Midlife Crisis: Support for Left Behind Spouses

Archives => Archived Topics => Topic started by: Rollercoasterider on August 13, 2018, 09:49:15 AM

Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Rollercoasterider on August 13, 2018, 09:49:15 AM
Right now I am and have been for the past 30 minutes or so been working on the colors for the mobile theme. This is different because this particular theme allows me to change colors in the back-end, whereas most do not have that option and I have to change the code directly.

I've been using some of the colors from the multicolor theme--rather than the slightly brighter greens from my brand colors. This is why you have been seeing some mixed colors. It takes about two minutes for each change to repopulate and then I have to see what it changed--so I have 3 windows open--the original multicolor in another browser, the board index and the backend.

I have the site background, the headers (some background strips--called category background I think) and the Header. I also changed the font to Verdana on the two places it allows...but don't see it. I want the header color a bit lighter and would like that color to continue--replacing the medium blue background overlaying the wider background (which I set as light purple--matching the main site).

I need to get going though--I'm doing this while the kids are creating fun chaos around me! ;) But I do want anyone on the mobile theme to have the more calming green background--since most, like me, prefer that. It's just a quick fix and I have not figure out all of it. There are also annoying bursts of blue between posts I did not figure out the other day. The backend color changes are limited.
It does appear that you should now be able to change your theme in your profile again though--I am logged in in the other browser as one of my test users and I was able to change it--profile--look and layout there is a tiny link next to current theme.



previous thread
https://mlcforum.theherosspouse.com/index.php?topic=9893.0
Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Thunder on August 13, 2018, 09:52:01 AM
Back to normal for me too.

 "Happy Dance."

Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Silver on August 13, 2018, 09:58:16 AM
Back to normal for me too.

 "Happy Dance."

Let's dance like maniacs before she changes them again!

(sorry I was so enthusiastic that I started to edit your post first instead of quoting ;D)
Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Rollercoasterider on August 13, 2018, 10:05:19 AM
Maybe it was Sir Osis.

I was just changing something else and when I refreshed I was on multicolor.
I will check to see what the default. I will then change mine to the mobile--when we can choose our theme it is like using a test site because I can select the mobile and make changes to it while you guys can still use multicolor..and aren't I supposed to be going?
I need to get 5 little ones ready for a Costco outing!

I was just changing the last color for now anyway. After that I really want to do it without you guys seeing the weird changes because I am down to a couple that I am not sure what/where they do/are and so I may choose some luridly bright test color at first so I can find the changes. I did that with this awful bright pink on the test forum and it is so weird...I only see the bright pink for a fraction of a second as I refresh. :o
Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Sir Osis on August 13, 2018, 10:08:48 AM
I'll read through all your posts soon as I get a chance, but one thing I'm not getting is how you were seeing 'the old version' on phones.  Curve Multi Color, which was your original theme for a long time (green theme by default, with selectable color variants), is not a responsive theme, it should display the same on mobile as it does on pc, so you have to zoom everything up to read/post/pm, etc.  That's how my forums look/work on mobile.  The changes started a few days ago when RCR was working with mobile-desktop, a responsive theme that is supposed to look different on phones, and be easier to work with.  That's the theme you're looking at now.  I installed a clean copy last night, and it's really not that bad, but she's once again made some changes which have changed the fonts (face and size), and made it look awful.  We also tried a responsive curve mod, which adds mobile features to Curve, but it doesn't work very well.

If everyone was happy with the old theme (non-responsive Curve MC), and no one was complaining about using it on phones, then there would have been no reason to make any changes.  If you want a theme that's responsive for easier use on mobiles, then it'll take a bit of work to find and customize one that'll work for everyone.  Mobile themes are something of a horror show because of all the variations in devices, compounded by the usual differences in personal preferences.

I've just now set everyone back to Curve MC, and uninstalled responsive Curve mod, so everything should be as it was.


@RCR - if you want to continue working with mobile-desktop, you can select it for your own use in Profile -> Look and Layout, I can do the same if you need assistance.  All other members will remain in Curve MC.
Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Rollercoasterider on August 13, 2018, 10:36:56 AM
Actually I have not done anything to the font size attribute; I only changed to Verdana which interestingly it looks like is the first option which I thought meant would be the default and was not. So I switched from comic sans (yuck) to Verdana and it is naturally bigger. I just now switched to Arial to see if that is better. But I am the only one on this theme--which is good for now.

I did not realize that there are now two of the mobile-desktop themes installed--the one I had started with that used my brand colors no one liked and then today I thought it was just a clean install and the other was gone, I began trying the more subdued multicolor greens. I think it is better. But colors or not, the theme is still giving people problems which means it won't work. It's nice for me right now though because I can still use it to test colors while everyone else continues on curve mc.

The test forum can only take me so far--with all the posts and users there is more for me to see when I make changes here.
Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Acorn on August 13, 2018, 10:57:16 AM
Yay, I can read posts without a magnifying glass on my tablet now!
Did anyone say the original is usually the best?
Thanks to whomever that fixed the problem.
Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: serenity on August 13, 2018, 11:23:15 AM
Thank you - it’s back to normal now!

I can read it and use it as normal! Hallelujah

X
Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Sir Osis on August 13, 2018, 07:51:50 PM
I have mobile-desktop running here (http://www.thekrashsite.com/smf20/), currently out-of-box.  It's not a bad theme, and the mobile view is better than responsive curve, which has a basically unuseable main menu, which for some reason isn't displayed on this forum (I have it working elsewhere).  Not going to waste time with it.  If I can get out from under, I'll tinker with mobile-desktop tonight.  The code is very strange, so it'll take a while to find things.

@RCR - I'll do the menu buttons for you now.  The mobile-desktop you were working on when I got here is in /mobile-desktop.sav/.

Buttons are up.  You can rename or move them around in /Sources/Subs.php.


Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Anjae on August 13, 2018, 07:52:40 PM
If everyone was happy with the old theme (non-responsive Curve MC), and no one was complaining about using it on phones, then there would have been no reason to make any changes.

As RCR explained, the changes were because of Google responsiveness. Don't think anyone was complaining of the old/usual/normal theme. And I don't think people were asked if they were or weren't happy with it.

If you want a theme that's responsive for easier use on mobiles, then it'll take a bit of work to find and customize one that'll work for everyone. 

It is RCR that wants/needs the responsice theme. None of us, maybe aside from you, were aware of the responsiveness issue until RCR mentioned it. Even those of us who are a bit techie don't come here thinking about those matters. We only want the board to be readable and working.

Mobile themes are something of a horror show because of all the variations in devices, compounded by the usual differences in personal preferences.

Indeed, mobile themes are a horror show. The personal preferences also aply to computer (or tablet) users. Gmail will soon be chaning again, but, as always, will allow for the use of its classic theme, that is the one I use with a personalized colour.

RCR, shinny/bright colours are a problem regardless of the colour. They tire and hurt the eyes and make things difficult. For people to remain on a site/spend time on a site, the site must be comfortable to the eyes (and head, some tones and shades and light intensity cause some people terrible headaches).

The more mate soft grey-green (the original multi-colour) is comfortable and does not tire the eyes.

Also to remember that, like Ursa said, some colours are not good to be seen at night because they affect sleep. It was the case of the blue themes.

Can you create a mirror board, with all the users and features, but have it on a different url, or on a beta/experimental page? That way you wouldn't have to be testing on the real board, rather on the replica.

I have mobile-desktop running here (http://www.thekrashsite.com/smf20/), currently out-of-box.

Whatever that thing is, it looks pretty much like all the other blue designs. It hurt the eyes, is too bright, weird small font, etc. If you are going to do new tries, please find a away of leaving the option to revert to curve multi-colour if we so wish.
Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: serenity on August 13, 2018, 10:16:05 PM
Why has the site changed again? It was working fine yesterday and back to normal and now it’s all weird again!

What’s going on?

Just want a site that’s easy to use!
Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Sir Osis on August 13, 2018, 10:41:45 PM
It hasn't changed, you should be seeing the old theme (Curve Multi Color - green), just like it was before.
Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Sir Osis on August 13, 2018, 11:41:08 PM
@RCR - Did some tinkering with mobile-desktop here (http://www.thekrashsite.com/smf20/index.php).  Not finished, but it's the general idea.  I'm working in FF61 responsive design mode, what's it look like on phones?

Also fixed the menu problem in responsive Curve.  What were the objections to that theme?  It doesn't change the current theme on pc, only mobile.  (It's not currently installed.)

Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: UrsaMajor on August 14, 2018, 12:21:24 AM
@RCR - Did some tinkering with mobile-desktop here (http://www.thekrashsite.com/smf20/index.php).  Not finished, but it's the general idea.  I'm working in FF61 responsive design mode, what's it look like on phones?

OK, I am on Android 8 and using Chrome on an Honor9 phone. The design on the Krashsite test is cool... the colors are easy to deal with, easy on the eyes (the green is muted and not "in your face" glaring), the font is quite legible and easy to read. the screen in both horizontal and vertical modes resizes correctly with the screen boundaries in width determining the page width. Pictures reize nicely. The theme is very responsive on my phone but then again, I log in directly and not via a Web Search over Google plus I have 64GB onboard RAM and 64 additional in an SD card so I am NOT memory limited...

For the mobile side, that is a theme that is quite acceptable in my eyes.

