Just an observation

[Chad Huber]

Hiya all....And a tip of the hat to Mr. Steve for all the recent hacks to the board, it gets better everyday!

Anyway, now for my observation... when viewing the "Who's Online" stats, it shows Guests v. Members...BUT it only works if you (a member) have already either posted or edited a message during that particular visit to the Optiboard.
To be more specific, apparently you have to have done something that requires a login before the "Board" knows that you are here. I gave this a try a few minutes ago and I was a "guest" until I posted something, even though I'd been reading posts for 30 mins. (I'm a slow reader :)

Just an observation.....and thought I might give Steve another hacking idea to keep him up a few nights and get him yelled at by his better half...lol

Chad "If I'm gonna get yelled at by my wife, I wanna know I'm not alone" Huber

[JRS]

I too noticed that. I think the reason we show as 'registered' after we post is because we "log on". Originally there was a icon (button) that asked if you wanted your name/password stored. Can't find that anymore. Now, if I want to be seen as a registered person, but not needing to post, I log on via the 'edit profile' screen.

[Steve Machol]

Chad,

You have it partially right. The Board has no way of knowing who you are until you've either: (a) 'logged in' by posting, or (b) have your cookies set to automatically log you in every time you access the Board. I'm guessing that most members are choosing not to store their cookies as per the option under 'preferences'.

Another thing that can affect this is the way you configure your browser handle cookies. If you have your browser set to block cookies, then there's no way the Board will know who you are until you log in.

JR,

You can change the way your name/password is storde via the 'preferences' link.

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Steve
OptiBoard Administrator

[JRS]

Steve, my system is set to store cookies (enabled) and also in the preference table. Yet I'm still a visitor unless I physically log in or post.

[Steve Machol]

Originally posted by JRS:
Steve, my system is set to store cookies (enabled) and also in the preference table. Yet I'm still a visitor unless I physically log in or post.

What browser are you using? There's been reports of some problems with cookies using Netscape. In fact, I use Netscape 4.72 and had problems earlier.

You can try to clear your cookies in 'preferences' to see in that helps. It didn't in my case and I ended up removing the cookies.txt file. This fixed the problem and my name now shows up anytime I enter the Board.

Other than that - there's not really much I can recommend. I've noticed in the UBB support forums that problems with cookies are a common complaint. It looks like they'll improve the cookie handling routines in the next upgrade (rumored to be this September or October.)

Note that the "Online" feature is a 'hack' and is not supported by the software manufacturer.


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Steve
OptiBoard Administrator

[JRS]

When I came on this time all is swell. Maybe I just needed to clear and re-submit. Thanks for the response Steve.