Identifying the OP at a glance (SMF patch)

[PowerGlove]

A while back a suggestion was made (probably not for the first time) that appending "(OP)" to the topic starter's name would make it much easier to identify subsequent posts made by them.

The initial response was lukewarm, but by the time the topic died down, there were a good number of members (TheUltraElite, LoyceV, isaac_clarke22, KingsDen, sheenshane, Stalker22, vapourminer, Pmalek, dkbit98, The Pharmacist, Smartvirus, Mr.right85) that agreed it was a fine idea and that they would find it useful.

Thankfully, the current forum software is a modified version of SMF, which is both open-source and run by nice people that still offer old archived versions of their releases for download.

So, I thought I'd figure out how to implement this suggestion in SMF 1.1.19 and try my luck getting theymos to accept the patch.

I've implemented this change in 5 different styles (with 5 different patches) so theymos can choose the most appropriate one.

Style A

This one signifies the OP by appending "(OP)" (in bold) to their name:

Code:

--- /var/www/baseline/Themes/default/Display.template.php	2010-10-22 01:38:35.000000000 +0000
+++ /var/www/modified/Themes/default/Display.template.php	2022-09-10 03:27:48.000000000 +0000
@@ -261,13 +261,13 @@
 
 		// Show information about the poster of this message.
 		echo '
 				<table width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="table-layout: fixed;">
 					<tr>
 						<td valign="top" width="16%" rowspan="2" style="overflow: hidden;">
-							<b>', $message['member']['link'], '</b>
+							<b>', $message['member']['link'], !$message['member']['is_guest'] && $message['member']['is_topic_starter'] ? ' <span title="This member is the topic starter" style="cursor: help;">(OP)</span>' : '', '</b>
 							<div class="smalltext">';
 
 		// Show the member's custom title, if they have one.
 		if (isset($message['member']['title']) && $message['member']['title'] != '')
 			echo '
 								', $message['member']['title'], '<br />';

Style B

This one signifies the OP by appending "(OP)" (not in bold) to their name:

Code:

--- /var/www/baseline/Themes/default/Display.template.php	2010-10-22 01:38:35.000000000 +0000
+++ /var/www/modified/Themes/default/Display.template.php	2022-09-10 03:31:02.000000000 +0000
@@ -261,13 +261,13 @@
 
 		// Show information about the poster of this message.
 		echo '
 				<table width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="table-layout: fixed;">
 					<tr>
 						<td valign="top" width="16%" rowspan="2" style="overflow: hidden;">
-							<b>', $message['member']['link'], '</b>
+							<b>', $message['member']['link'], '</b>', !$message['member']['is_guest'] && $message['member']['is_topic_starter'] ? ' <span title="This member is the topic starter" style="cursor: help;">(OP)</span>' : '', '
 							<div class="smalltext">';
 
 		// Show the member's custom title, if they have one.
 		if (isset($message['member']['title']) && $message['member']['title'] != '')
 			echo '
 								', $message['member']['title'], '<br />';

Style C

This one signifies the OP by adding a small "OP" underneath their name:

Code:

--- /var/www/baseline/Themes/default/Display.template.php	2010-10-22 01:38:35.000000000 +0000
+++ /var/www/modified/Themes/default/Display.template.php	2022-09-10 03:39:50.000000000 +0000
@@ -264,12 +264,17 @@
 				<table width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="table-layout: fixed;">
 					<tr>
 						<td valign="top" width="16%" rowspan="2" style="overflow: hidden;">
 							<b>', $message['member']['link'], '</b>
 							<div class="smalltext">';
 
+		// Show the text "OP" (with an explanation tooltip), if this member is the topic starter.
+		if (!$message['member']['is_guest'] && $message['member']['is_topic_starter'])
+			echo '
+								', '<span title="This member is the topic starter" style="cursor: help;">OP</span>', '<br />';
+
 		// Show the member's custom title, if they have one.
 		if (isset($message['member']['title']) && $message['member']['title'] != '')
 			echo '
 								', $message['member']['title'], '<br />';
 
 		// Show the member's primary group (like 'Administrator') if they have one.

Style D

This one signifies the OP by putting their name in italics:

Code:

--- /var/www/baseline/Themes/default/Display.template.php	2010-10-22 01:38:35.000000000 +0000
+++ /var/www/modified/Themes/default/Display.template.php	2022-09-10 03:41:49.000000000 +0000
@@ -261,13 +261,13 @@
 
 		// Show information about the poster of this message.
 		echo '
 				<table width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="table-layout: fixed;">
 					<tr>
 						<td valign="top" width="16%" rowspan="2" style="overflow: hidden;">
-							<b>', $message['member']['link'], '</b>
+							<b>', !$message['member']['is_guest'] && $message['member']['is_topic_starter'] ? '<i>' . $message['member']['link'] . '</i>' : $message['member']['link'], '</b>
 							<div class="smalltext">';
 
 		// Show the member's custom title, if they have one.
 		if (isset($message['member']['title']) && $message['member']['title'] != '')
 			echo '
 								', $message['member']['title'], '<br />';

Style E

This one signifies the OP by underlining their name:

Code:

--- /var/www/baseline/Themes/default/Display.template.php	2010-10-22 01:38:35.000000000 +0000
+++ /var/www/modified/Themes/default/Display.template.php	2022-09-10 03:43:11.000000000 +0000
@@ -261,13 +261,13 @@
 
 		// Show information about the poster of this message.
 		echo '
 				<table width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="table-layout: fixed;">
 					<tr>
 						<td valign="top" width="16%" rowspan="2" style="overflow: hidden;">
-							<b>', $message['member']['link'], '</b>
+							<b>', !$message['member']['is_guest'] && $message['member']['is_topic_starter'] ? '<u>' . $message['member']['link'] . '</u>' : $message['member']['link'], '</b>
 							<div class="smalltext">';
 
 		// Show the member's custom title, if they have one.
 		if (isset($message['member']['title']) && $message['member']['title'] != '')
 			echo '
 								', $message['member']['title'], '<br />';

Closing thoughts

I think my favorite is style B. It's the most obvious and I prefer the "(OP)" when it's not in bold. I also like style C because the small "OP" underneath the name somehow seems in keeping with the Bitcointalk "style" (although it does consume vertical space). Style D is subtle and non-intrusive, which I like. I like styles A & E the least.

