Lazarus

Miscellaneous => Suggestions => Topic started by: Marc on April 02, 2012, 03:42:19 pm

Title: About forum suggestions
Post by: Marc on April 02, 2012, 03:42:19 pm
The forum is not developed by the lazarus team itself, but by SMF (with some visual modifications by me)
Any new functionality has to be implemented by SMF. 

If there exists a SMS mod or a config option that I missed, please let me know
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: nsunny on April 19, 2013, 02:24:01 pm
Hi Marc,
Fred Vs has posted a suggestion that you may want to consider:


......
At forum profile, there is : Signature:

I propose that Signature: is asked in the page of inscription (not only in option).

With a note like :
Signatures are displayed at the bottom of each post or personal message. Please enter here :
- Your CPU :
- Your OS :
- Your FPC version (if installed) :
- Your Lazarus version (if installed) :


So, people do not forget to add those infos.

By the way, i invite each member to add those infos (if not already done).  ;)

I found a solution (by searching) which can help to implement the feature.

The summary is:
Quote
Unfortunately, I am not that experienced in SMF. I have worked with phpBB before. But a quick search reveals that it is possible:
https://www.google.com.bd/search?q=smf+custom+fields+profile
- http://wiki.simplemachines.org/smf/Features_and_Options#Adding.2FModifying_Custom_Fields
- http://docs.simplemachines.org/index.php?topic=1084.0
(The post is here (http://www.lazarus.freepascal.org/index.php/topic,20426.msg119773.html#msg119773))
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: shobits1 on September 29, 2015, 12:14:56 am
don't know if this is the right thread (sorry if I'm wrong).
I was exploring the forum and one thing kept frustrating me is the Code tag; and thought if there is a way to implement a highlighter for the code would be nice and easier to read.

suggestion: take a look at https://github.com/syntaxhighlighter/syntaxhighlighter (https://github.com/syntaxhighlighter/syntaxhighlighter)
which used by https://theroadtodelphi.wordpress.com/ (https://theroadtodelphi.wordpress.com/)
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: taazz on September 29, 2015, 01:25:05 am
this forums are based on simple machine engine and it needs a module for that engine. I have no experience with javascript or php so I can't really help on how to convert the javascript client you linked to a SMF module but there is a module already http://custom.simplemachines.org/mods/index.php?mod=3070 (http://custom.simplemachines.org/mods/index.php?mod=3070) but I have no idea how well it works with this installation or if its even stable enough to be used so I choose to believe on the maintainer's to do what is needed for now. 
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: Jurassic Pork on September 29, 2015, 02:14:32 am
hello,
taazz  this module (cb|GeSHi-mod 1.2) seems to be compatible with the version of the SMF version of this forum (SMF 2.0.11 | SMF © 2015, Simple Machines)
Quote
cb|GeSHi-mod adds code syntax highlighting to your forum. Powered by GeSHi, the mod supports +200 different languages and is fully customizable for each of your themes.

Compatible with SMF 2.0 and later.

this module has syntax highlighting for pascal and delphi. 

Friendly J.P

[EDIT] Sorry HeavyUser English is not my natural language and sometimes i have some difficulties to be clear  [i have changed the to this] %)
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: HeavyUser on September 29, 2015, 02:16:41 am
hello,
taazz  the module cb|GeSHi-mod 1.2 seems to be compatible with the version of the SMF version of this forum (SMF 2.0.11 | SMF © 2015, Simple Machines)
click the link provided.
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: Jurassic Pork on September 29, 2015, 06:36:16 am
l have tried the module on my SMF 2.0.11  Test Forum. See the result in the attachment  :)

Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: taazz on September 29, 2015, 06:59:17 am
oh wow thank you for testing it JP, it looks nice. There are a couple of  small irritations as far as I can see
1) the select short cut is missing which makes the process of code selection a bit of a pain
2) the alternate line color should go this is not a grid each line is not Independent from the the others
3) the line numbers although nice to have on my editor in a place easily ignored those are in your face kind of numbers which I'd rather hide them or change the color to something less visible.

