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I believe I've had enough!

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  • Member since
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I believe I've had enough!
Posted by Bill H. on Saturday, September 2, 2006 1:43 PM
The "new and improved" format seems to be designed as user unfriendly.  Several instances have occured when pasting a link or pic would have been helpful, but, noooooooo, current format doesn't allow any simple, normal way to do it. FAQ section is of no use. Why is that?

Maybe just reading is preferred?
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Posted by Railphotog on Saturday, September 2, 2006 3:07 PM
It seems to work OK for several hundred or maybe thousands of people.    Maybe the problem is on your end?

Bob Boudreau

CANADA

Visit my model railroad photography website: http://sites.google.com/site/railphotog/

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Posted by GearDrivenSteam on Saturday, September 2, 2006 3:19 PM
Bill, from what I have been able to figure out, the problem is IE7. Look to see which version of Internet Explorer you have, and if it's IE7, that may be your problem.
It is enough that Jesus died and that he died for me.
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Posted by rrinker on Saturday, September 2, 2006 4:32 PM
  It IS simple.  [ img ] then the URL of the picture then [ /img ]  (no spaces)

Or [ url ] thent he url of the web page you want people to go to then [ /url ]

I recommend anyone havign problems using the icons to create images and links try typing just the codes and doing it that way. Might get around some wierdness that appears in IE7 and Safari. Why any browser should be attempting to 'interpret' things which are clearly not HTML and are not using proper HTML tags is beyond me. It should be ignored and passed on as-is. Also skip the preview. If you type the tags correctly and have not misspelled the URL, it will work, no need to preview first - that also keeps it from trying to render what you typed, and clicking submit at that point likely submits just junk too.

Standard bbcode used on many other message boards.

                     --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 PA Belt on Saturday, September 2, 2006 5:11 PM
go download fire fox
-mike A.K.A. Slappy http://s116.photobucket.com/albums/o22/pabelt/ B&LE: It ain't owned by CN, it owns CN!
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Posted by selector on Saturday, September 2, 2006 5:49 PM

 rrinker wrote:
  It IS simple.  [ img ] then the URL of the picture then [ /img ]  (no spaces)

Or [ url ] thent he url of the web page you want people to go to then [ /url ]

I recommend anyone havign problems using the icons to create images and links try typing just the codes and doing it that way. Might get around some wierdness that appears in IE7 and Safari. Why any browser should be attempting to 'interpret' things which are clearly not HTML and are not using proper HTML tags is beyond me. It should be ignored and passed on as-is. Also skip the preview. If you type the tags correctly and have not misspelled the URL, it will work, no need to preview first - that also keeps it from trying to render what you typed, and clicking submit at that point likely submits just junk too.

Standard bbcode used on many other message boards.

                     --Randy

Randy, I am using IE6, and cannot post like I used to from railimages.  In the old forum, when I pasted the enlarged photo's "properties" URL, it remained black type in the text box.  I added the [] brackets and the image would work. But here, as soon as I paste the URL, it turns blue.  I add the brackets and img stuff, but the actual post shows a failed image icon at the left and a bunch of text with the "..borders = zero" added.  AFAIK, I have changed nothing about my operation. The only thing that has changed since I last posted a photo that actually worked is that railimages has joined trainboard...maybe that is the problem?

-Crandell

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Posted by GearDrivenSteam on Saturday, September 2, 2006 5:56 PM
Crandell, that's really strange, because I am using IE6, too and have not had a problem. Go Figure.
It is enough that Jesus died and that he died for me.
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Posted by ezielinski on Saturday, September 2, 2006 6:26 PM
IE6 is the "World Standard" browser, so I'm sure it is "technical" difficulties on your end GearDrivenSteam.  I don't seem to have a problem posting pictures either.
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Posted by alco_fan on Saturday, September 2, 2006 8:59 PM
 selector wrote:

In the old forum, when I pasted the enlarged photo's "properties" URL, it remained black type in the text box.  I added the [] brackets and the image would work.

Did you try typing the [img*] and [/img*] (without the asterisks) first, _then_ pasting in the url of the photo between them? That keeps the forum software from turning it into a link instead of an image. At least, it works for me and for many others.

Jon

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Posted by edkowal on Saturday, September 2, 2006 9:24 PM
 selector wrote:

Randy, I am using IE6, and cannot post like I used to from railimages.  In the old forum, when I pasted the enlarged photo's "properties" URL, it remained black type in the text box.  I added the [] brackets and the image would work. But here, as soon as I paste the URL, it turns blue.  I add the brackets and img stuff, but the actual post shows a failed image icon at the left and a bunch of text with the "..borders = zero" added.  AFAIK, I have changed nothing about my operation. The only thing that has changed since I last posted a photo that actually worked is that railimages has joined trainboard...maybe that is the problem?