I experimented with different background colors and tried a few linear gradients as a way to make the OP's posts stand out, but I decided against anything too heavy-handed because I kind of love the forum just the way it is!

I've carefully tested these patches, but I'm pretty sure they won't cleanly apply to the modified version of SMF that this forum runs on. Luckily, they're tiny and easy to understand, so massaging them into place should be very straightforward.

Okay, that's all for now, I hope theymos accepts one of these patches!


Update (2022/9/10)

Based on a suggestion from dkbit98, I've updated the patches above (A, B & C) to include a tooltip (explanation text) when you hover over the "OP" letters (see below for an example).

I've also added a new style which uses this tooltip together with an icon (as suggested by KingsDen). Right now, the icon is Unicode character "✍" (U+270D: Writing Hand).

Obviously, theymos is free to decide on a different icon and reword the tooltip, but I think this style is my new favorite!

Style F

This one signifies the OP by adding a little icon next to their name:

Code:

--- /var/www/baseline/Themes/default/Display.template.php	2010-10-22 01:38:35.000000000 +0000
+++ /var/www/modified/Themes/default/Display.template.php	2022-09-10 03:58:47.000000000 +0000
@@ -261,13 +261,13 @@
 
 		// Show information about the poster of this message.
 		echo '
 				<table width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="table-layout: fixed;">
 					<tr>
 						<td valign="top" width="16%" rowspan="2" style="overflow: hidden;">
-							<b>', $message['member']['link'], '</b>
+							<b>', $message['member']['link'], '</b>', !$message['member']['is_guest'] && $message['member']['is_topic_starter'] ? ' <span title="This member is the topic starter" style="cursor: help;">&#x270d</span>' : '', '
 							<div class="smalltext">';
 
 		// Show the member's custom title, if they have one.
 		if (isset($message['member']['title']) && $message['member']['title'] != '')
 			echo '
 								', $message['member']['title'], '<br />';

Update (2022/9/13)

One of these patches (style B) was accepted by theymos! I'm humbled at being allowed to contribute to the forum in my own small way and very appreciative of the kind words that people have left in this thread.

[1714751290]

1714751290

[1714751290]

1714751290

[1714751290]

1714751290

[Welsh]

Yeah, this has been suggested a few times. However, I appreciate the pro activeness of getting it implemented. Anyway, I actually don't like any of the suggestions, and the reason being is nothing against you, but I bloody hate abbreviations without it being previously made clear what that abbreviation stands for. I might be on my own with that opinion, but it does annoy me, especially in technical discussions, which I understand this isn't.

I'd much rather thread starter, original topic starter or thread creator underneath their name or something, because I can guarantee it, not everyone will know what "OP" stands for. Anyone that has been using forum software for a long time, probably will, and sure they could ask if in doubt, but that increases the chances of them asking in that thread, and therefore going off topic or opening a new thread which will likely happen a few dozen times every year.

So, while I like the idea I think it needs to be clear what it means, but also not abbreviated. I do appreciate that the suggestions I've made are rather long winded, and therefore isn't as clean. Maybe, a key system could be implemented at the top of each thread, explaining what it means, and then have the abbreviation. Again though, likely to cause issues.

Same goes for the bolding or underlining, it's not self explanatory.

[PowerGlove]

@Welsh: Yeah, I appreciate your point of view. I actually did try a small "Topic Starter" underneath the name, but it kind of ends up looking (to me anyway) like an award or something. Like you're "Legendary", "Staff" and a "Topic Starter"

Maybe if it was both underneath the name and in italics, or in square brackets, it would look right?

These patches are pretty simple to hand edit (patching patches?), so if others agree with you, then adjustments should be straightforward.

My thinking behind the last two (name in italics, and name underlined) is that they are non-intrusive and language-neutral, and for a feature that the forum has lived without for so long, something super subtle actually kind of works (the people that want this will know/learn/ask what to look for and the people that don't will barely notice anything has changed). I still prefer something a little more obvious, but I can see the appeal.

[Welsh]

My thinking behind the last two (name in italics, and name underlined) is that they are non-intrusive and language-neutral

Good point, hadn't even thought about that. Very good point. However, I still think a key would be needed, and that would be an issue with implementing for local sections, since not everyone here speaks English perfectly. I feel like implementing it would require some explanation, and having that somewhere on the page like a key system would be the best option. I don't know how you get around local section specific implementations then though.

[dkbit98]

...

I like Style C best with OP written below username.

I'd much rather thread starter, original topic starter or thread creator underneath their name or something, because I can guarantee it, not everyone will know what "OP" stands for.

Perhaps adding simple popup window when you hover over username (or OP letters) could solve this.
Something like that exist in BPIP extension, so when you hover over any added icon you will see short explanation, and by default it works the same for username profile like this:

Code:

View the profile off ...

or for profile icon:

Code:

View Profile

It's the same for contact details and any information added in profile, like email or personal message.

[Rizzrack]

On epochtalk it does show (OP) under the username. Main point is the functionality. UI/UX is a different animal altogether

Perhaps adding simple popup window when you hover over username (or OP letters) could solve this.

Adding a tooltip to the "(OP)" text string is a good fix, though it would be useless on a mobile/tablet.

