Folding Recognition

[Carnival Forces]

i know that images are disabled in the sigs, but i think that Kyle should make these forums recognize xENo's site (documented here: http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=773288) that takes the username of the folder, finds the points he/she has, and automatically puts out the image that corresponds. I think that'd be really cool if we could have that img in our sig, not only would it look cool, it would , i think, maybe unify the forum more; as newbies who might never venture to the DC forum would look at someone's post in the Vid Card forum who has like a rainbow in his sig and PM him/her about it...leading to more people folding...

 

[xphantg0d]

I dont know if the forum has the ability to selectively allow pictures. I do think that you should get more people involved in folding but this may not be the way to do it.

 

[Carnival Forces]

I dont know if the forum has the ability to selectively allow pictures. I do think that you should get more people involved in folding but this may not be the way to do it.

hmm, i'm sure if Kyle wanted to, vBulletin could code him something that would allow pictures only from xENo's website...

and why would this not be a good way to get people involved? sure, it might not be as good as talking to your friends, but it's still something.

 

[M11]

It would require some custom work, but would only clutter the forum. In all likelihood, the mozilla users would just block the images to clean up the clutter.

 

[lomn75]

In all likelihood, the mozilla users would just block the images to clean up the clutter.

Yep. People know about it. It's on the front page frequently. And I've already blocked it, because I tire of people who obsessively link it at the bottom of their posts.

//edit: but hey, I'm biased. I also turn off sigs. So don't take my opinion as that of the forum.

 

[Carnival Forces]

Yep. People know about it. It's on the front page frequently. And I've already blocked it, because I tire of people who obsessively link it at the bottom of their posts.

link what? http://folding.stanford.edu ?

i, too, am a mozilla person, and i wouldn't turn off the images


as for cluttering the forum, yeah, i guess it would, but it wouldn't be that bad..and it would be nothing compared to forums that allow for images in their sigs (i.e. those people who have 324x324 images in their sig that are bigger than their posts )

 

[lomn75]

hardfolding.com is the normal link, IIRC. That or a link to the DC forum. Anyway, I checked and 6 links in the past two months from the front page.

 

[M11]

as for cluttering the forum, yeah, i guess it would, but it wouldn't be that bad..and it would be nothing compared to forums that allow for images in their sigs (i.e. those people who have 324x324 images in their sig that are bigger than their posts )

images tend to be annoying when they are irrelevant to the thread or the post, of which the stat images would be. And I don't see how it would be much more encouraging than a text link or maybe an all forums announcement from kyle.

 

[lorcani]

images tend to be annoying when they are irrelevant to the thread or the post, of which the stat images would be. And I don't see how it would be much more encouraging than a text link or maybe an all forums announcement from kyle.

Here's an example of the size of the icon Carnival Forces is talking about:

.

Is that too big? I don't think so. Hell, if Kyle didn't want any pictures in signatures, the server wouldn't have smileys.

 

[xphantg0d]

Is that too big? I don't think so. Hell, if Kyle didn't want any pictures in signatures, the server wouldn't have smileys.

He allows smilies because they are small and there is a limit to how many you can use. Plus they are useful for conversations and to express emotion (hence the name "emoticons") While a picture at the bottom of every post would get annoying. I think many people would block it and if you want to get more people folding I think you should have an annoucement on Hardocp every now and then about it.

 

[lorcani]

While a picture at the bottom of every post would get annoying.

It's a signature. It has nothing to do with posts. Not only that, it benefits the [H] through increased participation. If I made my signature a mosaic of smileys (example, doh's signature [nothing against her, it's kind of cute]), no one would care, just as no one would care if I had my DC stats in there.

Seriously, I don't see how you can argue with this. None of these arguments make any sense.

 

[cruz610]

Allowing images in signatures will drastically increase needed bandwith, and with a forum of this size, its very rational that images are not allowed in sigs. For people on 56k that would be a major PITA. Granted, vB does have the option to browse posts without signatures and avatars, the added load it puts on the server would not justify enabling them.

 

[Carnival Forces]

Allowing images in signatures will drastically increase needed bandwith, and with a forum of this size, its very rational that images are not allowed in sigs. For people on 56k that would be a major PITA. Granted, vB does have the option to browse posts without signatures and avatars, the added load it puts on the server would not justify enabling them.

the [H] icon takes up less bandwith than that smiley in your sig.

 

[lomn75]

the [H] icon takes up less bandwith than that smiley in your sig.

I think it's a pretty minor amount of bandwidth either way, but the smiley is cached and the folding icons are not (I expect).

 

[Carnival Forces]

I think it's a pretty minor amount of bandwidth either way, but the smiley is cached and the folding icons are not (I expect).

cache the [H] icons. problem solved.