On the PC side, the return to the old color scheme is MUCH easier to read over time and the font is fine (no more comic sans! YEAH!) in terms of face and pitch....

Thanks RCR and Sir Osis for all the work and tinkering. The idea of the test site where us users can look before publishing it to the real world is a VERY good one....

(https://media.giphy.com/media/3o6fJcU0p2feU9b7zO/giphy.gif)
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Mitzpah on August 14, 2018, 04:01:58 AM
FWIW,

The site is working fine for me on the PC and phone - no problems at all :)
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Rollercoasterider on August 14, 2018, 09:43:57 AM
Heading to fair 90 minute drive each way--day out with the adorables. So gone all day.

Thank you so much Sir Osis. That test site is especially nice.

Everyone, check out that test site as Ursa did and let us know if those colors are okay--I tried to use the base colors from our original theme.

Test Site (http://www.thekrashsite.com/smf20/index.php)

And Sir Osis, let me know if I am understanding you... non mobile users will be able to default to the mobile theme and PC users to the original theme?
Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Sir Osis on August 14, 2018, 03:36:19 PM
If you install a responsive theme or mod, it's supposed to show the user the appropriate format for the device they're using.  PC users will see pc view, mobile users will see mobile view, they cannot choose which view they see on their device.  That's why it's called responsive, it automatically adjusts to viewing device.  If we reinstall responsive Curve mod in Curve MC, mobile users see the mobile format.  (I've done some tinkering with it and corrected the nav problem.)  PC users will continue to see what they've been seeing all along, there won't be any change.  The mod converts Curve MC from non-responsive to responsive.  Mobile-desktop is a responsive theme, mobile format is built in. 

From the many comments posted, it seems that most members have been very happy with Curve MC, whether using pc or mobile.  If your major reason for going responsive is seo, I believe it's possible to show Google responsive Curve MC, while keeping everyone else on current non-responsive theme.  We can have two versions, guests (and Google) see responsive, members don't unless they opt to select it in profile.  Don't think it can be done in ACP, but a simple database edit should do it.  I'll try it on test install soon as I get a chance.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Rollercoasterider on August 27, 2018, 10:38:19 PM
Sorry for the delay everyone. But I did want to give you a break from all the chaotic design testing  ;) and school is now starting--this week and next and I've got a peach tree that just finished and another ready to harvest. I am up to my ears in peaches and now the plums are about to be ready!

It turned out that changing the colors--slightly was easier than I thought--no coding, though that confused me at first since I'm more used to going to CSS and making changes than to images still don't know how it works! I made changes at a test site and then created a new theme based on the default theme we all love. I used the main colors, but not all of them--there are 10-20 different greens, many that seem almost the same--in the original. I just scaled down and used a few. I also changed the orange fonts to a maroon because I just don't like orange and I think the Header fonts are now a dark purple and some buttons are a little different. I also made the stickied topics at the top of the board have light purple backgrounds instead of the original pink. Honestly, as I look at what I can see now of the theme while typing, I can barely tell the difference (since I've scrolled beyond the Header). I am hoping it just feels natural to you.
This is not responsive, but as Siro Osis said, the responsive mod can help with that...
Sir Osis, I don't want to install the mod without checking with you that we should be safe--no clashes with other mods? I also really need to get my adsense mod (or a different one than I used before) installed again and am nervous that something will break.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the colors I am using in the new theme--I don't want to make it default without feedback, but may do that so everyone can see it (temporarily while awaiting feedback) if no one manually goes in and tries it out. This theme should only be different by a few color changes--but no layout changes, missing or additional features--though a header that is like the main site.

To view the theme go to your profile, then look and layout. The first thing in Look and Layout is Current Theme with a change link next to it in a smaller font. This will show you alist, find HS_ multicolor, I think it is the last in the list.

Then post here with your opinions.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Rollercoasterider on August 28, 2018, 07:12:03 AM
To add...
One thing I don't know how to fix is the menu buttons above. They are now going through the border line between two colors and that is annoying. There might be a fixing the css--it often has a placement attribute of so many pixels from the top or something like that, I just haven't found it. Sir Osis, do you know?
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: OldPilot on August 28, 2018, 07:32:37 AM
To add...
One thing I don't know how to fix is the menu buttons above. They are now going through the border line between two colors and that is annoying.

Its funny - I dont have that issue.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Rollercoasterider on August 28, 2018, 08:45:08 AM
To add...
One thing I don't know how to fix is the menu buttons above. They are now going through the border line between two colors and that is annoying.

Its funny - I dont have that issue.
Good to know, I had wondered because I did not have that problem in some browsers in the test site--but I think that was when I was logged in and then it went away when I logged in, but now in Chrome I have the problem when logged in, but I thought it had been okay in Chrome for awhile too. Weird
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Rollercoasterider on August 28, 2018, 08:56:52 AM
Now in Internet Explorer...

The location of the menu is the same--through the border...BUT that is when I have the Welcome showing--Hello, show unread posts, show new replies, date/time--four lines next to mini logo. When I click the up/down arrow by the search box I can hide the welcome cluster and the menu moves up.

Hmm, that little arrow is white and does not show up very well...I need to make find out where to make it darker...maybe one of the darker greens.
Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Sir Osis on August 29, 2018, 09:38:31 PM
Just having a look.  The upshrink image is called in index.template.php -

Code: [Select]

// the upshrink image, right-floated
echo '
<img id="upshrink" src="', $settings['images_url'], '/upshrink.png" alt="*" title="', $txt['upshrink_description'], '" style="display: none;" />';


It's in Themes/Curve_Multi_Color/images/.

Main menu looks normal to me in IE11.  Header image is overflowing right.  Responsive curve mod will likely be a problem.  It's designed to work only with default Curve, I can fix some of the glitches in Curve MC, but probably not all, especially with a lot of mods running.  The best responsive theme I've worked with so far (I've only recently started messing with this) is mobile-desktop.  Some mods have been updated to work with responsive themes, some haven't, you just have to try them.  Best thing to do is to finalize whichever new theme you want to use, then we can try modding it for mobile.


Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Sir Osis on August 30, 2018, 03:05:21 PM
Was thinking about this after I got off last night, it's really not clear to me what you're trying to accomplish.  Everyone here seems to prefer Curve MC green, and the themes you've been working on look basically the same.  If the only goal is to make the theme responsive, it would be pretty simple to recolor default Curve same as MC green.  If you apply the changes to your current default Curve install, there would be no need to uninstall/reinstall mods, as you'd have to do with a new theme, and you can use responsive Curve mod, which is designed to work with default Curve.  If there are problems with some mods, you'll have to deal with that in any theme you use.  It would be the easiest way to retain your current look and make it responsive.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Rollercoasterider on August 31, 2018, 10:16:31 PM
OMG, Why hadn't I thought of that?

I think we all seem to prefer the green and when I chose MC I chose it because I liked the green option more than any other theme I found. Thanks. I will look into this.
Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Sir Osis on September 01, 2018, 08:51:55 PM
Here (http://www.thekrashsite.com/smf20/) is default Curve running with MC green images and css.  Just takes a few minutes to do.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Treasur on September 09, 2018, 03:34:25 AM
Can you lock my old thread but unlock my new one please? Thank you
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Silver on September 09, 2018, 04:38:02 AM
Can you lock my old thread but unlock my new one please? Thank you

Should be ok now
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Not Applicable on January 16, 2019, 10:21:27 AM
I have a question about PMs. I have sent PMs and checked the box to send my outgoing messages. But I can't find the outgoing messages anywhere. Can someone tell me the URL for the outbox? Thanks!
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: OldPilot on January 16, 2019, 11:14:24 AM
I have a question about PMs. I have sent PMs and checked the box to send my outgoing messages. But I can't find the outgoing messages anywhere. Can someone tell me the URL for the outbox? Thanks!
I just sent you a PM.
It would be located in the sent items folder.
Their is no URL that I know of.

I checked your profile and it is set up to save the outgoing messages.

For others - make sure the box below the PM is checked when you send out a PM.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: serenity on January 16, 2019, 11:16:40 AM
I think the reason this happens is if you leave it too long before you send your message off
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Rollercoasterider on April 07, 2019, 02:51:26 PM
YES, I did it. RCR has messed something up again. Really all I was doing was adding new mentor ID badges in ftp--something I've done tons of times before and I was doing last night too--with no issues. I had to go to bed before I got them in all the themes, so continued this afternoon.

Now most of the menu is gone and the buttons to do things like post are unlabeled. If anyone is wondering I think it's the first button at the top of a thread or post on the right side--I got it by just clicking on that one and hoping!
To submit it is the first rectangle button at the bottom left of the post typing box--preview is the 2nd (middle) button at the bottom right.

I can't get to admin functions--or don't know if that menu button is available without a label. Can't approve posts.
Oh and if you post, you may be confused. I just posted this basic message at the mod board first and after selecting the supposed submit button it took me to a page with the header and stuff, but nothing else. Ugh, did my pots disappear? Nope, fortunately, the forum menu button is still there as are the breadcrumb links at the top showing which board and thread you are in. I selected the board, it took me to a normal looking board (without those menu buttons) and showed the post I had just created. So we can post, it just feels weird.

Going now to the smf help board to post this problem.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Rollercoasterider on April 07, 2019, 04:41:23 PM
Are you guys able to see the menus? It might be specific to a certain theme, but I tried to look on another browser with my test account and it seemed the problem was there too...but I was unable to look up the theme since I couldn't get to the profile.

