Difference between revisions of "ITC Drupal Release Features"

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=Features Still Pending=
 
=Features Still Pending=
 +
The following are from the needs analysis or subsequent discussion during ITC meetings.
 
==Forums==
 
==Forums==
 
===Private Fora Hidden===
 
===Private Fora Hidden===
−
Currently any Forum not available to a given user is shown as empty. Feature request is to have it not show at all. Confusing and cluttered for newbies.
+
Currently in the Drupal core modules any Forum not available to a given user is shown as empty. Feature request is to have anything unavailable to a given user not show at all for that user, in order to reduce confusion and clutter.
 
:Importance: Medium.
 
:Importance: Medium.
 
:Status: Dreams and research.
 
:Status: Dreams and research.
 
:Likelihood: Medium, depending on results of research.
 
:Likelihood: Medium, depending on results of research.
−
===Comment Subject Autofill===
+
 
−
If subject line is automatically filled with the thread's subject, it will be much easier to track multiple threads in a Topic.  Currently the core Forums only track via indentation.
+
===Subject Autofill===
 +
If subject line is automatically filled with the thread's subject, it will be much easier to track multiple threads in a Topic.  This could function identically for Reply or Comment to a post.  Currently the core Forums only track via indentation.  If some other or additional thread tracking mechanism were available, having subjects auto-generated from the first few words of text as currently done in the core Drupal forum modules might work.
 
:Importance:  
 
:Importance:  
 
:Status: Dreams and research.
 
:Status: Dreams and research.
 
:Likelihood:
 
:Likelihood:
 +
 +
===Thread Tracking Mechanism===
 +
Some method to supplement indentation for tracking discussion threads.  The ability to "collapse" or "accordion" Topics and Threads would enable users to skim a discussion without the requirement of loading and reading the entire contents.  Other mechanisms might already be available in different forum modules.
 +
:Importance:
 +
:Status:
 +
:Likelihood:
 +
 
===Topic/Thread View===
 
===Topic/Thread View===
 
Many web forums enable users to browse by Topic or Thread, so that a particular dialog can be followed without reading the entire Forum or Topic.
 
Many web forums enable users to browse by Topic or Thread, so that a particular dialog can be followed without reading the entire Forum or Topic.
Line 21: Line 30:
 
:Status: Dreams and research.
 
:Status: Dreams and research.
 
:Likelihood:
 
:Likelihood:
 +
 +
===Clarification of Interface Terminology===
 +
Currently the terminology used in core Forums is confusing for users due to choice of words that don't match functions.  For example, "Subscribe" is used to select whether the user would like notification when a new message is posted.  Simply changing the word used to "Notification" would help greatly in clarifying what this function does.  One problem would be identifying and changing all instances of unclear terminology.  Another problem could arise in different languages, since terminology in those could be based on the words chosen in the Drupal core.  There is also the possibility that non-core modules (including any added later) could use the old terminology.
 +
:Importance: Medium.
 +
:Status:
 +
:Likelihood:
 +
 
===Reduction of Clutter===
 
===Reduction of Clutter===
 
Currently the core Forums have far more details and options than are readily understood or likely to be used by newbies.
 
Currently the core Forums have far more details and options than are readily understood or likely to be used by newbies.
Line 26: Line 42:
 
:Status: Dreams and research.
 
:Status: Dreams and research.
 
:Likelihood:
 
:Likelihood:
−
===Email Interaction==
+
 
 +
===Live Chat Rooms===
 +
For varied topics. For example, empathy rooms (to give/receive empathy), discussion topics; empathy may have a donation associated with it.  Online meeting/conference rooms and scheduling them.
 +
:Importance:
 +
:Status: Dreams and research.
 +
:Likelihood:
 +
 
 +
===Forum Moderators===
 +
The ability for a forum to have different levels/types of moderator.  Moderator types could include those to delete spam; identify, report and/or banish spammers; move both comment thread and topic to another forum and topic (possibly by requesting that of someone with multi-forum access permissions); stimulate and guide discussion; and to post summaries of discussion as an addition or alternative to Digests and as contributions to eNewsletters edited together from many such summaries.
 +
:Importance:
 +
:Status:
 +
:Likelihood:
 +
 
 +
==Email Features==
 +
===Email Forum Participation===
 
The ability to participate in Forums via email, rather than only via website. Very useful for some users, especially low-bandwidth users. Preferred by many users, since their main medium for online interaction is email.
 
The ability to participate in Forums via email, rather than only via website. Very useful for some users, especially low-bandwidth users. Preferred by many users, since their main medium for online interaction is email.
 
:Importance: High.
 
:Importance: High.
 
:Status: Dreams and research, possibly seeking bids.
 