[mk4]

I'd go with either A or B.

C ended up looking like a rank or sort of featured text.
D and E: the name being italicized or underlined being equivalent to being the OP might not be obvious enough for a non-native Bitcointalk user.

On epochtalk it does show (OP) under the username. Main point is the functionality. UI/UX is a different animal altogether

Ah, Epochtalk. We'll probably get the software ready a few years before the sun dies.

[KingsDen]

Nice to see that the idea isn't abandoned by you if you actually were the one that created the first thread. I remember contributing to it. The idea is decent to tracking the option of the OP at every point of the interaction or discussion.

I have seen 5 patches you sampled, I would have gone with the first sample but considering what Welsh said, the abbreviation could cause confusion and you would be shocked by the amount of thread to be opened asking the meaning of "OP" and it would continue even when you answer 100 times.
I'll suggest it goes with an icon instead.  The author icon 👤 with same color as the user-text color, this will give a perfect blend and occupy less space and almost self explanatory. The author icon is like a user icon with or without a crossed pen or a book icon. Powerglove, if you can release a patch with an icon, who knows it can fit.

[UserU]

@PowerGlove, option A is a solid choice with square brackets.

[OP]

Adding a tooltip to the "(OP)" text string is a good fix, though it would be useless on a mobile/tablet.

Some software do display the tooltip when the user taps on the tag or icon.

[PowerGlove]

I've updated the initial post with support for tooltips and added a new style that uses an icon instead of the letters "OP". Thanks everyone for their ideas and feedback!

[Pmalek]

I like styles A and B the most. Anyone who knows what OP means, won't have any problems grasping the meaning from the first two suggestions. I am not a fan of Style C. It just seems weird to add one more line in the profile design just to accommodate two letters. Styles D in italics or E with underlining don't mean anything and if one of those were to be implemented, we would have new people asking the same questions over and over again. Why are some usernames on the forum in italics or underlined and others aren't?

Style F with the explanation text is also not bad, but the explanation text can also be added to A and B on the word OP. Those who don't know what OP means could just hover over the text and see the context.

[PowerGlove]

Style F with the explanation text is also not bad, but the explanation text can also be added to A and B on the word OP. Those who don't know what OP means could just hover over the text and see the context.

Yup, maybe I didn't draw enough attention to it, but that's already part of the update (I "backported" the tooltip from style F into styles A, B & C).

[LoyceV]

Can you show a sample of what the actual page would look like? Or just the HTML around the username. I'm curious if this would break my (many) scripts that get amongst others the username from that location in the page.

Style B

This one signifies the OP by appending "(OP)" (not in bold) to their name:

I choose this one. I guess with long usernames, it ends up like Style C (but with brackets). Unless I switch to full screen, which I barely do.
Or just make OP's name red.

Style F

This one signifies the OP by adding a little icon next to their name:

This looks even better

[hd49728]

You made a good userscript with 5 styles to choose and from suggestion, I think you will add more styles in future. I have different thinking. Is the script actually meaningful for people really engage in a discussion (in one topic)?

Because if they actually read and join that discussion, they must at least read the opening post and do know who is the author (OP). For people who don't care about that, they will not care about the OP text from the script.

Welcome to List of Bitcointalk.org Userscripts

[LoyceV]

You made a good userscript

No he didn't. It's a forum patch, only Admin can apply this. A userscript could probably do this too, but I'm not sure if it would be able to get OP from the first page if you're reading the second page.

[BitcoinGirl.Club]

so theymos can choose the most appropriate one.

When was the last time Theymos made a change on forum modules or added a new module since the DefaultTrust change? Anyway, let's note lose all hopes 😉
Nice work OP.

Style C looks good to me.
Style A and B is good too but when a username is long then it may look odd or eventually the last part will take a newline. So Style C is safer and better.
Stype D and E doesn't look it fits here but when we all get used to something then anything fits.

[dkbit98]

Based on a suggestion from dkbit98, I've updated the patches above (A, B & C) to include a tooltip (explanation text) when you hover over the "OP" letters (see below for an example).

I've also added a new style which uses this tooltip together with an icon (as suggested by KingsDen). Right now, the icon is Unicode character "✍" (U+270D: Writing Hand).

I think this looks much better than every other propositions you posted before.
Hand icon or something similar next to profile username is much better and especially with popup explanation.
Adding letters instead of icon can be confusing for some people, so I think you find much better option.

PS
I am not sure how this would affect BPIP extension that have DT1 and DT2 icon in same place as your proposition.

[PowerGlove]

A userscript could probably do this too, but I'm not sure if it would be able to get OP from the first page if you're reading the second page.

Yep, I think this would be awkward to implement client-side. If you've already seen the first page then you could cache the OP, but on other pages things get pretty hacky & unreliable.

Can you show a sample of what the actual page would look like? Or just the HTML around the username. I'm curious if this would break my (many) scripts that get amongst others the username from that location in the page.

That's a good point. I didn't think much about breaking other extensions/scripts (BPIP, your stuff, etc.)

Luckily, styles B & F (my favorites, and yours too) are quite unobtrusive and leave the username as it was (between <b><a>...</a></b>) and just add a <span>...</span> after it. I suppose style C does the same, but I've got a hunch that messing with things after the <div class="smalltext"> might break more stuff.

Here's the before & after HTML for each of the styles:

 Before: <b><a href="..." title="View the profile of LoyceV">LoyceV</a></b><div class="smalltext"> ...

Style A: <b><a href="..." title="View the profile of LoyceV">LoyceV</a> <span title="This member is the topic starter" style="cursor: help;">(OP)</span></b><div class="smalltext"> ...

Style B: <b><a href="..." title="View the profile of LoyceV">LoyceV</a></b> <span title="This member is the topic starter" style="cursor: help;">(OP)</span><div class="smalltext"> ...

