tdt.org - mobile

[Priest]

Lately I started to use the forum a lot of my phone
and really recognize that it's more than finger breaking and frustrating
to navigate the site.

I use the mobile app, Tapatalk, for two other boards and found that I would be
a very easy plugin solution that we could use for the board, that would really
Enhance the usability!

Maybe I am the only one, but maybe you (RF ;)) could insert the pluging
As it would be a real benefit to the page.

Maybe not all functions would work, but read and write for sure!
It's a 5 step process:

https://tapatalk.com/download_vBulletin.php

Would be glad to help technically if needed!
Hope that this is the last message I write in the desktop viewport ;)

Cheers

[Niels]

+1

[stroppygoblin]

General improvements to the site are being worked on/looked at currently. One of the options we are looking at is updating the version of the software that the site runs on to be more 'mobile friendly'. Plugins like this will also be considered.
As I am sure you can appreciate, any kind of major software update (which this would be) needs to be considered carefully and planned. We are in the process of creating a 'Development' version for us to test updates and improvements before we update the main site. Announcements will be made as and when these changes are imminent. :thumbsup:

[Priest]

That's fantastic to hear, thanks a lot for maintaining and improving the website.
With tapatalk it's more like a quick fix, it's working out of the box and doesn't need any major improvements , no core update , and no development version that's the good thing about it.

It is more or less only an API not touching the front-end in anyway


I already implemented in 4 different systems, and worked like a charm within 10 minutes and gave full mobile experience in seconds.

So even if you're considering a more mobile template which I guess will take a development system and a lot of testing, please take into account that this plugin will work within a couple of minutes

Will be happy to support you with that, if you so wish

[stroppygoblin]

Thanks for the info Sebastian, this is RF's call, I will defer to him.

[Priest]

:clap:

[zelig]

This has been on my mind for some time now. I use the forum a lot on my phone, and I guess I have just got used to it, and found a "workflow" that generally works, however the best experience would be if the forum software were responsive/mobile-friendly.

I'm familiar with vBulletin, but really haven't looked into what the newer versions can do. I'm guessing there's a responsive version now; however to Simon's point, updating can be a real drag.

Thanks for your efforts though in looking into improvements and a potential mobile-friendly forum in the near future. Very much appreciated!

[Merlin1958]

El Jefe and team. Always hard at work to make this a better place for all!!!

[Randall Flagg]

I'm still unclear how tapatalk would make our site better.
Explain.4

[zelig]

I'm still unclear how tapatalk would make our site better.
Explain.4

Sebastian can confirm this but it's my understanding that it will make the forum responsive (mobile friendly). So it will be easier to read on mobile devices.

[stroppygoblin]

I'm still unclear how tapatalk would make our site better.
Explain.4

Sebastian can confirm this but it's my understanding that it will make the forum responsive (mobile friendly). So it will be easier to read on mobile devices.

It's not so much about making the forum more responsive, more about presenting the forum content in a more 'Mobile friendly' manner. It renders the various threads and areas in a way that makes it easier to read, find and respond on a mobile device.

see this screenshot for an idea of how this looks:

http://adnfriki.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/tapatalk-2.jpg

[Priest]

Tapatalk is an app (free) for android and iOS, that is specialized for boards like this.

It delivers what you could call an own frontend, like a responsive theme would do, but without the hustle to create and test one,
accessing the same data.

The only thing that it needs is an API that the app can talk to , and thats the plugin that you would need to install.
This doesn't effect the page itself in anyway, it just gives the app the possibility to act with the board.

So what you get is an app on your mobile, tested and optimized for reading & writing, plus messaging , so the main parts of
the board , without that the host (thats you) has to adapt anything on the core page.

You have (if you want) push notification for new posts, and messages and especially, not this crazy small screen and impossible to click buttons ;D

So long story short.
Install the plugin, download the app and have an optimized mobile access to tdt.org without touching the core website
vs.
update the whole platform , find and install a responsive theme and spend a month testing, adapting all parts that are custom made


Downside - you need the app
Upside, you might find new members of the board through the app community.


i love it especially for messaging, so if i get a pm while on the road it`s 100x more comfortable to answer via the app

[Priest]

I'm still unclear how tapatalk would make our site better.
Explain.4

Sebastian can confirm this but it's my understanding that it will make the forum responsive (mobile friendly). So it will be easier to read on mobile devices.