 

[lomn75]

cache the [H] icons. problem solved.

you can't. they're dynamically generated (unless xENo has some incredibly off-the-wall patchwork going, but I don't think that's the case). You can't even cache the icon if it appears twice on the same page.

//edit: that's where the bandwidth could come into play, I suppose.

 

[Carnival Forces]

you can't. they're dynamically generated (unless xENo has some incredibly off-the-wall patchwork going, but I don't think that's the case). You can't even cache the icon if it appears twice on the same page.

//edit: that's where the bandwidth could come into play, I suppose.

? Just cache each [H] icon, then, using xENo's script, they have to access one of the cache'd icons, once it's accessed, it's put on the page in the sig, and cached...

or for every user that folds, he/she has an icon that's cached that always displays in his/her siggy. In order to get to the next level of icon, the user must update his/her info w/ a proof from Stanford, so this way the [H] server only has to check Stanford when the user him/herself tells it to, b/c the user will know if he/she has broken a new limit...

 

[lomn75]

I don't think you understand how internet caching works.

xENo's script isn't linking to a literal image. the ".gif" on the end is just to fool VB. There's no actual image file for the browser to cache; it's loading up a ColdFusion page of indeterminite composition every time.

 

[Carnival Forces]

you're right, i'm kinda lost, i figured i could BS it, evidently, i couldn't

okay, so tell me why this wouldn't work:
the [H]forum server has each of the [H] icons stored on its HDD or w/e
when you register to become a user, if you have a F@H acct you can put it in, the [H] server then looks up your acct, gets your points (from http://folding.stanford.edu), and adds the appropriate [H] icon (we could do something retroactive now, for existing users who are Folders, or have it as an option you can toggle in the User CP or something)

when you advance a level, say from 5,000 to the next (10k, i think?), you have an option in the User CP to click, like, Re-Fetch My Score, or something. It does, and updates your sig automatically w/ the corresponding [H] icon.

would that be a huge strain on the servers?

as for fear of the Re-Fetch My Score being abused, well, search can be abused, clicking links can be abused, etc. etc. so i doubt abuse would be that big of a problem, since it isn't now...

 

[lorcani]

You know what? Why are we arguing this?

Just place it at the end of your post. Signatures won't pick it up because it's disabled.

 

[Carnival Forces]

b/c it's annoying to have to remember to post the link again and again

 

[lorcani]

b/c it's annoying to have to remember to post the link again and again

There's major opportunities for abuse with tags in the signatures. This is the only acceptable visual signature that you can have.

 

[lomn75]

To answer the caching question:

It's not in any way a question of how the server is rigged. Porting it to the [H] servers would be tricky for other reasons which are only tangentially related (CF vs PHP).

The problem is that the HTML code doesn't say <img src="username.gif">, but that it says <img src="page.cfm?username"> (with some syntax changes to fool VB, but that's the core of it).

That page.cfm is a script dynamically serving an image as the request comes in based on the username argument. However, it's the same page.cfm for every such folding icon. Further, the page.cfm is all the browser really sees for caching purposes. While the literal image is somewhere in your browser's cache, it can't be directly associated with the <img> tag (and given the above note on sharing page.cfm, it shouldn't be, as then you'd see one icon for everybody regardless of folding rank). Consequently it's gotta be sent every time.

Although, going back to what I mentioned several posts back, I'm not sure how significant an issue that would be on a per-page basis. The images are only ~1K.

Now, to address your proposed solution: yes, it could be done. Early in xENo's thread (where they deal with the VB dynamic image hack) there's mention of regularly creating actual images on a per-user basis. That would allow caching, though still not a terribly efficient version (might have 50 identical images with different user names, for instance).
Finally, yes, a manual system (like the "refetch" button) could be used to insert the correct non-name-specific image, and you'd then have caching at the same level as forum smilies. The tradeoff there is losing the automation. Additionally, some kind of programming would have to be done to either integrate VB with xENo's app, or porting the app into PHP to run it directly on the [H] servers.

//edit: longest post ever in this forum? Did I just set a record?

 

[cruz610]

There are a WHOLE HOST of problems that come with allowing dynamic images to be linked. Many of them open up giant security gaps in the software which is something that must be taken into account. Visit the vBulletin forums and you will see what I am talking about.
edit:
didnt read everything above, sorry!

 

[Koz]

You could put them on the left where the avatar would be and that wouldnt be particularly distracting, I dont know how bandwidth heavy they would be but I like the idea even though I don't fold.

 

[lorcani]

You could put them on the left where the avatar would be and that wouldnt be particularly distracting, I dont know how bandwidth heavy they would be but I like the idea even though I don't fold.

