Bugs and Suggestions for Metabunk.org

[Alien Chess Fiend]

Is it fixed for you now? Or still broken?

I see a post from yesterday, then the deleted one from 2013, then your test post as the last three posts in the thread.

I did look at it yesterday though so something might be cached for me.

Using a browser that has never been logged in here it looks fine (i.e. the deleted post isn't shown out of order).

 

[Mendel]

I see a post from yesterday, then the deleted one from 2013, then your test post as the last three posts in the thread.

Thank you.
Is the thread listed in https://www.metabunk.org/whats-new/ or https://www.metabunk.org/whats-new/posts/ for you?

 

[Alien Chess Fiend]

Thank you.
Is the thread listed in https://www.metabunk.org/whats-new/ or https://www.metabunk.org/whats-new/posts/ for you?

Yes, but after viewing it, it doesn't show in bold.

I tried logging in on the other browser and after that the deleted post is shown out of order again.

 

[FatPhil]

the new post was listed before the older one. I added a post, then the new post was listed ofter the deleted post (and before!), but after reloading the thread, it seems fine now.
probably a legacy bug.

It seems your newer post, now I've read it, has at least fixed the bolding of the thread aspect. The out-of-order ordering remains a mystery, but a presently harmless one.

 

[Ann K]

Is it fixed for you now? Or still broken?

All OK. Thanks!

 

[Mick West]

Maybe something to do with it being a very old thread, from the previous version of the board. Or maybe just a large gap between posts. I permanently deleted the old deleted posts (And Mendel's "unbork" post) which seems to have shaken it back together.

 

[Mendel]

I literally don't have that "external quote" button you taught me to use.
View attachment 65279

This is definitely a bug with @Mick West 's custom forum extensions, thank you for the feedback. It would help if you could mention your operating system and browser, ideally including version numbers.

Meanwhile, you can type [ex]content as needed[/ex] manually, if you like. (I rarely use the button myself.)

 

[NorCal Dave]

This is definitely a bug with @Mick West 's custom forum extensions, thank you for the feedback. It would help if you could mention your operating system and browser, ideally including version numbers.

Meanwhile, you can type [ex]content as needed[/ex] manually, if you like. (I rarely use the button myself.)

I gave George a detailed explanation on the simple use of typing EX and /EX in brackets for external stuff back in this thread, post #1,133.
https://www.metabunk.org/threads/house-oversight-hearing-on-uaps-july-26-2023.13049/page-29

It appears he tried it in his next post but instead of the EX in [ ] he ended up with <external> which didn't create an external content box, just the word external in < >.

 

[Mick West]

I gave George a detailed explanation on the simple use of typing EX and /EX in brackets for external stuff back in this thread, post #1,133.
https://www.metabunk.org/threads/house-oversight-hearing-on-uaps-july-26-2023.13049/page-29

He'd used EX tags many times before.

 

[NorCal Dave]

He'd used EX tags many times before.

Yeah, seems to be back and forth like a lot of people, I know I had trouble with them at first. I think it's something that is intuitive to programmers and tech folks, letters inside brackets [ ] turn features on and off. Some of my early post attempts were complete messes as I got the EX in [ ] but failed to notice the proper use of the /EX at the end of the quote.

After thinking I had mastered the EX tags, I later ended up abandoning some lengthy posts almost entirely of strikethrough. Only later did I realize letters in [ ] do things and that Wiki especially will add a missing "s" in [ ], thus turning on the strikethrough feature.

As always, thanks for the forum sir!

 

[deirdre]

I think it's something that is intuitive to programmers and tech folks, letters inside brackets [ ] turn features on and off.

the old xenoforo software had a "bb codes" list under the Home button.
heres the list in case youre ever feeling adventurous:
https://www.metabunk.org/help/bb-codes/

 

[Mick West]

the old xenoforo software had a "bb codes" list under the Home button.
heres the list in case youre ever feeling adventurous:
https://www.metabunk.org/help/bb-codes/

I've added this to the "How To" menu, which also links to
https://www.metabunk.org/threads/how-to-use-ex-and-article-tags-for-quoting-external-content.525/

 

[Mendel]

I've added this to the "How To" menu, which also links to
https://www.metabunk.org/threads/how-to-use-ex-and-article-tags-for-quoting-external-content.525/

it should be noted that "Changes the color, font, or size of the wrapped text." does not work here.

 

[FatPhil]

Kinda cosmetic, but there's no point not reporting it somewhere.

Here's a thread that has a page 2:
https://www.metabunk.org/threads/journalistic-integrity-around-the-jellyfish-ufo.13310/page-2
But there's nothing on page 2!

 

[Landru]

Kinda cosmetic, but there's no point not reporting it somewhere.

Here's a thread that has a page 2:
https://www.metabunk.org/threads/journalistic-integrity-around-the-jellyfish-ufo.13310/page-2
But there's nothing on page 2!

I can see a message on Page 2. #41 posted by Rick Robson.

 

[FatPhil]

I can see a message on Page 2. #41 posted by Rick Robson.

