Status of Chat

[DoxysTurtle]

Hello Everyone,

The purpose of this thread is to try to provide better communication to the members of our wonderful community about the plans regarding chat, and when any work currently goes on.

EDIT: Below is the current scheduled plan of things... I'd love to see input if people have strong opinions about the schedule, and will try to explain why it is, as it is.
EDIT2: Added Status Icons
EDIT3: Added Some more items to the unprioritzed /when we get to them list
EDIT4: Added additional items / descriptions
EDIT5(seraph0x): Backend Integration done
EDIT6(seraph0x): Colored messages
EDIT7(seraph0x): Room panel added
EDIT8: Update on XMPP client policy
EDIT9: Bugs Added and removed item 0
0) We've start having random crashes... In the logs we see a giant spike in server activity around certain clients connection (namely Empathy and a couple others). For now we're going to try for the next week July 29th - August 4th limiting the allowed clients to the following: Trillian, Spark, iChat and Candy (the link on Milovana). This policy may get reverted, but we're going to see what happens. Other clients will slowly be added back (with the exception of Empathy which has known XMPP bugs) and we'll see what happens. In addition some changes are getting made on the backend for memory allotment and database to see if we can figure out the source of the crash / sudden burst of server activity. Done! It's a server memory issue, switching databases on the backend fixed it mostly, though we may need to upgrade to a server with more memory

1) Milovana Integration (Backend): We haven't fully integrated with the user database. This is a chief issue, as it is the hold up to allow other people to use other XMPP clients to easily connect, allows our moderators to be able to better handle moderation and certain administrative tasks, and will solve the name bug DONE

2) Major Bug: Disconnect Issue: We haven't fully figured out the cause of this. We need to figure out the cause and it will remain near the top of the list until then, as a chat system that frequently disconnects users and requires them to reconnect is a huge usability issue. ie the revolving door

3) Rooms/Room Panel: We're all set up on the backend to have rooms. We haven't gotten to adding the room panel to chat quite yet, but it's the next on the list, as it's been a frequent request from people in chat that we add back the game room and other rooms. DONE, but I'd like to change to a tab instead of a popup.

4) Colors: Send and receive colored messages, and colored usernames! This module exists, and will get added in (probably alongside adding the other rooms). It should solve some of the drab issue. It will allow colored font, colored usernames, and a few other pieces of color. DONE, but we want to add more colors and make it compatible with other clients.

5) Milovana Integration (front end): We want there to be links to user profiles, and similar. We will be adding these ASAP (possibly before #4). See below about avatars and gender icons.... This is something that's easier to do and will get done, to tide some over for before the other... This is like the old dropbox from clicking on people's names... ALSO NAME CHANGES!!! We will probably bundle in the ability to change name here, as we think it's important people can get to the users forum name to know whom they are, and so don't want to enable name changes before here.

6) Inline Images (When a user posts URL to an image, the image will get rendered directly inside Chat aka hotlinking): This is next on the list because it's a feature that exists and simply isn't turned on currently, so adding it will be fairly simple... The ability to upload images directly, will take some time, as I need to code that.

7) Theme: Current chat is using the basic B&W theme that came with it. I'll be making a new theme, that will integrate to Milovana's look and feel and solve some of the drab complaint. This is going to take time, as I'll need to hand code it, and test it in various browsers It'll get updated to be a bit more colorful.

8) Fonts, Avatars, Colored Smileys and gender icons: I'm going to be coding up packages for all of them, and need to decide on opensource/gpl fonts and icon sets... I know they are wanted, but is a large amount of work time wise, so is lower on my list.

9) Directed Messages: This is something that will take a decent amount of coding, as it isn't natively at all provided by the APIs for either the backend or frontend of chat, and will require special coding so that those connecting from other XMPP clients get a proper experience as well as those connecting through the page on Milovana.

10) Timeago: Be able to see the time a message was posted previously in a fuzzy amount ie a few seconds, 2 minutes ago, etc... It's something included in the chat software, and that many might find convenient for when chat is slow. Is above #11 solely because I need to add one line of code to add it.

11) Message Arrival Notification Sound: So you can turn it on for PMs and Main chat, or either or none! (Shout out to Shell and Banquo for the suggestion!) This is going to take time, as I'll need to code up some extra pieces for it. It's doable, and will happen (and I'm open to moving it up)

12) Fix userlist stopping to update

13) Fix occasionally freezing and not updating chat or PMs

Thought of, unprioritized (ie below any of the above)
+ Status Icons for those connected to Chat from the webclient
+ Spell Checker: There is a spell checker we can enable to messages if people would like
+ Spontaenous Room Creation/MultiUser PMs ( http://www.milovana.com/forum/viewtopic ... 15#p120032 )
+ Bringing back webcams
+ Single Time CoC Message
+ IRC style chatbots!