It would be nice if something like that could be done. However, you can put the picture at the end of your post, where it wouldn't be distracting anyway. That has been okay'd with CIWS who said it was okay with Kyle.

Seriously, who the hell is distracted by some 30 pixel by 30 pixel stationary image? I saw someone use one at the end of a post the other day, and it wasn't distracting at all. Plus, it serves to advertise [H]ard|Folding, so it encourages people to fold.

It really is a win-win situation. The only people who have an argument with it have already volunteered to block it. If you want to block it, go ahead, but don't fight others rights to have it.

//edit: longest post ever in this forum? Did I just set a record?

325 words. My "Forum Order" poll was something like 300, which was way longer than most. So, you may have the longest post.

 

[Deleted member 21895]

Not everyone can block the images, I don't use mozilla and I don't feel like starting, so why should I switch just to block an image that I already dont like?

I think in the even it does happen (which I don't think it should), it should match the color scheme so it doesn't stick out... the link to that single post that had those pictures looked really crappy and it did distract me from the actual post itself..

This forum is something special, so why degrade it to every other forum out there? If I want to slap an image on, there are tons of other forums out there but none of them have any value to them...

Essentially, adding those images to the bottom of your sigs is just comparing everyones penis to see who has the biggest one... I know about folding but I choose not to do it so why do I have to be reminded every other post I read? If you want to spread the word good for you, but make an announcement or something?

I guess my question is why? Don't say to spread the word because an announcement would have the same effect and I see folding questions and threads all the time here so its not as if nobody knows about it...

 

[Carnival Forces]

well, my answer WAS to spread the word...

and as to you comparing it to see" who has the bigger penis" , in a sense, yes it is (except not about penises, it's about folding ) it would spark competition. Why do you think there are post counts? B/c people see them and are like wow, i wish i had that many posts, maybe i should post more i.e. become more involved...

once again, this isn't a suggestion to allow ALL images in the sig, just the folding ones.

and no, not everyone on the [H] knows about it, why do you think (periodically) in the DC forum there are "hey, sounds cool" or "sign me up..." threads...oh wait, i guess you don't read the DC forum...

you shouldn't be forced to switch, but hey, M$ sucks, go bitch at them, not me.

 

[Ockie0107]

Why are you guys fighting about this? Why is it so BAD to have these small images on their posts?! Seriously, do any of you critics know how much work goes into folding to make HARD OCP look GOOD?

We're basically a hardocp marketing department.


I guess none of you wants to see hardocp suceed or you guys are from ocau I think hardforums can give back a little to say "thanks" because the hardfolding site we have doesn't get much attention.


Maybe they can limit image size to 2kb max for a gif image?

 

[Ockie0107]

Not everyone can block the images, I don't use mozilla and I don't feel like starting, so why should I switch just to block an image that I already dont like?

I think in the even it does happen (which I don't think it should), it should match the color scheme so it doesn't stick out... the link to that single post that had those pictures looked really crappy and it did distract me from the actual post itself..

This forum is something special, so why degrade it to every other forum out there? If I want to slap an image on, there are tons of other forums out there but none of them have any value to them...

Essentially, adding those images to the bottom of your sigs is just comparing everyones penis to see who has the biggest one... I know about folding but I choose not to do it so why do I have to be reminded every other post I read? If you want to spread the word good for you, but make an announcement or something?

I guess my question is why? Don't say to spread the word because an announcement would have the same effect and I see folding questions and threads all the time here so its not as if nobody knows about it...

Wanna know why?! Because folding MAKES hardocp look good.

PS. I come across many users each day that knows nothing about folding and they surf these forums all the time Also, if you care to check the distributed computing forum, you will see that there are many who stumbles on that link and ask "what is folding".

I quit folding for hardocp becuase of this, I had over 100Ghz of folding power It seems like hardocp doesn't care about the folders which is truly sad. I've also seen many good folks pass out of the hard ocp team because of this.

 

[Deleted member 21895]

Why do you think there are post counts? B/c people see them and are like wow, i wish i had that many posts, maybe i should post more i.e. become more involved...

Post counts were also moved from being under your name to being in your profile? Must be a reason for that too...

I will say im not against folding or anything, its not like I hate it or something. Its just that if I choose not to fold knowing its benefits and how it makes the forums look good (or as has been stated) I don't think I should be reminded every other post who folds and that I should join...

And yes, I have been in the dc forums thats why I said in one of my posts 'I see folding threads pretty often', or something along the lines of that... It seems like it would be a lot easier to fight for an announcement on folding as opposed to getting the images in your signature... I just dont think I should be subjected to this in every single last thread I see...

