Welcome to the new forums!

News, information, and announcements are posted here.
Forum rules
Only admins and moderators can post announcements. Members can read and reply.
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Shurijo
Admin
Admin
Posts: 13979
Title: Scourge of the Jedi
User Class: Sith Lord

Welcome to the new forums!

Post by Shurijo » Sat Apr 25, 2015 5:54 pm

If you can't login

All passwords were reset upon data migration. You will need to reset your password. If your email is out of date or if you have a problem, please email one of the admins or another user who can pass on your problem to an admin. If you don't know anyone's email address, use the "contact us" link at the bottom of the page.

Why is this post in my game forums?

This post was set as a "Global Announcement." It's like an "Announcement" post on Brennor's RPG Corner, but it's "global" meaning it appears in every forum. It's the same exact post (not duplicated/copied). After a few weeks, an Administrator will change the post to a normal "Announcement" or post so it can be retained in the News & Updates forum. I decided this post will work best as a "Global Announcement" because if you see something wrong somewhere, the link to reply/read this thread will be nearly everywhere.

Welcome to the new forums

This guide will help you adjust to the new forums and provide you with some insights into new features and tools. Some features are new, some are removed, and some are different.

Why is the site so slow?

The server may be a bit slower than Brennor's RPG Corner. It's most likely due to our new commercial shared hosting environment. We'll be working over the next few months to optimize and speed up the site, but it's most likely possible that the new site won't be as fast as Brennor's until we upgrade our server host. There's lots of pro/cons from moving from Brennor's personal webserver/basement hosting plan to a commercially hosted webserver/database - speed wasn't one of the pros because it costs more $. We're starting on the low tier hosting plan now. If it becomes too burdensome, then we'll look into upgrading to a higher tier/level which should result in faster speeds.

Abbreviations
  • UCP - User Control Panel aka your personal forum settings and preferences
  • MCP - Global Moderator Control Panel
  • ACP - Admin Control Panel
Registration

All new registered users are automatically added to the "Newly Registered Users" group. This group requires an Admin or Global Moderator to approve their first post. Newly Registered Users can also only post in the Welcome and Off-Topic forums. This is to prevent spammers and bots from registering and posting to our forums.

Once their first post has been approved, they will be upgraded to "Registered User" group and can post wherever registered users can post.

Themes

There are two themes which we are currently working to customize. The first theme is "RPG Corner" this theme is probably the one you first saw when you arrived at the forums. It is the default theme. The second theme is "At Work" which is designed to not draw attention to your browser while you're at work. You can switch themes via your UCP.

My Games

Our goal was to import all of the active games. You should be able to find your games listed and categorized on the Board Index (front page).

Posting

Some of the BBCode changed and some new features were added. We've duplicated all of the critical custom BBCodes, but if something is missing or if you have an idea for a new BBCode please post your recommendations to the "How do we improve the site" thread.

Editing, Deleting, Quoting a Post

For the default theme, the edit, delete, and quote buttons appear in the upper right corner of the post. They are invisible by default and appear when you hover (move your mouse) anywhere over the post.

Private Messages

There's a "Reply to All" button on PMs now that allow you to send PMs to multiple users and reply to all - just like email. You can also remove users from a reply.

Also, there's an option that allows you to configure what to do when your inbox is full. By default, I've set all existing users to "Delete oldest messages." Optionally, you can add a new folder such as "Inbox2" (or another name) and have a rule that says any new PM will go to "Inbox2" if your inbox is full. All new users (new after migration), will default to "Do Not Accept New PMs" when their inboxes are full. This setting can be changed at UCP->Private Messages->"Rules, Folders, & Settings"

Notifications

You will receive a Notification via your Notifications panel. This includes new PMs, new posts to subscribed threads, system wide messages, posts where your post was quoted, etc.

Bookmarks aka My Favorites

Favorites are now called Bookmarks. You can bookmark a topic via the topic toolbar. You can access your bookmarks via UCP. You will not receive notifications on new posts for bookmarks.

Topic Subscriptions

You can subscribe to a topic via topic toolbar. You can access your subscriptions via your UCP. You will receive notifications on new posts for subscriptions.

Where's the Shout Box at?

There's a beta (in development) Shout Box that works well, but it has a bug which prevents users from changing themes. Once this add on is published and the bug is resolved, we'll add it to the site. We've tested it and it works well, except for the problem/bug.

Why is my post count lower?

The migration did not bring over the the limited access "Admin's Forum," so the administrators will most likely see the largest decline in post count. Additionally for users, when your post was deleted at Brennor's RPG Corner, it continued to add +1 to your post count. After moving, we had to resynchronize the posts, so that set your current post total to the actual number of imported posts. Your post count should be very, very close to the original post count, with only your deleted posts not being counted in your new post count totals.

Why do some forums have icons and some don't?