Ah, he's on my ignore list. So I just get the "[ 1 ] [ 2 ] [Next]" from above the messages and the "[ 1 ] [ 2 ] [Next]" from below the messages and nothing in between.
OK, it's confusing, but it's not worth fussing over.

 

[Mendel]

Ah, he's on my ignore list. So I just get the "[ 1 ] [ 2 ] [Next]" from above the messages and the "[ 1 ] [ 2 ] [Next]" from below the messages and nothing in between.
OK, it's confusing, but it's not worth fussing over.

Watch out for "show ignored content", it indicates there is hidden content

 

[FatPhil]

Watch out for "show ignored content", it indicates there is hidden content

Ah, OK, a JavaScript thing without graceful degradation. Strangely, it degrades a bit better in my console browser (w3m).

 

[JMartJr]

Here is a possibly, nay probably, unimportant one, but since I'm here...

Should/could the "disagree" response option be changed to something other than a huge red "X?" That is, visually, a lot harsher and stronger than what I want to imply when disagreeing with a post, usually. Not 100% sure what to change it to -- one possibility would be to add a less bold, less saturated red "X" for a "somewhat disagree" option.

This may sound silly, but it almost feels like I'm violating the politeness policy if I toss a huge bold bright red "X" onto somebody's post!

 

[Mick West]

something other than a huge red "X?"

Any suggestions?

 

[Landru]

Any suggestions?

There is a dislike option already there which is a softer option.

 

[NorCal Dave]

Any suggestions?

I tend to agree with @JMartJr that the big red X is a bit intimidating and impolite "feeling". Some with a "I respectfully disagree with you in this and will likely discuss it with you further in the thread when I have time" vibe to it. A wagging "NO" finger? An "I don't think so" face? Maybe time out hands.

I "disagree" with you is different from I "dislike" your post. "Dislike" seems to be for things like violating posting policies, claims without sources, being impolite or combative and such. JMartJr and I get along just fine and respect each other, but may have a disagreement on something, vs someone is being a PITA.

Just a thought.

 

[JMartJr]

Any suggestions?

Other than a less bold, less saturated-red "X," I don't have a great idea. If they could be animated a nodding "agree" face and a side-to-side shaking "disagree" face would be a possibility, though possibly too cute even if technically feasible. Or an optional Yellow X for "disagree in part?

There is a dislike option already there which is a softer option.

There is, but I don't interpret it as a "soft disagree," or a more friendly disagree, for largely the reasons NorCal Dave mentioned in the preceding post.

Also, @Alien Chess Fiend , if you did that response to the first post tongue in cheek I got a chuckle out of it! If done in total seriousness, no offense taken! ^_^

 

[Landru]

Other than a less bold, less saturated-red "X," I don't have a great idea. If they could be animated a nodding "agree" face and a side-to-side shaking "disagree" face would be a possibility, though possibly too cute even if technically feasible. Or an optional Yellow X for "disagree in part?


There is, but I don't interpret it as a "soft disagree," or a more friendly disagree, for largely the reasons NorCal Dave mentioned in the preceding post.

Also, @Alien Chess Fiend , if you did that response to the first post tongue in cheek I got a chuckle out of it! If done in total seriousness, no offense taken! ^_^

We can do gifs

 

[Mick West]

Other than a less bold, less saturated-red "X,"

I've given that a go. It will take a while to get through the caches.

 

[Mendel]

Any suggestions?

The same X but shrunk so that it fits inside the "thumbs up" circle.

I use "like" for posts that advance the discussion, even if I don't always agree with them. When I've asked a question, a "like" indicates I accept the answer, as a short-hand "thank you" note.
I use "dislike" for posts that I think actively make the discussion worse.
I use "agree" for posts that "I could've written myself" but didn't.
I use "disagree" for posts I think are false; either for reasons I've stated above, or (usually) will explain below.
I use "informative" for posts with sources that add helpful information to a discussion.
I use "useful" for posts that present useful sources or methods.
I never use "funny" to express dislike, as that would amount to ridicule.

 

[Alien Chess Fiend]

Also, @Alien Chess Fiend , if you did that response to the first post tongue in cheek I got a chuckle out of it! If done in total seriousness, no offense taken! ^_^

Yes, I couldn't resist that. I do think the disagree reaction is a good thing with the way conspiracy theory promoters are tolerated here. I don't think changing the icon a bit would hurt though.

 

[Area 51/50]

Any chance we make the URLs a different color than current? The light, light blue on the white background is hard to notice. They blend in enough to get missed by readers, I reckon. I can do it with JavaScript on my end, but figure Mick could dust off the ol' skill set and make it a global change. Whaddya say, Mick?

 

[Mick West]

Any chance we make the URLs a different color than current? The light, light blue on the white background is hard to notice. They blend in enough to get missed by readers, I reckon. I can do it with JavaScript on my end, but figure Mick could dust off the ol' skill set and make it a global change. Whaddya say, Mick?

It's a bit fiddly to do in a clean manner. Try selecting the "Red Links" theme (bottom left of bottom of page)

 

[Mendel]

Any chance we make the URLs a different color than current? The light, light blue on the white background is hard to notice. They blend in enough to get missed by readers, I reckon.

