Forum Display Enhancements - Collapsable First Post using AJAX (or Last Post!)

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NOTICE: This is for vBulletin v3.6 ONLY. You can find a v3.5 compatible version here.

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*** Confirmed working on ALL vBulletin 3.6.x versions! ***

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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!

[wolfe]

is it possible to change the layout that shows when you click on expand like just displaying title and text no avatar etc

[Mark.B]

Originally Posted by wolfe

is it possible to change the layout that shows when you click on expand like just displaying title and text no avatar etc

Just edit the vbpost_postbit template, and remove the avatar section, you can then move the username and title code into the other section.

[l3it3r]

I installed, did the edits, imported, no errors, but nothing happens. Have the .js in the right spots and everything.. is there something else to look for?

[magnus]

Originally Posted by l3it3r

I installed, did the edits, imported, no errors, but nothing happens. Have the .js in the right spots and everything.. is there something else to look for?

Elaborate on "nothing happens" please..

[Lea Verou]

Originally Posted by magnus

But it's also in USERCP and search_results..

So, rather than pigenholing myself, I can be ambiguous and leave it as it.

Yes but as it is I understood that you meant on showthread and I thought "how useless!" when I saw the title. It was out of sheer luck that I clicked on the title to figure out what it was. And it's a pity cause it's a wonderful idea!

[magnus]

Originally Posted by Michelle

Yes but as it is I understood that you meant on showthread and I thought "how useless!" when I saw the title. It was out of sheer luck that I clicked on the title to figure out what it was. And it's a pity cause it's a wonderful idea!

Like I said, I'm open to ideas.

I'm a programmer, not a marketer unfortunately.

You're right, though. The name is pretty bland and uninteresting..

[KoC]

How to disable the avatar and signature of the user? There must be a option to do this in future versions.

[magnus]

Originally Posted by KoC

How to disable the avatar and signature of the user? There must be a option to do this in future versions.

Edit the vbpost_postbit template to look however you want.

[morpheusXIIX]

have you thought of adding the option to show "all unread posts"? or would that be too intensive to run?

[Tralala]

Originally Posted by morpheusXIIX

have you thought of adding the option to show "all unread posts"? or would that be too intensive to run?

My first thought on that is... why bother? At that point, why wouldn't the user just go into the thread itself?

I'm thinking this AJAX display is meant to be a preview, not a complete replacement for forum navigation.