Style C: <b><a href="..." title="View the profile of LoyceV">LoyceV</a></b><div class="smalltext"> <span title="This member is the topic starter" style="cursor: help;">OP</span><br /> ...

Style D: <i><a href="..." title="View the profile of LoyceV">LoyceV</a></i><div class="smalltext"> ...

Style E: <u><a href="..." title="View the profile of LoyceV">LoyceV</a></u><div class="smalltext"> ...

Style F: <b><a href="..." title="View the profile of LoyceV">LoyceV</a></b> <span title="This member is the topic starter" style="cursor: help;">&#x270d</span><div class="smalltext"> ...

[LoyceV]

Yep, I think this would be awkward to implement client-side. If you've already seen the first page then you could cache the OP, but on other pages things get pretty hacky & unreliable.

What if the extension connects to a server that has a list of OPs for every topic? I'm thinking of TryNinja's API.

Here's the before & after HTML for each of the styles:

Thanks for this, I did some tests and I can survive this

[NeuroticFish]

I would prefer the square brackets (bold or not).

And on the discussion about getting this actually implemented I would say that indeed it may have a better chance to come as BPIP extension (and yes, it would be nice to not interfere with the DT mark the BPIP extension already adds).

[PowerGlove]

What if the extension connects to a server that has a list of OPs for every topic? I'm thinking of TryNinja's API.

Yup, that would work. Although, I think it's over-engineered and fragile compared to changing a single line of PHP (which is what each of the proposed patches do, excluding style C).

I think client-side vs. server-side is a false equivalence in this case. Firstly, coming up with a perfectly reliable client-side OP caching/lookup scheme is a much bigger engineering effort (which should be taken as a sign, IMO, that the work is being done in the wrong place).

Secondly, a server-side implementation automatically benefits every forum member, instead of only the members that are willing to install browser extensions.

Thanks for this, I did some tests and I can survive this

No problem, I'm happy that it won't (seriously) disrupt any of your data wrangling!

[TryNinja]

What if the extension connects to a server that has a list of OPs for every topic? I'm thinking of TryNinja's API.

I don't have that list, though. I was thinking about this earlier this week, maybe just assume the first post found with the same topic id is the OP (not 100% reliable) or build something new (i.e with every new post check if I know the post_id of the OP and, if not, scrape it to keep a log).

[theymos]

I probably never would've spent the ~hour figuring out how to add it because it strikes me as unnecessary, but I also don't see the harm in it. Since you wrote the code, I added it. Thanks!

[AnotherAlt]

I probably never would've done it because it strikes me as unnecessary, but I also don't see the harm in it. Since you wrote the code, I added it.

I just came to the Meta to check whether it's from the forum or maybe the extension I am using. Perhaps I am the first one who noticed that. This is the first ever quick change in the forum after users ask (At least as far as I know). Thank you, theymos. You are OP (Over Powered - Not Original Poster  ). Number C was chosen by theymos.

[PX-Z]

I probably never would've spent the ~hour figuring out how to add it because it strikes me as unnecessary, but I also don't see the harm in it. Since you wrote the code, I added it. Thanks!

Nice, i have read this thread before, and just a minute ago after visiting one thread on the service discussion i have observed OP besides one of the username who posted there.
Thanks for this simple look improvement.

[NotATether]

Damn, first forum update I've seen in years.  Now we won't have to keep explaining to people what we mean when we say the word "OP". Nice work @PowerGlove.

[taufik123]

I probably never would've spent the ~hour figuring out how to add it because it strikes me as unnecessary, but I also don't see the harm in it. Since you wrote the code, I added it. Thanks!

a few minutes ago I didn't notice any changes, but when looking back some threads already have a tag ( OP ) with an explanation.
A useful little change to indicate that the creator of the Thread or the OP can be seen when there are already a lot of comments in the thread.
With the position next to the name and not in bold with the description " This member is a starter-topic"

[autumnleaf]

@PowerGlove, you've taken a fantastic step. I truly appreciate your idea, and it was great to see the forum updated quickly in response to a member's request. Having a programming background is pretty amazing. As a result of this beginning, I anticipate that many of us will soon submit a request for a nice SMF patch that could help the forum.

[Awaklara]

a few minutes ago I didn't notice any changes, but when looking back some threads already have a tag ( OP ) with an explanation.
A useful little change to indicate that the creator of the Thread or the OP can be seen when there are already a lot of comments in the thread.
With the position next to the name and not in bold with the description " This member is a starter-topic"

PowerGlove provides great advice and the forum is updated quickly. At first, I thought it was an update of the extension I was using in the browser. but after seeing this thread and opening it via mobile, it turns out that theymos agrees with the suggestion.
as the OP said, this advice will be useful for forum members, especially on threads that already have multiple pages. we can also see, if the discussion in the thread is still being followed by the OP, or if the OP just creates a thread and then disappears.

[bittraffic]

Would it be too much to add a shading color to OP and his subsequent posts in the thread?

Most of the time actually the subsequent posts are not noticed by the users who reply to the thread because they only see the first post. This results in a discussion that has repetitive answers while OP has rebutted and added changes to the situation.

[Little Mouse]

Nice work by OP and of course, a great thanks to theymos. This is somewhat a very simple update but something necessary.

Damn, first forum update I've seen in years.  Now we won't have to keep explaining to people what we mean when we say the word "OP". Nice work @PowerGlove.

I think you are wrong. Now, you have to explain this to more hundreds of members. I wouldn’t be surprised if we now see a few threads daily here on what is OP and why it is there though it is self explanatory 

[LoyceV]

I probably never would've spent the ~hour figuring out how to add it because it strikes me as unnecessary, but I also don't see the harm in it. Since you wrote the code, I added it. Thanks!

I was happily surprised to see this was added!