Technically it should only be the theme where I was uploading as I imagine a single action caused the problem--which should not have happened given what I was doing! I think I might have made some typo during the process.

But let me know if you can see everything without a problem.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Anjae on April 07, 2019, 04:49:58 PM
Not really. I can only see "MLC Home Blog Forum". The post button, etc. also do not show. There are three vertical bars where it used to be and each thread page number do not show, just a green small square, etc.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Rollercoasterider on April 07, 2019, 04:55:10 PM
Thanks. Too bad, but that does confirm my own experience. Thanks
Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Sir Osis on April 07, 2019, 09:16:05 PM
/Themes/default was damaged, uploaded backup from 8-11-18, switched all users to Curve, damaged files are in /default.sav.  You have several variants of Curve MC, don't know which you were running, but they should be ok.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Rollercoasterider on April 07, 2019, 09:50:44 PM
/Themes/default was damaged, uploaded backup from 8-11-18, switched all users to Curve, damaged files are in /default.sav.  You have several variants of Curve MC, don't know which you were running, but they should be ok.

Well it at least makes sense that the problem was in themes since that was where I was uploading to wit ftp.

I was uploading the files and had also been looking at what was there with the idea of deleting those that aren't being used at all.
I redesigned the theme back in Aug/Sept and then set the original as the default since people were upset. I kept working on the theme and I think I have a design I like and to me it seems simple enough regarding the differences, but have been nervous to set it as the default since people were so upset last time. I had not yet done anything with the themes--removing or changing default. That was my next step when this happened.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Anjae on April 07, 2019, 10:10:02 PM


The theme seems similar, but the colours are too bright and shinny, as it has happened before. The colours before the problem were more matte. This ones make my eyes hurt and reading quite difficult. The font is also different, slimmer and the black is not as dark as before.

There are also different colours in several parts of the forum, fonts, buttons, etc. that were not there before and a few other layout issues.

The previous time something was done to lessen the brightness and have the font back to normal. 


Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Sir Osis on April 08, 2019, 09:04:26 AM
This is default Curve theme, restored in the interest of damage control.  Custom themes share most files from Curve, if it's broken they all break.  Whichever custom theme you were running can probably be restored and will run correctly.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Anjae on April 08, 2019, 09:21:01 AM
I had the previous green theme, the not shinning one. Now the board has blue tones, still too bright and shinny and the tiny slim font. I don't see how to restore it back to the one I had. Where can I find it?


Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Sir Osis on April 08, 2019, 09:30:28 AM
I can change it for everyone, but don't know which you were using and would rather leave that to RCR.  You can select a different theme for yourself in Profile -> Look and Layout.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Anjae on April 08, 2019, 09:47:35 AM
Thank you, Sir Osis.

Curve Multi Color, which was your original theme for a long time (green theme by default, with selectable color variants)

This one, I think, since it is the one mentioned when the forum changed last time, and then we were allowed to change back.

However, I do not see any Curve Multi Color theme in Profile -> Look and Layout. . Only Forum/Board Default, Alienine's set, Aaron's set, Akyhne's set, Aaron and Akyhne.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: OldPilot on April 08, 2019, 10:25:54 AM
Thank you, Sir Osis.

Curve Multi Color, which was your original theme for a long time (green theme by default, with selectable color variants)

This one, I think, since it is the one mentioned when the forum changed last time, and then we were allowed to change back.

However, I do not see any Curve Multi Color theme in Profile -> Look and Layout. . Only Forum/Board Default, Alienine's set, Aaron's set, Akyhne's set, Aaron and Akyhne.
Click on where it says change and select curve multi color
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: serenity on April 08, 2019, 10:32:12 AM
I’m having real problems with the site!

I can’t even log out!

Not sure what to do or whether it will be fixed your end?!?

X
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Anjae on April 08, 2019, 10:34:21 AM
Thanks, OP. Done.

Yesterday several of the features did not show, and today, after Sir Osis post, I also still couldn't see several things. Now it seems to be better.


Serenity, now I mostly see the forum fixed. Maybe it depends of browser/device? I am using Chrome on a laptop.


Oh, heck, when I log out I don't see the option I choose, but the blue bright one with slim letters.  :( "Can the Curve Multi Color, original theme for a long time (green theme by default, with selectable color variants)" be brought back?
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: OldPilot on April 08, 2019, 10:38:34 AM
I’m having real problems with the site!

I can’t even log out!

Not sure what to do or whether it will be fixed your end?!?

X
I changed your theme - did that help?
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: serenity on April 08, 2019, 10:50:08 AM
Hello to D who kindly messaged me...

I can’t even respond to messages! I can’t find any way to fix this from my end!

So although I’m permanently logged in there’s really very little I can to participate on the site until this problem is resolved! I’m on my I phone which is the only way I use the site

x
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Helpingme! on April 08, 2019, 11:24:04 AM
I can't see messages. I can't logout either.
If a MOD can log me out. Please, log me out, lol
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: OldPilot on April 08, 2019, 12:09:13 PM
I can't see messages. I can't logout either.
If a MOD can log me out. Please, log me out, lol

I do not think we (mods) have the capability to do that.

I did change the entire forum to curve multi color, I am not sure if that will help anyone or not but at least the color will be green.

The forum seems to be working from a desktop computer for me.
It does not work as well from my phone, and to be honest never has.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Thunder on April 08, 2019, 12:14:09 PM
Everything looks good here, OP.  Color is back to normal too.

Watcher had issues too but used his tablet and it was fine.
Thanks Serenity that be me.   :)
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Anjae on April 08, 2019, 12:23:04 PM
I did change the entire forum to curve multi color, I am not sure if that will help anyone or not but at least the color will be green.


Thank you. My eyes are grateful.  :) No more shinny colours and slim letters when logged-off.  :)

All seem to be working fine now from a desktop.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: serenity on April 08, 2019, 12:29:52 PM
It’s still mostly unusable for me.

All I can do is post on latest posts!

The colour is wrong and I can’t log out or do anything!

I think we had a similar problem not that long ago when some updates were done to the site!

X
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Anjae on April 08, 2019, 12:48:07 PM
I think we had a similar problem not that long ago when some updates were done to the site!

We did, but OP set the board back to its normal theme and colours. The one that existed before yesterday's problem.

Maybe you need to log-out and re-start your browser?


Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Rollercoasterider on April 08, 2019, 12:56:35 PM
Sir Osis

Thank you so much!

Most things seem okay for me. I have used the new design theme since last Fall because it is what matches the main site. I seem to be back to it which is good, but I worked on it over several weeks and so may have made some continuing revisions after when this backup was made...but have not noticed. The menu buttons that went to the main-home and blog are no longer there, but those are the least of my worries.

So I have since gone back and added the new mentor ID badge again--no issues with that. I also need to re-add Silver's and it is not showing up in my current theme. I finally added it by uploading in cpanel (is that bad?) and it is still not refreshing to show the badge. Is it a cookie sort of thing?

What has been giving me a problem is sometimes when I try to get into my admin area (and perhaps others if I try) it says my session is timed out or a similar error. After a few tries and maybe a minute or so I get in. But every time I go into a little panic wondering if this will be the time it won't let me in at all.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: serenity on April 08, 2019, 01:04:56 PM
Hi Anjae,

I can’t log out unfortunately! There is no where on my screen for me to do this! I managed to log in but now I’m stuck here!

Everything is too big for my screen and it’s a blue/grey colour!

All options to do anything don’t exist on my screen

X
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Thunder on April 08, 2019, 01:08:05 PM
Anjae she can't log off.
Neither could Watcher or Why us.

Maybe someone can log Serenity off.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Thunder on April 08, 2019, 01:08:35 PM
Oops.   ;)
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Rollercoasterider on April 08, 2019, 01:14:16 PM
Hi Anjae,

I can’t log out unfortunately! There is no where on my screen for me to do this! I managed to log in but now I’m stuck here!

Everything is too big for my screen and it’s a blue/grey colour!

All options to do anything don’t exist on my screen

X
Do things look different now?
I just switched your theme to the HS multicolor variant green as a test. It's what I'm on. Maybe the menu will show up.

Before this all went to pot yesterday my new design--final version was something like smf default and what most were using was forum default. I had changed the smf default to my design--just color changes I think, though Sir Osis had added the menu for all our themes.

I had a few versions as I was working and so this one I'm on now may have been a bit earlier version--only because I know it was not what I was using yesterday. But it appears almost the same.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Anjae on April 08, 2019, 01:17:37 PM
Serenity, try turning your phone off, really off. Then turning it on again and re-open the broser. If you know clean all the browser history as well. 
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Helpingme! on April 08, 2019, 01:18:56 PM
All looks good now
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: serenity on April 08, 2019, 01:46:09 PM
Thank you RCR,

It’s gone back to normal size although the colour is still odd but at least I can now do everything again now.

Many thanks

X
Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Sir Osis on April 08, 2019, 06:40:19 PM
I do not think we (mods) have the capability to do that.

Login is maintained by cookie on user's computer/mobile device.  No one here can remove it.  If your browser is in privacy mode (it should be), closing it will delete cookie, else you have to manually delete history to get rid of it.

The menu buttons that went to the main-home and blog are no longer there

You should see them in Curve MC.

Quote
I also need to re-add Silver's and it is not showing up in my current theme.

