New Posting Features - [DBTech] Advanced Post Thanks / Like v3 (vB4) [AJAX]

What it is: Advanced Thanks/Like mod is designed to cut down on spam and increase useful content in your forum by using a peer encouragement system - users thank/like each others posts, which can give them access to attachements, post content etc, as well as encourage the thanked person to post more great content.

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Priority support & Product Demos available at: http://www.dragonbyte-tech.com/forum.php

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Please remember to click the, button to the right if you installed the mod ---->

What does 'Marking As Installed' do ?

* It helps you to stay on top of updates - members who have installed modifications will be notified by us whenever new updates are available.

* For security issues - vbulletin.org will contact all members who have installed a modification whenever a security issue is brought to their attention.

* Marking a modification as installed also helps us know how many people are using our work, giving us extra incentive to provide more features and new modifications.

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Importer from Abe's Thanks mod (vB3 / vB4) and vBSEO "Likes" now available in Lite version!


Major Features: Lite

Require a Button Click: Allows you to hide the content of a post, or hie an attachment, until the person clicks a button on the post.

Statistics: Shows the top 5 people for; Giving / Receiving button clicks.

Collapsable postbit stats: Shows how many button clicks a person has given, received etc in the postbit. Admins can determine what statistics can show in the postbit to control sizes etc. The postbit is also collapsable.

Admin Permissions: Control things such as who can click buttons, require button clicks, what shows in postbit, what options can run concurrently, per forum permisions etc.

Reputation: Add / Remove Reputation for each of your button clicks.

Notifications: Receive alerts when a member clicked on one of the buttons for one of your posts.

Import Thanks: Import script to import "thanks" from Abe's [AJAX] Post Thank You Hack on vBulletin.org. It will work with both vB3 and vB4 versions of this mod.

Import Likes: Import script to import "likes" from vBSEO.


Major Features: Pro

Infinite Buttons: Ability to create new buttons to press! No longer do you need to be limited by Thanks / Like / Dislike.

Auto Collapse Posts: Collapses a post so it doesnt show up by using a formulae for button clicks of your choosing.

User Postbit Config: Lets users decide what postbit stats they want to see.

Additional permissions: Un-click a button. Control how many stats show on the statistics page, set permissions per subforum.

Integrated Controls: You can now integrate the button clicking controls into the post footer, like many of you requested.

Buttons in First Post Only: This allows you to only make the first post thankable. If you forum is based around news, releases or anything similar this will allow your users to easily see the quality of the thread in question.

Button Click Anonymity: This feature will be extremely helpful to forums who like the idea of a "dislike" button, but don't like the drama it brings. Now you can set certain buttons to be anonymous - no one will see who clicked.

Post Colour Thresholds: Ever wanted an easy way for members to tell if a post is helpful or trash? Colour thresholds let you change the colour of posts depending on how many clicks of a button they receive. Members can now see at a glance whether or not a post is helpful, interesting or pointless.



Complete Feature List
Lite

• Front-End
  • Click buttons for posts (permissions and settings permitting)
  • Require button clicks to see content (whole post is hidden)
  • Require button clicks to see attachments
  • Top 5 Given / Received statistics for each button
  • Collapsible postbit statistics
  • (vB4) Forum Sidebar block for button feeds
  • Hottest Threads / Posts page showing most clicked posts and threads
  • Each button can be set as "Default" for Attachments and Content. When posting via Quick Reply, the default button(s) will be set as Required
  • The "thanks bar" in posts displays the number of users who has clicked each button, also for non-forum integration areas
• AdminCP
  • Control display order of buttons
  • Set permissions per usergroup to be able to click and require clicks of buttons
  • Per-category toggle of what buttons are enabled
  • Search interface to find clicks for a specific post
  • Maintenance options; Clean up clicks that are attached to deleted posts, Recalculate the Given / Received statistics, Rebuild Reputation
  • Manual postbit stats relocation
  • Hide APTL info from guests
  • Globally disable notifications for new clicks
  • Disable APTL integration with non-forum areas via vBulletin Options
  • Disable "Total click count" on the "thanks bar"
  • Notifications can be disabled on a per-button basis
  • Disable button text
• Integration
  • Social Groups
  • User Notes
  • Visitor Messaging
  • (vB4) [DBTech] DragonByte Gallery: Images
  • (vB4) [DBTech] DragonByte Reviews: Reviews
• (vB4) Forum Block
  • Tabbed interface to choose between "Recent" and "Top" button clicks
  • Ability to select from any of the available buttons and display the 5 recent clicks from that button
  • "Top" tab on the forum block, lists top clicks for the selected button
  • Control the timespan in which the "Top" period is calculated for
  • Deny usergroup access