:Status: Dreams and research, possibly seeking bids.
 
:Likelihood: Low, since it probably requires lots of custom code.
 
:Likelihood: Low, since it probably requires lots of custom code.
 +
 
===Thread Notification===
 
===Thread Notification===
−
Ability to check a box for notification if someone posts a followup to a thread or topic.
+
Ability to check a box for notification if someone posts a followup to a thread or topic.  Currently in core Drupal "subscribing" to a Topic sends notification of all posts to that topic, including those by that user.  Notification by thread would enable someone to post a topic and only receive notification if a reply or comment is made to that post (preferably not posts made by the user posting).  
 
:Importance:  
 
:Importance:  
 
:Status: Dreams and research.
 
:Status: Dreams and research.
 +
:Likelihood:
 +
 +
===Email Lists===
 +
Individual and group mass mailing (by topic, by person, by permissions, by preferences) meaning that a Trainer, Circle or other affiliation group can have his/her/their own listserve that people can sign up for, and there will also be group listserves, such as Friends of NVC, and the Trainers Newsletter.  Rrestricted access and first-use click agreement on usage guidelines to prevent spamming our contact lists.
 +
::Note: Friends of NVC and the Trainers Newsletter are currently Yahoo Groups; some thought needs to be given to whether or not we want to bring them in-house considering current email issues and the occasional inability to get a cnvc.org email to the recipient.
 +
:Importance:
 +
:Status:
 +
:Likelihood:
 +
 +
===Email Digest Option===
 +
A Digest function for the convenience of users who prefer to have messages on a topic, thread or list combined into a single mailing sent to them daily, by discussion volume or weekly.
 +
:Importance:
 +
:Status:
 +
:Likelihood:
 +
 +
===Auto-Trimming of Quoted Prior Emails===
 +
User-selected optional automatic trimming of quoted prior emails to a pre-set number of first and last lines.  This would enable those who prefer shorter emails/digests to see only the new text or optionally some or all of the prior "quoted" text.  Marshall expressed interest in this feature since it might enable him to follow the Trainer List in particular.
 +
:Importance:
 +
:Status:
 +
:Likelihood:
 +
 +
===Email Archives===
 +
Some method for users to access an email archive.  This could enable new participants to review prior messages, or anyone to look something up.  Ideally it could be done via Find; Email by date range, Topic or Thread; or interactively via a web interface.
 +
:Importance:
 +
:Status:
 
:Likelihood:
 
:Likelihood:
  
 
==Find==
 
==Find==
 
===Map Interface===
 
===Map Interface===
−
Currently near completion on Google solution.  Something not requiring JavaScript or other client-side processing preferred.  Very helpful to have a visual method of finding trainers and trainings.
+
Currently near completion on Google solution.  Something not requiring JavaScript or other client-side processing preferred.  Very helpful to have a visual method of finding trainers and trainings.  Also useful if proximity searching is possible, where searching for Los Angeles would find trainers/trainings in any city within a specified distance.
 
:Importance: High.
 
:Importance: High.
 
:Status: Close to initial client-side implementation.
 
:Status: Close to initial client-side implementation.
 
:Likelihood: High, barring unforeseen complications.  Lower for initial server-side solution.
 
:Likelihood: High, barring unforeseen complications.  Lower for initial server-side solution.
 +
 
===Pull-down Menus===
 
===Pull-down Menus===
−
Some problems with dependent pull-downs, and user interface simplicity.  Close to at least an initial implementation.  This may be the most important feature on the new site, since old site was meeting all Find needs.
+
Some problems with dependent pull-downs, and user interface simplicity.  Close to at least an initial implementation.  This may be the most important feature on the new site, since old site although possibly unreliable for volume use was meeting all Find needs.  Also useful if proximity searching is possible, where searching for Los Angeles would find trainers/trainings in any city within a specified distance.
 
:Importance: High.
 
:Importance: High.
 
:Status: Close to initial implementation.
 
:Status: Close to initial implementation.
 
:Likelihood: High, possibly with further enhancements soon after site release.
 
:Likelihood: High, possibly with further enhancements soon after site release.
  
−
=From Original List=
+
=Potential Features=
−
===Email Interface===
+
The following are items to consider for future research and implementation.
−
Individual and group listserves (by topic, by person, by permissions) meaning that a trainer, Circle or other affiliation group can have his/her/their own listserve that people can sign up for, and there will also be group listserves, such as Friends of NVC, and the Trainers’ Newsletter.
+
==Misc==
−
 
+
===Calendar Date By Domain===
−
Note: Friends of NVC and the Trainers’ Newsletter are currently Yahoo Groups; some thought needs to be given to whether or not we want to bring them in-house considering current email issues and the occasional inability to get a cnvc.org email to the recipient
+
Date seems to be currently set at GMT, so that a visitor from a different time zone will sometimes see a date that doesn't match their current date. Might use domain or IP address of visitors to automatically select the current date for Calendar and any other features using date.  
−
 
 
−
Email publishing option for discussion groups and forums, including Digest function for the convenience of users who prefer that medium
 
−
 
 
−
Email interface to blogs for those who prefer that medium.
 