Any way I'm guessing everything is configurable (and if it is please remove the red color from everywhere especially the strings on the highlighter). I really like what I see so far, thank you again for your efforts.
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: Jurassic Pork on September 29, 2015, 10:44:11 pm
hello,
who is admin, maintainer of this forum  at this time ?
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: shobits1 on October 01, 2015, 04:32:02 am
so no response from admin  :( ...

ok, for those who wants to add highlight ability to code (display only, not when editing) I have created workaround using greasemonky on firefox.

what you need:
on firefox:
1.install greasemonkey addon https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/greasemonkey/?src=ss (https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/greasemonkey/?src=ss)
2.install the usescript `HighlightMe.user.js`(attached) by drag and drop on open firefox.
3.enabled greasmonkey and the script.

on google chrome
1.install Tampermonkey https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/dhdgffkkebhmkfjojejmpbldmpobfkfo (https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/dhdgffkkebhmkfjojejmpbldmpobfkfo)
2.open `HighlightMe.user.js` with any editor then copy its content.
3.on chrome click the tampermonky icon then Add a new script after that paste the copied script.
4.click setting tab and change `Run at : document-start` and `Run only in top frame : Yes`
5.Save.

EDIT: edited the HighlighterMe.user.js ; to work with changes to the last forum code highlighter.
I'll still use it since the forum code highlighter doesn't work with old posts.

EDIT2: corrected some errors on the script.
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: mercury on October 01, 2015, 05:25:18 am
I hope I can change the theme in profile settings.

There are many here http://custom.simplemachines.org/themes/
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: Marc on October 01, 2015, 12:39:31 pm
Code: Pascal  [Select][+][-]
  1. program Highlight;
  2. begin
  3.   WriteLN('This should work now');
  4. end.
  5.  
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: Jurassic Pork on October 01, 2015, 02:59:35 pm
hello,
Code: Pascal  [Select][+][-]
  1. program thankyou;
  2.  
  3. begin
  4. //  no comment
  5.   WriteLN('Thanks Marc !');
  6.  
  7. end.
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: shobits1 on October 01, 2015, 08:22:37 pm
Test
Code: Pascal  [Select][+][-]
  1. function CompareInt(const d1,d2): integer;
  2. var
  3.   i1 : integer absolute d1;
  4.   i2 : integer absolute d2;
  5. begin
  6.   if i1=i2 then Result:=0
  7.   else if i1<i2 then Result:=-1
  8.   else Result:=1;
  9. end;
  10.  
  11. procedure SortArrayInteger(var arr: array of Integer; count: Integer);
  12. begin
  13.   AnySort(arr, Count, sizeof(Integer), @CompareInt);
  14. end;

Code: [Select]
    function CompareInt(const d1,d2): integer;

    var

      i1 : integer absolute d1;

      i2 : integer absolute d2;

    begin

      if i1=i2 then Result:=0

      else if i1<i2 then Result:=-1

      else Result:=1;

    end;

     

    procedure SortArrayInteger(var arr: array of Integer; count: Integer);

    begin

      AnySort(arr, Count, sizeof(Integer), @CompareInt);

    end;

it doesn't work unless you specify 'pascal' in code combo-box; so old posts in forum wont be highlighted; also new posts when user don't specify code dialect (mostly will be posts from newbie and quick posts).

suggestion: admin, make it default to pascal even when code dialect is not selected.
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: marcov on October 01, 2015, 09:09:20 pm
it doesn't work unless you specify 'pascal' in code combo-box;

Does it respect and adapt to {$mode }  ?   O:-)
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: Bostjan on October 01, 2015, 09:20:29 pm
My vote goes for default to new sytle when pasting code.
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: Martin_fr on October 01, 2015, 11:53:08 pm
This are the options for the module: http://codebirth.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=e33729de78468d927b799203eec8c155&topic=81.msg120#msg120

I see no setting to make it default.

Basically it does not seem to interact with the old button. It requires the use of the dropdown (which will always insert what you select and go back to "Code").