Pro

• Front-End
  • "Entry List" page; a browseable list of all button clicks
  • Users can hide postbit items via the UserCP
  • Users can turn off notifications via the UserCP
  • Hottest Threads / Posts has a date range filter
• AdminCP
  • Create unlimited buttons to click
  • Ability to create Post Colour Thresholds to highlight posts in different colours
  • (vB4) Choose what portions of the postbit should be coloured via the post colour thresholds.
  • Minimum posts required to click a button
  • Per-usergroup setting to become immune to clicks of a button
  • Per-usergroup setting whether who clicked a button is displayed
  • Per-usergroup setting to allow disabling clicks of a specific button for a post
  • Per-usergroup setting to allow removing a click of a button
  • Limit button clicks per day
  • Per-forum ability to set each button to only display in the first post
  • Per-forum toggle of what buttons are enabled
  • Set more / less than 5 for the Given / Received statistics
  • Ability to auto-collapse posts using provided formula or input for your own using your custom buttons
  • Move the "Post Like / Thanks" cloud above / below posts, above / below signatures
  • Ability to delete entries found in the Search interface
  • Email notifications (can be disabled globally) on a per-button basis
  • Disable notifications on a per-button basis
  • Set a flood limit (in seconds) that serves as a delay between button clicks
  • Individual users now be excluded from using the mod
  • Turn off individual buttons' integration with non-forum areas
  • Turn off "Given" and "Received stats on a per-button basis
• Integration
  • Blog Entries
  • Blog Comments

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This mod displays a copyright notification in the footer of pages generated by this mod which includes:

• 1 Link to DragonByte Technologies homepage
• 1 Link to Product Description page of this modification

[djbaxter]

Originally Posted by DragonByte Tech

I'll let Iain handle the bulk of your post, but I'd just like to add that there's nothing stopping you from installing the Lite version and temporarily disabling Abe's mod to figure out whether this mod is a viable replacement for your wants and needs.

The importer is not a required function for this mod to be operational, it's an additional perk for those who have found the Lite version as well as the Pro features, interesting but still want to preserve their forums' Thanks.


Fillip

And if you want/need to import existing thanks? That's the definition of bait and switch.

[a7lameza.com]

thank you

[DragonByte Tech]

Originally Posted by djbaxter

And if you want/need to import existing thanks? That's the definition of bait and switch.

I think you need to look up the definition of "bait-and-switch"

By your logic, Windows should only come in 1 version and it should be free, because what if we want/need some feature from Windows Ultimate? Why should we be forced to pay for it when we don't even know if the feature is better than something Linux can provide?

We are offering the import script as a free addition to our Pro features. All our Pro features behave exactly as they are described and it costs exactly what we claim it costs (although vBulletin.org rules prevent us from putting price information here on vBulletin.org, the price information is readily available and easily discerned before any purchase is completed).
We are not obliged to provide the import script and it does not hinder the functionality of our product (Lite or Pro version) in any way, shape or form.

The fact that you or anyone else wants / needs the import script but does not want / need any other Pro feature is sadly just the way things work - sometimes a product appears that is perfect for your needs, sometimes you have to pay extra for other features you don't want in order to get the feature(s) you do want.

To return to my Windows analogue: Say that you need "Virtual Hard Disk booting" and only this feature (from Windows 7 Ultimate) - would you complain to MS and say that this should be available in the Professional version simply because Professional costs less and you want / need this feature?
The response would be that to get this feature, you need to purchase Ultimate.

I hope this clarifies things for you


Fillip

[DragonByte Tech]

Originally Posted by djbaxter

I totally agree. Abe's mod is largely functional with a couple of unfixed bugs that are irritations but don't impede functionality. I was looking for a possible replacement as an alternative to those irritations.

But at this point, I neither need or want any of your Pro features. My only motivation for buying the Pro version would because I have to do that to get the importer. So, as vauge says, you are asking us to pay for something to find out if we can even make use of the product or if it improves upon what Abe has made available for free.

I also agree with an earflier comment that this is essentially a bait and switch operation, whether or not it contravenes vb.org rules.

This is a very poor marketing strategy, ij my opinion. And please do not add insult to injury by claiming that you are "not in it for the money". If you stand by that statement, add the importer to this version. Otherwise, it is clearly utter hogwash.