 

[Carnival Forces]

Well, if you have the right to not be subjected to it, I have the right to not not be subjected to it

and anyways, the reason I think post-counts were removed was because
1. The Titan had more than any admin/mod/superadmin, kind of a perception of power thing
2. (the main resion, IMHO) Having post counts encourages user to post more, yes. However, it doesn't encourage people to post more intelligent or useful posts, it just encourages them to post; regardless of spammy-like-qualities... It's a lot easier to spam post by just quoting someone, or posting "lol", and getting a point, than it is to post a post that's meaningful. However, this doesn't apply to F@H. You can't just spam back work units to F@H. Every point you get has been earned well and truly.

 

[Deleted member 21895]

Well, if you have the right to not be subjected to it, I have the right to not not be subjected to it

and anyways, the reason I think post-counts were removed was because
1. The Titan had more than any admin/mod/superadmin, kind of a perception of power thing
2. (the main resion, IMHO) Having post counts encourages user to post more, yes. However, it doesn't encourage people to post more intelligent or useful posts, it just encourages them to post; regardless of spammy-like-qualities... It's a lot easier to spam post by just quoting someone, or posting "lol", and getting a point, than it is to post a post that's meaningful. However, this doesn't apply to F@H. You can't just spam back work units to F@H. Every point you get has been earned well and truly.

lol


edit - oh, right, well the point of subjecting everyone to it against their will still exists Im all for an announcement and I have nothing against trying to make the [H] folding team grow, but I dont think it should be in a fascist state (is that spelled right?) to where everyone is subjected to it whether they like it or not, just to help out the hard forums...

The forums were never intended to make money as they have stated many times so I don't see a reason why to 'advertise' or make the forums look good? Whats the point? If its to gain acknowledgement to Hardocp.com I think its doing that plenty on its own...

 

[Ockie0107]

The forums were never intended to make money as they have stated many times so I don't see a reason why to 'advertise' or make the forums look good? Whats the point? If its to gain acknowledgement to Hardocp.com I think its doing that plenty on its own...

Then why have many forums? Why not have one large forum? Seriously, you don't think they are making any money from that massive banner at the top of these forums?

Besides, this is not about money, actually, it is about money, the money WE put into this project.

In case you haven't noticed, we are competing against OCAU, 2CPU, and all those large forums! We want HARDOCP to win. They encourage it and do many things to get thier users into folding, why shouldn't we?

You know what makes me sick? People who opposes these movements benifits from it when they find a cure for thier diseases or a cure for their dying granny with cancer.

 

[Carnival Forces]

lol


edit - oh, right, well the point of subjecting everyone to it against their will still exists Im all for an announcement and I have nothing against trying to make the [H] folding team grow, but I dont think it should be in a fascist state (is that spelled right?) to where everyone is subjected to it whether they like it or not, just to help out the hard forums...

okay:
1. I still have the right to not not be subjected to it if you have the right to not be subjected to it.
2. You did spell "fascist" correctly; however, you did not use it correctly:

fas·cist Audio pronunciation of "fascist" ( P ) Pronunciation Key (fshst)
n.

1. often Fascist An advocate or adherent of fascism.
2. A reactionary or dictatorial person.


adj.

1. often Fascist Of, advocating, or practicing fascism.
2. Fascist Of or relating to the regime of the Fascisti.

fas·cism Audio pronunciation of "fascism" ( P ) Pronunciation Key (fshzm)
n.

1. often Fascism
1. A system of government marked by centralization of authority under a dictator, stringent socioeconomic controls, suppression of the opposition through terror and censorship, and typically a policy of belligerent nationalism and racism.
2. A political philosophy or movement based on or advocating such a system of government.
2. Oppressive, dictatorial control.

In no way is encouraging charity "suppression of the opposition through terror" or a "policy of beliigerent nationalism and racism"
3. If you don't want to help out the [H]ard|Forums, what the hell are you doing here? That's the point of a forum, it's a community. We all pool our knowledge. We answer and ask questions and grow.

The forums were never intended to make money as they have stated many times so I don't see a reason why to 'advertise' or make the forums look good? Whats the point? If its to gain acknowledgement to Hardocp.com I think its doing that plenty on its own...

1. I call shens! Have you taken a look at the newegg ad lately?
2. The point, is to stop terminal diseases like Alzheimer's..Cystic Fibrosis..Cancer..BSE..Inherited Emphysema. Did you know? 50% of the babies who are born w/ Cystic Fibrosis (one is born every 16 2/3 days) will die by the age of 2? Those who manage to make it past will be subject to continual lung infections and nutrition deficiencies and intestinal complications. No one should be subjected to that kind of a life; everyone deserves the right to live normally.
That is why we Fold.

 

[Ockie0107]

I'm not even gonna add anything more ... carnival forces pretty much owned j00

If you don't like it, then get out of here.