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!

[tmiland]

Originally Posted by toucan42

Have upgraded to 3.7RC3 and it no longer works. It displays the plus icon but clicking it just makes the image disappear and does not open the preview. I have tried both the manual and auto template edits. This was working for me prior to the RC3 release

Try to re-import the product xml file...

However, i just installed it on 3.7.0 RC2 without any issues at all.

Marked as installed & nominated.

[toucan42]

re-import worked for opening but now they won't close! lol

appears i have the same problem as codershark above

[tmiland]

Thats weird

Try the latest jquery.js version, see if that helps

[toucan42]

I tried - doesn't do it =(

[Andyrew]

When i click the [+] i get

Warning
: Invalid argument supplied for foreach() in
/includes/class_postbit.php(296) : eval()'d code
on line
249

Just above the post that displays and no way to close post. 3.6.9

Update: It does work if i turn off passivevid

[toucan42]

It appears to be an issue with the AJAX fisheye menu here https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=160422

[magnus]

toucan42, I visted the site in the URL you sent me via PM and the modification appears to be working fine. The post preview opens and closes without issue. The only issue I see is you haven't copied ajaxsmall.gif to your custom images directory (cb/buttons).

[toucan42]

Yeah it works because I disabled the other hack referenced in the post above. Thanks for checking!

[baz_kingfish]

Mangus,
Any news on whether you are working on an update to this hack? I was hoping you would implement my previous suggestion of adding the same functionality to the vB default blue arrow for "last post". Love the hack...just wish I could do the same type of preview on the last post in addition to the first/first unread.
thanks,
KF

[SCuN]

great mod work 3.7.0 ;]