Maybe the old code button can be removed, I dont know (dont have the time to search for it)
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: Jurassic Pork on October 02, 2015, 02:35:23 am
hello,
to have the tag code=pascal with the default old button #  patch the line  1659 of the  file smf\Sources\Subs-Editor.php (the line with 'before' =>)  :

Code: PHP  [Select][+][-]
  1.                                 'image' => 'code',
  2.                                 'code' => 'code',
  3.                                 'before' => '[code=pascal]',
  4.  

to remove the old button #  comment the lines :

Code: PHP  [Select][+][-]
  1. /*                      array(
  2.                                 'image' => 'code',
  3.                                 'code' => 'code',
  4.                                 'before' => '[code=pascal]',
  5.                                 'after' => '/code',
  6.                                 'description' => $txt'bbc_code'
  7.                         ), */


 8-)
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: Basile B. on October 02, 2015, 02:49:54 am
Double thumb up for this feature. :D
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: taazz on October 03, 2015, 06:42:47 am
it doesn't work unless you specify 'pascal' in code combo-box;

Does it respect and adapt to {$mode }  ?   O:-)
I don't think so but it should have a delphi highlighter too.
Code: Delphi  [Select][+][-]
  1. function CompareInt(const d1,d2): string;
  2. var
  3.    i1 : integer absolute d1;
  4.    i2 : integer absolute d2;
  5. begin
  6.    if i1=i2 then Result:=0
  7.    else if i1<i2 then Result:='-1'
  8.    else Result:='1';
  9. end;
  10.  
  11. procedure SortArrayInteger(var arr: array of Integer; count: Integer);
  12. begin
  13.     AnySort(arr, Count, sizeof(Integer), @CompareInt);
  14. end;
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: Marc on October 04, 2015, 04:19:54 pm

it doesn't work unless you specify 'pascal' in code combo-box; so old posts in forum wont be highlighted; also new posts when user don't specify code dialect (mostly will be posts from newbie and quick posts).

suggestion: admin, make it default to pascal even when code dialect is not selected.

Ah.... I never use the buttons for highlighting, and from other/previous forums I'm used to write [ code=pascal]

I''l change the default to pascal
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: shobits1 on October 04, 2015, 09:50:40 pm
Ah.... I never use the buttons for highlighting, and from other/previous forums I'm used to write [ code=pascal]

I''l change the default to pascal
what I meant to say is since this forum uses pascal as the main language the highlighter should assume a pascal code for all code tags unless specified, which means whenever he finds {code}{/code} he should handle it as {code=pascal}{/code}. this will make older posts highlighted and remove any inconsistent between old and new posts in the same thread like this one
http://forum.lazarus.freepascal.org/index.php/topic,29822.msg189012.html#msg189012 (http://forum.lazarus.freepascal.org/index.php/topic,29822.msg189012.html#msg189012) (image attached)


on an other note, an option to choose the highlighter theme would be appreciated.

Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: BeniBela on October 04, 2015, 10:16:54 pm
The new code style does not have a select button
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: Martin_fr on October 04, 2015, 10:49:52 pm
It has one now.

But it still has an issue in Internet explorer. IE does copy the entire code without any linebreaks. And it includes the line numbers.
Chrome and Firefox do behave better. (Firefox adds empty lines)

I did not find any setting to fix this (and I have no access to patch/modify the modules code).

Removing the line numbers IE would still copy all in one line.
But then all browsers will start wrapping long code lines, and that is making the code less readable.
(Actually Firefox is the only one that does not wrap)

Also the line numbers might have been useful as reference.

