert
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It's not a huge issue, I always left the forum on recent posts and refreshed the browser whenever I revisited.
If it self updates it will only have ten minutes at most until the splash screen kicks in.
I guess making these minor adjustments reveal either process irregularities or hidden bugs, like unclosed loops etc. which have been lurking under the surface for a long time.
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chrisbet
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Robert wrote:
I guess making these minor adjustments reveal either process irregularities or hidden bugs, like unclosed loops etc. which have been lurking under the surface for a long time.
Certainly does - in this case when you created a new topic, it didn't update your visited topics with the topic id & time - has been like that since the software was written originally - nobody noticed because there wasn't a function that compared the data minute to minute as it does now.
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Robert
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Chris, is it possible to somehow tag technical images (process illustrative) to prevent them coming up in the splash screen?
I don't want to delete the images because they are appropriate to illustrate a process, or explain something in a post but they were never intended as gallery images.
Very often I make a screenshot on the hoof as it were, rather than hosting it with a batch from Flicker, I just add it to the post, but now that means it also lands in my gallery, and hauled out occasionally for the splash screen, for which it's not particularly suitable.
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Robert
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Everybody, does the 'Splash Screen' rolling gallery improve your experience of the forum?
Does it encourage you to post more images to the forum?
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chrisbet
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Yes I can do a "private" tag - leave it with me.
I see the green arrow now shows you how many new posts there are in the topic - 2 arrows - 2 posts
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jk
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chrisbet wrote:
Yes I can do a "private" tag - leave it with me.
I see the green arrow now shows you how many new posts there are in the topic - 2 arrows - 2 posts
That explains my multiple green down arrows.
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chrisbet
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I'll tidy that up - unless you like the idea - might be a bit daunting for someone new to the bird topic....
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chrisbet
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chrisbet wrote:
Yes I can do a "private" tag - leave it with me.
Now in place on the upload mini screen - check the box if you want the image to NOT appear on the splash screen carousel. It will still go in your gallery but won't be chosen for display.
I am working on a corresponding checkbox for the gallery so you can set or unset the private flag retrospectively.
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jk
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chrisbet wrote:
I'll tidy that up - unless you like the idea - might be a bit daunting for someone new to the bird topic....
Yes please. One green arrow per topic is great.
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Robert
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jk wrote:
Yes please. One green arrow per topic is great.
Absolutely, perhaps I will quickly log into Pam's account and see how many screens it fills!
On second thoughts the witches might cast a spell on me...
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chrisbet
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chrisbet wrote:
I am working on a corresponding checkbox for the gallery so you can set or unset the private flag retrospectively.
Now in place - please visit your gallery and check each and every image that you DON'T want on the splash screen carousel.
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Robert
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chrisbet wrote:
Now in place - please visit your gallery and check each and every image that you DON'T want on the splash screen carousel.
Do you have to save the new setting? 'Save' seems very prominent, not sure what function the 'Save' button performs... (Obviously saving something but what?)
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chrisbet
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The Save - saves the comment and the private setting - you can add, edit or delete the comment and turn on or off the private flag. It does nothing to the image itself.
PS - you have to do the save for each image.
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Robert
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OK, I understand now, image #1 (iPhone image taken at MacDonalds) in my gallery refuses to retain the private status or save the text I have tried to attach, the other images comply, despite saving the setting.
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chrisbet
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There is no logic to that at all - I have changed the flag in the database (comes in handy to have the key to the back door!!) can you check it is now showing as private in your gallery
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chrisbet
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OK - it is the same for me - I will have to find out why the most recent image is not included in the routine - my guess at the moment is that somewhere in the original software someone set it to count from 1 upwards instead of 0 upwards .. 
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Robert
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Yes, I can confirm it's showing private. I haven't tried altering that but I did try to add a caption which did not stick even after save.
Not a real issue.
As for logic, it's a misnomer that computers are logical. They all have minds of their own and personalities!
Many thanks for your efforts Chris, you have transformed this place. It's quite civilised now!
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Robert
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Back to post #123
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Robert
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Test Post, will select this being a private image, not to be shown on the splash display.
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chrisbet
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OK - fixed the first image issue - someone who wrote the original software used tables for everything and the search facility is a form inside a table - the browser was ignoring the close of the search form on the page and when it came to the first gallery form it said b****r o** there is still a form open, the form end of the first image closed the open search form and let the second gallery form work!
Fixed by closing the open search form!
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chrisbet
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Robert wrote:
As for logic, it's a misnomer that computers are logical. They all have minds of their own and personalities!
Erm - no - the computers are logical - it is the programmers that make the whole thing quirky.
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chrisbet
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I have extended the private tag to include the recent & random images shown in the left column of the home page of modern editor theme.
Is it time now to make this theme the default and "hide" Ultra?
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Robert
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I'm on Modern editor, not sure which theme you are on?
Can you do anything about me forgetting to hit the post button? I have created several posts then forgotten to review and post them, by the time I remember (usually when I decide to post again) the content is history so I bin it!
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chrisbet
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Your content is saved for 24 hours - are you saying you forget for longer than that???
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Robert
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Longer than 24 Hrs is unlikely!
Sometimes I'm half way through creating a post and I get distracted, I forget all about it then next time I go to post, the unused text is patiently awaiting completion and posting.
My fault entirely but it's happening more frequently recently. I was joking really it's my memory which needs attention or fewer distractions. Sometimes an idea comes into my head as I am typing so I go deal with that but forget to come back to the post, meantime the splash screen kicks in and then I see a new post, so I go check that out and so on...
I'm a bit like a butterfly, flitting from one place to another. No hope for me!
