The intention of this blog is to keep everyone up to date on what's going on behind the scenes at BE including future plans for the site.
In January, we introduced a completely new version of the forum software. The existing version was almost 2 years old and we were missing out on a lot of features that take advantage of new browser technology. One of these technologies is Ajax, a combination of javascript and XML allowing asynchronous interaction with the site. This allows in-line editing of threads without a page refresh and is also used for the new Activity Ticker feature. The activity ticker shows threads posts in real-time as they are posted. More Ajax features will introduced throughout the year.
The Photo Gallery and Classifieds sections were upgraded to correct some minor bugs, improve performance and enhance the integration with the forum. You can now opt to automatically display a link to your ads or photos under your member name in each post. This option is in your profile on the 'options' page. Additionally, the classifieds listings now show the location of the item on the main page.
A few of the more apparent changes to the forum are
Marking threads read Previously, threads were marked as read based purely on time. After 30 minutes, all threads were marked read regardless of whether you actually read them. The current version will keep track of read threads without you having to read them all in one visit. If you do not read a thread for more than 5 days, it will be automatically marked read for you. There is also a green bar added to the thread listings at the point where there are no updated threads since your last visit.
Quick Reply As it's name suggests, this option speeds up the process of replying to threads. Simply click on the 'quick reply' icon in a post and start typing. The click is required to register the exact post to which you are replying and support the threaded views available in your profile -> options -> Thread Display Mode, or under the 'Display Modes' drop-down at the top of each thread.
Quick Edit Editing posts is now easier and uses Ajax technology to allow in-line editing without opening a new page. Additionally, you can now edit thread titles in-line by simply double clicking on the thread title. (not on the actual text, but just after it).
Spell checker The spell check button is now located at the top right of the editor box. It now works in all browsers including Safari. (Although Safari users don't really need it as there is one built in to OS X.) Exclude Forums from the 'New Posts' & 'Today's Posts' Searches: You can now filter out selected forums from these quick search functions. This option is in your profile under your profile -> options page at the very bottom.
Arcade A bunch of new games have been added and categorized in tabs.
Instant Messaging More instant messaging support is available. These options will display your online status on the messaging host by displaying the appropriate icon under your name in posts. These can be enabled in your profile.
Multi-quotes The little icon, second from the right of each post allows you to select several posts you would like quoted in your reply. When you clicking on the icon, it will change color to indicate it is selected for quoting. Once you have selected the posts, click the New Reply button and the selected posts will be automatically quoted for you.