Fillips answer was very eloquent, but i guess it's my job to explain our position/choice in the matter.

As stated, there is literally nothing stopping you from installing Lite and disabling abe's mod to try our product out - this solves your problem right off the bat.

There is absolutely 0 need to transfer thanks etc to see how the product functions.

As far as I can see your complaint seems to be that the pro version does something you want, but you don't want to pay for it.

I'm sorry but you're not *entitled* to anything for free. No one is forcing you to stop using abe's mod, we are not shoving this down your throat. We are here providing a free modification which does exactly what it is intended to, bug free as far as we are aware.

We also offer another version which does even more, including transfer information from old mods you may have, and for our work we ask for a fee.

Your argument of "if you're not in it for the money give us it for free" doesn't really hold water. If we were to go by your logic we would simply release everything for free. Then this would be nothing more than a hobby and we wouldn't be able to put the time and resources into making the products as well as we do.

I'm sorry you feel that us asking for money from you for something you want is somehow despicable, but I have to disagree with you there.

Just because you want something and you have to pay for it, doesn't somehow make the person charging you a bad guy, and it baffles me that any mature person could hold that attitude This isn't some neccessity of life we're withholding from you here.

Just want to add that i personally know quite a few coders who have left vb.org, and almost all of them have named ungrateful users as the reason. Complaining that something you're getting for free doesn't include MORE stuff for free? I'd say thats both rude and unreasonable personally.

Hope that clears up my personal feelings on the matter,

Iain.

[Charlie98902]

Looking into maybe getting the Pro due to the import but need to see what my staff thinks. Only reason I want the pro though is due to importing abe's thanked posts but my members may just want to start fresh who knows. Either product version looks kewl as there is still the like button.

[djbaxter]

I'd appreciate it if you'd refrain from misrepresenting what I've said.

Originally Posted by DragonByte Tech

As far as I can see your complaint seems to be that the pro version does something you want, but you don't want to pay for it.

Not at all. Perhaps it's a language barrier thing but if you re-read what I posted my complaint is in the bait-and-switch strategy,

Originally Posted by DragonByte Tech

I'm sorry but you're not *entitled* to anything for free. No one is forcing you to stop using abe's mod, we are not shoving this down your throat. We are here providing a free modification which does exactly what it is intended to, bug free as far as we are aware.

Please show me where I stated that I or anyone else is "entitled" to something free. What you are doing is providing a "free modification" and then littering the thread with promotions for the paid product. That's my primary objection.

Originally Posted by DragonByte Tech

Your argument of "if you're not in it for the money give us it for free" doesn't really hold water. If we were to go by your logic we would simply release everything for free. Then this would be nothing more than a hobby and we wouldn't be able to put the time and resources into making the products as well as we do.

Precisely. You were the one who said earlier it was not about money. I'm simply pointing out that in fact that's BS.

Originally Posted by DragonByte Tech

I'm sorry you feel that us asking for money from you for something you want is somehow despicable, but I have to disagree with you there.

Just because you want something and you have to pay for it, doesn't somehow make the person charging you a bad guy, and it baffles me that any mature person could hold that attitude.

Just want to add that i personally know quite a few coders who have left vb.org, and almost all of them have named ungrateful users as the reason. Complaining that something you're getting for free doesn't include MORE stuff for free? I'd say thats both rude and unreasonable personally.

I don't object to anyone making money for decent products or services. I object to the use of the vBulletin.org peer community to push commercial products disguised as free add-ons.

Originally Posted by DragonByte Tech

Hope that clears up my personal feelings on the matter,

Iain.

Absolutely. For anyone who missed it, the clarification is this: DBTech is a commercial operation. Nothing at all wrong with that. However, they are promoting their products all over the vb.prg forums in a bait-and-switch manner which is underhanded and obnoxious. There's a lot wrong with that.

[DragonByte Tech]

Originally Posted by djbaxter

I'd appreciate it if you'd refrain from misrepresenting what I've said.



Not at all. Perhaps it's a language barrier thing but if you re-read what I posted my complaint is in the bait-and-switch strategy,



Please show me where I stated that I or anyone else is "entitled" to something free. What you are doing is providing a "free modification" and then littering the thread with promotions for the paid product. That's my primary objection.



Precisely. You were the one who said earlier it was not about money. I'm simply pointing out that in fact that's BS.



I don't object to anyone making money for decent products or services. I object to the use of the vBulletin.org peer community to push commercial products disguised as free add-ons.