What links, specifically, did you (almost?) overlook?
Most non-interface links on Metabunk are supposed to be explicit, as "https://....", and thus obvious.

Does the blue actually blend in with the white for you? Or is it dark enough to blend in with the black? I can discern them well enough on my display.

 

[Area 51/50]

Perhaps it's just my monitor (or eyesight), but I would definitely gloss over this in the wild. Switching to Red Links per Mick's request is better, for sure.

I'll probably just deploy my own JS since I do that normally for many sites:

const links = document.querySelectorAll(".link.link--external");
links.forEach(link => {
link.style.textDecoration = 'underline';
link.style.color = 'red';
});

Most of the internal links are pretty obvious since they're in the same place often and don't blend in as much for me.

Thanks for the responses.

 

[NorCal Dave]

Just a thought. Can there be a way to reply to someone in another thread and have that noted in the original thread? My thought is to help threads going off topic.

For example, in the thread on the AARO report Meta Materials came up because AARO tested a piece. Some discussion of that piece is warranted, but a bunch of back and forth about where the Meta Materials came from and who owned them, and the back stories clogs the main discussion about the overall report.

So, if Bob posts something about meta materials in the AARO thread, I could hit "reply" but have the option to bump that reply to an appropriate meta material thread and continue the discussion. There would be some sort of note on the AARO thread alerting others that Dave replied to Bob over in this thread for those that are interested.

It could also bounce replies about other side topics to the appropriate thread or start a new one if needed. Sort of an oprion for "Yeah, that's interesting so let's talk about it over here".

Again, just a thought.

 

[Mick West]

Just a thought. Can there be a way to reply to someone in another thread and have that noted in the original thread? My thought is to help threads going off topic.

I can't find any Zenforo add-ons that will do anything like that. You could do it manually, but it's a bit of a pain

1. Hit reply
2. Toggle BB code
3. Copy the BB code
4. replace with "moving"
5. Go to different thread
6. Post there
7. copy link
8. go back to post in step 4, edit that post and past the link

Not really simple, but people do things like this occasionally. I don't think it comes up often enough to write new code and make new bugs.

 

[deirdre]

1. Hit reply
2. Toggle BB code
3. Copy the BB code
4. replace with "moving"
5. Go to different thread

why are we toggling bb code? what does that do?
what does "replace with moving" mean? Do non-moderators have a "move" option?

just hit reply.
highlight it and choose "cut"
go to another thread hit "paste". answer it.
copy link.
go to original thread. type "answer to your off topic comment here [and paste link]"

 

[Mick West]

why are we toggling bb code? what does that do?
what does "replace with moving" mean? Do non-moderators have a "move" option?

just hit reply.
highlight it and choose "cut"
go to another thread hit "paste". answer it.
copy link.
go to original thread. type "answer to your off topic comment here [and paste link]"

I prefer to copy the BB code to make sure I get everything.

The "moved" thing was just a temporary marker so you can find the old post again - I often move a post and then have trouble finding the original as it's no longer a new thread. So this was more of a suggestion.

Non-moderators can't move a post.

 

[Mendel]

I often move a post and then have trouble finding the original as it's no longer a new thread.

If you copied it correctly, you can click the link at the top of the quote in your new post, and it takes you back to the post you quoted, in the old thread.

 

[Mick West]

If you copied it correctly, you can click the link at the top of the quote in your new post, and it takes you back to the post you quoted, in the old thread.

I know. But I often move posts that are not quoting someone.

 

[NorCal Dave]

ust hit reply.
highlight it and choose "cut"
go to another thread hit "paste". answer it.
copy link.
go to original thread. type "answer to your off topic comment here [and paste link]"

Your right, I can just do it that way. Not being a coder, I wasn't sure what's doable and what's not. I was just thinking of a quick easy way that anyone can do. Hit reply, then there's an option to post to a different thread and leave a message in the current thread.

 

[deirdre]

there's an option to post to a different thread and leave a message in the current thread.

the longest part of the process now is finding the thread you want to post in

it would take just as long to do that even with a drop down menu.

I think what Mick is saying, is that anytime he adds code to the Xeno software it causes bugs. (and everytime xeno updates all Mick's codes break! and he has to redo them). People dont move comments often enough to warrant the bugs and all the xtra work from Mick.

I'm not picking on your suggestion at all!**, just letting you know it takes literally about 30 seconds (minus finding an old thread) to do it manually.

**it certainly would be nice if moderators spent a few minutes once a week to move all these off topic noise producers they are notified of.

 

[Mendel]

This is definitely a bug with @Mick West 's custom forum extensions, thank you for the feedback. It would help if you could mention your operating system and browser, ideally including version numbers.

Meanwhile, you can type [ex]content as needed[/ex] manually, if you like. (I rarely use the button myself.)

another member without the EX button

Strangely, I don't seem to have the 'external source' button available yet, oh well.

and another

I found they appear on one of my iPads but not the other, so I always just go with "ex" tags. Not all the features are universally available.

@Ann K , could you provide iOS and browser version numbers, please?