[AJAX] vBShout v2.0

[high]Staff Edit/Update[/high]

I have released an updated version of this hack (version 2.0.1), this version fixes some security issues with this hack. All version prior to this one allow users to insert html in their shouts, this can cause problems with them using html that breaks the site layout or malicious javascript. Download the new zip file (vBshout_fixed.zip) and upload the new vbshout.php file to patch/upgrade. If you want to manual instructions they are in the zip file, in the file bugfixes.txt

Second Staff update

I've uploaded a new version of this hack, dubbed '2.0.2'. This one should fix the html injection issues without breaking special characters. To upgrade, download the new zip file and upload the new vbshout.php file.

Please note that this only fixes the html injection issues. I do not use this hack on my own forum (although I've tested this on a client's board) so I will not be fixing the server load issues. I suggest you do not install this hack if you can't deal with the extra server load, as it's rather intensive.

- Brad

[high]End staff edit[/high]

Well, been a while since I've been to vb.org and released anything, thought i'd break the trend and whip up something quick while I have a little spare time.

A shoutbox as you would assume, a very simple one to start off with, but does include AJAX Technology, which pushes the shoutbox 1 step closer to live, messages from other people will appear with no refreshing, and so will yours that you post

A preview is below, i'd estimate a 50 second installation max

Primary Features:
- AJAX Technology (no refreshing)
- Administration control an display element options
- Fast format editor

Change Log::

- v1.1:
WOL (Who's Online) Correction

- v1.2:
New Posting Featurs (Bold/Italic/Underline/Colour/Font)
Admin Controls

- Change location/position of shoutbox
- Change number of shouts displayed
- Switch vbcode/similes on/off

- v1.3
Firefox javascript issue fixed
New Admin Controls

- Command Activation
- Swtch extra format options on/off
- Change position of editor (above/below messages)

New Commands

- /prune (Clears the shoutbox completely)
- /prune [username] (Clears all shouts posted by specified user)

- v1.4
Usergroup HTML Markup For Usernames
Clear Editor Button
Emoticons Pop Up Menu
Time display configurated to vBulletin settings
Username Links To Profile
New Admin Conrols

New vBShout Position (Directly Above Forums)
Banned Users
Banned Usergroups
Banned Permissions
Smilie Pop-Up Box Height
Smilie Pop-Up Box Width

New Commands

"/me" - Action message (all users are able to use this command)
/pruneshout [shout] - Deletes a single shout

- v1.5
Improved Smilies Display
XHTML 1.0 Transitional Valid (couple of errors fixed)
New Admin Options

Shoutbox Height
Smilies To Show
Shout Messages Order
Banned Permissions (fixed)

- v1.6
Bug Fixes:

- Unable to delete shouts that used /me command fixed
- Shouts being displayed from bottom-upwards only showed first 20 shouts

Automatically parses URL's

- v2.0
New Archive

- Displays shouts and pages
- Stats and top 10 shouters
- AJAX Edit/Delete (staff can edit/delete all shouts)

Enjoy,

- Zero Tolerance

[Shazz]

Originally Posted by aky

sometimes this works and sometimes this doesnt... what happens is the space where u type is sometimes there and at times its not... anyone know how to fix this? Happens in both IE and FF

thanks

Sometimes and sometimes not??
Whats your site
How often does it happen

[Hornstar]

There seems there is currently an exploit in the shoutbox where people can edit posts. I first thought it was one of my mods, but when I was the only staff member on and i was invisible it was still occuring, they were inserting porn pics and making chaos in the shoutbox, I have been using the shoutbox a year now with no problems and now I have had to turn it off.

I got a pm yesterday saying that people can also insert code into your database and cause lots of trouble on your site through the shoubox, so I would love an admin to look into urgently.

Thanks.

[VTXCafe.com]

Just a FYI, this is great if used sparingly, if it's used like a chat room it will kill the server...we had to remove it from our bigger sites. The first post is correct, it is server intensive...

[Shazz]

Originally Posted by VTXCafe.com

Just a FYI, this is great if used sparingly, if it's used like a chat room it will kill the server...we had to remove it from our bigger sites. The first post is correct, it is server intensive...

If you don't let the archive get to big it shouldn't be a problem

[Hornstar]

Originally Posted by Shazz

If you don't let the archive get to big it shouldn't be a problem

I think he was more about talking about the ajax as well, having it refresh to often and having members sit on the index page can be a problem for larger sites. After having to close the shoutbox, I have noticed how much faster my site is now running.

[sheryarpatel]

works excellent on 3.6.4

[da420]

Originally Posted by hornstar1337

I think he was more about talking about the ajax as well, having it refresh to often and having members sit on the index page can be a problem for larger sites. After having to close the shoutbox, I have noticed how much faster my site is now running.

Yes, it refreshes so often... I think the whole problem with server load is not so much that it refreshes, but that it has to pull from teh database everytime it does so. The 2.1 version fixed that by creating a flatfile so the only thing in the database is the archive which is only accessed if you go in it.

[scotch12]

Originally Posted by da420

Yes, it refreshes so often... I think the whole problem with server load is not so much that it refreshes, but that it has to pull from teh database everytime it does so. The 2.1 version fixed that by creating a flatfile so the only thing in the database is the archive which is only accessed if you go in it.

I've seen other cms package using shoutbox and ajax and they had the same issue with the load. Their workaround was to insert some code that allow you to change the refresh rate. I think that would be the ultimate addon on this hack at the moment.

Also another sweet improvement would be a lightbox on mouse over the user name displaying quick member information and avatar.

[Shazz]

Originally Posted by hornstar1337

I think he was more about talking about the ajax as well, having it refresh to often and having members sit on the index page can be a problem for larger sites. After having to close the shoutbox, I have noticed how much faster my site is now running.

I guess if you don't have that good of bandwith or good host, there can be problems

[TotalTorque.net]

Help! I've uploaded and installed it, and its showing on the site...but its just constantly giving the message "Loading..." below the text entry box!!!!!!!!!

I think I'm going to have to uninstall temporarily unless anyone can give me a quick fix for this.