Administrators can set a forum icon for any forum. I set a few icons to demonstrate the capability. We currently have several dozen icons downloaded from Blizzard (Diablo, WoW, Starcraft) which we're using along with a few others that I've created. If you're a GM and want a specific/different/any icon, just let Shurijo know. The way the backend works, it doesn't let an Admin view or pick & choose icons, it's just a input box. So the Administrator making the change needs to know the specific filename and path to the image. I've copied all of them to my local desktop, so I can see and know the file path on the webserver. If you want to find/create your own forum icon for your game forums, the specifications are 35 pixels by 35 pixels in any supported web image format (png, jpg, gif). The icon should also work well on light and dark colored backgrounds for multiple-theme support.

Can I change my username?

Yes. Please send [mention="Shurijo"]Shurijo[/mention], a PM with your current UserName and your requested UserName. Be sure to specify the current and new username using upper/lower case, exactly how you'd like it to appear. You can login using non-case-sensitive version of the name, so the case-sensitivity is only if you have a preference how your name appears on posts, topics, and your profile, etc. Also, please update your signature to say something like "Formerly known as MisterX" so everyone can recognize you by your new username. Please note, this is for migrated users (users who were imported from Brennor's RPG), newly registered users may not have this option in the future (on case by case basis).

Email Notifications

By default, you will not get email notifications of bookmarks, subscriptions, being quoted, being mentioned, etc. These will all appear in your "Notifications" alert window/inbox.

However, you can configure to get email or not be notified on each of those events. To change your settings, go to UCP>Board Preferences>Edit Notification Options or click the "Notifications" link in header toolbar, then click "Settings" in the pop-out dialog for a shortcut.


New Features

Master Games List

The Master Games List is now handled by the Administrators in the backend (database) rather than forums as a custom built phpBB extension. The current list is not up to date, but we will work over the next week to get it updated. In the future, we hope to allow GMs the ability to edit their own game status and details. Games are highlighted which are currently looking for players. You can find links to MGL in the header and toolbar areas.

Forum Subscriptions

In addition to subscribing to specific topics, you can subscribe to a forum to be notified of any new post or reply that occurs in that forum. On the forum page, you should find a link labeled "Subscribe to Forum." It is located at the bottom of the page for the default theme.

Saving Drafts

Registered users can save a draft post. After saving a draft, you'll be able to leave that forum and return to it later. Click either "reply" or "new topic" buttons and then click "load draft" to load a saved draft. Please note that drafts only save the subject and message - attachments and thread options are not saved.

Forum Rules

New Feature - You can see this shown above this forum and post. GMs can customize their own messages to include their own rules. Some forums will specify rules for posting. Others may note anything that the GM need to say for that specific forum.

Forum RSS Feeds

Each forum (and the entire forums) have RSS feeds. You can access the feeds through any RSS Reader. If you need additional information or help, please let us know.

Custom User Titles

All registered users can set their own personal title. This title will be appended to your forum rank (based on post count), so you can be a Level 5 Jedi, Level 5 Space Marine, Level 5 Barbarian, Level 5 Techno Mage, etc. This can be changed (or removed by setting to "none") at any time via UCP>Profile.

Continuing our previous Site Titles, when you reach 3,000 posts, you'll be given an unique site title. This is set by the Administrators and appears above any user class. So you can have both an unique site title and a user/personal title.

@Mentions

You can mention a user and they will receive a notification of the mention. For example, if I'm talking about Vardaen and want to make sure he sees the post, I can type "@" and then begin typing his username. Eventually, I'll find his name and can select it so that it appears like: @Vardaen. Alternatively, you can just type "@" and the username if you know how to spell it correctly.

Users that are mentioned in this way will receive a notification in their notification panel. You can also use BBCode of {mention="Vardaen"}Vardaen{/mention} (If you start typing {mention= then the bbcode tag will autocomplete and show you a list of users as you type the first letter of the user's name.

Mark All Posts as Read

In the default (RPG Corner) theme, there's a checkmark in the upper right corner of the forums on the home page. Clicking that checkmark will mark all forums as "read" status. So they won't appear as "unread." Also, each forum also has a link to "mark all as read."

User Roles

Why do some people have different color names? Why are some post subjects different colors?

Administrators and Global Moderators will show as different color names. Posts made by Admins and Global Mods will also have their subject line colored to match their role's color. The specific colors used for the roles will be different on different themes.

What's an Administrator?

Admins have full control over the forums. Pretty much like at Brennor's except, there's more admin tools on this forums in the backend. Like adding extensions, languages, themes, etc. which only the Brennor's system admins (Bitom & Bren) could perform there.

What's a Global Moderator?

A global moderator has most of the functions that the admins at Brennor's had. They can delete, edit, and lock topics and posts. They can also approve a "New Registered User" first post to promote the "New Registered User" to a full status of "Registered User." When someone "reports" a post (for bad language, inappropriate statements, etc.), the Global Mods will be notified. All functions of Global Mods can also be performed by an Administrator. Global Mods do not have access to the backend to make system level changes - their roles are strickly limited to the forum posts/topics/users. Also, note that these are "Global" meaning all forums. Game Masters may have special access to their own forums, so they can do certain things, but a Global Mod has those functions over all forums.

What's a Registered User?

This is pretty much 99% of the users. A normal user who's not an Admin or Global Moderator.