Number C was chosen by theymos.

It's Style B

@PowerGlove I mean @OP: kuddo's for actually writing the patch to make it easy enough to get it added! I did not expect it would get added.

[Don Pedro Dinero]

I just realised it was added and I also thought it was unnecessary, but if it didn't cost too much to implement and people wanted it, I welcome it.

Now, you have to explain this to more hundreds of members. I wouldn’t be surprised if we now see a few threads daily here on what is OP and why it is there though it is self explanatory 

In the time I've been on the forum I haven't seen anyone ask that question, and I hope they know how to use google to find out.

[AnotherAlt]

Number C was chosen by theymos.

It's Style B

Huh? I saw taufik123's screenshot, and I thought it was because of his screen size. I thought theymos added Style C because it looks like this.



I changed my screen size. I have zoomed in and out. Still, this looks like this to me. Am I the only one?

kuddo's for actually writing the patch to make it easy enough to get it added! I did not expect it would get added.

I hope someone will write a patch to add 2FA one day. I guess there was a 2BTC bounty by Stunna for 2FA Patch.

[fillippone]

After all, who needs Epochtalk when she have development here on SMF?
I can here as well checking what that OP was due from.
Well done @PowerGlove and @theymos!

[TheBeardedBaby]

Nice surprise I had today. Seeing who is the OP in long thread is just time saver for many, as well as for me.
Good work OP! Perfect thread to fit to my merit source application

[Little Mouse]

After all, who needs Epochtalk when she have development here on SMF?

No matter what you develop, it will still be SMF forum software which has a lot of limitations when it comes to having a modern forum software (I don't have problem using SMF but it would never be the first choice of many). So, yeah, we of course need a better forum software and that's what I think.

[FatFork]

Yes, great job, PowerGlove and theymos! I was honestly surprised when I noticed the changes already implemented in the forum this morning. I'm sure this will prove helpful.

Damn, first forum update I've seen in years. 

If you don't count the April Fools pranks we get every year... 

Now we won't have to keep explaining to people what we mean when we say the word "OP".

I'm not so sure about that. 

[LoyceV]

I changed my screen size. I have zoomed in and out. Still, this looks like this to me. Am I the only one?

I tried 4 different browsers (including mobile), and they all look like this for me:

I guess the BPIP extension changes it for you.

[shahzadafzal]

Damn, first forum update I've seen in years. 

Thank you theymos never a boring day month year at bitcointalk, (OP) is a nice addition.

PowerGlove salute to you!

[Upgrade00]

First change in years, that wasn't an April fool's prank of course. And a good one too, not the most pressing change I would expect, but still shows some bit of improvements in layout. Great job PowerGlove creating the scripts.

I guess the BPIP extension changes it for you.

Most likely.
I've checked on different browsers and also on mobile and PC, still has the same layout as you indicated.

[Asiska02]

I came across this post just yesterday when I came to meta board. I really loved the idea of adding the ‘OP’ in the original poster’s name, never mind which of the options style should be chosen. Just this morning I saw in front of my post the ‘OP’ in brackets. I’m really amazed by this change and one can identify the OP at a glance. Great work @powerglove, and @theymos for implementing this change in the forum.

[Mpamaegbu]

...because I can guarantee it, not everyone will know what "OP" stands for.

Well, I don't see how that should be a problem. They will all get around it, one way or the other. After all, we still have veteran members here who don't understand what CFNP on campaign threads means; even when those letters hang there in capital letters.

On the new development, I observed it today; just a while ago. I like the chosen style - B. It's kind of silent, yet you know it's there. At least, we get to find out at a glance who an OP is if we stumbled on their comments midway. @PowerGlove, you've shown the programmer in you. Keep it up.

[Coyster]

Well done powerGlove for making this possible through writing the scripts, and thank you to Theymos for actually adding it, tbh, how many people actually thought this was going to be added? I wouldn't be surprised if the answer is probably nobody, well, good now because every user can easily identify the OP of a thread when they post within the thread, especially outside the first page, not that it was hard to figure out, but at least it is what it is.

[Pmalek]

...because I can guarantee it, not everyone will know what "OP" stands for.

Well, I don't see how that should be a problem. They will all get around it, one way or the other.

It's not going to be a big problem because theymos added an explanation field to the word "OP". Hover your mouse over it and it explains that OP is the person who started the thread. We might still see the occasional question pop up here and there, especially for those who aren't active in Meta and/or haven't seen this particular thread, but eventually everyone will get used to it.

Great addition! Thanks to those that made it happen.

[ABCbits]

While i still prefer Style F, your effort bear fruit. Nice work @PowerGlove.

I probably never would've spent the ~hour figuring out how to add it because it strikes me as unnecessary, but I also don't see the harm in it. Since you wrote the code, I added it. Thanks!

Now i wonder whether we'll see more people give feature suggestion while including source code.

[Mpamaegbu]

Well, I don't see how that should be a problem. They will all get around it, one way or the other.

It's not going to be a big problem because theymos added an explanation field to the word "OP". Hover your mouse over it and it explains that OP is the person who started the thread.

Regardless of the fact that I expect anyone who's lost stumbling on new words to search them out, I believe most people here will know what OP means. It's often used (I use it often, and I've seen a lot of others use it too). About the mouse–hovering thing, you ought to know that not everyone here makes use of desktops and PCs to make posts. Mobil phone users are plenteous here too and that facility isn't available to them 🤔. I speak for myself anyway.

but eventually everyone will get used to it.

Definitely, of course. We learn everyday.

[Inwestour]

Style F

This one signifies the OP by adding a little icon next to their name:

This looks even better

I also liked this style the most, it looks simple and clear, does not make the line too long if the user's nickname is long. And so everything is very stylish and over time everyone will get used to it and it will be easy to perceive. Although style B is also normally perceived.