That's usually caused by caching.  You can clear forum cache in Admin -> Forum Maintenance.  You can also clear your browser cache, or use different browser.  If server is doing any caching, images can be very persistent.

Quote
I finally added it by uploading in cpanel (is that bad?) and it is still not refreshing to show the badge. Is it a cookie sort of thing?

Uploading with cpanel filemanager is no different from ftp.  Nothing to do with cookies.

Quote
What has been giving me a problem is sometimes when I try to get into my admin area (and perhaps others if I try) it says my session is timed out or a similar error.

That's probably a server issue.  Hasn't happened to me.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Acorn on June 15, 2019, 09:34:37 AM
Disclosure: I am a tech-dummy.

It’s taking ages to open anything on HS right now.
Slower than a tortoise.
I’m not having any trouble with other websites. 
Is anyone else having the same problem?
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Acorn on June 15, 2019, 10:35:44 AM
Well, what da ya know, it’s back to normal speed.
Apparently, the solution was to ‘complain’ about it. 
Who knew?!  ;D
Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Sir Osis on June 15, 2019, 01:31:17 PM
Getting really slow page loads, 500 error on first login attempt.  Contact host support, this is a server issue.

You're currently running in php 7.2.19, logging a lot of errors (currently 16,506,635 in log, you're logging over a half million per day).  Your _log_errors table in database must be enormous.  SMF 2.0.15 supports up to php 7.1, you need to downgrade to 7.1 in cpanel (I no longer have access).  Don't think that's causing lag, but doesn't help.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Acorn on June 15, 2019, 01:53:23 PM
Thank you SO, though I have no idea what you are talking about. 
Will ask my kids. 
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Sir Osis on June 15, 2019, 02:02:18 PM
RCR will know (if your kids don't ;)), hopefully she'll be back on today before it gets any worse.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Thunder on June 15, 2019, 06:10:04 PM
Thanks Sir Osis,

I did notice the slowness today too but it seems better now.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Rollercoasterider on June 15, 2019, 11:19:26 PM
Sorry, I might have an idea...
I've been working to switch the blog to the same host as the forum. I first rebuilt it because I couldn't migrate it--the host was unresponsive and the backups corrupt. So I now have the blog ready and am attempting to take backups with a plugin and they are aborting--just one area, I've got enough, it is only plugins that are not backing up and since it is rebuilt I can just reinstall them and spend a few extra hours with some things I already recreated, but I am working with tech support for the plugin to avoid that.

That may be straining the resources.
I made a mistake when installing the blog to recreate it. One of those silly things--sometimes the cursor jumps and the wrong things gets clicked...well that happened. I was trying to install wordpress in a folder called test and instead selected the main root domain. this forum is in a folder off that root--another reason for possible backup issues--it was backing up too much stuff. i've been working with tech support for the last few days--a few hours each night and some mornings on online chat.

I think I'm at the end. Chat hit a wall and needed to send my issue to additional support and they will email me. I'm hoping for a response tomorrow or since it's a weekend, maybe Monday. Once that is resolved I may have the blog back up quickly. Some pieces won;'t work yet. I need to reconnect all the subsription stuff--which I learned has not worked for months! UGH

But I am so excited that the blog is almost ready to be functional again. It's been a nightmare off-and-on for over a year. I've changed the colors slightly--just switched to a green that is more muted and matches the theme I use here for continuity.

Some things here are not working right now either. There are some images that I use here that are stored at the blog and those are not working and should be fixed once it is located at the correct url. The theme I use has a header there. Most are not on it now, but once things are settled I need to switch it to the default theme, as that was my intention for it.

Happy Father's Day!
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Rollercoasterider on June 15, 2019, 11:20:28 PM
Forgot to add... I just changed the php to 7.1.
Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Sir Osis on June 16, 2019, 07:44:07 PM
Forum is still lagging badly at times, it's intermittent, page loads slower than yesterday.  Deprecated errors stopped around 02:08 forum time, guessing that's when you downgraded to php 7.1.  I've cleared forum error log and server error_log in /forum.  Your error_log in root is almost 2.5 gb, that's awesome.  Don't have anything that will load a file that size, but wouldn't be surprised if Wordpress is generating all those errors.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Rollercoasterider on June 18, 2019, 10:12:14 AM
It should be done!
I have uploaded all of the blog backups. I just did the last one which had the media files and expected it to slow down everything for hours and lock me out of all sites and it did not! It went smoothly and frankly, I am rather surprised.

The blog is up and running, but some little pieces still need to be connected. The n=sign up forms at all sites for the blog are not yet connected, so no one can sign up, but I will work on that tonight and each night this week until I get it done.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Anon on November 05, 2019, 08:35:43 PM
I just spent the last 20 minutes or so crafting a well thought out response to a member.  Hit the POST button and instead of posting I’m taken to the login page as my 60 minutes ran out.    I log in and hope to see my post but I do not.  It’s gone.   Browser back then forward, nope it’s not there.  I haven’t the energy to redraft that reply and I’m ticked about it!  WHY, can the login page delete my reply before posting?  Why can’t it be held in abeyance while I log in?  Why isn’t there a warning to copy the reply before proceeding?  Something,,anything,,other than losing a reply than took more than a moment to write.   Argh 😖
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: UrsaMajor on November 06, 2019, 02:36:09 AM
I just spent the last 20 minutes or so crafting a well thought out response to a member.  Hit the POST button and instead of posting I’m taken to the login page as my 60 minutes ran out.    I log in and hope to see my post but I do not.  It’s gone.   Browser back then forward, nope it’s not there.  I haven’t the energy to redraft that reply and I’m ticked about it!  WHY, can the login page delete my reply before posting?  Why can’t it be held in abeyance while I log in?  Why isn’t there a warning to copy the reply before proceeding?  Something,,anything,,other than losing a reply than took more than a moment to write.   Argh 😖

Anon, when you are automatically logged out, anything that you have not committed is automatically wiped as there is no cache or auto-Save of drafts. What you might want to consider is setting the duration of your login longer to avoid the issue.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: MyBrainIsBroken on November 06, 2019, 05:38:40 AM
Anon, I copy everything because I post or even preview. It's a good habit to get into. It's saved me lots of times.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Thunder on November 06, 2019, 07:30:57 AM
I've learned to do the same, MB.
Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Sir Osis on November 06, 2019, 08:12:56 AM
Can modify login so that all logins are forever, cookies will not expire.  Do that on all my forums.  Let me know if you want it done here.

I do all long posts in text editor and copy to forum.  SMF 2.1 has a draft feature, which allows you to save drafts as you work, but you still have to remember to do it.  2.1 is still in RC, not ready for production forums.

Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Thunder on November 06, 2019, 08:23:02 AM
Sir Osis, I have a question.

When I reply to someone, the spell check no longer works.  Is it just me?
Anyone else have that problem?
Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: OldPilot on November 06, 2019, 08:44:39 AM
Can modify login so that all logins are forever, cookies will not expire.  Do that on all my forums.  Let me know if you want it done here.

I do all long posts in text editor and copy to forum.  SMF 2.1 has a draft feature, which allows you to save drafts as you work, but you still have to remember to do it.  2.1 is still in RC, not ready for production forums.

I think that is a good idea - I say do it.
Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Sir Osis on November 06, 2019, 08:49:59 AM
When I reply to someone, the spell check no longer works.  Is it just me?

Have never used spellcheck, I'll look into it.  Was it working for you previously?


Can modify login so that all logins are forever, cookies will not expire.  Do that on all my forums.  Let me know if you want it done here.

I think that is a good idea - I say do it.

Will take care of it tonight.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Thunder on November 06, 2019, 05:42:40 PM
No spell check has not worked for quite awhile.
Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Sir Osis on November 06, 2019, 06:31:05 PM
Does same thing on clean test install, opens blank window.  Posted the question in SMF support, will see if anyone responds.
Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Sir Osis on November 06, 2019, 06:35:43 PM
Can modify login so that all logins are forever, cookies will not expire.  Do that on all my forums.  Let me know if you want it done here.

I think that is a good idea - I say do it.

Ok, header login, main menu login, guest login, admin login (maint mode) will all login forever, options for cookielength have been removed.  Members can logout from main menu, or clear browser history, otherwise login should stick.
Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: OldPilot on November 07, 2019, 06:20:13 AM
Can modify login so that all logins are forever, cookies will not expire.  Do that on all my forums.  Let me know if you want it done here.

I think that is a good idea - I say do it.

Ok, header login, main menu login, guest login, admin login (maint mode) will all login forever, options for cookielength have been removed.  Members can logout from main menu, or clear browser history, otherwise login should stick.

Thank you.
Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Sir Osis on November 10, 2019, 02:26:20 PM
No spell check has not worked for quite awhile.

Ok, this is what I have.  Spellcheck doesn't work on my server, it opens empty window.  Host support tells me all necessary packages are installed on the server and pspell PHP module is enabled, but it won't work without dictionary files.  Dictionary files can't be set up on shared server, would need a VPS/dedicated server.  If spellcheck worked here previously, then stopped, something must have changed server side.  You'd have to take this up with your host.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Thunder on November 10, 2019, 03:14:36 PM
Thank you Sir Osis,

Yes it did work before, not sure when it stopped working.  It's been awhile.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Rollercoasterider on November 13, 2019, 01:34:00 PM
Thank You Sir Osis

Can you tell us how to save as a draft?

