Collapsable First Post using AJAX (or Last Post!)
 

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Keywords: FORUMDISPLAY, search, results, collapse, AJAX, collapsable, first, last, unread, post

Description:
Allows you to expand/collapse the first, last or first unread post of a thread from FORUMDISPLAY and search results without the need to load the entire thread.

Details:
Upon perusing the wonderful deals over at slickdeals.net, I noticed this nifty feature which caught my eye. I found it quite useful as most people have a bad habit of not being very descriptive with their thread titles. This little trick made my browsing experience much more enjoyable, so naturally I had to borrow [read: shamelessly rip] the idea.

Please note that no additional queries are added, unless using the 'First Unread Post' option. Otherwise, the only queries performed are the same as those when a thread is normally viewed.

The magic behind this modification is performed by jQuery: The Write Less, Do More, JavaScript Library.

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Usage:
Simply click the expand icon [+] in front of the thread title to expand, and the collapse icon [-] to collapse. Rocket science, eh?

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Installation:

1. Download and unzip the ajax_first_post.zip archive.
2. Upload necessary files to their respective locations. (Attention custom style users! Be sure to upload the images to your custom image directory.)
3. Import the product-ajax_first_post.xml via the Product Manager.
4. Make any desired configuration changes via AdminCP > vBulletin Options > Collapsable First Post using AJAX
5. ???
6. Profit!

Notes:
All template modifications are made automatically. They attach to pretty common text locations, so modified styles shouldn't* be a problem.

However, for those who wish (or need) to perform the edits manually, you can find that information here.

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Comments:
As with all my hacks, this modification is provided free of charge. However, if you find this product useful and have money burning a hole in your pocket, feel free to make a small donation, I won't mind.. really. :)

Version History:

• 1.0.0 - Initial release, here's to hoping...
• 1.1.0
  • Fixed JavaScript errors when using search.
  • Resolved (known) cross browser compatibility issues.
• 1.2.0
  • New AdminCP configuration options:
    • Ability to select first or last post to be displayed.
    • Ability to disable on a per forum basis.
    • Option to update thread views when expanded.
    • Option to disable automatic template editing with a single click.
  • Tweaked a couple plugins to prevent unnecessary checking.
  • Properly registers in Who's Online
• 1.2.1
  • Will no longer show expand icon next to thread redirects.
  • Added ability to display first unread post.
  • Completely revamped the automatic template editing system. Should now be able to make template edits to even the most modified templates as well.
  • Fixed a couple non-breaking typos.
  • Included JavaScript in USERCP_SHELL to allow expand/collapse of subscribed threads.
  • Added a hover title to the expand icon to inform the user what they can expect when clicking it.

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Tips, Tricks and Modifications:

• Fix for users of passiveVid receiving Warning: Invalid argument supplied for foreach() in /includes/class_postbit.php(296) : eval()'d code on line [#]

Currently Known Bugs:

• None

* Please note that this modification was developed on a forum with a userbase of 1 (myself). I've tested it for basic functionality but I cannot guarantee functionality or behavior on your forum. So, please -- make backups before installing this product!

wow man nice hack thanx for this i just love ajax

will be installing this when i get home. awesome mod!

<a href="http://www.4x4mecca.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=36" target="_blank">http://www.4x4mecca.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=36</a>
I get an error message when I try. The plus sign is there, but what I see is "There was an error. Please try again."

For those who have problems with the automatic template edits, or who just like to do things the hard way, here are the template edits required:

First, disable the automatic template edits:

• Browse to AdminCP > vBulletin Options > Collapsable First Post Using AJAX Options
• Select No for Enable Automatic Template Editing

Now perform the following template edits:

In FORUMDISPLAY -

FIND:
ADD AFTER:

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In search_results -

FIND:
ADD AFTER:

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[CHANGED IN 1.2] In threadbit -

FIND: (should be the first line)
REPLACE WITH:

FIND:
ADD AFTER:

Hrm.. that error appears when the script is unable to pull data. However, I tested the backend on your site and it seems to be working: http://www.4x4mecca.com/forum/vbpost...p?postid=12979

Let me nose around a bit.

@4x4 Mecca:

Redownload the archive and upload/overwrite your existing vbpost_ajax.php with the new one. Let me know if that fixes it.

Thanks! I just edited the teplates manually just incase that was the problem. It still isn't working.

Error is still there. Any idea what might be interfering?

same for me