-Crandell



Crandell:

I had the same type of problem using IE6 when the trains site changed over as well.  I switched  to Firefox as a browser and haven't had that type of issue happen since.   Occasionally, Firefox won't display a website as intended by the webdesigner, and then I  use IE6 for that site only.  But, for me, Firefox has proven to be easier to use, and won't cause side problems like what you're experiencing.

-Ed

Five out of four people have trouble with fractions. -Anonymous
Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead. -Benjamin Franklin
"You don't have to be Jeeves to love butlers, but it helps." (Followers of Levi's Real Jewish Rye will get this one) -Ed K
 "A potted watch never boils." -Ed Kowal
If it's not fun, why do it ? -Ben & Jerry

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Posted by selector on Saturday, September 2, 2006 10:52 PM

Thanks, gentlemen.  I will have to break down and get firefox onto the computer...I guess....this should be interesting.  I have never downloaded such a thing and figured out how to go between them, but there's a first time for everything.   I'll try the first trick, though, and hopefully that will solve it for me.

-Crandell

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Posted by selector on Saturday, September 2, 2006 10:54 PM

Well I'll be....

Jon, you are numero uno!  I can't thank you enough.Big Smile [:D]Thumbs Up [tup]

-Crandell

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Posted by SOU Fan on Saturday, September 2, 2006 10:58 PM
 selector wrote:

Thanks, gentlemen.  I will have to break down and get firefox onto the computer...I guess....this should be interesting.  I have never downloaded such a thing and figured out how to go between them, but there's a first time for everything.   I'll try the first trick, though, and hopefully that will solve it for me.

-Crandell

You could also download Crazy Browser.  that's what I use.Cool [8D]

dekruif

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Posted by river_eagle on Saturday, September 2, 2006 11:40 PM
Or CommunityServer could fix their outdated software!!!!, especially before "Vista" launches,
and guys telling people over and over again how img tags work, won't fix the software problems with the hyperlink codes.

this is the "ONLY" site I have found any issues with the hyperlinks from IE7, and seems to be an issue with some OS versions as well.
IE7 is out of beta, and will be on new machines before the end of the year.
When in doubt, rule #1 applies  Central Missouri Railroad Association cmrraclub.com
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Posted by Bill H. on Sunday, September 3, 2006 12:11 AM
 rrinker wrote:
  It IS simple.  [ img ] then the URL of the picture then [ /img ]  (no spaces)

Or [ url ] thent he url of the web page you want people to go to then [ /url]


I see.

The URL must be typed manually between the manually created tags?  Right click, (drop down menu), gives no option to paste any saved/copied url.  Hmmmmm...

Explorer? No. I use Firefox.


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Posted by marknewton on Sunday, September 3, 2006 6:13 AM
<BLOCKQUOTE><table class="quoteOuterTable"><tr><td class="txt4"><img src="/trccs/Themes/default/images/icon-quote.gif">&nbsp;<strong>Bill H. wrote:</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="quoteTable"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="100%" valign="top" class="txt4"><BLOCKQUOTE><table class="quoteOuterTable"><tr><td class="txt4"><img src="/trccs/Themes/default/images/icon-quote.gif">&nbsp;<strong>rrinker wrote:</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="quoteTable"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="100%" valign="top" class="txt4"> It IS simple. [ img ] then the URL of the picture then [ /img ] (no spaces)<br><br>Or [ url ] thent he url of the web page you want people to go to then [ /url]<br></td></tr></table></td></tr></table></BLOCKQUOTE><br><br>I see. <br><br>The URL must be <b>typed</b> <u>manually</u> between the <u>manually</u> created tags? Right click, (drop down menu), gives <b>no</b> option to paste any saved/copied url. Hmmmmm...<br><br>Explorer? No. I use Firefox.<br><br><br></td></tr></table></td></tr></table></BLOCKQUOTE>

The problem is with this forum. I use Mozilla 1.0.2 on a Mac. I never had any difficulty reading posts in the previous version of the forum, posting bold or italic text, quoting posts in replies, nor posting links or photos. Now I have great difficulty in reading about 50% of posts, can't post bold or iatlic text, can't quote in reply , can't post links or photos. NOTHING AT MY END HAS CHANGED...
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Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, September 3, 2006 8:23 AM
There seems to be HUGE problems with using the Standard Mac Safari Browser with this new layout. Even when using the built in Quote function, it's a garbled mess when it does get posted. These problems sure have cut down on my replied too posts.

But, I'll be giving it time and even offering up my time to help test things if need be.