And it is possible to do [ code=pascal,5 ] to highlight a line (or pascal,5,8)
Code: Pascal  [Select][+][-]
  1. program
  2. var hello: string;
  3. begin
  4.   writeln('world');
  5.   // line 5
  6.   read(hello);
  7.   // line 7
  8. end; // 8
  9.  
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: Marc on October 19, 2015, 12:14:42 pm
I tried to default to pascal when no specific code is specified, but no success
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: BeniBela on October 27, 2015, 01:35:44 pm
And the line number column is too small, it shows only the last digit (linux, 300% font size)
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: Martin_fr on October 27, 2015, 01:43:00 pm
The column width is determined by the browser.  It is a simple <ol> tag, no width specified.
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: BeniBela on October 27, 2015, 08:00:34 pm
Then it is a stupid browser

You should set padding-left: 3em on the ol, or so. At least for Firefox

edit: or use a table instead li. Then there probably won't be empty lines on copying
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: shobits1 on October 27, 2015, 09:38:34 pm
And the line number column is too small, it shows only the last digit (linux, 300% font size)

it shows ok on windows7 and firefox 41.0.2
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: BeniBela on October 27, 2015, 09:39:42 pm
And the line number column is too small, it shows only the last digit (linux, 300% font size)

it shows ok on windows7 and firefox 41.0.2

Did you test it with the "zoom text only" option enabled?
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: Martin_fr on October 27, 2015, 11:15:54 pm
You should set padding-left: 3em on the ol, or so. At least for Firefox

edit: or use a table instead li. Then there probably won't be empty lines on copying
There is an option for using a table (global setting, not per user. I tried it. I dont remember what went wrong. But results were worse.
Left padding with 3 em, will waste a lot of space to fix a broken browser.

Out of all the settings, the current were the best compromise for firefox, chrome, and IE.
Actually I found a small tweak.
* IE messes up either way, no line breaks in copy, but line numbers included.
* Opera puts extra empty lines into copied source
* firefox, chrome, Safari all worked fine for me.

Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: shobits1 on October 27, 2015, 11:56:32 pm
Did you test it with the "zoom text only" option enabled?

nope the `zoom text only` was unchecked.
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: BeniBela on October 28, 2015, 01:06:45 am

Left padding with 3 em, will waste a lot of space to fix a broken browser.


It should not change anything, if the line number are already visibile
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: Martin_fr on October 28, 2015, 01:33:43 am
Left padding with 3 em, will waste a lot of space to fix a broken browser.
It should not change anything, if the line number are already visibile

Edit the page in your browsers "inspect" mode. I tested in firefox and it added a huge white margin, reducing the space available for the code.

I zoomed in Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Safari, and IE and all of them kept the full number visible.
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: hrayon on November 13, 2018, 12:12:38 pm
Hello,
I suggest that there be a closed topic (or restricted to only some more experienced forum users - hero members) in the header of each main topic, with links like this:

http://nickhodges.com/MultiThreadingInDelphi/ToC.html

which Taddy kindly passed in this post:

http://forum.lazarus-ide.org/index.php/topic,43193.msg301908/topicseen.html#new

More experienced users could post valuable links like the ones he indicated.
The interesting thing about this is that, with just the editing of more experienced users the content would be of more value and less polluted. And if a regular user asks in the other parts about something that is in the header, just reply "rtfh". I'm kidding about "rtfh", but it's an idea.

(Translated by Google)
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: JanRoza on November 13, 2018, 12:29:53 pm
I totally disagree with that.
By sharing advanced topics with everyone even a beginner can learn from it and might - in the end - even become a more experienced user by digesting these kind of topics.
An experienced user is experienced enough to skip the "polution" in a topic and read only that which is interesting for him.
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: lucamar on November 13, 2018, 12:38:15 pm
My personal opinion--and it's just that--is that it's better to add this kind of links to the related wiki page, rather than in the forum. It seems to me that the forum is more appropiate for dynamic exchanges of knowedledge/opinions than for more, let us say, "static" content like that.

Which doesn't mean one shouldn't refer to external entities in the forum, of course; just that if they are interesting (as in this case) they may as well be added to the wiki.
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: hrayon on November 13, 2018, 01:17:00 pm
JanRoza,
You're right. I just suggested a way not to lose important information when it appears on the forum. And it seemed to be practical and fast for the most experienced users.

lucamar
When you say "the related wiki page", I say: related where? I know there are wiki pages (http://wiki.freepascal.org/), but it is not explicit about the relationship of the subject matter and the page.