Nope, not touching the website itself - only providing the data to a mobile friendly environment




It's not so much about making the forum more responsive, more about presenting the forum content in a more 'Mobile friendly' manner.
It renders the various threads and areas in a way that makes it easier to read, find and respond on a mobile device.


well said

[stroppygoblin]

Here is reasonable overview video for iphone

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWnkYF72nLE

and here is a newer version running on Android

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bp1z4yltfCQ

[Randall Flagg]

I'm sorry, but for right now that seems worthless.
A person now uses an app to look at the site. I suppose if you subscribe to numerous discussion forums it might help.

In the 4 minutes plus the person took to get to a subscribed thread, or to check a notification, any reasonable user of a smart phone that wants to use our site would already have posted.

Maybe I should shoot a 2 minute video as to how easy the site can be used with a cell phone.

[Priest]

google ux principles state, that every clickable element on a mobile should have at least 60*60px to be clickable,
non of the important elements of the page has this on a mobile due to the scaled viewport.

if you are not pinching the size, even if you do this, some elements are very hard to use. (last post in topic icon,pagination f.e.)

There are a view points, that make it really hard to navigate ( from my pov )
Topic titles in the search are cut of, pm window is not scaling to the screen, elements are overlapping and are not arranged in the right order, font are sometimes scailing, sometimes not ;D
All of this is fine, as the page was just not made for mobile, and it looks great on desktop, but its incredible arduous to navigate, pinch big, scroll, pinch bigger, click , wanna read ? pinch smaller again...

Would be solved, at least for everybody who wants a more 2015 user experience with 5 minutes of work and no downside. The 2 minutes you need for the video and the plugin is installed.
Who wants to use the page like it is can do that, but you would offer a state of the art alternative for all others.

So why not ? Cant lose anything ,but win a lot! don't you think ?

p.s.
Not 100% sure what you are referencing to with the 4 minutes plus,sry!

[Randall Flagg]

Posted from tapatalk. After some "fun" getting it to work. (Documentation was poor fyi not so easy)

[Priest]

Aaa wee!! You're the man!

Thank you !!!

[Randall Flagg]

Aaa wee!! You're the man!

Thank you !!!
Less than a day:



Member suggestion
Flagg saying no
Flagg saying yes

Done

[Randall Flagg]

Aaa wee!! You're the man!

Thank you !!!
Awful lot of work for one person.
Sure hope lots of other people use it.

[stroppygoblin]

Being able to speed read through all unread posts without having to open each one individually! worth it for that feature alone :thumbsup:

[Priest]

Less than a day:

Member suggestion
Flagg saying no
Flagg saying yes

Done

:D
a good deed a day !
really, thanks!



Awful lot of work for one person.
Sure hope lots of other people use it.

you should have some statistics on that, but i am sure that they will!


Being able to speed read through all unread posts without having to open each one individually! worth it for that feature alone :thumbsup:

+1
and to be notified when you get quoted ! love hat feature. !

[zelig]

Oh yeah! I just installed it and am now hooked up to the forum via the app. Still need to spend some time using it but so far it's fantastic! Thanks guys.

[Johnny Alien]

I hate tapatalk with all my soul.

[Randall Flagg]

I hate tapatalk with all my soul.
Then don't utilize it.

[Ben Staad]

Hope it works well for everyone that uses it.

[zelig]

I've been using it since yesterday and so far I like it. It definitely takes a mindset shift because it's so different, but it's working well so far. The app has some pretty bad reviews on the app store, but I haven't experienced any of the crashes described.

I have a question though for those who are using it, have you activated the push notifications? It makes everything almost like a text message experience when something new is posted on the forum, and so easy to quickly reply. I like it, but see myself being even more connected to the forum than I am already. Not complaining, but I'm not going to get any work done! I've silenced the notifications for now because every time something is posted, I get an alert.

