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Private Message (PM) Feature Not Working Properly

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  • Member since
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  • From: Reading, PA
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Posted by rrinker on Sunday, March 1, 2020 4:16 PM

Overmod

 

I'm sure they're getting the promised 'new forum experience' ready and these issues will be addressed.  Let's just hope there will be a functional forum in the new-and-improved 'user experience', and not some clone of trendy and unfitted social media...

 

 We can hope, but don't hold your breath. The way the whole "social media" style has crept into even professional business applications pretty much means anything 'new' will go along with this same flow. Incredibly annoying at work to deal with that stuff. There still are plenty of forum applications that don't have all that junk, but they probably don't integrate all the other media stuff they need here. 

 As for PMs, I've never had a problem, mine are all there, and just the other day I had a back and forth PM conversation with another member. We both received the new messages we sent each other. Works for me both in Edge and Chrome on Windows 10.

                                     --Randy


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

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Posted by Overmod on Sunday, March 1, 2020 4:01 PM

The MR site code doesn't correctly interpret some of the 'common' forum APIs.  My PM notifications don't light up here, and my fixed preference to read new posts first doesn't implement, either.  (What does implement, on and off, is the "-1" page count bug after you post with the option turned on...)

The Firefox bug is in the display of the window for text entry, and it happens relatively late in the page load -- on slow ISPs I can actually enter a line or two of text in the box before the overlay cuts off the function.  I give up on anyone actually fixing this ... it is probably some security-related patch I only peripherally care about the implementation of ... and I doubt Kalmbach cares even if Taligent or whoever does.  I use a different browser to read PMs.  If you are using Firefox and can still use PMs, for heavens sake don't update higher than 60.x or so or you'll irrevocably lose access.

Mobile PM has not worked correctly in years.  Used to be you could click on a tiny 'go to desktop site' control and then find a use for the fancy Retina screen on an iPhone, moving around a teeny-tiny desktop with a conductive stylus to select and a plug-in keyboard to enter characters.  Then the programmers screwed up the width of a mobile display window that contains a clickable URL so the 'reply' button would be helpfully off the screen in either portrait or landscape view, and you couldn't 'pan' to expose it.  It's almost a mercy that the whole PM thing is 'no longer supported' on mobile.  (And this after all the crap introduced into the Forum code in an earlier era when Kalmbach saw a bright future for mobile enablement for apps and marketing and rewrote a great deal of functionality for compatibility with its whole 'mobile experience' site version...)

I'm sure they're getting the promised 'new forum experience' ready and these issues will be addressed.  Let's just hope there will be a functional forum in the new-and-improved 'user experience', and not some clone of trendy and unfitted social media...

  • Member since
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Posted by Track fiddler on Saturday, February 29, 2020 11:02 PM

ATLANTIC CENTRAL

 

I get those messages if I post on my tablet, but if you go to the right corner menu, you can tell it to view the desktop site, and then it works.

 

 

Thanks Sheldon.  

That makes perfect sense.  A while ago Imgure changed their format and changed all mobile uploading to desktop.  It did take me a while before I finally figured that one out.

I don't know when MR changed their format as I don't go to messaging very often. 

Thanks for the help, I'll give that a whirl tomorrow.

 

 

TF

  • Member since
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  • From: Maryland
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Posted by ATLANTIC CENTRAL on Saturday, February 29, 2020 10:15 PM

Track fiddler

I can't even get to my messages in my profile site anymore.  When I tap on messages this image comes on my screen.

I do believe I have also lost my  conversation records.

I don't know if any of you other guys post from your phone but it's quite a treat.  Half the time I don't know if it's the phone, the site or a combination of both.

It takes longer to compose a post and photos from a phone that's for sure.  Sometimes I have taken some time and just about ready to post and everything disappears into Oblivion.  At that point I usually give up and go do something else.

 

P.S.     LaughLaugh   Mike, that was funny stuff.  Don't feel bad, you can always get some Excedrin PM'sLaugh Whistling Smile

 

 

TF

 

 

I get those messages if I post on my tablet, but if you go to the right corner menu, you can tell it to view the desktop site, and then it works.

I never post photos from my tablet, because my train photos are not on my tablet, and it is a pain.

I think that is a mobile site issue, I never could get the mobile version to work on my tablet.

Sheldon

    

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: Maryland
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Posted by ATLANTIC CENTRAL on Saturday, February 29, 2020 10:11 PM

My private message functions work just fine. Just last week I received a message with the red indication, responed back and forth, etc.

And all my message history is intact back to 2009......

It is interesting that these features work for some and not others?

Sheldon

    

  • Member since
    March 2017
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Posted by Track fiddler on Saturday, February 29, 2020 9:13 PM

I can't even get to my messages in my profile site anymore.  When I tap on messages this image comes on my screen.

I do believe I have also lost my  conversation records.

I don't know if any of you other guys post from your phone but it's quite a treat.  Half the time I don't know if it's the phone, the site or a combination of both.