So, how about having an equivalence between main forum topics and wiki pages somewhere?

For example, a fixed topic in the header of each main topic with the pages related to that subject in the wiki.

I do not know if it would be practical, these are just suggestions.
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: lucamar on November 13, 2018, 01:44:49 pm
So, how about having an equivalence between main forum topics and wiki pages somewhere?
For example, a fixed topic in the header of each main topic with the pages related to that subject in the wiki.
I do not know if it would be practical, these are just suggestions.

That's what categories are for, although I agree it would be nice to have ... let's call them "Topic" pages with an intro on the topic and links to more detailed pages--something akin to the diverse "Portals" there are, now I think about it. But that's a lot of work, which nobody likes :D
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: hrayon on November 13, 2018, 02:15:45 pm
Just by supporting the idea, it's just a suggestion. If the forum maintainer reads this and does not accept, I just thank him anyway, as he already works maintaining the forum!
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: Researching on November 13, 2018, 02:30:13 pm
Honestly - did not read the whole thread, but...
Discussion goes around improving the forum engine functionality, while the key- question would be to change the mеthоdоlоgу!
Not sure about the value of keeping the whole history of question, but if there is a solution / valuable info inside the thread, seems sensible to move it to the head of topic.
So easy!! but will save millions of hours, concidering the amount of people visiting the forum.
Imagine:
1. goto SEARCH -> find 10 threads, reading each through to find the key answer
2. goto SEARCH -> find 10 threads, reading only the heading of thread,

if the solution stands at the end of heading of topic - it is much-much easier to get the information needed.

Then imagine:
1. The forum is being improved in style: get in touch with SMF, set scope, make coding, make improvements. - result: #Better looking forum.
2. The forum rules are being updated by forum leaders and users -> forum becomes restructured based on the effort of community, -> result: #easy readable forum ( becomes more readable and a clear source for help and building the wiki).

Which option do you value more?

## From other post:
People! aren't you disappointed with the whole situation? Hundreds of community members, About 100-300 Professionals, but still many easy questions are not easily solvable neither by wiki neither by forum !!
(see my topics)

Really - seems sensible to invest a little effort in improving the general approach to building th forum... OK.. maybe - am wrong about possibility, but seems needed.
Let's say - some kind of extra point system that will lead to more organized forum.
Remember baskets in the shop? Since people have to insert a coin - they put baskets in place THEMSELVES!!

Moderators and Administrators are welcome to ask me questions and discuss solutions. Some thoughts are present.

Sorry if broke someone's mood!
Have a good day!
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: Thaddy on November 13, 2018, 02:32:14 pm
I have nothing against a forum topic "documentation library" that is read-only and where entries are governed by strict moderation by a team of moderators.
E.g. the wiki is rather polluted and can not be relied upon as the only source to get good advice.
A library with links to good books and articles can be managed and much easier quality protected than the wiki.
I would volunteer to moderate such a library topic but only together with at least 4  - hopefully - other walking Object Pascal encyclopedists.
Every book or article would need internal review before inclusion, so it becomes a real library.
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: Researching on November 13, 2018, 02:47:40 pm
I prefer to do first - what can be done by organization. It is cheap:
1. Think - 2. consider - 3. Communicate - 4. promote mostly adequate people for they're activity.
And get the main work DONE!! Then later - just keep things on order.

1% of users / moderators -
NOT ABLE  to support the rest 99% on the hand-work level.
But IS ABLE to create solutions and lead the mainstream.

Right Organization - is cheaper in effort and more valuable than a tonn of supports.

For example: When need a solution: what is more valuable?
* idented topic ?
* solution of topic collected to the head?

How difficult is it for the person who started the topic to collect the solution he got from community, after he just have tested it?
How difficult would it be for him to attach a code snippet?
What can forum leaders do, to encourage people to do this?
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: Martin_fr on November 13, 2018, 03:15:56 pm
For example: When need a solution: what is more valuable?
* idented topic ?
* solution of topic collected to the head?