[DoxysTurtle]

Today, Sunday June 17th, and tomorrow, June 18th, I will be finishing patching bugs related to international keyboards, characters, and issues causes by characters in some user-names. In addition I'll be finishing tracking down the Milovana integration issue (back-end ie #1) so that we can move forward on to features... Hopefully I'll find enough time to get both of these issues finished off.

[Banquo]

Thanks for all the info Turtle

[shell]

marks this, with my name, so that I can read it when I am more awake, tomorrow.

[Banquo]

11) Message Arrival Notification Sound: So you can turn it on for PMs and Main chat, or either or none! (Shout out to Shell and Banquo for the suggestion!) This is going to take time, as I'll need to code up some extra pieces for it. It's doable, and will happen (and I'm open to moving it up)

Thought of, unprioritized (ie below any of the above)
+ Spell Checker: There is a spell checker we can enable to messages if people would like
+ Spontaenous Room Creation/MultiUser PMs ( http://www.milovana.com/forum/viewtopic ... 15#p120032 )

The sound thing is probably the biggest problem re usability for me, as I explained in another thread. So I would rather this be done sooner rather than later.

As for spell checker if it is something that is already there fine, but I don't see the point in spending hours setting it up really. Language is a fluid thing and spelling is probably the least important aspect of it as far as I am concerned.

[DoxysTurtle]

11) Message Arrival Notification Sound: So you can turn it on for PMs and Main chat, or either or none! (Shout out to Shell and Banquo for the suggestion!) This is going to take time, as I'll need to code up some extra pieces for it. It's doable, and will happen (and I'm open to moving it up)

Thought of, unprioritized (ie below any of the above)
+ Spell Checker: There is a spell checker we can enable to messages if people would like
+ Spontaenous Room Creation/MultiUser PMs ( http://www.milovana.com/forum/viewtopic ... 15#p120032 )

The sound thing is probably the biggest problem re usability for me, as I explained in another thread. So I would rather this be done sooner rather than later.

As for spell checker if it is something that is already there fine, but I don't see the point in spending hours setting it up really. Language is a fluid thing and spelling is probably the least important aspect of it as far as I am concerned.

Sound is amongst the most complicated and least asked for is why it rated lower on the list... I'd happily move it up the list, but am not sure where it should go, as it will be very time consuming (probably equal to items 3-7 (or more) in terms of amount of time that it may take... I will let you know that when item #1 is done, you'll be able to use any other xmpp client (Spark, Trillian, etc...) that act like an instant messenger program, and will provide you with sound in the interim. If no one else provides feedback in terms of things I'd happily move it up to #8 on the list... I mainly have prioritized them off of how often I've seen people request / complain about things, along with the amount of time it will take me to get them done.

As for the spellcheck, a few have asked about it, so I'm considering implementing it or changing the coding so that firefox's / Chrome's built in spell checks properly work. It's not prioritized or on the list specifically because it's something that would be nice, but isn't something that will be worked on until everything with numbers is done.

[Banquo]

Ok Turtle, good luck with all the coding.

[shell]

Hello and Howdy! *smile*

Well, I have just read down through all of this and...........

Turtle....WOW! I knew there was a lot involved, but I didn't know how much.
Please except my deepest gratitude for all of the hard work you are putting into this. You are a inspiration to us all to give of ourselves, in every opportunity that we can. I am very proud to call you friend. *big smile*

Okay, so I will comment on stuffage...........

1) Milovana Integration (Backend):
Have no idea what this means....don't need to....*giggling*...that's what we got you for. *giggling more*

2) Major Bug: Disconnect Issue:
Yes, speaking as one who has been bumped off a lot....I can see how this needs top priority.

