Forum Display Enhancements - Collapsable First Post using AJAX (or Last Post!)

[hr]-[/hr]

NOTICE: This is for vBulletin v3.6 ONLY. You can find a v3.5 compatible version here.

[hr]-[/hr]

*** Confirmed working on ALL vBulletin 3.6.x versions! ***

[hr]-[/hr]
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.

[hr]-[/hr]
Usage:
Simply click the expand icon [+] in front of the thread title to expand, and the collapse icon [-] to collapse. Rocket science, eh?

[hr]-[/hr]
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.

[hr]-[/hr]
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.

[hr]-[/hr]
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!

[rjmjr69]

Originally Posted by magnus

This should be an easy fix. I'll add it to the list.


Hrm. That looks like a template editing typo in threadbit, IMHO. This hack doesn't modify thread titles (or prefixes) -- if you recall, all that was done was the adding of an <img /> tag.

If you've checked and can't find any typos, copy and paste your threadbit template into a .txt file so I can take a look at it.

Thank you for fixing this issue.
. I love this hack I can't tell you enough times This thing ROCKS.... I wish I could vote more than once for MOTM.................

[Alien]

Very nice job on this.. Thanks!

/me nominates.

[rjmjr69]

Thanks for the support the problem was found and fixed in minutes By MAGNUS... Your the man thank you very much............. Great work

[Cybertims]

can it be set to show last post instead of first post? cheers

[rjmjr69]

Originally Posted by Cybertims

can it be set to show last post instead of first post? cheers

Better yet how about FIRST AND LAST? That would be the coolest

[magnus]

Yea, it could be set to lastpost pretty easily. In fact, I'll make it a toggle for the next release.

In the meantime, simply edit the threadbit template and replace all instances of $thread[firstpostid] with $thread[lastpostid] -- that'll do it. :P

[rjmjr69]

So would it be possible to display both? The first and last post? That would make it real easy to check out a post....... IMO

[rjmjr69]

Originally Posted by magnus

Yea, it could be set to lastpost pretty easily. In fact, I'll make it a toggle for the next release.

In the meantime, simply edit the threadbit template and replace all instances of $thread[firstpostid] with $thread[lastpostid] -- that'll do it. :P

I have three instances of this in my template one being at the very top of the template should I also change that one?

[Bad Bunny]

Looks awesome! Good work.

[apdcanari]

Hello,

3.5 please ?

Good hack :up:

Thanks,

C?dric