Also, what is the best way to unsubscribe from the email notifications? I don't need both email and app notifications. As far as I can tell, in the forum Settings > Subscriptions you have to select the thread and select "delete subscription". Is that right? I don't see any unsubscribe options.

[stroppygoblin]

I've been using it since yesterday and so far I like it. It definitely takes a mindset shift because it's so different, but it's working well so far. The app has some pretty bad reviews on the app store, but I haven't experienced any of the crashes described.

I have a question though for those who are using it, have you activated the push notifications? It makes everything almost like a text message experience when something new is posted on the forum, and so easy to quickly reply. I like it, but see myself being even more connected to the forum than I am already. Not complaining, but I'm not going to get any work done! I've silenced the notifications for now because every time something is posted, I get an alert.

Also, what is the best way to unsubscribe from the email notifications? I don't need both email and app notifications. As far as I can tell, in the forum Settings > Subscriptions you have to select the thread and select "delete subscription". Is that right? I don't see any unsubscribe options.

Ha! you think you got problems, my wrist keeps vibrating and showing me things like this:

http://i938.photobucket.com/albums/ad223/stroppygoblin/A2BD90C5-68E6-45BD-B782-DA5ACD34C4E6_zpsanykh1tp.png (http://s938.photobucket.com/user/stroppygoblin/media/A2BD90C5-68E6-45BD-B782-DA5ACD34C4E6_zpsanykh1tp.png.html)

Work, Shmirk...

[zelig]

As much as I enjoy the technologies of today (I even make a living in this industry), I still miss those simpler days before cell phones and other modern day gadgets. Sigh...

[Randall Flagg]

Also, what is the best way to unsubscribe from the email notifications? I don't need both email and app notifications. As far as I can tell, in the forum Settings > Subscriptions you have to select the thread and select "delete subscription". Is that right? I don't see any unsubscribe options.
Try:
Settings
List subscriptions
Select and edit selections

[zelig]

Thanks. I got it figured out. I went with the View only in control panel option.

[Br!an]

I'll wait until the site offers a mobile version. The reviews have scared me off.

[Randall Flagg]

I'll wait until the site offers a mobile version. The reviews have scared me off.
I'm not thrilled with the app, but it is an added bonus for members who want to use it.

[zelig]

Been using it for two days now and I like it so far. Time will tell.

[Priest]

you can also give the ipad version a try, i like the view even more then smartphone

[jsmcmullen92]

I had to delete the app after it kept going off all night... Every time you reply to a thread on here it adds it to your subscriptions then when people reply to it my phone buzzes...

[stroppygoblin]

I had to delete the app after it kept going off all night... Every time you reply to a thread on here it adds it to your subscriptions then when people reply to it my phone buzzes...

You can turn that off - in settings "Push Notification' - set to off.

[zelig]

At first I found the notifications annoying but now I actually like them. And as Simon says, you can turn them off or even just silence them. I really like the app. Before I would log into the forum periodically throughout the day. Now I'm basically connected all the time. Not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing.

It's also so quick and easy to reply to posts. Just like a text message basically. The other day I discovered that you can send and receive PM's right from the app. And today I discovered multi-quote. Pretty cool.

If you're a TDT forum junkie, then the app is perfect for you.

[herbertwest]

I am on my iPhone and dont see any difference at all compared to the desktop version.
Was the vbulletin plugin desactivated?

[zelig]

Did you download the app? It's working great for me. I use it almost exclusively now.

[stroppygoblin]

I am on my iPhone and dont see any difference at all compared to the desktop version.
Was the vbulletin plugin desactivated?

No, you need to download an app called TapaTalk. this allows you to access the site content in a more mobile-centric way.

[Niels]

It's working perfectly!

[Randall Flagg]

It's working perfectly!
See how valuable your membership is! All of this for only $75 a year.

[zelig]

It's working perfectly!
See how valuable your membership is! All of this for only $75 a year.

Next year I will donate an little extra to tdt just because of this plugin & app. It's a 'game changer'. It's one of those things where I can safely say, I don't know how I managed without it. Thanks to Priest for suggesting it and RF for adding the plugin.

[Merlin1958]

It's working perfectly!
See how valuable your membership is! All of this for only $75 a year.