[darxiaomi]

Really good news and a really good aditament for the forum, this can help so much when we are in some threads where are so long and we lose who its the OP.
Today when i see the new one thing, i really like.

Thanks to the OP  to make this possible, and the forum to implementing this, and make with that more people can encouragement to make other good things to this forum.

[TheUltraElite]

Totally forgot about this suggestion which I had supported some time back, knowing how much follow-up we get from theymos on suggestions in the past, but I was pleasantly delighted to see the change in the usernames with OP written in running threads, so I came back to check.

Hoping to see a much necessary suggestion - 2FA or something similar maybe in theymos' own cryptography skills to secure accounts - getting implemented in the near future.

Thank you ajaxtempest (original idea), theymos (Our Boss!) and PowerGlove (OP)  

[Smartvirus]

Nicely done @PowerGlove. It gives me great pleasure to note that, our suggestions here are not layed to waste and even with pending approval on its validity, we still have those with the programmable knowledge and time to be doing some forum edition works on the sidelines. It's very encouraging and I think this is one of the best ways to be going about some supported suggestions that proves to be valid in the long run in contrast to living it all in the hands of Theymos although, we've got to ensure there are no bugs to it.

I can see clear the notation (OP) written clearly with your user as the starter of the thread just as I find in Style B which means, one of your designs have been chosen already if am not mistaken. So the forum isn't stagnated at last, good one.

[UserU]

Oh nice, just noticed the change went live as well!

[_BlackStar]

And it turns out that the OP's suggestion for the forum about identifying topic creators and replies was actually adopted. I only realized now after looking at a few different threads, there's a (OP) sign next to the name of the thread creator, and it's really nice in my opinion.

PowerGlove, you are really worthy here, this is what is called one of the real contributions to the forum. I think theymos will also consider other unique features in the future for this forum especially if it's harmless. I would like to see 2FA security features adopted in the future.

[dkbit98]

I probably never would've spent the ~hour figuring out how to add it because it strikes me as unnecessary, but I also don't see the harm in it. Since you wrote the code, I added it. Thanks!

Very nice surprise and with this move you closed the mouth of everyone who said that forum as not updated for years

Great contribution work again PowerGlove!

I guess the BPIP extension changes it for you.

Correct.
BPIP extension is moving OP letters below username, and I prefer this myself.

[DireWolfM14]

Good job, PowerGlove.  I just assumed this was an update to the Bpip extension when I first saw it.  Thanks for the contribution.

[meser#]

In my opinion, it would be better to put a conspicuous icon in the marked place. When reading a multi-page topic, the marked place will attract more attention.

[Welsh]

Well, I don't see how that should be a problem. They will all get around it, one way or the other. After all, we still have veteran members here who don't understand what CFNP on campaign threads means; even when those letters hang there in capital letters.

There will likely still be questions from time to time, but I think having the explanation on hover is the best way to go about it, especially when it doesn't take practically any additional resources, and was simple to add. However, abbreviations in general are a pet peeve of mine, unless they've previously been explained. I do fall into that trap myself at times, but when you've got a wide audience, you should generally be clarifying what the abbreviation stands for.

Especially when it comes to the functionality of something. It's just good practice to do so.

[n0nce]

I like the idea! I'd vote for option F (the writing hand glyph). Spot #2 would be writing the username in italics.
Reason being that the writing hand is mostly self-explanatory and both options don't use the abbreviation 'OP' which I'm not a big fan of (not sure why).

[Zlantann]

Well done powerGlove for making this possible through writing the scripts, and thank you to Theymos for actually adding it, tbh, how many people actually thought this was going to be added? I wouldn't be surprised if the answer is probably nobody, well, good now because every user can easily identify the OP of a thread when they post within the thread, especially outside the first page, not that it was hard to figure out, but at least it is what it is.

Nice job powerGlove. This contribution looks small but it really makes a lot of difference. You helped in identifying the challenge, sought the solution, found it, and help to enforce or implement it. This is an uncommon feat that is very outstanding. This contribution would be remembered by members in many years to come. Also this is one of the fastest changes that I have seen in this forum. Just few days after its proposal, Theymos implemented it. This is a proof that it is very innovative and would be generally accepted. More wins powerGlove and the entire Bitcointalk community.

[PowerGlove]

I probably never would've spent the ~hour figuring out how to add it because it strikes me as unnecessary, but I also don't see the harm in it. Since you wrote the code, I added it. Thanks!

Wow, that was quick (~62 hours from initial post to merge). I was sitting in the bath, wondering if it would be appropriate to PM you or not. It was a nice surprise to come back to my machine and see "(OP)" next to a post!

I'm humbled at being allowed to contribute to the forum in my own small way. Thanks theymos!


I've closely read each post in this thread, and will continue to do so. Thank you to anyone who left kind words, they mean a lot to me.

I've mostly finished work on my next SMF patch (simple 2FA) and will post about it soon. I'm still polishing it up and thinking through all the implications and don't want to take advantage of theymos' good nature by bugging him until it's fully baked.

[AnotherAlt]

I changed my screen size. I have zoomed in and out. Still, this looks like this to me. Am I the only one?

I guess the BPIP extension changes it for you.

I think so. I tried a different browser without a BPIP extension to check if it was the same for me. But, Nah. It's on the right of the username.
So, yes. It was my browser extension. Not sure who is the developer of that extension. Maybe suchmoon or Vod? or someone else? I would like to request them if they can look into it.

[LoyceV]

In my opinion, it would be better to put a conspicuous icon in the marked place. When reading a multi-page topic, the marked place will attract more attention.

That's a weird location to show information on who posted it. But if you really want to, you could make a user script that uses the current "(OP)" to put a big red X there.