It takes longer to compose a post and photos from a phone that's for sure.  Sometimes I have taken some time and just about ready to post and everything disappears into Oblivion.  At that point I usually give up and go do something else.

 

P.S.     LaughLaugh   Mike, that was funny stuff.  Don't feel bad, you can always get some Excedrin PM'sLaugh Whistling Smile

 

 

TF

 

  • Member since
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  • From: SE. WI.
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Posted by mbinsewi on Saturday, February 29, 2020 9:12 PM

THAT'S ENOUGH!  I have had it between you two talking about all you PM's  Grumpy

Have either of you ever considered what it's like for those of us that DON"T get PMs. ?

Have you even considered the devastion the REST of us must go through?  It's like not being accepted!  Crying  in a world that is suppose to be all about diversity!..

I will go hide, and look at pictures of Dr. Wayne's layout....

Mike.

  • Member since
    January 2010
  • From: Chi-Town
  • 7,712 posts
Posted by zstripe on Saturday, February 29, 2020 4:33 PM

richhotrain

 

 
zstripe

Rich,

A new delvelopement now going on My MRR site.....My Friends Icon turns Red, when I have a PM.......LOL.

HI Garry.........

Take Care! Big Smile

Frank 

 

 

Oh yeah !

 

 

Got one to add to the above, that I did not catch at first. Along with turning Red, when I click on it and read the Msg. that person automatically went into My Friends file along with the others.......even though the conversation had nothing to do with being friends......LOL

Maybe the old MRR software is revolting..Confused

Take Care! Big Smile

Frank

  • Member since
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  • From: Dearborn Station
  • 24,281 posts
Posted by richhotrain on Saturday, February 29, 2020 3:46 PM

zstripe

Rich,

A new delvelopement now going on My MRR site.....My Friends Icon turns Red, when I have a PM.......LOL.

HI Garry.........

Take Care! Big Smile

Frank 

Oh yeah !

Alton Junction

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    January 2010
  • From: Chi-Town
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Posted by zstripe on Saturday, February 29, 2020 11:15 AM

Rich,

A new delvelopement now going on My MRR site.....My Friends Icon turns Red, when I have a PM.......LOL.

HI Garry.........

Take Care! Big Smile

Frank

 

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Kentucky
  • 10,660 posts
Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Saturday, February 29, 2020 10:40 AM

the message system does not work well for me. Anytime, someone posts in the forum telling me to check for messages, I look, and did not receive one. 

Another topic: Spell check does not work for me also. 

 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
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Posted by richhotrain on Saturday, February 29, 2020 4:35 AM

zstripe

Mark,

I got Your PM and replyed a little later. You are able to send, but not receive.

If You want....You can send Me another PM and include Your E-mail addy. I know they are not going to waste any time or money on fixing this software.

I also run Chrome with Windows 10......no problems on any site.

Take Care! Big Smile

Frank 

Same here. I use Chrome and Windows 10, so no problems for me.

Rich

Alton Junction

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
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Posted by richhotrain on Saturday, February 29, 2020 4:34 AM

Mark R.
 
richhotrain 
doctorwayne

Thanks for the reminder, Rich.  I've been a bit busy with other things, and only after seeing this thread, did I checked my PMs and see your messages.  I'll reply soon.

My PM notifications originally worked well, but have not done so at all for some time now.  I can send PMs and read them (when I'm aware of them being there), and am using Firefox on my Mac, with otherwise no difficulties.

Wayne  

What actually prompted me to start this thread was that I noticed two different forum members telling other forum members to check their PMs. 

Rich 

I'm probably one of them. I've been asked why I don't respond to my PMs. Checked my messages and haven't received anything in over a year. After one member indicated he JUST sent me a message, I did note my messages notification WAS red, but no new messages to be found. (?)

I'm also running the latest version of Chrome on Windows 10.

Mark. 

Yep, it was Frank's post to you that prompted me to start this thread.

Rich

Alton Junction

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Posted by zstripe on Saturday, February 29, 2020 12:25 AM

Mark,

I got Your PM and replyed a little later. You are able to send, but not receive.

If You want....You can send Me another PM and include Your E-mail addy. I know they are not going to waste any time or money on fixing this software.

I also run Chrome with Windows 10......no problems on any site.

Take Care! Big Smile

Frank

  • Member since
    May 2010
  • From: SE. WI.
  • 8,253 posts
Posted by mbinsewi on Friday, February 28, 2020 8:53 PM

I use Chrome, but, it's a Win 7, which updates have expired.  I will be moving on to a new desk top, very soon.  I already have a laptop, Win 10, updated, ready to go.

Mike.

  • Member since
    April 2004
  • From: Ontario Canada
  • 3,574 posts
Posted by Mark R. on Friday, February 28, 2020 8:17 PM

richhotrain

 

 
doctorwayne

Thanks for the reminder, Rich.  I've been a bit busy with other things, and only after seeing this thread, did I checked my PMs and see your messages.  I'll reply soon.