I used to have a mod for saving unpublished posts, but I don't even see it in the package list anymore, but if it is a default feature, I guess it's not necesssary to have a mod anyway.

I did switch packages with the host a few months ago--early Summer. Sort of the same host, but I think a different umbrella of the company. That may be what's going on with spell-check. I don't think it ever really worked for me--or I just never knew what I was doing  ;). I use grammarly and it sort of helps. Sort of--it recommended that not necessary above be changed to necessary; um wouldn't that change the meaning to the opposite of what I intended... ::).

Sir Osis, another weird thing I noticed recently and I am betting it goes back to the package switch. In my smf packages--mods--list all are listed as not installed, but they are and have been working  ???. I noticed this when I uploaded a new mod. So to just test it out, I installed the topic starter mod and so now there are two icons next to the topic starter's post on a thread!
There could be some in that list that are really not installed, but how can I even tell? I don't want to go installing anymore and having them doubled.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: xyzcf on November 29, 2019, 06:48:35 PM
Vety slow and hard to connect to
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Thunder on November 30, 2019, 02:05:59 AM
This is the msg I keep getting:

Connection Problems
Sorry, SMF was unable to connect to the database. This may be caused by the server being busy. Please try again later.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Thunder on December 01, 2019, 11:48:19 AM
Others are having system problems too.  It's been for like 2/3 days now.

Can you please look at this?
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: lawprofessor on December 02, 2019, 04:19:25 AM
Welcome to about day 4 of terrible connection problems, slow service, lost posts etc with no update as to what is going on. 
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Treasur on December 02, 2019, 06:29:40 AM
This is the msg I keep getting:

Connection Problems
Sorry, SMF was unable to connect to the database. This may be caused by the server being busy. Please try again later.

Same. Very very slow.
Or doesn't load at all.
Or can't post. Or strangely posts when it says it can't.
Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Sir Osis on December 19, 2019, 02:44:09 PM
In the neighborhood, stopped in to see how's things.  Looks like forum isn't sending topic notifications.  You're logging a lot of errors again, over 800k in forum log for 30 days, lot of database errors.  Server log is almost 2.5 GB (yes, that's gigabytes).  Don't have anything that will open a file that size, I'll delete it and see what's currently being logged.  Will take a look at the database if my access is still good.

Can't get into cpanel, login info is ng.
Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Sir Osis on December 19, 2019, 03:05:51 PM
RCR, sorry I missed this, am not receiving topic notifications.  Looks like more than a few things broke when you changed host package.  Would like to look at your database but don't have access.  Can you pm cpanel url/user/pw?


Can you tell us how to save as a draft?

I used to have a mod for saving unpublished posts, but I don't even see it in the package list anymore, but if it is a default feature, I guess it's not necesssary to have a mod anyway.

Not a core feature in 2.0.  There's a drafts mod, never used it -  https://custom.simplemachines.org/mods/index.php?mod=1264.  Wouldn't install any mods until things are straightened out here.

Quote
I did switch packages with the host a few months ago--early Summer. Sort of the same host, but I think a different umbrella of the company.

Would help to know exactly what was done.

Quote
In my smf packages--mods--list all are listed as not installed, but they are and have been working

May be related to server move.  Not a good idea to install a mod that's already installed, can result in duplicate code that can cause problems.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Thunder on January 02, 2020, 01:42:00 PM
I think possibly the site has been down most of the day.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: gman242 on January 03, 2020, 05:10:31 PM
It's been out for a week down yonder  ;. I even confirmed that with downornot.com. said it had been down a least a week. Glad were all back!
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: OldPilot on January 04, 2020, 05:09:14 AM
Yes we finally got back up last night.
Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Sir Osis on January 04, 2020, 07:58:58 PM
Miserable Users mod is logging 8-10 errors per minute, keeping the server busy and slowing things down.  Should be uninstalled.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Marchingforward on January 17, 2020, 01:16:52 PM
Are others having an issue seeing their Sent messages?
Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Sir Osis on January 17, 2020, 05:54:51 PM
You have to check the option in Profile -> Personal Messaging.  Default is unchecked, sent messages are not saved.  Don't know why it's like that, I'll change it for everyone so messages are saved.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Airmid on January 22, 2020, 08:59:14 AM
Not able to see sent messages. 

My Messages > Read your messages > Choose "sent messages" from left column > click on a particular message that was sent  > website returns me to the front page of "inbox"
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Acorn on January 22, 2020, 09:38:05 AM
Same problem. 
You can still read sent messages by scrolling down below the list of sent messages. 
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Thunder on January 22, 2020, 09:58:56 AM
Yes same here.  Something is not working properly.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: OldPilot on January 22, 2020, 10:36:58 AM
Its working for me, when I get to that page the messages are below, just scroll down.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: marvin4242 on January 22, 2020, 02:21:37 PM
I don't see it either, there is no list of "sent messages" as some of you see. I only have the inbox, if I select messages I only get inbox and there is no sent message of any kind. And I do check and have them sent, but there is no place where I can get to see the sent list, only the inbox ones.

Edit: found it! To be explicit when in messages hover on the "Messages" orange item (leftmost item) in the list, a drop down appears, then you can choose "sent messages." Took me a while! Me not so smart....
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Thunder on January 23, 2020, 05:57:02 AM
Nope, my "sent messages" does not appear, only "messages."
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: UrsaMajor on January 27, 2020, 06:01:27 AM
Something is definitely off this morning...

I was getting error (HTTP 522)  messages from CloudFare Brussels since I am in Europe) this morning that the server hosting the Forum seemed to be bogged down or not answering requests in a timely manner. I also saw errors relating to an expired ICANN Domain validation (the validation was not completed n the allotted time frame).

Once I was able to log in, I see that Acorns thread is getting about 3-4 hits/views per SECOND and I doubt seriously that there are 25K people interested in her thread so it is either a bot that is trolling through the web site and has gotten stuck or something else that is racking up the view counter on her thread. It is looking to be on the order of up to 4000 views per hour....

I suspect that there is some server process or thread that has lost the connection to the kernel and has gone rogue but, without real access to the OS, I can't validate that suspicion....
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Acorn on January 27, 2020, 06:08:18 AM
Thanks, UM. 
I have posted the following on my thread:

Can someone explain to me what’s going on with the view numbers?

I hope this problem can be rectified ASAP. 

I also noticed the unusual leap in the ‘guests’ numbers. I could be wrong there and I just have a memory problem. 
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: UrsaMajor on January 27, 2020, 06:39:53 AM
I jut pulled some statistics that I can see and, starting on the 3rd of January, we see a statistically huge jump in the number of views. On January 4th, we experienced another 3-fold increase in the number of page views. Those inflated numbers have been pretty steady since with some days reaching 50,000 views.   Something is seriously wrong here because there are only currently about 300 users (247 Guests) online.... there is no way a human could be producing these numbers of views....

Date                                   Page Views
2020-01-02   0   4   0   18   753
2020-01-03   2   36   0   191   4591
2020-01-04   2   88   1   328   12056

2020-01-05   2   106   0   420   11665
2020-01-06   3   101   2   415   11540
2020-01-07   1   87   0   270   10649
2020-01-08   0   102   0   254   11578
2020-01-09   1   100   0   331   40090
2020-01-10   0   124   1   253   11891
2020-01-11   0   76   0   290   10567
2020-01-12   0   60   1   273   11337
2020-01-13   0   119   1   291   19324
2020-01-14   2   116   1   319   17861
2020-01-15   0   70   0   349   13165
2020-01-16   0   84   0   384   20679
2020-01-17   2   136   0   394   18809
2020-01-18   2   93   1   332   15309
2020-01-19   1   100   2   452   22027
2020-01-20   0   80   0   482   31536
2020-01-21   0   100   0   460   27901
2020-01-22   2   104   0   515   33161
2020-01-23   2   77   0   432   44838
2020-01-24   0   54   1   513   23075
2020-01-25   0   64   0   315   26532
2020-01-26   0   45   0   433   51173
2020-01-27   0   26   0   337   8274
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: AlvinTheMaker on January 27, 2020, 09:15:39 AM
Ursa and other admin team....  Just something that might explain part of the load (but not php/page view related)

Ezoic seems to be loading two tracking pixels (https://mlcforum.theherosspouse.com/detroitchicago/greenoaks.gif and https://mlcforum.theherosspouse.com/detroitchicago/greenoaks.gif) from the server about once every second - even if the user is not doing anything.   For example while I have typed this, those two files have been loaded about 200 times  :o.  Also hitting like crazy the Analytics tracking pixel.... So 300 online users, 2 loads per second, 3600 hits per minute - apparently each one one with unique querystring (meaning it is not cached)

You can test/see it pretty easily (if using desktop/laptop).... Go on any page on HS, open browser developer tools (CTRL+SHIFT+J on keyboard, or from top menu), and then head to Network-tab.

Alvin
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: xyzcf on January 27, 2020, 09:20:01 AM
I wondered if it is possibly related to this Ezoic issue.

My concern, is it possible that Heros Spouse is showing up on random people's ad's outside of our community...or that Acorn's name or thread is somehow being sent out and is being looked at by people who are not members.

Sorry, but this whole thing is disturbing. I am now getting very inappropriate messages in my email. I did goggle this weekend something from a jewelry company and those ads are now showing up on my HS page for what I was looking at..so in my mind, this Ezoic has access to when I goggle something and is placing an ad here on HS....not happy with that.