How difficult is it for the person who started the topic to collect the solution he got from community, after he just have tested it?
How difficult would it be for him to attach a code snippet?
What can forum leaders do, to encourage people to do this?
The person who started a topic, can edit the header of it already (some people add "Solved" to it), and the initial message too. So the technology exists.

Now assuming:
- the answer fits into the topic header.
- and there is only one answer. Often there are many, out of witch one may be good for the original enquirer, but for each later person searching the same question, another answer may be good. In this case adding the (one) answer, will make it worse by hiding many answers.
See stack-overflow: "good answers" are voted to the top, yet often the answer I need, is several down.

Question is, how to I get the person to add the "answer" into the header (or into the initial post)?
What do I do, if they don't do that?

And if it could be done, it still depends on finding volunteers in the moderator team.

While (some) moderators can/could edit posts of other users, I am strictly against doing that on a general base (other than fixing missing code tags, or the like). There may be extreme cases, where it may be needed for a moderator to use that power. But that must be kept the exception (and always made clear, if it happened)
Then moderators can, like anyone, only add posts to the end of the thread.

----

I do not know how well the boards/sub-boards in the forum are used (and how much is in "general" section). I only use the "recent" view, where this does not matter. So I do not know if a stricter "sorting by moderators" would help. But that also would mean the need for more manpower.

At least it would not require editing existing posts.

About adding new sub-boards. That is done occasionally, but usually it requires the pre-existence of sufficient topics that will fit the new board (and will be moved) showing that there indeed is a need for such a board.

---
Above is my opinion. I may have to confer with other mods, before enacting anything.

----------
This thread is a good example of one of the issues.
It started about one issue, that had a to generic header, and now is a mix of various issues...
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: hrayon on November 13, 2018, 04:17:50 pm
When I suggested, I was thinking of something simpler, closer than Thaddy said.
I think it will be difficult to maintain a bibliographic topic for each topic created.
I was thinking something like this (not all the main topics need it):

Lazarus »Programming» LCL
Here, wiki links about LCL.
Also important these external links X, Y, etc.
There are these books too ...

Lazarus »Programming» Databases
Here, wiki links to Databases.
Also important these external links M, N, etc.
There are these books too ...

....

Lazarus »Programming» Graphics and Multimedia »TAChart
Here, wiki links about TAChart.
Also important are these external links A, B, etc.
There are these books too ...

....

And so it goes...

(translated by Google)
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: Researching on November 13, 2018, 05:48:09 pm
I suppose, that the problem is above the conversation here.

People usually do what is easy. And order is one of tools for easiness. If people do not follow what seems to or they are used to consider to be the "order" - this shouldn't be applied to as a "good-order".
To switch on a bulb you need all at once: bulb, electric power, wire. Probably (for the long-time run) - a switch and other parts. Only when the full composition installed it starts working.

Suppose - here the same: different approaches, meant in this topic shouldn't be opposed. But the minimal project of improvement is needed.
Point one:
Where is the ultimate function of the forum, and the main stakeholders for it?
Second
What could be the perfect implementation of this and what is NOW limiting this perfection?
// Then, possibly, the real problem will arise and become clear...
While we are going "from ground" - deviations from the best course are coming for sure. The start should be from top - from the main aim. Then becomes possible both: correction of it, and direct finding and selection of what is needed.

Otherwise we are trying to deal what's better potato or bread.


Title: Re: About forum suggestions [ SUMMARY of suggestions ]
Post by: Researching on November 13, 2018, 08:01:58 pm
// To be shortened...,
// # =  suggestion start

# Suggestion: At forum profile, there is : Signature: users's CPU, OS, FPC version, Lazarus version. So, people do not forget to add those infos.
#{//DONE:}implement a highlighter for the code would be nice and easier to read.
##########
# create a closed topic (or restricted to only some more experienced forum users - hero members) in the header of each main topic, with valuable links from More experienced users. And if a regular user asks in the other parts about something that is in the header, just reply "rtfh". I'm kidding about "rtfh", but it's an idea.

