New Posting Features - [Ajax] Check for similar thread before posting a new one

You love the 'similar threads' function and you are sick of duplicate threads just because your users don't use the search function?

Why not just combine them?

This Add-on will grab the thread title the user typed in and it will load a small box (using Ajax magic ) with 5 similar threads just like the 'similar threads' function that you can normally find under an already posted thread.

The box also tells the user to search through the similar threads first BEFORE starting a new one.


Features:
- no edits whatsoever needed, just import the product file, enable the Add-on and it works (well, it should )
- you can turn it off for certain forums or
- you can turn it off completely without leaving any code that messes your templates/files
- it can be translated
- don't like it anymore? Remove the product and you'll never see that Add-on again


Known issues:
- none


Things to consider:
It uses jQuery to get the information from ajax.php. jQuery is great and you can do many great things with it and unlike the vBulletin method it's quite easy to understand.
The jQuery file is compressed and only 20kb large.
To download the file, visit the homepage at http://jquery.com/
The link to download the file is on the right hand side.

Here's the version I use: http://code.google.com/p/jqueryjs/do....1.3.1.pack.js

Just download it and put it into the 'clientscript' folder without renaming the file.


Installation:
Download jQuery as described above.
Import the attached file using the Product Manager. Go to your vBulletin settings and search for 'Check for similar threads?'. Enable it.


Important:
It adds 2 new templates, it changes 1 template and it edits 2 files. I highly doubt that it will break you vBulletin but do a back-up and be on the safe side.



Version history:
1. initial release
2. current release
*** fixed some browser issues. The attached file is up to date.





How to fix the Opera problems in the first release:
The first release of this Add-on didn't work on Opera. To fix the problems, please follow these steps:
Open the template 'mrnasesimilarthreadcheck_header' and REPLACE the content with this code:

    <script type="text/javascript" src="clientscript/jquery-1.1.3.1.pack.js"></script>
    <script type="text/javascript">
        $(function(){
            $("#inputthreadtitle").bind("blur", function(){
                var value =$(this).val(); 
                $('td#similarthreadcheckcontent').html('<img src="$stylevar[imgdir_misc]/13x13progress.gif" />');
                $.ajax({
                    type: "GET",
                    url: "ajax.php",
                    data: "do=getsimilarthreads&title="+value,
                    success: function(msg){
                        $('td#similarthreadcheckcontent').html(msg);
                         }
                });
            });
        });
    </script>

The attached file is up to date.


Support will only given to those who have clicked 'install'.

[4x4 Mecca]

Is the error I posted part of another hack I have or is it something to do with yours?

[MrNase]

Since it's working for 99% of the users, it must be something wrong with your files or with another plugin.
From what I see, there's an error in a vB file that isn't touched by this Add-on.

[StrifeX]

Works great for me

For the people that it doesn't work for: 1) Upload/install product 2) upload jQuery to clientscript folder (found in first post) 3) Make sure the "Check for similar threads?" Option is set to "On" in vBulletin Options. I missed some of these when i first read the post, so if anyone missed anything i hope this helps... Also, about other browsers, it's most probably jQuery

[MiahBeSmokin420]

were the bugs for internet explore fixed?

[Ipuck]

Excellent mod.

Installed!!!!!!!!!

[reebok008]

Installed with pleasure!

Does anybody have a gif image, that has to display while system searches for similar topis ...

Thank in advance.

[reebok008]

Never mind. I got it

For those who didn't get it here is an attachment.

Put it into your your-super-forum.com/images/misc/ folder.

[MrNase]

Originally Posted by MiahBeSmokin420

were the bugs for internet explore fixed?

Yes!


Here's a great resource for activity indicators: http://www.napyfab.com/ajax-indicators/

[BadgerDog]

Installed....

Thanks .... :up:

Question: I assume that when it displays similar posts in forums, it considers the user's access rights? In other words, it's not going to display a list of posts in forums that he doesn't have permissions for?

Regards,
Badger

[MrNase]

Originally Posted by BadgerDog

Question: I assume that when it displays similar posts in forums, it considers the user's access rights? In other words, it's not going to display a list of posts in forums that he doesn't have permissions for?

Yes! It uses the same functions vBulletin uses to display the normal similar threads. It even pays attention to the global ignore (better known as Send Someone to Coventry) setting.