Is it adviseable to increase the session timeout?

[Jason Black]

In the cookies and http header option, is it adviseable to increase the session timout there? so users can stay online for days or even months?
Does it have it side effects?

[cheat-master30]

Not sure. It's really helpful for getting more members and posts though, I can say that. Heck, that's why most admins that do so try it. I read elsewhere that it being too long can increase server load, and elsewhere that it being too short can increase server load.

[Jason Black]

oh....i see,does it have an effect on google search and stuff like? because when i switch it back to the default, the number of guest that i usually get totally decreased to a 1-5 ration instead of 10-20

[Paul M]

I would never advise having more than an hour maximum. You gain nothing, but it could have side effects that affect your forum.

It does not affect the number of guests you actually get, just how long they are displayed for.

[Jason Black]

Oh i see thanks Paul

[UncoderMom]

Thanks Paul. I have wondered what was considered safe.

[Jason Black]

yea i thought it messes with the forums but i guess it's alright

[ehabfouad22]

Originally Posted by Paul M

I would never advise having more than an hour maximum. You gain nothing, but it could have side effects that affect your forum.

It does not affect the number of guests you actually get, just how long they are displayed for.

Big mistake !

Some members log on to the NEW forum, find nobody but himself, say goodbye to the "empty" forum !

Many others feel good when they see some names online, encouraging them to be active.

Wish you can release a product soon that meets this COMMON request of extending the session timeout,

to the period during which the admin knows his own members will feel better seeing some people online.

Got a question, please:

Do you find it practical to advise the admin to ask all of his members to check the "remember

me" box not to be kicked out after few minutes of starting a post? !!!!

Please find the reason of this question in my NEGLECTED request here:

https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=169660

best regards.



Note: I've removed all the products, hacks and stopped all the plugins on my froum

so as to control such an automatic boring log out within few minutes, but it didn't work out !

[Boofo]

I have mine set to 3600 (an hour). Works well as I sometimes do testing on the forums as I am writing something and it gives me time to fix things if they go awry.