# add valuable links to the related wiki page, rather than in the forum.
# related wiki page: content of wiki pages are not explicitly related to the subject matter and the page. # So, how about having an equivalence between main forum topics and wiki pages somewhere?
## For example, a fixed topic in the header of each main topic with the pages related to that subject in the wiki.

# Improve general approach: invent some kind of social appreciation to encourage people to use the questioning / answering templates (provided ),  that will lead to more organized forum.
# forum topic "documentation library" that is read-only and where entries are governed by strict moderation by a team of moderators.
# 1. Think - 2. consider - 3. Communicate - 4. promote mostly adequate people for they're activity.
# idented topic
# solution of topic collected to the head? the person who started the topic - collect the solution he got from community. Attach a code snippet?
# See stack-overflow: "good answers" are voted to the top, yet often the answer I need, is several down.
# adding new sub-boards. That is done occasionally, but usually it requires the pre-existence of sufficient topics that will fit the new board (and will be moved) showing that there indeed is a need for such a board.
# Clear structure for topics
# PROBLEM: All improvements require finding volunteers in the moderator team. I think it will be difficult to maintain a bibliographic topic for each topic created. SOLUTION: Encourage the maintainer of topic to keep his topic in order.

//->> done (?) shortened this message
Title: Re: About forum suggestions [ SUMMARY of suggestions ]
Post by: marcov on November 13, 2018, 08:03:11 pm
// To be shortened...,

Good idea!
Title: Re: About forum suggestions [ SUMMARY of suggestions ]
Post by: 440bx on November 13, 2018, 08:13:00 pm
// To be shortened...,

Good idea!
Short replies are the best  ;)
Title: Re: About forum suggestions [ SUMMARY of suggestions ]
Post by: Martin_fr on November 13, 2018, 09:24:24 pm
Changes like extra profile fields, point system, highlighter... => We do not develop the forum software (and no we are not looking to replace it). So we can only add what SMF offers. And that only, if we deem it fit, and if we have the time.

# forum leaders encourage people to do this
"forum leaders" = moderators? They all are volunteers, if extra tasks need extra time, they need to volunteer for this, or it is not going to happen.

Quote
# Clear the ultimate function of the forum, and the main stakeholders for it? State the clear projection of the perfect implementation and what is NOW limiting this perfection?
Seems a bit lost in translation....

The primary aim of the forum, is:
   "For users of FPC/Lazarus to communicate with other user of FPC/Lazarus (about Fpc/Lazarus)."
This can be (in no specific order):
- technical questions / answers
- opinions (like/dislike this about Laz/Fpc / what is a good way to do...)
- wishes/ideas
- announcements
- other topic related to FPC/Lazarus

The above alone implies that searching for technical answers will bring up a lot of extra topics, as many topics are not "how to" related.
This is primarily a forum, not an "expert/tech exchange". An example for the latter would be stack overflow, which heavily moderates/deletes any none tech-question topic.

This is why searching the forum for tech answers is rather hard => because the forums primary goal includes lots of other things.

The wiki *should* be the searchable point of help. Unfortunately it is lacking many of the answers, that are only on the forum. Volunteers would be needed, to get all that info, in a proper way to the wiki.

--------------------------
The primary goal of the wiki:
  Provide technical and structured information: Docs, How-To, Drafts for future plans, ...

Quote
and what is NOW limiting this perfection
For the wiki: Manpower / lack of qualified volunteers
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: Thaddy on November 13, 2018, 10:24:26 pm
I do my best to correct and add to the wiki, but it is like swimming against the tide.
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: hrayon on November 14, 2018, 12:27:39 am
I do not think I was clear. Could be a translation problem, sorry.
When I made the suggestion, I had in mind just having a fixed, read-only explanation for ordinary users like me. Not for each topic. Not the "best answer" of each topic. Only for the main topics already defined. I do not know if "topic" is the right word. I am saying of each of these 42 items below:

