[RESOLVED] buddylists

[drivenbywhat]

I know what buddylists are but I don't see how they can be used on these forums. For example, when I log on to the site, it doesn't tell me if someone in my buddylist is online as well. Also, when I want to PM one of those buddies, the PM section doesn't have a "add recepient" button to add those buddies. So unless I'm not aware of some special trick, I think the buddylist feature should either be improved to add the mentioned suggestions or be gotten rid of.

[brad jones]

The Buddy List is a built-in feature of the forum software that we use. Changes to it should be suggested to vBulletin.

Brad!

[penagate]

In addition to that, you can see whether any of your 'buddies' are online by going to Quick Links|Open Buddy List.

[JPnyc]

If anyone on you buddy list is online, a + sign appears next to their name.

[RobDog888]

And if you open your buddy list you can select which member(s) to send a pm to.

[drivenbywhat]

Well, I doubt I would have anyone at vBulletin respond to me since I am not the one paying for their service. So someone here who has access to that account should suggest things to them.

Thanks for the tip on quick links > open buddy list. I still think there should be a "add recepient" link in the private message section of the site. It just makes sense.

Well, thanks for the replies.

[si_the_geek]

Well, I doubt I would have anyone at vBulletin respond to me since I am not the one paying for their service. So someone here who has access to that account should suggest things to them.

Actually as an end user, you are a much better than "the one who pays"... as you are more likely to find/understand the issue, and make better suggestions.

If somebody else asks for you (or other members), they will need to act as a go-between (asking you any questions that are asked by the vBulletin people, then relaying your answer), which at best would slow the process down.

I doubt vBulletin would care that you aren't directly a customer, as they will want improvements to their software - because it tempts new customers, and pleases existing ones.

[penagate]

Its been suggested to vBulletin in the past. If it makes it into the software, it will probably be in version 4.0

[RobDog888]

Well, I doubt I would have anyone at vBulletin respond to me since I am not the one paying for their service. So someone here who has access to that account should suggest things to them.

Thanks for the tip on quick links > open buddy list. I still think there should be a "add recepient" link in the private message section of the site. It just makes sense.

Well, thanks for the replies.

One of the newer versions of vBulletin does have a similar feature but it only pops up after you have sucessfully typed in the members name, like a verification of spelling. Probably wont get anything like an "add member" picklist as how would you limit the members showing in some list when you have thousands? Its not feasible. The buddy list is the solution.

[drivenbywhat]

The new version doesn't sound like much of an improvement. If you have to type the name, then it defeats the purpose. Also, one of my main reasons for asking for an add recepient is because I don't remember most of the names. So having to type one would be difficult.

As far as limiting the amount of people that show up in the "add recepient" link, why should they be limited? It's just like an email address book. When you click the TO link to bring up your contacts, it doesn't limit you to just a few people when you contacts list can contain 100s of email addresses. That's why I'm saying the buddylist should pop up when you click the "add recepient" link. Although the quick links > open buddy list does this sort of thing, I'm just saying, wouldn't it make sense that the PM section have a link to show your buddies in that same page and not have to go to an external one?

When I get around to it, I'll email vBulletin and see if they respond.

[penagate]

Rob's talking about 3.6. The next major version is 4.0 which I understand to be well under way.
If you want to suggest it to vBulletin then the best way is to post here—vBulletin Suggestions and Feedback—but as I say it's already been suggested and noted.

[RobDog888]

I'm just saying, wouldn't it make sense that the PM section have a link to show your buddies in that same page and not have to go to an external one?

Yes, there sort of is this feature already available with The "Quick links" link at the top right of the navigation bar. When you click it a second window popups so you can select your desired "contact" and pm that user with the name already filled in. You just need to add the members to your buddy list first as you come across them.

[drivenbywhat]

@ RobDog888 - yes, I just tried your tip but there's still a downside to it. If you have already typed your message and then click the SHOW BUDDY LIST & select the users to PM, it reloads the current window with the users but your message is gone

[RobDog888]

Yes, that is true that is thinks you want a new pm to start in compose mode and navigates to newpm page. If you either copy your pm text before you can restore it with a paste but if you add the member from the buddy list first your good to go.

[drivenbywhat]

Yeah, I guess I'll have to add the users beforehand. It's a good thing I did a test first or I would be a bit peeve if my message disappered. Well, I guess we can't have everything we want. Thanks again.