3) Rooms/Room Panel:
This is a "what ever" for me. I suppose that some would prefer I take my scenes to another room, instead of having them in the main room...*blushing*.....so....if we need it.....we need it. *Smile*

4) Colors:
YES! I miss my purdy purple font..... *giggling smile*

5) Milovana Integration (front end):
Yes, I can see how this is important. I'm not as concerned with the avatars, because I come from a chat site that we were able to make our own, and they were attached to every comment we made.
The gender icons....oh how I have missed those!!! I really like knowing if someone has a pussy or balls. *giggling*

6) Inline Images (When a user posts URL to an image, the image will get rendered directly inside Chat aka hotlinking):
If I understand this one correctly, this means that we can post images of beautiful babes bottoms, so that we can drive you crazy..........right??? *grin*

7) Theme:
This one....it sounds like you have to do this, to make #2 work better....or perhaps, hand in hand.....either way....you say it's gotta be done.....soooo it does. *Smile*

8) Fonts, Avatars, Colored Smileys and gender icons:
*warm smile* I know it's a lot of work.....but we have confidence in you...YOU CAN DO IT!!! *big smile*

9) Directed Messages:
Nope, not a clue on this one.....which is fine with me. *giggle*

10) Timeago:
Ahh....yeah, that might be nice to have. *Smile*

11) Message Arrival Notification Sound: So you can turn it on for PMs and Main chat, or either or none! (Shout out to Shell and Banquo for the suggestion!) This is going to take time, as I'll need to code up some extra pieces for it. It's doable, and will happen (and I'm open to moving it up)
I know that this is a biggie for my boy. I think I will figure out some kind of task for him to do, that involves sound, while you work through things, to get this up and running. *wicked smile* That will help take his mind off of things. *giggling*
I too miss this feature and will be happy when it is back. *warm smile*

Now as for these things....

Thought of, unprioritized (ie below any of the above)
+ Status Icons for those connected to Chat from the webclient
+ Spell Checker: There is a spell checker we can enable to messages if people would like
+ Spontaenous Room Creation/MultiUser PMs ( viewtopic.php?f=5&t=9015#p120032 )
+ Bringing back webcams
+ Single Time CoC Message
+ IRC style chatbots!

Most of it.....haven't a clue....EXCEPT for two things...the first....the web cams. Okay, I admit it....I have this little fetish about liking to watch someone on cam.....so sue me! *giggling*

And the other.....

Banguo wrote:

As for spell checker if it is something that is already there fine, but I don't see the point in spending hours setting it up really. Language is a fluid thing and spelling is probably the least important aspect of it as far as I am concerned.

You hush boy!!! *giggling* I have never had a spell check system for chat....and it has been on my Christmas list for about 10 years now....so you hush, or you are going to find a gag in your mouth. *winking and smiling*

I guess you know by now, Turtle, which is the other one, huh? *laughing*

Again...well done Turtle and thank you so much for working so hard on all of this!!! *big smile*

[DoxysTurtle]

I just wanted to say thank you Miss Shell for the kind words, and weighing in on things. I also wanted to respond to a few of your comments...

#2 along with any other new bugs are my top concerns. I'd rather delay features, than have people suffering with bugs, or worse yet, you constantly getting disconnected, and being unable to properly tease and torment others.

#5 will give you your beloved directed messaging like the old chat had, so it will say who you are speaking to (via a dropbox, and one that won't drop messages to main when people leave)

#7 doesn't need to be done, so much as many aren't fans of the sparse/naked feeling of black and white at present.

And am glad to hear someone else would love having spell check. It's a long way off, but it will be happening! (and as with all features, I plan to make a turnoff option for them... That way those who prefer more fluid language... Or those of us people enjoy tormenting with pictures, have an escape route)

[DellaRoss]

Banguo wrote:

As for spell checker if it is something that is already there fine, but I don't see the point in spending hours setting it up really. Language is a fluid thing and spelling is probably the least important aspect of it as far as I am concerned.

You hush boy!!! *giggling* I have never had a spell check system for chat....and it has been on my Christmas list for about 10 years now....so you hush, or you are going to find a gag in your mouth. *winking and smiling*

To be Fair i think the reason he ouild care less about the spell checker is b/c he enjoys my typos and likes to see hoe frustrated i get when my hands will not work work nicely with ADHD riddled brain

so as mush fun as you would have gagging him over it, i feel the need ot explain his reasons...... also he as freaking perfect typing. it is not fair!

But whoever siad life id fair is a liar
Della the Blackbird

[Seriously?]

I don't really have a lot to add here other than, as a web dev myself, I think Turtle has identified the appropriate order to roll-out new features and fixes. I don't recognize the chat software you're running, so I sadly don't have much to offer by way of experience but I do love that you went with a non-flash solution.

Keep up the good work!

[seraph0x]

Update: User database integration is up and working.

I've updated the top post accordinigly.

[les]

I can find the rooms and sign on with trillian on my laptop.
I can't do this on my xoom using trillian,
Even though I am signed on.
Any clues anybody please.

[seraph0x]

Colors are now available - it's one of the icons in the bottom right toolbar.

[Banquo]

You're really kicking this chat's butt today Seraph

Banquo