Chris
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Posted by IRONROOSTER on Sunday, September 3, 2006 9:09 AM
In some ways the new forum software is less friendly, some ways it is better.  Having to type in HTML tags is unfriendly.  Not explaining them in the FAQ is poor.  Actually the FAQ appears to be a generic one supplied by the vendor.  It really needs some tailoring to the specifics of this forum. 
Paul
If you're having fun, you're doing it the right way.
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Posted by selector on Sunday, September 3, 2006 10:29 AM
 Bill H. wrote:
 HUGO wrote:

BILL H.,

The solution is simple. Go to the atlasrr.com forum. Very easy to post anything.

Hugo



This is indicative of why I visit this board only occaisionally. Thank you so much for your wise and helpful input.

Yeah.  I'm glad I didn't listen to that kind of "help".

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Posted by spidge on Sunday, September 3, 2006 10:51 AM

I did like the old forum much better but at some point we must progress and MR has to make a dime, and the new site drives that goal. I do wish they would have had a focus group of less experienced computot operators use the site before they flip over, but no, just like corporate America some college grad who thinks he or she can make everything soo much better from a desk in a room all alone. Statistics don't answer every question and thats what it looks like they let this drive the new site.

Well I should stop now. Boss man says I get on rant and am difficult to stop.

John

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Posted by dgwinup on Sunday, September 3, 2006 12:12 PM
 selector wrote:

 rrinker wrote:
  It IS simple.  [ img ] then the URL of the picture then [ /img ]  (no spaces)

Or [ url ] thent he url of the web page you want people to go to then [ /url ]

I recommend anyone havign problems using the icons to create images and links try typing just the codes and doing it that way. Might get around some wierdness that appears in IE7 and Safari. Why any browser should be attempting to 'interpret' things which are clearly not HTML and are not using proper HTML tags is beyond me. It should be ignored and passed on as-is. Also skip the preview. If you type the tags correctly and have not misspelled the URL, it will work, no need to preview first - that also keeps it from trying to render what you typed, and clicking submit at that point likely submits just junk too.

Standard bbcode used on many other message boards.

                     --Randy

Randy, I am using IE6, and cannot post like I used to from railimages.  In the old forum, when I pasted the enlarged photo's "properties" URL, it remained black type in the text box.  I added the [] brackets and the image would work. But here, as soon as I paste the URL, it turns blue.  I add the brackets and img stuff, but the actual post shows a failed image icon at the left and a bunch of text with the "..borders = zero" added.  AFAIK, I have changed nothing about my operation. The only thing that has changed since I last posted a photo that actually worked is that railimages has joined trainboard...maybe that is the problem?

-Crandell

Crandell, you may have hit the nail on the head with your last comment.  Railimages HAS changed and that may be why you are having problems.  I haven't used it since they changed, so I may be incorrect.

Another point, you stated that when you paste the URL on this forum, it turns blue.  That usually means it is an active link.  You chouldn't have to go back and add the brackets.

I avoid this problem altogether by using Photobucket.  Under each photo in Photobucket are 3 lines of URL's.  The bottom URL is in the format for posting on this forum.  I simply right click it, copy it and paste it into my reply to put a picture in my post.  I never could remember the syntax for posting a picture from Railimages.  Photobucket made it unnecessary to remember it!  (Nope, I have no association with Photobucket other than as a user of the service.)

Be prepared, though.  "Vista" will soon be the accepted standard.  It will take some time to get all the bugs worked out of it, and there are LOTS of bugs in it!!!  All the people I know who have tried it have gotten rid of it because of all the problems it creates.

Darrell, quiet...for now

Darrell, quiet...for now
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Posted by cmurray on Sunday, September 3, 2006 1:22 PM
Using Photobucket doesn't solve the problem for me. My web browser is Safari on a Mac and ever since the forum format changed, my photos from Photobucket don't post properly.

When I cut and paste the img code from photobucket it now shows up changed by the forum. See my latest post at

<a href="http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/893344/ShowPost.aspx" target="_blank" title="http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/893344/ShowPost.aspx">http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/893344/ShowPost.aspx</a>

in which the normal code has changed to "img src=" and "border="0" /" has been appended to it. When I preview the post, it shows up correctly (except the spaces between the photos have been deleted), but when I post it for real, this gibberish shows up.

I'd appreciate some guidance here!

Also, the same garbage occurred when I tried posting in Internet Explorer.

Now look at this crap. When I post a url, it gets changed to the garbage you see above! Aargh!

Colin ---------- There's just no end to cabooseless trains.