What's a "Newly Registered User"?

When a new user registers on the site, this is their default/starting user group. Their first post must be manually approved by a Global Moderator or Administrator. After that post is approved, then they are promoted to "Registered User" status and can post as normal. "Newly Registered Users" also may not (I think) send Private Messages to anyone until they are promoted.

Who is "GameMaster" user?

The [mention="GameMaster"]GameMaster[/mention] is a one of the oldest species in the universe and are committed to observing and compiling knowledge on all aspects of the Role Playing Game play-by-post forums. Despite the policy of total non-interference, the Game Master's first appearance was in a very old Mutants & Masterminds game. Many years later, the Game Master revealed himself to Administrators of Brennor's RPG Corner when they sought aid to save the diverse worlds contained within the realms hosted there. The Game Master's intentions is beyond our understanding as he watches of the Fellowship of the Dice. The cosmic being possess the innate ability to achieve virtually any effect desired, including augmenting forum functionality, time and space manipulation, database manipulation, and a range of mental powers. The race also has access highly advanced technology. The Game Master's real name is yet unknown and his purpose and history remain a secret even to the site's Administrators. While he may not appear on the list of users currently browsing the forums, keep a watchful eye and you may see him lurking over the forums!

User avatar
Shurijo
Admin
Admin
Posts: 13979
Title: Scourge of the Jedi
User Class: Sith Lord

Re: Welcome to the new forums!

Post by Shurijo » Sat Apr 25, 2015 7:13 pm

If you notice anything not working correctly, please let one of the admins know.

Thanks!
~Shurijo

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Shurijo
Admin
Admin
Posts: 13979
Title: Scourge of the Jedi
User Class: Sith Lord

Re: Welcome to the new forums!

Post by Shurijo » Sun Apr 26, 2015 7:08 pm

Also just remembered, you can create multiple folders in your PM inbox. I created 'savebox" so I could migrate your Savebox from Brennors, but you can add lots of other folders. For example, you can have one for your ASOIAF game, one for Eberron, one for other PMs, etc. You can even create a rule that says if the PM has a subject of "X" or was sent from "X" then move that PM to a specific folder. Much like how you can setup rules in Outlook to auto sort incoming email.

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Shurijo
Admin
Admin
Posts: 13979
Title: Scourge of the Jedi
User Class: Sith Lord

Re: Welcome to the new forums!

Post by Shurijo » Sun Apr 26, 2015 10:16 pm

Additionally, the new forums software is fully compatible with phones and tablets. All functionality should be available on all devices.

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Scout89
Level 13 Elite
Level 13 Elite
Posts: 2078
Location: Brazil
User Class: Gadgeteer

Re: Welcome to the new forums!

Post by Scout89 » Mon Apr 27, 2015 11:42 am

Wow! This new site is amazing! Thanks, Shujiro, for the excelent work!!!
A.K.A. Tvrod.

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Vardaen
Admin
Admin
Posts: 66394
Location: Miskatonic University
Title: Great Old One
User Class: Unshackled AI

Re: Welcome to the new forums!

Post by Vardaen » Mon Apr 27, 2015 2:15 pm

You might all notice a bit of a speed issue, not sure if this is something we can deal with right now or not. We are on a free/cheap-o plan, but if things become problematic the admin staff will look into upgrading.
"He that breaks a thing to find out what it is has left the path of wisdom." - Gandalf
J.R.R. Tolkien, Council of Elrond, The Fellowship of the Ring

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Blubbo_Baggins
Level 14 Elite
Level 14 Elite
Posts: 3767
Location: The Old Forest

Re: Welcome to the new forums!

Post by Blubbo_Baggins » Mon Apr 27, 2015 3:12 pm

Well done Shurijo. Many thanks!

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Vardaen
Admin
Admin
Posts: 66394
Location: Miskatonic University
Title: Great Old One
User Class: Unshackled AI

Re: Welcome to the new forums!

Post by Vardaen » Mon Apr 27, 2015 8:26 pm

Anyone else find that this thread shows up in every single topic kind of annoying? :)
"He that breaks a thing to find out what it is has left the path of wisdom." - Gandalf
J.R.R. Tolkien, Council of Elrond, The Fellowship of the Ring

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TetNak
Emeritus Admin
Emeritus Admin
Posts: 46375
Location: Seagard
User Class: Brewmaster

Re: Welcome to the new forums!

Post by TetNak » Mon Apr 27, 2015 8:31 pm

Yes. I think announcements do that .. maybe
"Kings have no friends, only subjects and enemies."

- King Stannis Baratheon, First of His Name

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Shurijo
Admin
Admin
Posts: 13979
Title: Scourge of the Jedi
User Class: Sith Lord

Re: Welcome to the new forums!

Post by Shurijo » Mon Apr 27, 2015 8:41 pm

Yes. Only Global Announcement does that. Normal Announcements are just same as at Brennor's they are like sticky posts for just that one forum. I wanted to keep that at Global level for a few days to make sure everyone sees it, then we can set it to normal post in the news.

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