Strange Behavior on MY PF - Bug or Database Issue?

  • Thread starter Thread starter DataGG
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AI Thread Summary
A user reports a potential bug in the "MY PF" feature, where thread titles do not consistently reflect new replies after revisiting the page. This issue seems related to thread read cookies and has persisted since a software upgrade over a year ago. Concerns arise about the possibility of losing the database during future upgrades, with assurances from administrators that the database will be preserved. The discussion also highlights frustrations with the tone of responses from the admin, suggesting a need for improved communication with members. Overall, the thread emphasizes the importance of addressing these technical issues and maintaining member trust during software updates.
DataGG
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Hey,

So, there's something happening that might be a bug. The answer is probably "we can't fix it", but ya, I think I should report it either way.

If I go to MY PF and there are threads in my subscribed threads that have new replies, the thread title will be bold and an "N" will be placed after the title.

Until now everything's fine. I click on the topic and read it. Go to MY PF again and it no longer has the "N" nor is it bold.

However, if I close the browser and go to "MY PF" again, it'll appear bold and with the "N", even though no new posts have been added since the last time I visited it.
 
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Greg Bernhardt said:
Indeed, just something goofy with the thread read cookies.

And can you fix it? It pisses me off a little bit..
 
I have also seen the bug described by DataGG but it doesn't bother me since I don't close my browser that often. On the server side, it still appears that you're tracking the last visit such that those bolded, visited links go away after a certain amount of time.

Greg, if it helps, whenever I use the back button to return to MyPF or search results, I have to reload the page in order for my visited pages to not be bolded. The site didn't previously do that. It seemed to start after an upgrade over a year ago. And, for all I know, it could have been due a browser upgrade. As a programmer, I understand how low something like this falls on the priority list... :-p
 
DataGG said:
And can you fix it? It pisses me off a little bit..

I'm sorry you are frustrated. We tentatively plan on upgrading the software next year.
 
Greg Bernhardt said:
I'm sorry you are frustrated. We tentatively plan on upgrading the software next year.

Is PF going to lose the database?
 
DataGG said:
Is PF going to lose the database?

Do we look THAT stupid?
 
Borek said:
Do we look THAT stupid?

I asked a question, which to me seems to be perfectly valid. No idea where you're coming from..

As far as I know, when changing forum software (for example vbulletin to ipboard) one cannot keep the database, but I don't know much so that's why I asked.

But ya, whatever, I apologize for making a question.
 
Do you really, really think that anyone would switch to a different software if it would mean losing 630k threads and 4.5M posts collected over 11 years?
 
  • #10
Well, we did loose the database before Borek, when upgrading to new software. Greg put the database on a CD and I think I received one. I once searched for it, but unfortunately couldn't find it. Do you still have it Greg? :biggrin:
 
  • #11
Monique said:
Well, we did loose the database before Borek, when upgrading to new software.

I am not talking about software that was on the market 13 years ago, when the very idea of the internet forum was quite new. I am not talking about small forum and an inexperienced admin (sorry Greg :-p). I am not talking about accidents - it happens. I am also not talking about panic mode situations - other forum I am administering lost large part of the database when we were forced to move to another provider (and the previous one proved to be a jerk).

I am talking about today and about planned upgrades of a huge, professionally run site as todays' PF definitely is (all hail Greg :-p).
 
  • #12
Just don't imply that the question is stupid and not worth asking. I myself was under the impression that the reason PF is not running the latest software is because of database issues.

The railway company in the Netherlands switched to electronic tickets and a ticket I used to buy went up in price from 1,70 to 25,00. Of course the company claims the price stayed the same and the technological advancement is for the good of the customers. I'm always for asking questions and not assuming anything.
 
  • #13
The administrator response was extremely rude. The poster had a valid question. No need to scare members from the site.
 
  • #14
Not rude. I thought it was a good response. :mad:
 
  • #15
dlgoff said:
Not rude. I thought it was a good response. :mad:

I think answering a question with a question and an attitude, twice, is rude. Borek could have answered with "You are right for your concern, we'd never upgrade if the database would be lost.". Exactly the point where PF could improve its attitude to members.
 
Last edited:
  • #16
DataGG said:
Is PF going to lose the database?

Have no fear, the database will be preserved. Just a couple weeks ago I even did a test import and it went smoothly. But as I said, we don't plan on moving/upgrading platforms any sooner than next summer. A lot of preparations will need to take place. It will be a big project.

Monique said:
Well, we did loose the database before Borek, when upgrading to new software. Greg put the database on a CD and I think I received one. I once searched for it, but unfortunately couldn't find it. Do you still have it Greg? :biggrin:

I do still have the CD for PF1 :) For a few years I put them online, not sure if you saw :)
 
  • #17
Monique said:
Exactly the point where PF could improve its attitude to members.
Sorry. I don't see it that way.
 
  • #18
dlgoff said:
Sorry. I don't see it that way.

Borek claims: "professionally run site as todays' PF definitely is".
His answer as an admin is FAR from professional. I like Borek a lot, but it just needs to be said.
 
Last edited:
  • #19
Greg Bernhardt said:
I do still have the CD for PF1 :) For a few years I put them online, not sure if you saw :)
If there's ever a chance to get another copy I'd like to have one :smile:
 
  • #20
Monique said:
If there's ever a chance to get another copy I'd like to have one :smile:

This could be arranged :)
 
  • #21
Monique said:
Just don't imply that the question is stupid and not worth asking. I myself was under the impression that the reason PF is not running the latest software is because of database issues.
Converting the main data (posts, threads, private messages, user settings, ...) is easy, vBulletin provides tools for that where it is not a simple 1:1 copy. Converting things added by Greg can be more problematic.
 

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