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jk
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I think that you need to prioritise. Too many distractions. These days what I am doing currently is most important as usually I can decide, execute to next logical stop point. If somebody calls then it doesnt get answered unless I am free!
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Robert
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I'm sure you are right JK, currently I am painting my back bedroom, cutting metal for my polar mount, studying You Tube video's on polar mount setups and keeping an eye here. The splash screen is wonderful, especially since Chris fitted a real time new post indicator.
Just a thought, an alternative way of not loosing sight of an unfinished post, is it possible to prevent the splash screen from deploying over the edit screen?
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jk
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Just use the back button if it kicks on and everything returns to as was!
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Robert
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Your in the dark age! I just back swipe on my trackpad, GONE! Back button indeed!
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jk
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I find 'gestures' to be less than intuitive. Trackpad.... pftz.... techie boy. I like my mouse on my Mac.
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chrisbet
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Robert wrote:
I'm sure you are right JK, currently I am painting my back bedroom, cutting metal for my polar mount, studying You Tube video's on polar mount setups and keeping an eye here. The splash screen is wonderful, especially since Chris fitted a real time new post indicator.
Just a thought, an alternative way of not loosing sight of an unfinished post, is it possible to prevent the splash screen from deploying over the edit screen?
...and it is even Robert proof now - start a post and then activate the splash screen and see what appears at the left bottom
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jk
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Are you sure?
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jk
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Testing for Robert-proofness or not!
Oooooh. Unfinished post as a hyperlink. 
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Robert
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jk wrote:
I find 'gestures' to be less than intuitive. Trackpad.... pftz.... techie boy. I like my mouse on my Mac.
Hugely intuitive, left hand on trackpad, mouse in right hand. Perfect control, you can swipe back and forth with ease and scroll. A tip from Doug Young, I had similar views re. trackpads until I made some remark to Doug then he suggested I try his method and now I would be lost without it, my MBP is set up the same way. You should try it.
It even enabled me to go back on the micro windows and check the box to stop this screenshot from appearing in the splash screen.
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Robert
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All I did was ask if it were possible to do something, it's entirely up to Chris if he decides to delve. Absolutely no pressure from me.
I suspect Chris likes a challenge, if he doesn't have time to finish it I'm sure he can switch it off and resume when he does have time.
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jk
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Agreed.
Turning my mind away from the paste url to clipboard to an equatorial mount and its pictures.
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Robert
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jk wrote:
Turning my mind away from the paste url to clipboard to an equatorial mount and its pictures.
LOL, fascinating bit of kit, I could never understand the gangly arms and shafts when I saw them in shops. The simple EQ mount aimed at photography is a good start, I was incredibly lucky to have been steered towards mine. With the added bonus of having to make my own wedge. That in itself is a big challenge, I have started machining the arm, the base is still being designed on the back of an envelope!
I am gaining a better understanding of the procedure for alignment with Polaris. It's quite a distance from celestial North, not to the eye perhaps but for setting up a polar mount it is. I believe the reason I am not getting alignment properly is because I am not taking into account the time. I find it so difficult kneeling in a boggy field, in the dark, at an awkward angle trying to adjust the contraption that I don't bother with the axial alignment too but it's crucial. I am working on an idea use my Go-Pro cube to allow me to view the polar scope's image on my iPad or MacBook Pro, probably the iPad, less cumbersome... Unless of course I made a shelf or bracket to support the MBP on the tripod? That would be a neat trick!
Until I have made a micro adjustable solid wedge mount I can't hope to get accurate alignment. I have watched several YouTube videos and it's becoming clearer how to align it.
I would like to be able to get individual pictures of sky feature like the Orion nebula and some of the other sky features especially the Milky Way without going into deep space which costs a fortune and is a whole pass time on it's own. You should have reasonably dark skies in your area I would have thought. I am greatly enjoying going out during the night and exploring to find good vantage points. Features like the Cornish cliffs and those stacked rocks would make wonderful foregrounds for a starry sky. Bluehills comes to mind.
Novicus makes a good point, it would be better if the Splash screen didn't activate when the edit screen is active, I have had to dismiss it at least 8, 9 10 times this morning, while it's easy to swipe away, it's distracting to the thought process of composing a post and must be preventable. When Chris has time it would be good if we could ask him try to stop it from interrupting the edit screen.
Nobody seems to have responded to my request for feedback on the splash screen...
I think it's a really good feature, allowing the many excellent gallery images to be seen on a regular basis, often for the first time. There are still one or two technical screenshots which could do with excluding from the parade but on the whole I really like it. Adding a button to go directly to the gallery from the splash screen would be useful. Also perhaps? an 'About' screen which outlines the forum and our aims. To us it's obvious but to a visitor it's less so. Possibly also, just a thought... some sort of short intro where members experience, specialities or interests could be listed by those who wanted to, perhaps using the 'interests' data from the member profile, optional of course. Just kicking ideas about.
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jk
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I think that during the summer with Chris away we should try and make a curated list which he can then attack when he returns.
We need an open thread for user to comment and deliver ideas.
We also need a locked thread where only we (Admins) can edit. But it needs to be a single post so it acts as the central curated list. Then we make a working copy for Chris.
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Robert
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Summer is months away! If we even get one...
Agreed, although the curated list could be the first post in the thread, to which we could add items by editing the post, discussion or comments (if needed) in succeeding posts.
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jk
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Robert wrote:
Summer is months away! If we even get one...
Agreed, although the curated list could be the first post in the thread, to which we could add items by editing the post, discussion or comments (if needed) in succeeding posts.
Yes that works.
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Robert
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Can this thread be unpegged now?
It seems to be somewhat redundant for day to day needs.
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chrisbet
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It can as far as I am concerned.
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jk
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OK I will make it unsticky.
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Robert
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Thanks.
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