Quote
Possibly having a poll or two on topic would be a good idea....

I think that enough people have expressed their reasons why this is causing several issues and that the content is triggering some members. So much is just not appropriate for this site.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Rollercoasterider on January 27, 2020, 09:47:55 AM
Quote from: from Ezoic website on my dashboard
Ezoic experienced a backend issue between Ezoic and Cloudflare that affected a number of sites for approximately 60 & 150 minutes starting at approximately 2:00am Pacific Time. This issue is now resolved for most visitors around the world but could take as long as 12 hours to fully propagate for some users.
I first saw a proble when I checked my email and saw jetpack from the blog had notified me the blog was down early this moring. Then I looked here and read this thread. Then I went to Ezoic--I am going to try and set the forum to no ads by just removing the placements. But first I saw this.
Still want to set it to no ads. Funny thing is I'm hardly ever seeing them anymore--for a few days. I'm still researching adsmanager and the paid upgrade of it as well. Sorry, but the forum income from ads is typically significantly more than the blog and main site and I am really trying to get some projects going.

Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Rollercoasterider on January 27, 2020, 09:53:59 AM
A few days ago Ezoic--at my direction--set placeholder ads the wereonly for the foum and others only for the blog. There were only two for the blog. I just removed them and I think this should mean there are no places listed for ads to go here. It may take awhile for any changes to be detected--or not.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Acorn on January 27, 2020, 09:58:39 AM
Thank you, RCR.

What I would like to know is what’s going on with the view numbers on my personal thread. 
According to UM, the view number problem is not present in other threads. 

As XYZ said, it is rather disturbing for me, too. 
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: lawprofessor on January 27, 2020, 11:46:18 AM
I as well find this very disturbing.

While I understand the need to make money, and pay off student loans, I do not see that this has to outweigh the safety and privacy of the members.   

What is worse almost is the lack of information/explanation as to what's going on.  When we signed up for this forum we were not told tracking pixels and the like would be added to our devices.  Now it's a fait accomple with the explanation that one has to make money for other projects.  Great for you, but what about the impact on my privacy?  Where are the assurances that that is protected?

Will ads for HS be included in the pool of ads that is apparently tied to my Google activity and social media for example?  From what I can tell, the answer is yes?

Lp
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Acorn on January 27, 2020, 12:04:13 PM
but what about the impact on my privacy?  Where are the assurances that that is protected?

This is exactly my concern.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: AlvinTheMaker on January 27, 2020, 12:42:00 PM
I do not see that this has to outweigh the safety and privacy of the members.   

I think a lot of people are mixing concepts, as well as not understanding how technology behind the whole internet) works ...

Do people notice the address of this forum starts https... It means all connection between your device and forum is heavily encrypted. There is no way advertisers could get any personal details of your activity here any more than your ISP (internet service provider).

Tracking pixels, cookies,  localstorage... Are basically just systems to collect and pass anonymous data on your behaviour with ads. Again, none of these cannot access your private data on HS (or on your device).

The whole web browser security system is based on idea of sandboxes. Every domain lives in separate sandbox. Webpages in different sandbox cannot read sensitive data from/of other sandboxes unless specifically allowed (and it always requires both domains/sandboxes to consent). That is why ads we all see have no clue on any of the sensitive information that HS uses and provides.

And yes, Big Brother (Google, Facebook etc.) watching over everything that happens online...is true to extend. But that process is running on AI (artificial intelligance)-like systems handling totally anonymous data (there is legislation that disallows tech companies from connecting specific types of information unless there is very clear consent from user). So all of it is very different than people might imagine.

What rcr is doing is nothing unusual, it is not risking anyone's security or privacy or safety... This is how all of internet works. 24/7/365...everytime you visit youtube, check your email, look for recipe, shop gifts for family... All of what I wrote above, and much more, happens.

I hope all of the above eases up some of the fears people have....I have been building Internet for profession over 20 years, and if I thought there was anything to be worried, I would have made sure there was hell of a lot more noise.

Alvin
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Acorn on January 27, 2020, 12:45:48 PM
Please forgive my ignorance, Alvin.

What if there was a data breach?  That happens, does it not?
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: lawprofessor on January 27, 2020, 01:40:50 PM
Thank you Alvin, I still have a couple questions.

It's not really anonymous data they are collecting if it targets ads according to my interests is it?  Otherwise how would they know my interests and where to send my targeted ads?

And in that vein, I have several close friends and colleagues involved with me on social media.  How is it that their interests/recent searches pop up in my ads?  It's my understanding that since we have common interests and are connected a bunch of ways, if one of them searches for something AI thinks these other like people might share that interest so it's offered.  What's to stop HS from popping up there? 

Third, no one has explained why the numbers on Acorn's thread were spinning exponentially but seeming stopped when it was taken off?

Is HS advertising in the same pool of ads that are being drawn from and shown to us?

Were our email addresses sold?  Is that the phishing emails people are getting a result?

Should I be concerned that my violent ex husband who's sister I'm still social media friends with, and he is friends with, will be served an ad to HS?  Since we have common interests and connections. That's what I meant about safety.

Or my boss?  Or co-workers?

OK I guess more than a couple questions!

Frankly from the ridiculous ads I'm getting, the sudden increase in phishing emails, the crashes here with days of outage, the ads stacked one on top of another, the absolutely ridiculous and obvious juicing of views on the site, and the pathetically ridiculous content of the ads, I'm not feeling so trusting, especially when money is the stated goal and a lack of forewarning. 

So please forgive my cranky attitude.

Lp





Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: AlvinTheMaker on January 27, 2020, 02:59:48 PM
Please forgive my ignorance, Alvin.

What if there was a data breach?  That happens, does it not?

Yes, data breaches can and do happen.

But there are different levels and types of breaches. Some are mostly harmless, some can be hurricanes. But once again, there is somewhat tight legislation that says end users must be notified immediately (and as soon as possible) on any kind of data breach. The fines for trying to mask a data breach can go 100k and beyond.

Often times the biggest cause for data breach is a personal mistake, such as nobody upgraded the server with latest and most secure programs, password was weak/easy-to-guess, etc... Very rarely none of it has to do with advertising (inless the person was stupid enough to download some malware and not to have any kind of antivirus program turned on).

All in all data breaches are part of internet, the same way as fires or car accidents of real life. They can happen but the odds are small. Each of us likely visits and uses thousands and thousands of websites/domains every year, and still most do not experience a single data breach. That is how uncommon they are.

What matters most, if done properly, systems such as HS don't store any genuinely sensitive information in clear text format. Possibly the biggest confusion lies in what is genuinely sensitive data, and what is not. For example email addresses are often times stored as clear text as they are required for communication and legislation does not consider email as sensitive data. Personal passwords on the other hand are sensitive, and are usually stored as "salted hash" (akind of very secure key-lock system).

 If data breach was to happen on HS, then yes it could introduce shame etc for some folks... Which basically puts the ball back to us, users... If you cannot stand the idea that someday all the stuff you wrote was associated with your name or email, then don't write/share it at all. Not here, not on your email, not on anything... It is VERY unlikely that a databreach would happen, but everything is possible in life... Think of all this like good old fashioned diary.  You have put it well and safe,  but one day burglars rob your house and take it away with other stuff... Do you blame the person who built the house (basically website owner), or yourself for writing down the thoughts in the first place, or the burglars. Or do you just accept life happened.

All in all there are no easy, black/white responses here. More of a "you give some, you get some" kind of system.

Alvin

P.s. I'll reply to lawprofessors questions tomorrow.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Acorn on January 27, 2020, 04:18:05 PM
Thank you for all the information, Alvin.  You are very generous.  :)

Does anyone know where the Terms of Agreement for HS members might be?
I can’t locate it...
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Rollercoasterider on January 27, 2020, 08:55:42 PM
I keep a copy at the Forum Information Board.
Regsitration Agreement (https://mlcforum.theherosspouse.com/index.php?topic=11.0)
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: UrsaMajor on January 28, 2020, 12:24:16 AM
It's not really anonymous data they are collecting if it targets ads according to my interests is it?  Otherwise how would they know my interests and where to send my targeted ads?

Virtually every web site we visit, unless they are some private "Welcome to our family Web Site" kind of page will drop a cookie or a pixel tracker on your PC as well as leaving a cached version of their web site. As long as these cookies and cached pages are not cleared, OTHER web sites (specifically the advertisers) are able to read those cookies and generate targeted content. In addition, if you buy things via the Web, the Web Shops leave cookies (like when you log in to their Web Site to make a purchase for example. Amazon knows when you are logged in by leaving a cookie on your PC when is then cleared when you log out or close your browser.) and such which can also be read by others. Setting "Do Not Track" on your Web Browser can help but it will just mean that you will get a random selection of ads. Some cookies are volatile, meaning that they delete themselves after a period of time or after certain actions are taken (like logging out) and some are permanent. Finally, those that you are connected to on Social Media will also have such cookies and by matching (distilling) the "Big Data" Google and Co can match patterns, people, and contacts to deliver targeted ads. Like the disclaimer on the Forum that pops up every time I access it for the first time of the day (My browser is set to clear all cookies when I shut it down) says "We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partner"

And in that vein, I have several close friends and colleagues involved with me on social media.  How is it that their interests/recent searches pop up in my ads?  It's my understanding that since we have common interests and are connected a bunch of ways, if one of them searches for something AI thinks these other like people might share that interest so it's offered.  What's to stop HS from popping up there?

