Who Viewed This Thread - Enhanced Version

Who Viewed This Thread - Enhanced Version v1.3.2


Version: 1.3.2
vB Version: 3.0.3
Developer: Ocean
Install Difficulty: Moderately Easy



The original hack this references was done by Gary King (https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=61222). I modified his hack in order to gain some additional functionality.

This hack is meant to be installed instead of Gary's original version - not in addition to it (for sanity's sake, as far as managing the code is concerned).


(This was submitted as a seperate hack with Gary's permission. If this belongs in a different group, I'm sure a Moderator will move it accordingly. )


Description:

This hack will allow you to see which users have viewed any given Thread. In addition, there is a second section that is resettable. What this means, is that there are two sections that show a list of users who have viewed the Thread in question.

The first section is a Master List - it shows all users who have viewed that thread at ANY point in time (since the hack was installed).

The second section works like your car's Trip Meter. You can Reset that second section at any time and it will then show only the users that have viewed that thread FROM THAT POINT ON. In addition, this second section will show you the Date/Time of the last Reset, so that you know from what point that second list is showing. This is useful, for example, if you want to be able to see which users have viewed a thread after you have updated it, or after a particular post of interest has been made.

You can choose which UserGroups can view the Who Viewed information, or even if you want all users to be able to see the first section - but only certain UserGroups to see the second.

You can also choose whether you want the Who Viewed information to be displayed directly on the ShowThread page, or if you would prefer to only show a link that opens a Pop Up Window with the Who Viewed information there.




Release Notes:


v1.3.2

Fixed the problem where the Pop-Up Link was visible to users who didn't have permission to view that information. (They still wouldn't be shown the information - but the link shouldn't have been visible to them in the first place)


v1.3.1

Minor modifications to the Aesthetics of the ShowThread page, as well as the Who Viewed Pop Up Window. No functional changes. If you are using v1.3.0, you do not need to upgrade, unless you wish to have the new aesthetics.


v1.3.0

Added the ability to choose whether you want the Who Viewed information to be displayed directly on the ShowThread page (as it was for all prior versions of this hack), or if you would prefer to only show a link that opens a Pop Up Window with the Who Viewed information there. Also consolidated and cleaned up the code.


v1.2.6

Fixed the problem with the "Who Viewed Since" table collapsing the wrong object


v1.2.5

Minor changes to optimize code. No functional changes. If you have v1.2.4, you do not need to upgrade to v1.2.5.


v1.2.4

Reworked the Security Sections so that they are exponentially easier to set. Now, other than choosing which UserGroups you want to have access to this hack, you only need to change ONE variable in order to choose which Security Layout you want to use.


v1.2.3

Updated all of the Security Sections to allow for more flexibility in selecting which UserGroups may view the WhoViewed Information.


v1.2.1

Upgrade Notes have been updated, and an Upgrade Script provided for those who have Gary's original version installed. If you have already successfully installed v1.2 of this hack, there is no need to do anything further.


v1.2

The original hack allowed you to see which users had viewed any particular thread on your board. It was and is an excellent hack - however, I desired some additional functionality, and so I made the following changes:


1. The format of stored User IDs has changed to a comma delineated format. This was done to optimize the code by stripping out the need for an additional explode() and implode().

2. An additional set of information is now being kept and maintained. However, unlike the first set (which will show you who has viewed a particular thread - ever), the second set is resettable at any time by Admins. This gives you a "tripmeter" of sorts, as you can now tell who has viewed a particular thread from the last time you reset that counter for that thread.

3. The date and time of the last reset for each thread is kept and displayed. Otherwise, it would be self-defeating, as you wouldn't remember when you last reset it.

4. This hack has been written so that all functions are for Admins only. Instructions are included for modifying this, if you wish. (Note: Even if you make ALL information viewable to ALL users, only Admins are allowed to Reset Counters. It is recommended that you do not change this)

5. I have the template additions being added at the bottom of the ShowThread page (right above the posting permissions). It seems to make more sense putting it there, as it doesn't get in the way, aesthetically speaking. Basically, if you want to check that section, it's there - if not, you'll never be bothered by it. If you prefer to have it somewhere else, feel free to insert the ShowThread Template portion of the code wherever you wish.



UPGRADE NOTES:

The instructions for this hack assume that you do NOT have any prior version installed.

At the moment, if you already have Gary's original 1.0 version installed, you will either need to completely clear out the existing data, before installing this hack - or you can download the "WhoViewedUpgradeFormat.php" script in order to convert the data format over to the new style.

Instructions are included for upgrading.

[bnn121]

Thanks...I'm working on this mod now...hoping to get it to work

[bnn121]

I'm getting better at this...wish me luck...but where do I find this info and how do yu perform this action?

Add the following Phrases:

**********

Phrase Type: Global
Varname: already_viewed_this_thread
Text: Already viewed this thread:

Phrase Type: Global
Varname: already_viewed_this_thread_since
Text: Already viewed this thread since:

[bnn121]

Bump

Could some one please tell me where I need to enter the above Phrases?

