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Post by xShadowLordx on Nov 14, 2009 16:12:37 GMT -5
I've been thinking, when new members come to the forums, they're probably really confused as to how things work around here. There's a code in the ProBoards code index that sends an automatic welcome PM to new members, and I think it would be really helpful. I've known about this code since as far back as I can remember, but I haven't said anything up til now. It's something I've really wanted for our site for a very long time. I can even do all the work of putting it in. Here it is: support.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=codedatabase&action=display&n=1&thread=70552Discuss. |
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Post by General Veers on Nov 14, 2009 18:37:09 GMT -5
That is very interesting, although I wonder where we would put the false PM thread at. Apparently, we have to create a post, lock it from replies, and allow access to all users.
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Post by xShadowLordx on Nov 14, 2009 20:04:16 GMT -5
It won't be a problem if we put it in a hidden board. Then no one will notice it. The only thing you can't do is password-protect it.
If you just hide the board but don't set a password, people still have access to it, they just don't know it exists.
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Post by Qwerty on Nov 14, 2009 23:16:35 GMT -5
The problem is, this idea has turned up about four times before in the history, as long as I've been here, anyway. I just feel that with our current rate of new members, we can very easily send PERSONAL PMs, that are actually PMs. We just check the new members, and send a PM to them all, but an actually PERSONAL PM, not an AUTOMATIC PM, which is really more of an AM.
The code doesn't do much harm, but it doesn't do much good, either. Add it if you want, but don't expect new members to care. As if we are getting any new members right now.
This is like adding a trophy system in a forum without any contests, or money in a forum with no way to earn it. Sure, it doesn't do anything bad, but it doesn't do anything good, and we should avoid adding codes simply for the sake of adding codes.
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Post by xShadowLordx on Nov 14, 2009 23:27:25 GMT -5
Qwerty, this code will do a lot of good. It will give new members necessary information and links to help them out.
This will in no way replace personalized PMs. A personalized PM is something members can send if they choose. It is optional. The purpose of this PM, however, is to provide new members with necessary info.
You can still send personalized PMs on top of the automated one if it pleases you, Qwerty. There is nothing wrong with that. In fact, that would be ideal.
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Post by Qwerty on Nov 14, 2009 23:33:03 GMT -5
Oh, it's an Information PM? I thought it was a Welcome PM. In that case, feel free.
As to the board, it doesn't really matter. We can make an "official messages" type thing for that.
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Post by xShadowLordx on Nov 14, 2009 23:36:14 GMT -5
Exactly. There is no substitute for a warm, personal welcome. But there is a substitute for an informational message.
I'll wait for Veers' approval to create the board.
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Post by General Veers on Nov 15, 2009 1:30:43 GMT -5
You have it.
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Post by Qwerty on Nov 15, 2009 1:57:37 GMT -5
What should the text of the PM be, and by whom should it appear to have been sent?
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Post by xShadowLordx on Nov 15, 2009 10:58:52 GMT -5
I was thinking all the High Staff should collaborate to write the PM, and obviously it should appear to be sent by TheListo. Also, I have just created the hidden board here: danballforums.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=welcomepmHere is my draft of the PM. Feel free to suggest any changes. ============================================ Hello and welcome to the Official Dan-Ball Forums!!! You're probably feeling a bit overwhelmed as a new member here, but don't fret. Here are some things to help you out.
The best place to start would probably be the Forum Rules. Familiarize yourself with them and follow them well.
We don't have the spam problems the Dan-Ball comments sections do, and we're much more organized. Our site has a ton of awesome features. You can customize your profile will lots of cool stuff, from avatars to signature pics.
We have our own currency called Dan-Balls, which you can earn, save, and spend. Members can create their own shops in the Dan-Ball Shop Board and sell images that you can put in your profile. We also have badges that you can earn for your achievements. And there's lots more!
We frequently hold Dan-Ball related contests. Check the Contest Board every now and then to see the latest ones. You could win Dan-Balls and other great prizes!
Our site isn't just about Dan-Ball. Here on the Official Dan-Ball Forums, there's something fun for everyone. If you're into debating, check out the Serious Debate Board, where you can debate things like politics and religion. If you write stories or poetry, post them in the Story Board. If you're an artist, show off your work in the Art Board.
Here is a list of Important Links for New Members. It'll tell you all the basics about the site, including Dan-Balls, Badges, and more!
And on top of all this, you can scroll down to the bottom of the page for our live chat room! There's almost always someone there.
Feel free to look around and post a few comments. We love having new members and we'll make you feel at home. If you have any questions, feel free to Personal Message a staff member by going to their profile page and clicking "Send Personal Message". They'll be glad to help.
Have fun, and spread the word!
~The ODBF Staff Team============================================ What do you think??? |
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Post by Qwerty on Nov 15, 2009 16:08:39 GMT -5
With the PMing a staff member, we should change it to "By clicking the "PM" button in the welcome table, up at the top of the home page".
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Post by xShadowLordx on Nov 15, 2009 16:28:10 GMT -5
Ok. Anything else?
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Post by Qwerty on Nov 15, 2009 17:19:02 GMT -5
That's it. Now we need Listo's account to post the message, and the code to be installed.
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Post by xShadowLordx on Nov 15, 2009 17:35:51 GMT -5
I'll take care of the code myself. We just need Veers to get on Listo's account and post this PM in the board.
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Post by Qwerty on Nov 15, 2009 21:43:56 GMT -5
Also, instead of locking the thread, we should disable posting on the entire board after it's posted.
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Post by xShadowLordx on Nov 15, 2009 21:46:08 GMT -5
Why? Does it make a difference?
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Post by xShadowLordx on Nov 15, 2009 22:48:10 GMT -5
Ok, thanks Veers. I have just put in the code.
I created a test account to try it out, and it worked.
Username: testaccount
Password: testpass
Feel free to take a look.
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Post by Qwerty on Nov 16, 2009 0:11:49 GMT -5
TSL, yes, it does make a difference. If you lock it, you get the "locked" icon, and anyone can post something else.
The problem is, this code doesn't update the new messages thing. I think this is due to another code we have, the PM bar code.
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Post by xShadowLordx on Nov 16, 2009 1:17:31 GMT -5
Yes, I realized that. That's the only problem.
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Post by Qwerty on Nov 16, 2009 10:35:13 GMT -5
Besides that and the date being "undefined", it works great. Piiiiickle! We need your halp!
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