Absolutely. For anyone who missed it, the clarification is this: DBTech is a commercial operation. Nothing at all wrong with that. However, they are promoting their products all over the vb.prg forums in a bait-and-switch manner which is underhanded and obnoxious. There's a lot wrong with that.

Just so I have your objections correct and there's no language barrier interfering:

You're saying that us providing free modifications is a bad thing, because we also provide paid versions?

Please show me where I stated that I or anyone else is "entitled" to something free. What you are doing is providing a "free modification" and then littering the thread with promotions for the paid product. That's my primary objection.

So, simply because there are pro versions of our products, and we let people know this, you think no one at vb.org should get to download/use the free versions either?

Pretty sure most people would disagree with you there.

Still, since thats your stance, you're more than welcome not to use any of our free products to improve your board - this resolves your problem =)

I don't object to anyone making money for decent products or services. I object to the use of the vBulletin.org peer community to push commercial products disguised as free add-ons.

There is no "disguising", there are no prompts to buy the pro versions in the product, no features installed with a "you cannot use with without pro" notice... Many people switch to our free mods from others because they do the same or more, and any bugs get fixed instantly, unlike with other mods.

So what you are saying is that even though our free mods are as good as, or better than, the competition, that thery're somehow a scam? Give me a break.


I hate to be the one to break it to you, but vbulletin.org was not designed around what you want. Everything we do is well within the rules. I'm sorry that vb.org isn't the exact website run the exact way you want it to be. Perhaps you should find another website that is instead of harassing people who give people things for free on this one?

Iain

[djbaxter]

Originally Posted by djbaxter

I'd appreciate it if you'd refrain from misrepresenting what I've said.

Originally Posted by djbaxter

Please show me where I stated that I or anyone else is "entitled" to something free. What you are doing is providing a "free modification" and then littering the thread with promotions for the paid product. That's my primary objection.

Originally Posted by djbaxter

I don't object to anyone making money for decent products or services. I object to the use of the vBulletin.org peer community to push commercial products disguised as free add-ons.

Originally Posted by djbaxter

DBTech is a commercial operation. Nothing at all wrong with that. However, they are promoting their products all over the vb.prg forums in a bait-and-switch manner which is underhanded and obnoxious. There's a lot wrong with that.

Originally Posted by DragonByte Tech

You're saying that us providing free modifications is a bad thing, because we also provide paid versions?

I did ask you nicely not to misrepresent my statements. Please stop it.

Originally Posted by DragonByte Tech

So, simply because there are pro versions of our products, and we let people know this, you think no one at vb.org should get to download/use the free versions either?

See above.

Originally Posted by DragonByte Tech

I hate to be the one to break it to you, but vbulletin.org was not designed around what you want. Everything we do is well within the rules. I'm sorry that vb.org isn't the exact website run the exact way you want it to be. Perhaps you should find another website that is instead of harassing people who give people things for free on this one?

Others have received warnings from vb.org for doing what you are doing (e.g., Maria). Want to offer a free add-on? Great. Want to promote a paid add-on? Also great. Just not in a thread about a free add-on.

For the record, I have purchased a number of paid add-ons and enhancements for my forums. This isn't about money. It's about misrepresentation.

[DragonByte Tech]

Originally Posted by djbaxter

I did ask you nicely not to misrepresent my statements. Please stop it.



See above.



Others have received warnings from vb.org for doing what you are doing (e.g., Maria). Want to offer a free add-on? Great. Want to promote a paid add-on? Also great. Just not in a thread about a free add-on.

If we are in any way breaking the rules, then we will be informed how and why by staff, and change them.

It is not your place to decide who is, and is not, breaking the rules, unless you have a usergroup that isn't displayed?

If not i suggest you allow the admins and moderators to do what they are good at, and not try interpret the rules for them.

Iain

[DragonByte Tech]

Originally Posted by djbaxter

Absolutely. For anyone who missed it, the clarification is this: DBTech is a commercial operation. Nothing at all wrong with that. However, they are promoting their products all over the vb.prg forums in a bait-and-switch manner which is underhanded and obnoxious. There's a lot wrong with that.

Can you please explain where we have been "putting forth the fraud lures in customers by advertising a product or service at a low price or with many features, then reveals to potential customers that the advertised good is not available at the original price or list of assumed features, but something different is." (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bait-and-switch )

We have not, in any way, shape or form offered something that came with hidden fees, not been as stated or anything else of the sort.

Please refrain from using this term unless you are prepared to explain which definition of "bait-and-switch" you are referring to, and explain how exactly we have fallen under said definition.


Fillip