Gallery Upgraded

[Marty]

I just finished upgrading the gallery to the latest version... it was a big headache for the last 3 hrs as some things were not showing up properly. Turned out to be a simple fix, but took a long time to figure out. Anyhow, we're on the latest and greatest version, which includes

- optimised database access
and other stuff, like

Originally Posted by changelog

New features:

. Message Board (for stand-alone systems to use as a mini-forum)
. Private Messaging (PMs, notices for activity on photos and ratings, new photos from buddies,
message board activity)
. Built-in RSS (per category basis)
. Usergroup optimization resulting in significant reductions in memory usage for medium-large sites
. Lightbox integration for popover images
. Uniform thumbnails option (when using IM, all thumbnails are uniform in size and cropped from
center - used at GTS - Viper Alley
. Link codes for medium thumbnail/html codes
. Invites System for users to invite and track invitiations
. Mature Content flag to "hide" mature images from unregistered users (or users who select to not see mature pictures)
. Buddy Lists
. Who's Online page
. Internal Registration - Avatars, Titles and Signatures
. JavaScript usage for approve/delete options in admin bulk section (no page refresh)
. Redesigned data area for showphoto, more AJAX/JavaScript features
. Redesigned profile page - buddy lists, more stats, bio pages
. Slideshow Pause/Resume
. combined usergroup queries into 1 query versus multiple for each usergroup membership
. CAPTCHA image verification for new registrations
. Changed voting system to track votes seperately from ratings
. Use of icons versus text on showphoto page (famfam icons)

Please let me know if things are not working OK

[Tindomul]

Looks cool, but is there anyway to have the pictures show up larger on the forum? If you are not signed in, or a member of the board, you can only see the small thumbnails.

[quiltergal]

I'm not loving the "adult swim" thing that loads above every picture I open.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by quiltergal

I'm not loving the "adult swim" thing that loads above every picture I open.

The ads at the top? I noticed that, and to me, it's a major distraction.

[Marty]

I agree, it is a distraction, maybe I'll switch it to a different ad. I'm trying to scrape up some coin for a memory upgrade for our server, whence the larger ad. Extra memory will be about $500/yr

Hopefully the server will be stable enough though that the upgrade won't be needed, 'cuz I highly doubt that I'll be able to do it without dipping into my own pocket.

I'll play with it tomorrow, dead tired today.

[quiltergal]

At first I thought my picture didn't load. Maybe if you put the ad below the pic?

Marty we all really appreciate everything you do for this board. Thanks!

[Oscarman]

NIce upgrade Marty - thanks again. The gallery seems to snap and is really cleaned up.

Not crazy about the ads either, but I guess they wouldn't be neccessary if every member chipped in $0.17 each......that would give you $540.00+ per year! Small price to pay.

[Marty]

Thanks for the feedback, it's always appreciated. I removed the large ad and shifted things around a little bit. Ads are still there, but not as offensive. Google Ads are sort of the necessary evil and they do chip in real cash to help pay for the monthly dues. Our Gallery is just a massive hog on the server resources, esp as our traffic keeps growing. Let me know if that's more livable and less confusing now.

I will work on eliminating all the ads for supporting members...technically it's a bit tough though because the gallery (although integrated) is a completely different software.