Is it in the database, if so. how do you do it? tru phpmyadmin?

Is it in the fourm home template...which I did find eventually...and if it there...where do they go?

Please somebody chime in here...or is this a hopeless cause try to install this hack

[bnn121]

I was able to find it finally...

It in my AdminCP

Would be nice if coders would add a litle something extra to direct us to where these modifications are needed of these hacks/mods for us newbies...

But good work none the less

[Ocean]

Originally Posted by bnn121

I was able to find it finally...

It in my AdminCP

Would be nice if coders would add a litle something extra to direct us to where these modifications are needed of these hacks/mods for us newbies...

But good work none the less

If you try to hack an application, it is assumed that you know how to use it.

vB is not that different. If you are trying to install a hack, it is generally assumed that you have some idea of how to use the stock forum software. If you don't, you can ask for help - and you will generally receive it... But don't criticize others for your own lack of knowledge.

[bnn121]

But don't criticize others for your own lack of knowledge.

I'm sorry...what gave you that idea...not sure where that came from...

All I was suggesting...is that the directions be complete with all necessary hacking information. This would prevent newbie’s like me having to come to this thread and ask the question I have been asking and then get a response that generally solves the question or raises additional questions that could have been included in the instructions. I realize that there is a format that coders use...that’s obvious from looking at most of the text from these hacks/mods. Again it was only a suggestion on my part that if the instructions where a bit more detailed...a lot of the questions on how to do this and how to do that could be eliminated...I was not critiquing anyone...

I agree with you about having some sort of knowledge about the forum software...but not to go into a long history about my lack of knowledge on these hacks and mods...I am...well was faced with having to do these on my own...because I lost my webmaster...and being on a dedicated server...I'm not about to just let anybody access my stuff...so I decided to learn on my own...as I did not have the luxury of a webmaster to do this for me.

So...I apologize to you and to whomever else my last post insulted...not my intention at all.

PS: I have finally got this hack installed and working like a charm...Kodo's to all who made this one work.

[Ocean]

Originally Posted by bnn121

All I was suggesting...is that the directions be complete with all necessary hacking information. This would prevent newbie?s like me having to come to this thread and ask the question I have been asking and then get a response that generally solves the question or raises additional questions that could have been included in the instructions. I realize that there is a format that coders use...that?s obvious from looking at most of the text from these hacks/mods. Again it was only a suggestion on my part that if the instructions where a bit more detailed...a lot of the questions on how to do this and how to do that could be eliminated...I was not critiquing anyone...

The fact is that there is almost an unlimited level of granularity back that we could go. What level of skill should coders assume you have? Should they assume that you don't know some of the details of the AdminCP? Should they assume that you don't know how to get into the AdminCP? Should they assume that you don't even know what the AdminCP is?

So, you see, coders have to start somewhere.

A reasonable assumption is that if you are ready to modify your board, you should have a reasonable idea of how to use it in its stock form.

Otherwise, instruction files would be 20 times longer, if coders started with a basic tutorial on how to use vBulletin to begin with.

Originally Posted by bnn121

PS: I have finally got this hack installed and working like a charm...Kodo's to all who made this one work.

I'm glad you like it.

[bnn121]

Agreed...I was only trying to help...I do appreciate the efforts you and the other coders put forth with these hacks.

May I ask another question...that does not really have ot do with this hack...well sorta.

In the forumhome template...I have four templates installed...all differnet color templates. Is there a way to modify all tmeplates at one time...meaning I modify the first template...and then do something that makes the modifaction to the other three at the same time...or do I need ot make the changes one at a time?

[Ocean]

Originally Posted by bnn121

In the forumhome template...I have four templates installed...all differnet color templates. Is there a way to modify all tmeplates at one time...meaning I modify the first template...and then do something that makes the modifaction to the other three at the same time...or do I need ot make the changes one at a time?

Well, you can't have four templates in one... However, if I understand you correctly in that you have four versions, than yes - you can do what you want. Just make the other color versions Child Styles of the primary one. That way, you can just make changes to the parent - and those changes will filter down to the child styles.

[theArchitect]

Originally Posted by Ocean

Well, you can't have four templates in one... However, if I understand you correctly in that you have four versions, than yes - you can do what you want. Just make the other color versions Child Styles of the primary one. That way, you can just make changes to the parent - and those changes will filter down to the child styles.

Super idea for a hack. Very useful.

*theArchitect clicks install*.

Though, for some reason the "Already viewed this thread since:" is displaying "never" rather than a date and time shown in your screen shot. Have I messed something up in the install?

BTW, I found the install process very simple, but I amended the SHOWTHREAD template as I have currently active users at the top and not the bottom.

Also, and I don't know if this is of interest to anyone. When I downloaded the .txt file and opening it in the default app text edit everything was fine. But when I opened the file in my editor of choice (BBEdit) I got some strange symbols. And if anyone says, that?s Mac?s for you they are a dead man.