Folder indications of unread posts sometimes inaccurate

genebujold · 18th January 2004, 09:58

I noticed the folder/thread icons change to reflect what I've not read since the last time I logged in. Unfortunately, if I log on, read one or two, then log out for a while and return, all the folder icons have been changed as if I've read them - whether I have or not.

I understand the current method compares my logon date/time to the folder posts, and if it's later, it displays the unread icon.

Is there any way you can track what folders I've read and when? Simple from a systems analysis / database point of view, but it would take a bit of programming to make the change.

And you may not have the storage to hold the tracking database.

But if it could be done, it would mean consistancy for the folder icons, accurately reflecting what I've actually read and not read, rather than what's changed since last logon.

Bubba136 · 18th January 2004, 15:21

I've noticed that, too. Another point is that if you mistakenly log out of the forum, the icons are reset by the time you can re-enter. Is there some way to lengthen the time before the icons reset to "already read?"

genebujold · 18th January 2004, 17:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bubba136

I've noticed that, too. Another point is that if you mistakenly log out of the forum, the icons are reset by the time you can re-enter. Is there some way to lengthen the time before the icons reset to "already read?"

Hi, Bubba. I think it's because the software compares the DTG (date-time-group) of last_logon_time with post_time. If later, then it's a not-yet-read. Otherwise, it's an allready-read.

Having designed and builty many of these threads over the last 20 years, it's a simple change. Unfortunately, it requires a database read-write (unlike the current scheme).

I'm sure the powers that be will respond knowin the great Bubba is as interested in a solution as I!

Bubba136 · 18th January 2004, 23:30

Quote:the great Bubba??????[/quote]

Gosh, are you confused. The only time I get a rise out of this crowd is when I criticize or disagree with someone.

genebujold · 20th January 2004, 13:36

And.......

Any takers on the fix????

Hello??? Moderators???

Jeff · 20th January 2004, 23:44

Indeed, the icons reflect any changes / new messages since your last logon and if you look carefully at the legend at the bottom of the page that's what they are supposed to do. I agree with you guys that it could come in handy to only reflect messages you actually did not read. Although for people who never read all the messages (probably a lot) it would be a real pain if this was how the board worked, so there would be a need for users to set their preferences on this in their profile.

I'm planning on upgrading the board software (phpBB) this year and for that I first need to upgrade our hosting account. The database will get a bit larger with the new version and I'm already operating on hd-space bounds for this account. Upgrading also means money so I'll need to get in touch with our sponsor and this all might take some time.

When I setup the new board software I'll also see what mod's are available that might implement the requested features.

One thing is for sure, if there isn't a mod available, I won't be the one who's going to program it. ;) There's life besides Internet and the board you know.

Bubba136 · 21st January 2004, 02:22

Sounds good to me, Jeff. :D

Firefox · 21st January 2004, 04:47

Yes, as far as I know there isn't a fix in the admin tools for this.

A simple way to get round it is to use the "view posts since your last visit" gadget. I never even look at the icons.

genebujold · 21st January 2004, 08:30

Interesting!

Where is it?

Tom-NL · 21st January 2004, 11:23

On the index (main) page of the board, in the upper right corner (just above the column caption "Last Post").