Next year I will donate an little extra to tdt just because of this plugin & app. It's a 'game changer'. It's one of those things where I can safely say, I don't know how I managed without it. Thanks to Priest for suggesting it and RF for adding the plugin.



...And that is why, El Jefe is!! TMIDITW!!!!!!

[Niels]

Only 8 people using it?

[Merlin1958]

Only 8 people using it?

LOL LOL Niels. somebody piss in your cornflakes this morning? Seems like the third or fourth post where you're griping. Rough night last night? LOL J/K around

Only teasing. No offense intended.

[Niels]

I'll STFU myself......… LOL!

[Merlin1958]

I'll STFU myself......… LOL!


No, by all means let it out. Ain't good to hold it in. You should feel better after shooting me one of these.....



:FU: LOL LOL LOL

[Niels]

And, WTF, do you really think us Dutch eat cornflakes in the morning!? If you said peanut butter with chocolate sprinkles, you could be right. But for me not in the morning.

[Randall Flagg]

Only 8 people using it?
8 happy people, and more will join.
It really wasn't that tough to add it on to the site, so maybe next year 100 people will be enjoying it.
We are also experimenting with new versions of vBulletin that may be more mobile (cell phone) friendly.

The never ending efforts to improve.

[Niels]

Only 8 people using it?
8 happy people, and more will join.
It really wasn't that tough to add it on to the site, so maybe next year 100 people will be enjoying it.
We are also experimenting with new versions of vBulletin that may be more mobile (cell phone) friendly.

The never ending efforts to improve.
I thought more people would jump on it. Like Zelig said, I'm only using Tapatalk. So much easier on cell and tablet!

Tell me when the hat goes round, again. Like last year I'll be one of the first to donate.

[Merlin1958]

And, WTF, do you really think us Dutch eat cornflakes in the morning!? If you said peanut butter with chocolate sprinkles, you could be right. But for me not in the morning.


LOL Just a quaint American expression. Let me try it in "Dutch" form..... "Somebody take a dump in your peanut butter and stir this morning"? Better? LOL LOL


I would think you would be happy about this app being available. Now you can view the site without having to take your finger out of the dyke!!! LOL LOL J/K


Que, RF "Back on topic please"!!! LOL Hi, Jerome. Having a nice day?

[zelig]

Only 8 people using it?
8 happy people, and more will join.
It really wasn't that tough to add it on to the site, so maybe next year 100 people will be enjoying it.
We are also experimenting with new versions of vBulletin that may be more mobile (cell phone) friendly.

The never ending efforts to improve.

If you do end up upgrading vBulletin, hopefully the plugin will still remain functional. Even if the new version is mobile friendly, I don't think it will replace the main features of the app.

[stroppygoblin]

Only 8 people using it?
8 happy people, and more will join.
It really wasn't that tough to add it on to the site, so maybe next year 100 people will be enjoying it.
We are also experimenting with new versions of vBulletin that may be more mobile (cell phone) friendly.

The never ending efforts to improve.

If you do end up upgrading vBulletin, hopefully the plugin will still remain functional. Even if the new version is mobile friendly, I don't think it will replace the main features of the app.

Plugin should be fine. All things serve the Beam (and will be tested for your comfort and pleasure)

[Randall Flagg]

Only 8 people using it?
8 happy people, and more will join.
It really wasn't that tough to add it on to the site, so maybe next year 100 people will be enjoying it.
We are also experimenting with new versions of vBulletin that may be more mobile (cell phone) friendly.

The never ending efforts to improve.

If you do end up upgrading vBulletin, hopefully the plugin will still remain functional. Even if the new version is mobile friendly, I don't think it will replace the main features of the app.
My understanding is that the app is fully compatible with the latest 4.2.3 version of Vbulletin.
Don't worry, it's unlikely to go away.

[zelig]

Great to hear. Thanks guys.

[herbertwest]

I am on my iPhone and dont see any difference at all compared to the desktop version.
Was the vbulletin plugin desactivated?

No, you need to download an app called TapaTalk. this allows you to access the site content in a more mobile-centric way.