Lazarus » Announcements » Lazarus
Lazarus » Announcements » Free Pascal (Moderators: FPK, Tomas Hajny)
Lazarus » Announcements » Third party
Lazarus » General
Lazarus » LCL
Lazarus » Databases
Lazarus » Programming » Graphics and Multimedia » Audio and Video
Lazarus » Programming » Graphics and Multimedia » Graphics (Moderator: Ask)
Lazarus » Programming » Graphics and Multimedia » OpenGL
Lazarus » Programming » Graphics and Multimedia » TAChart (Moderator: Ask)
Lazarus » Programming » Graphics and Multimedia » DirectX
Lazarus » Programming » Graphics and Multimedia » Games
Lazarus » Programming » Networking and Web Programming
Lazarus » Programming » Widgetset
Lazarus » Programming » Operating Systems
Lazarus » Programming » Packages and Libraries
Lazarus » Using the Lazarus IDE » Editor
Lazarus » Using the Lazarus IDE » Designer
Lazarus » Using the Lazarus IDE » Debugger
Lazarus » Using the Lazarus IDE » Options
Lazarus » Using the Lazarus IDE » General
Lazarus » Free Pascal » Beginners (Moderators: FPK, Tomas Hajny)
Lazarus » Free Pascal » General
Lazarus » Free Pascal » Database
Lazarus » Free Pascal » FPC development
Lazarus » Free Pascal » FV/Textmode IDE
Lazarus » Free Pascal » Unix
Lazarus » Free Pascal » Windows
Lazarus » Free Pascal » Other OS
Lazarus » Installation » Linux
Lazarus » Installation » Windows (32/64)
Lazarus » Installation » Mac OS X
Lazarus » Installation » PDAs and Smartphones
Lazarus » Installation » General
Lazarus » Miscellaneous » Translations
Lazarus » Miscellaneous » Jobs
Lazarus » Miscellaneous » Suggestions
Lazarus » Miscellaneous » Other
Lazarus » Other Languages » Italian
Lazarus » Other Languages » Spanish
Lazarus » Other Languages » Portuguese
Lazarus » Other Languages » Russian

So, of these items, it would be interesting to have a summary header containing the link to the wiki, external links, or even book tips. This could only be done by experienced users, and this could guide us better.
Putting the wiki link makes the forum and wiki more consistent. It values ​​more knowledge in both. It's a win-win relationship.
How many times has an experienced user wasted time reporting that the question is clearly answered on the wiki?
I think the forum is pretty good the way it is.
I do not think putting a brief introduction into each of the 42 items with that said would overload the forum, nor would it be a Herculean job.
But if you, experienced user, want to keep answering why the executable file is so big and other subjects of the same level, that's fine ...
(translated with Google)
Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: Researching on November 14, 2018, 01:20:03 am
OK...
Again: what the point is: respected Moderators of the "FORUM", as it is mentioned - you are not obliged to ( your volunteer work is great itself! ), but in case - yo u consider yourself interested and situation allowing( you know the situation better indeed!) - supposedly you can:
0. Prepare (by discussing)
1. Set expectations for writing the forum
2. Provide tools (templates, advises, requirements)
3. communicate with people
4. promote those, mostly satisfying the community.

Supposedly, this may solve:
- Shortness and efficient structure of answer/reply.
- Updating wiki (if topics are well structured - will be easy to copy-Paste solutions.)
- Cleaning the forum

The key requirement seems to be - the questioning and answering templates.
E.g. - add message template
<[question] How to .... ?>
<Problem>
<Code sample>
<questions>
<*.zip - sample project attachment>

Answer Template
<[answer:]  How to .... ?>
<quote question>
<explanation>
<code sample>

As an example of what is harda bout forum: my effort to summarize this topic - lead to hardly extracting 4-5 suggestions. The rest is "explanations". And as Marcov said - // to be shertened "good idea"!!


Title: Re: About forum suggestions
Post by: Researching on November 14, 2018, 01:30:52 am
From the point of forum structuring for search:
There are obvious keywords: Unix, Windows, FreePascal.... etc. - which always give high relevance search results. It would be enough to add them in the name of topic.
But there are programming cases, techniques - which you can not even name the right way, unless you already know them. - this would be the right key for efficient categories.
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