Moderators Functions - Force Users to Read a Thread

Force Users to Read a Thread 2.0

About this hack:
This hack allows you to set a thread as 'must read' by your members. Right now, if you make a post and want all your members to read it, you have no way of enforcing it. This hack will give an error message similar to the one you get when you need to change you password, saying that the admins want you to read a certain thread before they continue using the forum.

Once a user reads a thread, they wont be bugged to read it again.

You can set all usergroups or just certain onces that must read a thread.

You can set to site wide or just some forums.

Option to Force Guests

This hack added one query to every page on your forum a member goes to.

• Files edited: 0
• Templates edited: 0
• Files to upload: 2 (1 via ACP, 2 via FTP)
• Time to install: 1 minute

Updates:

Version 2.0 (03/05/08):

• First Release of this Hack for vb3.7
• MAJOR update. Hack totally re-writen. You must uninstall old version before upgrading.
• Fixed just about all bugs. (like if you delete a thread...)
• No more template edit. Everything done in ACP.
• Permissions for by who ever has ACP access with threads and posts
• Force Guests to read a thread now.
• Works for BOTH vb3.6 AND vb3.7

Please post your comments or suggestions for this hack. I read ALL posts.

MAKE SURE YOU CLICK INSTALL!
You will get an email when a new version is released.

Pictures:

• The error message.
• The universal options.
• Where you go to set the settings.
• The list of forums that have force read settings.
• The edit/add screen.

[Zurual]

There's something iffy with the Display Order and Force Read order. For instance: If I create a thread I want visitors to read and Force Read it, marking it as #2 on the force read order, it inherits the usergroups from the Force read #1 thread..even though they are two seperate entities in the Force Read thread admin area. Basically, in a nutshell, Add two threads via the adminCP to Force Read, they inherit the usergroup listing of those threads created before it with force read.

Something isn't right. Using Vbulletin 3.7.0. Screenshots below confirm I've only chosen the Warhammer Rank to be forced to read this thread. But if you look at the other screenshot, you'll see it also is forcing visitors and Users waiting on Email Conf. to view it as well because the other, completely separate entry, forces those two ranks to read another thread. I'm a bit of a noob so if it's an easy fix, that's fine. But I've wracked my brain on why it would be doing this. My only conclusion is it's something to do with the Display Order (oddly).

[queengoc]

I can't find the last two pictures so I'm not able to set what thread I wanted read. I feel like a dummy but oh well, LOL. I've gone into admincp/options/force users to read thread and I see the 2nd pic but I don't see the others. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[harlita]

Extremely useful for several reasons.

I use this feature to ensure that all staff members see changes/updates/important threads in the staff lounge.

I also use this feature to ensure that new members have at least seen a thread that points them to the rules/faq/staff list on the forum.

And since we have sections that have special rules within them, we have this feature set up so members are forced to read those special rules the first time they enter the section.

This hack makes rule and update communications much easier, saving sticky threads for the important things like historical lists and references, instead of inundating members with tons and tons of sticky threads everywhere they go.

Stellar hack.

[myown]

Originally Posted by Total666

Make a new post whatever you want ... then after you click submit new thread --- click on thread tools - edit thread - in the address bar is the # you need .. for example
www.whatever/forums/postings.php?t=23736&pollid=

the 23736 is the number you use in the force thread ..

click add new thread ..

add the # you located earlier ..

select if you want the force read to expire or not , if yes select a date ..

Highlight any users that you want force them to read the thread ..

Click save ...

It will work .. It took me awhile to figure this out too ...

thanks it did solved the issue...

[ehsanix]

and i think if u want to force a certain user to read a major topic u can set his additional usergroup to 1 which u made for this purpose

[SteveKerrison]

Originally Posted by Zurual

There's something iffy with the Display Order and Force Read order. For instance: If I create a thread I want visitors to read and Force Read it, marking it as #2 on the force read order, it inherits the usergroups from the Force read #1 thread..even though they are two seperate entities in the Force Read thread admin area. Basically, in a nutshell, Add two threads via the adminCP to Force Read, they inherit the usergroup listing of those threads created before it with force read.

I'm finding this too.

I go to add a new thread, leave the display order at its default (previous + 10), set the thread ID, usergroups and forum coverage, and when I create, it has inherited the groups of those above it.

I wonder what the issue is.

[h2ojunkie]

Originally Posted by Raptor

I have this installed on vb 3.7.2

Works great HOWEVER it kills my server.

Load with hack disabled: 0.21
Load with hack enabled: 2.76

Do others' have the same issues ?

I had the same issue, load goes through the roof as soon as I enable it.

Had to shut it back off

[ultimatearco]

It says 3.7.x but it gives 500 error here =( disabling now

[andy1645]

I am trying to put this hack into place and do not have (or can't find, anyway) admincp -> plugin system -> manage products so can't "import" the necessary product file. Is this because I'm still on V 3.6.5 and this hack only works on 3.6.6 and newer? Or am I just not looking in the right place for this option?

[massizero]

i'm running 3.7.3 version
this hack doesn't work anymore. I can't insert new forced threads, it doesn't let me save them.
unistalled