Please be sure to refresh your browser (possibly more than once) in order for some changes to appear properly. Also please note that this is only part I of II in the update. The second part of the update will involve drastic physical appearance changes and database (users/posts) purging. This part focuses primarily on laying groundwork, cleaning up, and expanding/adding features in preparation for part 2.
In some ways, the forum may look a bit messier than it was originally (especially in the header and sidebar). This update was much bigger than I originally intended it to be. However, this is necessary groundwork for the next big update so please be patient in this transition. Feedback is much appreciated, whether it be ideas or constructive criticism.
Without further ado, here’s the list of changes!
*Forum template files have been updated from version 3.0.1 to 3.0.10 (a total of nine version updates). The number of improvements and bug fixes for this are extremely extensive and it would be nigh impossible for me to list them all. So just know that this upgrade was a serious leap forward in almost all aspects >.>. If you're super into coding, here's a list of SOME of the fixes (though not all). Otherwise, skip ahead.
Spoiler: show
Removed Journalists and Epic Committee user groups (done prior to update, but figured I’d announce it anyway!).
Deleted Scribe Chambers section (done prior to update). All future wiki related inquiries can simply be made in the Lounge.
Reinstated Archives section to act as a substitute for the wiki for those who prefer forum profile formatting (done prior to update).
A new classifieds feature has been added, along with a forum section that links to the page. This feature serves as an IC bazaar that can be used to put notices up regarding what characters may want to buy/sell/trade. This can include anything from artifacts to gear to items to services and more! In addition, a “recent ads†block has been added to the forum sidebar. This sidebar may be removed/drastically modified in part II. You may utilize the classifieds section at any time via the forum link in the Resources section.
Spoiler: show
*The wiki user database is now linked to the forum user database. Translation: You must now login to the wiki using the same username and password as you do on the forums. Those not registered on the forums can not edit the wiki. All usernames previously used on the wiki are no longer usable.
The Calendar tab has been renamed to “Events†and is now located neatly with the other tabs.
Reformatted forum layout into the following categories/sections:
Category 1: News
Forum sections: Headlines, Welcome Desk, and Guild Hall
Category 2: General
Forum sections: Assembly Room, The Pub, Artisan House, Hydaelyn Observatory, Lounge
Category 3: Resources
Forum sections: Archives, Directory, Classifieds
Category 4: Role-play
Forum sections: Bulletin Board, Town Square, Tonberry’s LanternRPC Facebook and Twitter links removed due to lack of use. The accounts themselves will likely be closed soon, though this will not be announced.
Statistics box has been relocated to the bottom of the forums instead of the sidebar.
Avatars have been added to the member list. Hovering over an avatar will display it in a larger size. In addition to this, the memberlist is now much easier to access due to permission changes and the user interface change.
Footer has been edited and cleaned up. Subscribing to topics, bookmarking, bumping a topic, and emailing a topic are all accessible there.
Forum will now instantly auto-direct after logging in, logging out, or posting a message. In the past, you would be forced to view a confirmation message and navigate manually back to the forums. This is no longer the case. Other operations may be altered in a similar way in the next update, though I prefer users request these on a case-by-case basis please.
The Gallery section has been updated for a slightly cleaner appearance and upgraded features/bug fixes. Please note that all guildleve box borders have been removed from all gallery blocks. This is intended to be this way since all borders will soon be removed in the next update. In addition, please note that other minor bugs may exist as a result of the update in regards to colors. Please report such bugs if you find them.
The linkshell section has been overhauled. The Linkshells tab will now lead directly to the sticky in the Guild Hall, which has also been drastically overhauled for easier editing and a cleaner look. Please note that this format is still not entirely finalized and may be edited (especially with regards to color and content) in the future. Also note that you may utilize a similar tab system in your Guild Hall post if you so wish via the tab button on the third line in the editing box.
[tab=30]--In addition to the above change, linkshell categorization has changed slightly. “Casual†has been renamed as “Light.†“Moderate†has been renamed as “Medium.â€Â
Spoiler: show
The home page’s music widget has been fused with the welcome box. Music has also been changed to the same music used once upon a time during with the old linkshell teaser flash site!
The text editing tool for posting has been cleaned up a bit for a more organized look (mostly done prior to update).
User interface has been altered drastically to allow access to private messages, the user control panel, and more from the banner (and thus, on any and all other pages). Please note that the entire banner area will be further modified to compliment this new interface in the next update. So please ignore the sloppy look of it for the time being. Also note that with this change, the user control panel and member list submenu items under the “Forums†tab are now gone.
[tab=30]--For the time being, the regular user panel on the sidebar still exists. This may be altered with the next update phase. As such, there will be more room for other side widgets.
[tab=30]--For the duration of this banner transition, the randomized banner system has been disabled. Random banners will ideally be enabled again in part II with the new banners.
Overall size (width) of the forum has increased slightly. This change will make the background not as lined up with the forums as it once was. This resize is merely a temporary state of being. The forum will increase in width yet again in part 2 and a new background will be implemented along with it.
Phase 1 of member list cleanup complete. 43 users have been deleted from the RPC database. Please see this thread for further details. All emails of these users have been preserved in the Admin Chambers of the forums for mass email campaigns near 2.0.
The User Control Panel has been slightly revised for a slightly cleaner look. It will be further modified in part II.
[tab=30]--“Edit friends†tab moved under profile tab. Adding foes has been removed entirely due to being unnecessary for a forum such as this.
[tab=30]--Editing events and event registration tab has been removed from control panel completely due to this already being a redundant feature (events and attendance can be edited directly from the calendar itself).
[tab=30]--Usergroups tab removed from control panel due to being unnecessary at this time.
Upcoming events placed on the calendar will now display at the top of the forums instead of the bottom. In part II of the update, this will hopefully be transferred neatly into the sidebar instead.
Lore tab changed to Wiki tab. The lore subsection and the direct link to the Tonberry’s Lantern have been removed.
Previously, users would be given an error message upon uploading avatars that are considered too big in size. This is no longer the case and avatars will auto-resize upon uploading.
Various new codes have been added to allow for Enjin code conversions. Please note that this does not impact Enjin based formatting prior to this update. Thus, one must update their former posts for this change to go into full effect on said posts (ie: remove former coding and add it back again). Also note that even though one can easily copy/paste anything from Enjin to the RPC forums and preserve format, this does not necessarily apply the other way around. In order to retain the forum’s more advanced capabilities, the default codes used in creating posts here will sill differ from the default way of creating posts on Enjin. However, copying/pasting posts from Enjin based boards will now mostly retain their formatting (including text sizing, originally thought to be impossible to fix!). The only exceptions are as follows, though I am looking into ways to fix these as well:
[tab=30]--Youtube videos without the full link.
[tab=30]--Quotes without an attached name.
[tab=30]--Spoiler tags.
Numerous other bug fixes implemented.
The following users have been granted moderator status: Eva, Oskar Helvig.
[tab=30]--Another user declined the position and two others have not yet responded. The team will likely expand further in Part II of the update.
Still to come in part II:
Spoiler: show