The ads you see are paid for by the advertisers. Unless HS starts a paid advertising campaign, i. e. Unless RCR starts paying to have ads generated, there won't be any ads. These firms don't do ANYTHING for free...   

Third, no one has explained why the numbers on Acorn's thread were spinning exponentially but seeming stopped when it was taken off?

This is still a mystery. I have had a brief "chat" with Sir Osis about it as I don't have access to Admin tools. He has seen a spike of traffic from the UK- and California-based IP Addresses that seemed to have stopped when I moved Acorn's Thread to the Archives last night (per her request). Some other forums he deals with have reported a  spike of traffic coming from China but that does not seem to be the case here. Why only Acorn's Thread was affected is unknown. One possibility is that an HS member that viewed Acorns Thread has some sort of Malware on their PC that was trying to run a DOS attack on the Forum to see if it could be crashed. When the Thread was moved, the "target" of the attack was no longer accessible and the bot died (This is JUST one possibility of many if one wishes to assume malicious purposes and not just a server thread (process) going rogue and going into a loop)

Is HS advertising in the same pool of ads that are being drawn from and shown to us?

Have to ask RCR if she is paying for an advertising campaign.

Were our email addresses sold?  Is that the phishing emails people are getting a result?
Same question. - If one assumes that RCR is only out for money, she could have sold the e-mail database. That would, however, be cutting off her nose to spite her face (short-term gain traded for long-term death of the forum).  Also, this forum is most certainly NOT the only place your e-mail is registered UNLESS you created an e-mail address specifically for the purposes of the forum and didn't use it anywhere else ever so phishing e-mails may or may not have ANY relation to the forum at all.  As Alvin noted, e-mail addresses are not usually stored in any encrypted format as they are not considered to be private information. Passwords, real names, credit card numbers, etc., are and they are, as Alvin noted, stored in a hashed key.

Should I be concerned that my violent ex husband who's sister I'm still social media friends with, and he is friends with, will be served an ad to HS?  Since we have common interests and connections. That's what I meant about safety.

Or my boss?  Or co-workers?

ONLY if RCR has decided to start an advertising campaign. There is a difference between allowing ads on a web site and starting a campaign of her own and buying advertising time

Frankly from the ridiculous ads I'm getting, the sudden increase in phishing emails, the crashes here with days of outage, the ads stacked one on top of another, the absolutely ridiculous and obvious juicing of views on the site, and the pathetically ridiculous content of the ads, I'm not feeling so trusting, especially when money is the stated goal and a lack of forewarning. 

So please forgive my cranky attitude.

If we go on the scenario that our e-mail addresses were sold, we should ALL have seen an increase in phishing e-mails. So far, I have seen nothing out of the ordinary. As far as the ad placement, that is a function (or malfunction) of the way the advertiser puts in the pop-ups. The outages were due to a couple of things but one of them was the transfer to CloudFare (this is a high-availability network service that helps to keep individual Websites more available online but has some of it's own quirks which relate to how the CloudFare network knows where the actual server is). Because CloudFare didn't use the proper initial Domain Name Server to find the Forum web server, requests to the forum went to Saint Nimmerland and generated an error. Once that was corrected, the CloudFare network knew where the forum server was located and was able to connect again.

In terms of the ad content, as Alvin noted, since these ads appear to be being served by Google, one can go in and configure what kind of content one is interested (or NOT interested in) seeing. I have done that and turned off rubbish like "Singles,""Marriage Counselling," "Cruises" and other categories that have no relevance to my life. At the current time, as my Internet Connection is in the Netherlands (although I am in Germany) most of the ads I am seeing are in Dutch  ;D which I can't read anyway.... These "Preferences" are associated with your Google account (assuming you have one)  and are NOT discarded when you clear cookies or your cache.

UM (my M. Sc. in Computer Information Systems does come in handy once in a while)
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Songanddance on January 28, 2020, 02:32:40 AM
I am in the UK and so far have received "invisible" add pop ups. In that I get a white "bar" at the bottom of the screen with an x at top right.  No ad appears as such and I hit the x and it's gone. It usually happens 3 times but then stops. 

However this morning - nothing - no pop up - nothing and straight on the forum.  Not that I know anything about this level of technology but my personal security settings are set mid- high and I have two anti virus/malware programs running and thus far have seen no breach or crash or issue that any of you mention. 

Thanks Alvin for the info - still went over my head.......sigh!
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: lawprofessor on January 28, 2020, 03:51:20 AM
Thank you, UM, for taking the time to answer my questions and concerns.

Sometimes it's just the way things are handled, the communication style, and how one is treated that matters.  So I just think it's time for me to take a break from this place because there seems to be too much instability and aggravation that outweighs anything else for me.  Since bd I just don't want or need that congesting my life.

Best to you all,
Lp
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: UrsaMajor on January 28, 2020, 04:10:16 AM
I am in the UK and so far have received "invisible" add pop ups. In that I get a white "bar" at the bottom of the screen with an x at top right.  No ad appears as such and I hit the x and it's gone. It usually happens 3 times but then stops. 

However this morning - nothing - no pop up - nothing and straight on the forum.  Not that I know anything about this level of technology but my personal security settings are set mid- high and I have two anti virus/malware programs running and thus far have seen no breach or crash or issue that any of you mention. 

Thanks Alvin for the info - still went over my head.......sigh!

RCR turned off the ads placement on the forum last night from what I gathered in her earlier posts so that would be why you are no longer seeing them

The White bar with no ad MIGHT have been because the system was trying to serve up an ad which you had previously declared as unwanted (or the topic as unwanted).  The placeholder (served up by a different company) was then left without content. It is also possible that the server simply didn't have enough time to serve up the ad into the placeholder before you killed it off (the 'x').

Regardless, as I understood RCR's posts from last night, she has turned off the ads on the forum... Whether that was what caused Acorns thread to stop being churned or whether it was me moving said thread to the archive or whether some errant process finally died, we'll never find out without some thorough forensic investigations of logs comparing times of actions and resulting events.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Acorn on January 28, 2020, 05:26:20 AM
Thank you, UM, for further explaining what might have been going on.

Needless to say, I was spooked and looked for explanations.  I must say I did wonder if someone on HS was being vindictive toward me and put a number spinner on my thread.  No idea if that is even possible.  What do I know!

RCR, thank you for the link to TOA.  I do remember reading it when I joined. 

Do you think it might be a good idea to include it on Forum Information as well?  I figure people do not remember all of it after awhile.  It’s good to refresh ourselves on what we signed up for. 



Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: OldPilot on January 28, 2020, 09:56:36 AM
Do you think it might be a good idea to include it on Forum Information as well?  I figure people do not remember all of it after awhile.  It’s good to refresh ourselves on what we signed up for.

I am confused that is exactly what she wrote.

Its there.

I keep a copy at the Forum Information Board.
Regsitration Agreement (https://mlcforum.theherosspouse.com/index.php?topic=11.0)

Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Acorn on January 28, 2020, 11:55:50 AM
Sorry, my bad!
To illustrate how dumb I was:
I clicked on RCR’s link.  Got to the agreement.  Read it.
Went back to the home page to see if a technophobe like me could find it all by m’self.
Clicked on Forum Information.  Looked at the list.
And......did not see there was Page 2. ::) With the Registration Agreement on it. The very last item.

All good now.  Thanks! 
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Rollercoasterider on January 28, 2020, 12:14:24 PM
Thanks for explaining everything Ursa. It's stuff I don't understand either, so it helpsto have someone who knows what they are talking abut explaining it.

Regarding advertising... from Google there are two programs.
Adsense is when a website elects to show advertising on their site.  The site owner is paid on a per click basis.
Adwords is a program I can sign up for to have my ads for HS shown at other sites. I then pay for those by either impression or click.

I particpate in Adsense. I do not do Adwords. I did do Adwords 8 to 10 years ago when I was starting and Iwas working and could pay for the investment. So if you have seen the ad about my coaching at the main site, blog and it used ot be at the top of the forum...that is not Adwords, it's something I put on their manually and it doesn't go away or change...always there until I remove it.
Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Sir Osis on January 28, 2020, 02:19:30 PM
Ok, several things you should know. 

- This forum is currently configured to allow guest access to three boards:  Our Community, Resources, and Forum Information.  The Community board contains many threads discussing members' personal situations, and this info is available to all visitors/bots/spiders/etc.  All other boards are visible only to logged in members.

- The only data that is hashed in the forum database is your password.  Email address and all other info in your member profile are saved as clear text.  It is possible for any database to be hacked, this depends pretty much entirely on server security, which is usually host's responsibility unless you're running your own server, in which case you'd need to know exactly what you're doing.

-  All ad services are designed to collect personal information, and they will take whatever they can get, however they can get it, regardless of the few unenforceable laws that may be in place.  Once they have the data, there is no way to have them delete it, even if you know they have it, which you don't.  It's analyzed, aggregated, bought, sold, and traded, and very shortly ends up in many hands, none of which you're aware of.

- If you're using an Android device or Chrome browser, there's no point in being concerned about your privacy as you've already given it all away.  Android and Chrome have access to everything on your mobile or pc, and send data to Google at regular intervals whenever the device is operating.