Ok, then I wont download the app. I already have enough apps on my phone, and I'd rather check the forum on my desktop when I have time to browse than trying to rush on a phone when I dont have enough time to browse and read entirely.
Thanks though for the effort.





Only 8 people using it?
8 happy people, and more will join.
It really wasn't that tough to add it on to the site, so maybe next year 100 people will be enjoying it.
We are also experimenting with new versions of vBulletin that may be more mobile (cell phone) friendly.

The never ending efforts to improve.

If you do end up upgrading vBulletin, hopefully the plugin will still remain functional. Even if the new version is mobile friendly, I don't think it will replace the main features of the app.
My understanding is that the app is fully compatible with the latest 4.2.3 version of Vbulletin.
Don't worry, it's unlikely to go away.

IMO, if the new version of vbulletin becomes mobile friendly or responsive, this plugin will have no reason to be because its job will become native to vbulletin. So it defeat the purpose.

[Priest]

It's working perfectly!
See how valuable your membership is! All of this for only $75 a year.

Next year I will donate an little extra to tdt just because of this plugin & app. It's a 'game changer'. It's one of those things where I can safely say, I don't know how I managed without it. Thanks to Priest for suggesting it and RF for adding the plugin.

oh your welcome, i am happy if it works for a couple of guys here!

[Jon]

Plugin should be fine. All things serve the Beam (and will be tested for your comfort and pleasure)


"Ribbed" too?

[zelig]

Because of this app, I've had to impose a new rule on myself. In addition to no texting and driving, I've added no posting to the forum and driving.

[Niels]

Yeah, I know, it's really bad; the Forum just one swipe away!

[webstar1000]

WOW... Thanks to Shaq for making me try this app (TAPATALK) out. It gives me notifications on my phone to certain things. It is solely my DT.org app now. haha Taking some time with it but wanted to say this is GREAT! Thanks!!!

[stroppygoblin]

WOW... Thanks to Shaq for making me try this app (TAPATALK) out. It gives me notifications on my phone to certain things. It is solely my DT.org app now. haha Taking some time with it but wanted to say this is GREAT! Thanks!!!

It's good, but be warned it does not hide Spoilers well....

[webstar1000]

WOW... Thanks to Shaq for making me try this app (TAPATALK) out. It gives me notifications on my phone to certain things. It is solely my DT.org app now. haha Taking some time with it but wanted to say this is GREAT! Thanks!!!

It's good, but be warned it does not hide Spoilers well....

Good catch... I will stay away from movie threads and books (I have not read) threads until I am at a computer:) I love it!

[zelig]

It's all I use to access the forum. Love it.

[webstar1000]

It's all I use to access the forum. Love it.

Thats what Shaq told me... no issues brother for you?

[zelig]

Occasionally there's some sort of connectivity issue where new posts don't get delivered right away, but that hasn't happened in some time now. You can do pretty much everything you need from the app. Reply to posts, multi-quote, send and receive PM's, you can even upload images but I don't use that feature. The only thing I don't like which is not a big deal anyway is they added that row of icons below posts. It includes a Like icon which I've pressed by mistake sometimes. They tend to get in the way. Anyway, enough rambling. It's a great app. Just don't read forum posts or post while driving!

[sharki69]

It's all I use to access the forum. Love it.

Thats what Shaq told me... no issues brother for you?

Glad you like it kris.

All credit goes to Paul :)

[webstar1000]

It's amazing. Glad you told me though. Haha. Thanks Paul too!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[zelig]

BTW. You can disable that "Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk" message in the settings.

[zelig]

It's all I use to access the forum. Love it.

Thats what Shaq told me... no issues brother for you?

Glad you like it kris.

All credit goes to Paul :)

Thanks, but credit should go to Priest for first suggesting this app, and Jerome for adding the plugin to the forum so that it all works.

[webstar1000]

Ok then... Thanks to them too! I love it!! Haha


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[webstar1000]

Maybe one of you guys can help... If I go on the site regularly there is new stuff but not here.... Is here a reason? How can I fix it so it updates to the newest post that is going on? thanks!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[zelig]

Sounds like you need to subscribe to the different threads. You will only be notified of new posts on threads that you are subscribed to. Click the circled check icon at the top right of threads.