I've mostly finished work on my next SMF patch (simple 2FA) and will post about it soon. I'm still polishing it up and thinking through all the implications

Do you also consider the problems this can cause? I'm thinking of people losing access to their account when they lose their 2FA, or a false sense of security when the 2FA is on the same phone they use to access the forum.
Have you seen NLNico's post?

[Welsh]

I've mostly finished work on my next SMF patch (simple 2FA) and will post about it soon. I'm still polishing it up and thinking through all the implications and don't want to take advantage of theymos' good nature by bugging him until it's fully baked.

Yeah, the two factor authentication (2FA) is anything, but simple I would imagine. You'd need to think about ways of attack, and how to mitigate those. As well as potentially recovery. How are you going about the two factor authentication exactly? Via normal routes or a Bitcoin specific route with signing?

There's been some good suggestions, and related discussion over in the new forum software section about two factor authentication if you haven't already read it. I imagine theymos has considered it in the past, just hasn't had enough time to actually sit down, and cover all the angles.

It's what I'd support the most though. Some 2FA would probably solve a lot of our problems going forward, but also give a lot of users peace of mind, which is worth a lot.

[Maestro75]

Nice one, Powerglove. You have given us an extra. And I also read that you are planning a 2FA for us. I hereby seize power from her late Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11 as a Fool Member that I am  , and induct you into bitcointalk Hall of Fame with immediate effect. Thank you.

[LoyceV]

induct you into bitcointalk Hall of Fame with immediate effect.

Isn't it ironic OP can't even have an avatar yet, but he can patch the forum?

[skarais]

PowerGlove, I'm glad that your current idea can be enjoyed by all forum users without having to install anything. This should be the new normal for us where I can quickly find the OP for every reply in a thread, its really a good idea.

It's what I'd support the most though. Some 2FA would probably solve a lot of our problems going forward, but also give a lot of users peace of mind, which is worth a lot.

I'm thinking of a user security system as adopted by many exchanges. Binance has 5 2FA to protect users, which includes Google Authenticator, message authentication, email authentication, security key authentication, and biometric authentication. If the forum had one of these I think it would be great although actually some people can think about the negative effects.

[Agbe]

I don't know that this thread is here. This new development is very good one for the identification of the original poster. I saw the sign last week. And I was like a confused state. I was trying to know if it is a new add or update that was I created a thread on it but someone just directed me to this thread. https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5413377.0
The A and B are the preferable styles but the B has been chosen over others already so there is no need for any suggestions again. There are some suggestions that people made in the forum are useful but some users always condemned it they did not see any good part from the such suggestions. Personally, I really like this option of addition of (OP) to the writer's front for identification of the real writer of the thread.

[OgNasty]

I just noticed this feature has been added to the forum. Very cool addition. Seems like it’s been a while since anything has been implemented so it’s nice to know things are still being worked on. I don’t see any downside to this addition so it seems like a great decision to add it. Nice to see new things around here.

[joker_josue]

I just noticed this feature has been added to the forum. Very cool addition. Seems like it’s been a while since anything has been implemented so it’s nice to know things are still being worked on. I don’t see any downside to this addition so it seems like a great decision to add it. Nice to see new things around here.

I had the same feeling! Sometimes it takes so long to see nothing new, that it can give the idea that nothing else is being done. Especially for those who know the forum for many years, and at first glance everything seems the same.

But when we look at the details, we see differences. And then when small news comes out, we notice it right away and are very happy to see how things are still alive!

Congratulations to all those who continue to keep this community alive. Keep going and thank you! 

[PowerGlove]

Have you seen NLNico's post?

Yep, it came up in my first 2FA topic.

I've carefully considered what might have happened there and in order to maximize the chance of theymos accepting the work this time, I'm taking a different approach than NLNico. My attempt will be a patch (not a package) which allows for tighter integration and won't get in the way of implementing whatever feedback theymos might have. It will also not introduce any additional dependencies (written from scratch, no third-party code). Finally, it won't require JavaScript, which is important to me (and I'm guessing a few others).

How are you going about the two factor authentication exactly? Via normal routes or a Bitcoin specific route with signing?

It'll be a basic implementation of RFC 6238 (TOTP: Time-Based One-Time Password Algorithm). Nothing exotic, just a simple 6-digit code entered at login for those users that have enabled it.

The implementation is flexible enough for theymos to configure the specifics (hash algorithm, time step, digit count, synchronization window). The default values are set to maximize compatibility, so all the ordinary 2FA applications will work (e.g. Google Authenticator, Authy, FreeOTP, KeePassXC, WinAuth, etc.)


I've been through as much 2FA content as I could find on the forum and I'm trying to make sure that my implementation won't upset anyone or introduce new problems. I'm also mindful that theymos is unlikely to accept a patch that involves too much additional code (and therefore, new attack surface) so I'm keeping the patch as small and easy to review as I can.

I'll get into all the details when I post about it. We probably shouldn't derail this thread with prolonged 2FA discussion.

[NeuroticFish]

induct you into bitcointalk Hall of Fame with immediate effect.

Isn't it ironic OP can't even have an avatar yet, but he can patch the forum?

He has my support for a special badge (up to theymos to pick it).
It should be more interesting than an avatar he will have sooner or later.

[Maestro75]

induct you into bitcointalk Hall of Fame with immediate effect.

Isn't it ironic OP can't even have an avatar yet, but he can patch the forum?

He has my support for a special badge (up to theymos to pick it).
It should be more interesting than an avatar he will have sooner or later.

Yes, getting an avatar is a piece meal for a man who just walked straight into theymos office. He is already a hero, and a Hero member 

[Oluwa-btc]

induct you into bitcointalk Hall of Fame with immediate effect.

Isn't it ironic OP can't even have an avatar yet, but he can patch the forum?