A great deal of effort goes into keeping SMF forumware secure, there have been 17 updates to the current 2.0 branch, most, if not all, of which contain security patches to address new vulnerabilities and exploits that are an ongoing problem on the net.  I've cleaned up several forums that were hacked, none recently, and in those cases there were no indications that the database had been breached.  But you must consider that any info you put into your pc, mobile, and (especially) phone is at risk.  You can do some basic things to reasonably protect your online privacy, but no security on the internet is bulletproof, and this forum is no exception.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Acorn on January 28, 2020, 02:31:08 PM
Thank you, Sir!

Any explanation why my thread was ‘hijacked’ for a wild ride on view numbers? 
It racked up more than 20,000 views in a few hours.

Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Sir Osis on January 28, 2020, 02:49:54 PM
Don't know, there was a big spike in overall views Jan 26 or 27, the numbers since end of Dec have been all over the place.  The busiest ips have been from legitimate areas.  It's possible someone launched an attack on the topic, but more likely it was something random.  I'm working with RCR on doing a clean rebuild, it will be easier to address these traffic anomalies when the forum is running right.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Acorn on January 29, 2020, 05:17:29 AM
Thank you, Sir O, for your reply. 
Hopefully, some explanation for the anomaly will come forth. 
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Seahorse on January 31, 2020, 08:55:09 AM
Question -
when I click on "all" to go to the bottom of a thread. it still only takes me to the bottom of the first page. 
will this be corrected:?

Also, I have a message that my "uploader is full" when trying to post a photo.
Any thoughts bout that? 
I've PM'd another member, who might be able to help.

Thanks,
Sea
Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Sir Osis on January 31, 2020, 07:57:16 PM
Question -
when I click on "all" to go to the bottom of a thread. it still only takes me to the bottom of the first page. 
will this be corrected:?

That's interesting, never seen it before.  'Max topic size to show "All" posts' is set to 500 posts, that's unusually high.  There may be a limit above which it doesn't work correctly.  Will look into it.

Quote
Also, I have a message that my "uploader is full" when trying to post a photo.

If that's a forum error, post the complete error.  What are you uploading from?
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Seahorse on February 01, 2020, 04:59:24 AM
Thank you for your efforts, Sir.

I am only trying to upload a photo from my computer desktop, for instance (jpg).
Or a meme downloaded from the internet to my computer.

Thank you for your help (again)

Sea
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Rollercoasterider on February 01, 2020, 06:52:30 AM
Question -
when I click on "all" to go to the bottom of a thread. it still only takes me to the bottom of the first page. 
will this be corrected:?
That's interesting, never seen it before.  'Max topic size to show "All" posts' is set to 500 posts, that's unusually high.  There may be a limit above which it doesn't work correctly.  Will look into it.
Hmmm, It works perfectly for me--I tried it ALL from the board and from the thread and both worked fine. We do have a 150 post max, but that's not in settings, so threads can go above until they are locked, but I doubt we've ever even approached 500.
Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Sir Osis on February 01, 2020, 07:37:02 PM
Just tried it on one of my forums in a 31 page topic, works fine, but I do see the problem here.  Best guess is it's another mod glitch.

I am only trying to upload a photo from my computer desktop, for instance (jpg).

Are you attaching it to a post in post editor?
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Seahorse on February 02, 2020, 08:05:52 AM
I still have the problem of "all" not taking me to the bottom of the last page (it used to to work fine).
And the problem of my uploader being full - I'm using the "attach" section below (choose file).

I would be happy to screen share if you're interested.
If that's a violation of privacy, I totally understand.

Sea
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Rollercoasterider on February 02, 2020, 01:23:17 PM
I still have the problem of "all" not taking me to the bottom of the last page (it used to to work fine).
And the problem of my uploader being full - I'm using the "attach" section below (choose file).

I would be happy to screen share if you're interested.
If that's a violation of privacy, I totally understand.
I think that should be okay. If there is anything identifying you could block it out.
Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Sir Osis on February 02, 2020, 02:14:07 PM
<sigh>  Someone apparently changed attachment settings.  Max folder space is set to 10240 kb, there are 33 mb in it now, so it's refusing additional attachments.  I've reset it to 100 mb, attachment should work.   'Max attachment size per post' is 192 kb, 'Max size per attachment' is 128 kb, those are pretty low, but I'll leave that to RCR.
Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Sir Osis on February 14, 2020, 08:32:21 AM
Forum was offline just now due to a cache error.  Anyone know what time it went down?
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Thunder on February 14, 2020, 08:41:08 AM
No but I tried to get on about 4:30 AM. (Central time)
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: marvin4242 on February 14, 2020, 08:52:21 AM
It has been down most of the morning, and now it is intermittent.
Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Sir Osis on February 14, 2020, 09:09:14 AM
Working normally for me.  I've disabled caching, shouldn't make any noticeable difference.  Gotta go, will be back tonight.
Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: UrsaMajor on February 17, 2020, 05:27:55 AM
Working normally for me.  I've disabled caching, shouldn't make any noticeable difference.  Gotta go, will be back tonight.

I found the Forum down at 08:00 UTC (so 02:00 East Coast time) with an HTTP:500 error on the 14th but it was back up that same afternoon

UM
Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Sir Osis on February 17, 2020, 08:28:38 AM
Been working on upgrading the entire forum, was on several hours last night trying a few things.  There may be occasional brief outages until I get everything squared away.
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Thunder on February 17, 2020, 09:05:05 AM
Thank you!
Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: UrsaMajor on February 17, 2020, 11:52:36 PM
Been working on upgrading the entire forum, was on several hours last night trying a few things.  There may be occasional brief outages until I get everything squared away.

Don't know if this is a cause or a symptom but there are HUGE numbers of database errors being generated daily having to do with one particular php script:

Out of range value for column 'page_hits' at row 1
File: /home/rollerco/public_html/mlcforum/Sources/ManageSearchEngines.php
Line: 527


It looks as if every time this script is called, an out-of-range parameter is being passed into the script but what I have NOT found is what is invoking/calling this script. Based on the script itself and that the errors are not being generated (apparently) by a registered and logged in user (they are all marked as Guest access), it appears that this could be caused by some indexing spider crawling the DB but I am not sure... It is just odd and filling the error log (there are 2x the number of DB errors when I checked this morning than were there 24 hours earlier)
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Acorn on February 18, 2020, 04:27:42 AM
OK, I understood that perfectly, UM.  NOT!
Is that why the ‘guest’ number is 578 right now?   It’s probably higher now.
I did notice extraordinarily high numbers of ‘guests’ recently and wondered why. 
I tend to look at number oddities when I visit HS ever since the view number fiasco on my previous thread.  ;D
 
Title: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: UrsaMajor on February 18, 2020, 06:36:23 AM
OK, I understood that perfectly, UM.  NOT!
Is that why the ‘guest’ number is 578 right now?   It’s probably higher now.
I did notice extraordinarily high numbers of ‘guests’ recently and wondered why. 
I tend to look at number oddities when I visit HS ever since the view number fiasco on my previous thread.  ;D

500-600 "Guests" is not really all THAT high when you consider the number of in the world that could be directed to the Forum by a simple web search. Since the Forum is, with the exception of the part behind the Paywall, open to the Public, anyone browsing the articles or forum would be logged as a "Guest."

In addition, any Indexing Agents (i. e. Robots or Spiders) would also be logged as a guest. These agents are used by the major Search Engines to provide their users with "relevant" search results when someone searches using specific keywords like MLC or Mid-Life Crisis or whatever (in the example of the Forum) just like they index the Web Site for my church if someone searches for "English speaking churches Frankfurt Germany" or anyone of several other key words.  For what it is worth, I see an average of about 20000 hits per "normal" month on my church web site and that number goes up to somewhere around 45000 and 50000 around Christmas and Easter....

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Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Sir Osis on February 18, 2020, 01:46:34 PM
One of the problems we've had here is there are random bursts of errors from different mods, that's something I'm trying to correct with clean install.  Don't know what's causing this, afaik RCR hasn't been making any changes to the forum.  I'm working on the rebuild in a clone install in separate directory connected to same database, when I want to try it live I flip the dir names, then flip them back when I'm done.  It's possible bots are hitting the clone and somehow triggering errors, but most of the errors are coming from mods that are installed in production forum, not in clone.  Been wasting a lot of time working with a new responsive theme, think I'll go to Plan D and just do a clean install with your current theme and add responsive theme after forum is cleaned up. 

There are also problems with the server, I have a clone install running on my server, same database, it runs much faster there, but is as slow here as your current install.  Two nights ago I got an exceeded resources error that took the forum down for a short time, that should never happen with just the forum and blog running in the account.  RCR has a support ticket in with host, but this has been an ongoing problem for quite a while, will be surprised if they can fix it.
Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: OldPilot on February 18, 2020, 01:50:37 PM
One of the problems we've had here is there are random bursts of errors from different mods, that's something I'm trying to correct with clean install.

Just to clarify that this post in reference to mods is not moderators but mods to the forum itself.
Title: Re: Re: Forum Problems 2
Post by: Sir Osis on February 19, 2020, 08:35:31 PM
I've blocked msnbot, had logged 50k database errors in past 3 days.  Ignored robots.txt, 600 errors in 8 minutes, so blocked it in .htaccess.  Forum is running faster for a change, will see how long it lasts.