My PM notifications originally worked well, but have not done so at all for some time now.  I can send PMs and read them (when I'm aware of them being there), and am using Firefox on my Mac, with otherwise no difficulties.

Wayne 

 

 

What actually prompted me to start this thread was that I noticed two different forum members telling other forum members to check their PMs.

 

Rich

 

I'm probably one of them. I've been asked why I don't respond to my PMs. Checked my messages and haven't received anything in over a year. After one member indicated he JUST sent me a message, I did note my messages notification WAS red, but no new messages to be found. (?)

I'm also running the latest version of Chrome on Windows 10.

Mark.

¡ uʍop ǝpısdn sı ǝɹnʇɐuƃıs ʎɯ 'dlǝɥ

  • Member since
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Posted by mbinsewi on Friday, February 28, 2020 5:09 PM

I have no problem sending and recieving, just no notification, other than checking it often.

Mike.

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
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Posted by richhotrain on Friday, February 28, 2020 4:00 PM

doctorwayne

Thanks for the reminder, Rich.  I've been a bit busy with other things, and only after seeing this thread, did I checked my PMs and see your messages.  I'll reply soon.

My PM notifications originally worked well, but have not done so at all for some time now.  I can send PMs and read them (when I'm aware of them being there), and am using Firefox on my Mac, with otherwise no difficulties.

Wayne 

What actually prompted me to start this thread was that I noticed two different forum members telling other forum members to check their PMs.

Rich

Alton Junction

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Friday, February 28, 2020 3:58 PM

I usually check mine every 2 or 3 days.

I also post a note to the receiver when I innitiate a conversation over PM.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

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Posted by doctorwayne on Friday, February 28, 2020 3:51 PM

Thanks for the reminder, Rich.  I've been a bit busy with other things, and only after seeing this thread, did I checked my PMs and see your messages.  I'll reply soon.

My PM notifications originally worked well, but have not done so at all for some time now.  I can send PMs and read them (when I'm aware of them being there), and am using Firefox on my Mac, with otherwise no difficulties.

Wayne

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
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Posted by rrinker on Friday, February 28, 2020 10:56 AM

 I read it. I appreciate the sentiment. I just didn't reply.

But I did find one from Feb 1 that I hadn't read yet.

                                   --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

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Posted by rbturner on Friday, February 28, 2020 9:45 AM
I sent Mr. Rinker a message last May. It shows up in my PM as 'sent'. I just assumed he never checks them.
Randy
  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
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Posted by richhotrain on Friday, February 28, 2020 9:19 AM

I will just repeat my earlier suggestion.

Check each time you log on to the forum by clicking the Messages link under your screen name on the right side of the page to see if you have any unread messages from other forum members.

Rich 

 

Alton Junction

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Posted by Tinplate Toddler on Friday, February 28, 2020 8:31 AM

Going back maybe 5 years, everything worked just fine! Then came an upgrade of the forum software to a new and improved version. Downhill since ...

Happy times!

Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)

"You´re never too old for a happy childhood!"

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Posted by rrinker on Friday, February 28, 2020 8:27 AM

 I don;t think I EVER got a notification on the site - back when emails worked, I did get email notification.

But that's probably my ad block. I also don't see those ads and annoying popups that others complain about. My guess - any popup notifying you of a waiting PM looks enough like an ad, it gets blocked from appearing.

                                         --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    May 2010
  • From: SE. WI.
  • 8,253 posts
Posted by mbinsewi on Friday, February 28, 2020 7:45 AM

I use Chrome, and there is NO indication that I have a message waiting, her in MR.  I haven't checked other sites in here to see if the notifications work like Ed does.  That's why I check messages more frequently.

Besides, who would want to message me.  Crying

I usually let the person know that I have sent a PM in their last post on a thread we have been on.

Mike.

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  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
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Posted by gmpullman on Friday, February 28, 2020 7:37 AM

richhotrain
In my case, I can send and receive PMs, and the notification is lighting up in red letters to let me know that I have unread incoming PMs.

My "PM waiting" notification only works in other "Trains.com" sites. So if I go to Classic Trains or Trains Magazine or even Classic Toy Trains the notification is in bold red. But here in M-R the notification stays blank.

I used to get email notification, too, but that stopped about four months ago.

Regards, Ed

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Posted by RR_Mel on Friday, February 28, 2020 7:28 AM

Everything works from Chrome, it’s a Firefox thing. The last few Firefox upgrades have dinged several sites.
 
 
 
Mel
 
 
 
My Model Railroad   
 
Bakersfield, California
 
I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
 
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Posted by Tinplate Toddler on Friday, February 28, 2020 7:16 AM

I can´t even send PMs, nor receive them. I have given up on hoping for improvements. I just wonder that a renowned publishing business like Kalmbach thinks they can afford to have such a poor working customer interface.

Happy times!

Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)

"You´re never too old for a happy childhood!"

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