Show Thread Enhancements - Next/Previous Thread Title Replacements

Keywords: Thread, Newest, Oldest, SHOWTHREAD, SEO

Description:

Replaces the ? Previous Thread | Next Thread ? links located at the bottom of the SHOWTHREAD output with their respective thread titles. Adds 2 additional queries.

Details:

This hack functions exactly like the current links, except now users can see the actual thread titles of the next newest and next oldest thread. Someone said this could(?) help with SEO somewhere along the line. I don't claim to know enough to validate this statement. I developed the hack because it simply provided more information to the user, possibly enticing them to click with a thread title that may peak their interest.

I've also never been fond of the location of these links originally, at the bottom, so I've included an option via the AdminCP where you can opt to relocate the links to the top of the page just below the navbar (see screenshots below).

Installation:

1. Download and import the product-nextprevtitle_v2.1.xml file via the Product Manager.

2. Optionally, you may configure alternate placement via your AdminCP (vBulletin Options > Next/Previous Thread Titles)

3. ???

4. Profit

Version History:

v1.0 - Initial Release
v2.0 - Added ability to choose placement; Added template for end-user configuration
v2.1 - Adapted to work with 3.6.3

* Occasionally, you may notice a link beying displayed as "-" rather than a thread title. This is normal. This simply means there is no thread which is newer (or older) than the current thread being viewed. This same functionality is in vBulletin by default.

[Snake]

Thanks for this but I think vBSEO does that already.

[magnus]

Originally Posted by voteforbird

As this has two queries, would it not be server intensive on a large scale?

Define large scale. Regardless of the size of your forum, that doesn't change your SHOWTHREAD page. Forum size is irrelevant. However, if an additional 2 queries is of concern to you this result could still be achieved with a quick file edit which would add no additional queries.

I chose this method because a plugin is far more desireable than file edits. Your choice.

However, if you find different results as to the performance load incurred, I'd love to know. Unfortunately, I don't have the luxury of a large scale / uber-active forum to test on.

[magnus]

Originally Posted by Snake

Thanks for this but I think vBSEO does that already.

Does it? I'm a vBSEO license owner, and I couldn't find this option in the vBSEO Control Panel.

Either way, this is a free alternative for those not fortunate enough to be blessed with a vBSEO license. :P

* Edit: I checked the vBSEO forums, and indeed they are implenting this feature -- however, I'm unsure if it's a function of vBSEO or a completely separate hack they are using. I'm looking through my vBSEO Control Panel right now and I can't find an option for it.

[Lionel]

Thanks. This option was long overdue.

[Lionel]

I am getting greedy. Can't we have both, under navbar and bottom of post, and make under navbar display the same way as bottom of page?

[magnus]

Originally Posted by Lionel

I am getting greedy. Can't we have both, under navbar and bottom of post, and make under navbar display the same way as bottom of page?

Sure. Give me 10 minutes.

[magnus]

Ok, so I took a few minutes more than 10..

Just updated v2.0. This will allow you to choose placement (Top, Bottom, Both) as well as tailor the layout to your liking via templates (nextprevtitle_bits).

I usually recommend to uninstall the product, then import the new version -- however, you should be fine by selecting "Allow Overwrite" when importing.

Enjoy.

[Lionel]

thanks, i'll do it now

[voteforbird]

vBSEO Option:

Replace 'Previous/Next Thread' redirect links?
Enable this option to replace the 'Next Thread' & 'Previous Thread' links with direct, Content Relevant links. Note: This option adds two queries.

[magnus]

Originally Posted by voteforbird

vBSEO Option:

Awesome. That'll teach me to read, eh? :P

There's just soooooo much stuff in the vBSEO Control Panel. I've only had it maybe 3 days -- I'm still trying to figure out all the ins and outs of it.

Thanks.