 

Hey Loyce, having OP amongst this won't be bad idea you think also ? Don't bash me  Just suggesting.

[realdantreccia]

induct you into bitcointalk Hall of Fame with immediate effect.

Isn't it ironic OP can't even have an avatar yet, but he can patch the forum?

OP "Date Registered:   June 23, 2022, 12:26:29 AM" but already making awesome additions to the dungeon. This place is timeless. I appreciate contributions like these it makes the thread more informative especially ones that get hundreds of pages long - thanks "(OP)"!

[dkbit98]

Isn't it ironic OP can't even have an avatar yet, but he can patch the forum?

Maybe we should hire him to finally finish new epochtalk forum
I don't think avatar is so important, but in sign of gratitude theymos could always enable it in his profile.

It'll be a basic implementation of RFC 6238 (TOTP: Time-Based One-Time Password Algorithm). Nothing exotic, just a simple 6-digit code entered at login for those users that have enabled it.

It sounds to me you are already thinking of new forum contribution with 2FA implementation

[UserU]

Maybe we should hire him to finally finish new epochtalk forum
I don't think avatar is so important, but in sign of gratitude theymos could always enable it in his profile.

Faith in humanity finally restored.

[Fivestar4everMVP]

Nice one, Powerglove. You have given us an extra. And I also read that you are planning a 2FA for us. I hereby seize power from her late Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11 as a Fool Member that I am  , and induct you into bitcointalk Hall of Fame with immediate effect. Thank you.

Indeed, OP added an incredible and outstanding contribution to the forum, the feature he added is super useful, he indeed have proved his knowledgeability in writing codes and I suggest he be hired to work side by side with theymos to bring more improvement to the forum.

This just me thinking aloud, but sincere, I am humbled by the OP's level of skills in writing codes.

[Maestro75]

I don't think avatar is so important, but in sign of gratitude theymos could always enable it in his profile.

There is no need for theymos to do such. He is already at 717 merits as of today and that is almost close to a legendary rank. The only thing holding him now is his activity count. He is at 98 activities. It remains just 2 to make him a Full member and he can wear an avatar in less than 2 weeks.

It sounds to me you are already thinking of new forum contribution with 2FA implementation

He has mentioned that and how he is going to pursue it.

[ajaxtempest]

Thanks for implementing my suggestion. However by making it in BOLD it would have been more easier when skimming through the thread just to see only OP posts. THe fact the the OP font is same as others makes it discerning more difficult.
We can try it as an experiment and see the feedback.

also i had suggested another feature where you would click a down or up arrow in the post message to jump to next post of the specific user in that thread.

I have another idea!. Have a down arrow next to a person reply which states"jump to next post of the user". An up arrow can also be used to see the users previous post in the same thread.

eg
https://www.godlikeproductions.com/forum1/message5146777/pg1

see the top right corner where there are 2 arrows. IF you click the down arrow image, it will take you to the persons next post. Pretty ingenious!.
https://imgur.com/DiOgm4Y

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5397661.msg60569905#msg60569905

[LoyceV]

it would have been more easier when skimming through the thread just to see only OP posts.

You can write a userscript to change that. Or just use CTRL-F and type " (OP)".

[ajaxtempest]

it would have been more easier when skimming through the thread just to see only OP posts.

You can write a userscript to change that. Or just use CTRL-F and type " (OP)".

That defeats the entire purpose of having OP in the first place

it should be A choice with a slight change aka (OP)  and not (OP) as A choice.

[PowerGlove]

Thanks for implementing my suggestion.

No problem. I credited your thread in the initial post. I'm pretty sure this suggestion has come up multiple times (Welsh seems to agree), but I couldn't find older topics about it.

However by making it in BOLD it would have been more easier when skimming through the thread just to see only OP posts.

I think the style theymos chose is fine. Knowing that a given post was made by OP is a nice bit of context, but it's not crucial information, so I don't think it should go out of its way to draw attention to itself.

We can try it as an experiment and see the feedback.

Forum changes get implemented so rarely around here, that I think we should just be grateful that theymos signed off on this one and not push our luck. I don't want to bug him with a patch for an inconsequential formatting tweak.

also i had suggested another feature where you would click a down or up arrow in the post message to jump to next post of the specific user in that thread.

Yep, I've seen that one. I've only considered it superficially but knowing what I now know about SMF (which is not all that much, I'm still learning the codebase), implementing this feature would be technically quite "ugly" as it'll involve running a new SQL query for each post, each time it's rendered. I'm not sure if this suggestion is useful enough to warrant the additional DB load it'll cause. I guess if there are more than a few long-time members that chime in with support for this idea, I'll look into it more deeply and see if I can find a way to implement it elegantly.

[takuma sato]

I would like a notification system when someone quotes you and  being able to quote someone highlighting the profile. Like @PowerGlove would make a clickable link for your profile. Other than that I would be happy with how things are, I like the oldschool feel of this forum. Perhaps a dark mode for browsing at night and that's about it.

[Maestro75]

We can try it as an experiment and see the feedback.

Forum changes get implemented so rarely around here, that I think we should just be grateful that theymos signed off on this one and not push our luck. I don't want to bug him with a patch for an inconsequential formatting tweak.

PowerGlove is right and I hope ajaxtempest will have to be grateful that his idea was implemented quickly unlike how theymos delays on making any change in the forum. Asking for tweaking now immediately after this will seem like you are asking too much and not grateful. Your idea has been applauded and we have to move on.

[PowerGlove]

also i had suggested another feature where you would click a down or up arrow in the post message to jump to next post of the specific user in that thread.

I know I told you earlier in this thread that this feature would be difficult to implement in a technically sensible way, but I figured out a way to do it, and posted about it here.

Hopefully my latest work meets with theymos' approval, so that when you return to the forum, you'll find that another one of your ideas got implemented!