My PhotoBucket album: http://s31.photobucket.com/albums/c390/CN4008/

My RailImages album: http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php/cat/500/ppuser/4049

My web site: http://www.cmgraphics.ca

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Posted by selector on Sunday, September 3, 2006 1:35 PM

Fellows, you can be sure that if I had the cure for it all, I would post it in a heartbeat.  Thanks to Jon, I am now in business...after having given up six weeks ago.  So, perhaps we need to get more posters using this type of thread to generate fixes for us, one disgruntled user at a time.  It is hardly a satisfactory sulution, but I hear that petitions to our hosts have gone unanswered.

Couldn't Eric post a, "Folks, I understand that many of you are having problems with the new software that Kalmbach is now using.  I have taken your observations to our IT section and they are working on fixes with the architects.  Please be patient while we figure out what needs to be done."

There, was that so hard?Disapprove [V]

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Posted by alco_fan on Sunday, September 3, 2006 2:30 PM
 selector wrote:

Fellows, you can be sure that if I had the cure for it all, I would post it in a heartbeat.  Thanks to Jon, I am now in business...after having given up six weeks ago.  So, perhaps we need to get more posters using this type of thread to generate fixes for us, one disgruntled user at a time.  It is hardly a satisfactory sulution, but I hear that petitions to our hosts have gone unanswered.

Couldn't Eric post a, "Folks, I understand that many of you are having problems with the new software that Kalmbach is now using.  I have taken your observations to our IT section and they are working on fixes with the architects.  Please be patient while we figure out what needs to be done."

There, was that so hard?Disapprove [V]

I know at least a few people have emailed Erik on this. My guess (and it's only a guess) is that they are trying to find a more general work-around. But it wouldn't hurt for people to email Erik and suggest to him that a sticky on how to post photos would be helpful in the meantime. He doesn't read every thread, so emailing him is the best way to communicate.

I think I've received a reply from him every time I emailed. But posting a "petition" in a thread is no guarantee it's been seen.

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Posted by pcarrell on Sunday, September 3, 2006 2:31 PM

I haven't had any problems at all, but now you've got me curious. 

I use Photobucket for almost all my pics, but I have a Railimages account too.  Would you all humor me while I try this out?

Photobucket......(using the IMG tag supplied by Photobucket)

Railimages.....(typing the IMG tags by hand and inserting the properties between them)

Philip
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Posted by pcarrell on Sunday, September 3, 2006 2:36 PM
Well, there you go,......Photobucket works great and Railimages doesn't.  Guess it's time to transfer all my Railimages pics to Photobucket.
Philip
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Posted by alco_fan on Sunday, September 3, 2006 2:39 PM

 cmurray wrote:
Using Photobucket doesn't solve the problem for me. My web browser is Safari on a Mac and ever since the forum format changed, my photos from Photobucket don't post properly.

I have posted images from Photobucket to this forum from both Macs and PCs and I find that the one thing that assures success, again, is to manually type the [img*][/img*] (without the asterisks) first, then paste just the URL of the photo in between the [img*] and the[/img*] . It's unfortunate the software works this way, hopefully it will be modified, but for now this seems to work, just as it did for Selector.

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Posted by alco_fan on Sunday, September 3, 2006 2:41 PM

 pcarrell wrote:
Well, there you go,......Photobucket works great and Railimages doesn't.  Guess it's time to transfer all my Railimages pics to Photobucket.

Are you sure you are pasting just the url and not any other tags betwene the image brackets? I've posted phots from both, but you have to be careful which set of properties you copy.

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Posted by alco_fan on Sunday, September 3, 2006 2:47 PM

thusly, with your photo, pcarrell. I notice that the link in your earlier posting somehow was truncated and did not include the ".jpg" at the end of the URL. Either some glitch in browser interactions caused that or (as sometimes happens to me), you missed highlighting the wrapped-around text in the "properties" box from RailImages when you copied

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Posted by cmurray on Monday, September 4, 2006 9:27 AM
<BLOCKQUOTE><table class="quoteOuterTable"><tr><td class="quoteTable"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="100%" valign="top" class="txt4"><P>I find that the one thing that assures success, again, is to <EM>manually</EM> <EM>type</EM> the [img*][/img*] (without the asterisks) first, then paste just the URL of the photo in between the [img*] and the[/img*] .</P></td></tr></table></td></tr></table></BLOCKQUOTE>

<P>I've also tried pasting the url between the img brackets and that doesn't work for me either. The forum still changes the coding to img src, etc.</P>

As usual, what you see here is nothing like I intended and nothing like the PREVIEW shows. The preview comes up correctly, so why doesn't the post?

Colin ---------- There's just no end to cabooseless trains.

My PhotoBucket album: http://s31.photobucket.com/albums/c390/CN4008/

My RailImages album: http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php/cat/500/ppuser/4049

My web site: http://www.cmgraphics.ca

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