−
 
 
−
Emailing segments of users, possibly defined by their permissions and preferences
 
−
 
 
−
Email digest daily, by discussion volume or weekly.
 
−
 
 
−
User-selected optional automatic trimming of quoted prior emails to a pre-set number of first and last lines.
 
−
 
 
−
Online and offline mass mailing tools, with restricted access and first-use click agreement on usage guidelines to prevent spamming our contact lists.
 
−
 
 
−
Archive option for email interface?
 
−
 
 
−
===Forums/chat rooms===
 
−
want for varied topics. For example, empathy rooms (to give/receive empathy), discussion topics; empathy may have a donation associated with it
 
−
 
 
−
Online meeting/conference rooms and scheduling them
 
−
 
 
−
creation and moderation of discussion groups and forums
 
−
 
 
−
===Email Interface===
 
−
====Feature: Include complete post in email notification====
 
−
In each email notification about a new post/comment/reply, include the complete post/comment/reply (not just the first few lines of the post/comment/reply). (added by Jake)
 
  
−
====Feature: Full email interface for group discussion====
+
=William Notes=
−
One thing that makes Google Groups (as well as Yahoo Groups) especially appealing to me, and I'm guessing to others in the NVC community as well, is that it has a full e-mail interface for participating in group discussion - meaning that I can read, post, and reply to messages from the group from my email client by simply sending and replying to emails, without ever having to open a web browser or log in to a web site. For me this is a real time saver, especially considering the amount of group communication I do electronically.  I'm hoping this is a feature our web site will have eventually. (added by Jake)
+
Notes from Meeting 06/24/2007<br>
 +
'''Defined functionality:'''
 +
*The ability to assign moderators to forums
 +
*The ability to subscribe to topic
 +
**optional, subscribe to comment thread
 +
Subscribing meaning to receive email notification that includes body and subject line of comment.
 +
*The option to strip or leave quoted text.  
 +
*The ability for the moderator to move both comment thread and topic to another forum and topic.

Latest revision as of 01:13, 30 June 2007

Features Still Pending

The following are from the needs analysis or subsequent discussion during ITC meetings.

Forums

Private Fora Hidden

Currently in the Drupal core modules any Forum not available to a given user is shown as empty. Feature request is to have anything unavailable to a given user not show at all for that user, in order to reduce confusion and clutter.

Importance: Medium.
Status: Dreams and research.
Likelihood: Medium, depending on results of research.

Subject Autofill

If subject line is automatically filled with the thread's subject, it will be much easier to track multiple threads in a Topic. This could function identically for Reply or Comment to a post. Currently the core Forums only track via indentation. If some other or additional thread tracking mechanism were available, having subjects auto-generated from the first few words of text as currently done in the core Drupal forum modules might work.

Importance:
Status: Dreams and research.
Likelihood:

Thread Tracking Mechanism

Some method to supplement indentation for tracking discussion threads. The ability to "collapse" or "accordion" Topics and Threads would enable users to skim a discussion without the requirement of loading and reading the entire contents. Other mechanisms might already be available in different forum modules.

Importance:
Status:
Likelihood:

Topic/Thread View

Many web forums enable users to browse by Topic or Thread, so that a particular dialog can be followed without reading the entire Forum or Topic.

Importance:
Status: Dreams and research.
Likelihood:

Clarification of Topic/Comment Interface

Currently the core Forums are confusing for users in distinguishing between posting a Topic or a Comment, and in reading them.

Importance:
Status: Dreams and research.
Likelihood:

Clarification of Interface Terminology

Currently the terminology used in core Forums is confusing for users due to choice of words that don't match functions. For example, "Subscribe" is used to select whether the user would like notification when a new message is posted. Simply changing the word used to "Notification" would help greatly in clarifying what this function does. One problem would be identifying and changing all instances of unclear terminology. Another problem could arise in different languages, since terminology in those could be based on the words chosen in the Drupal core. There is also the possibility that non-core modules (including any added later) could use the old terminology.

Importance: Medium.
Status:
Likelihood:

Reduction of Clutter

Currently the core Forums have far more details and options than are readily understood or likely to be used by newbies.

Importance:
Status: Dreams and research.
Likelihood:

Live Chat Rooms

For varied topics. For example, empathy rooms (to give/receive empathy), discussion topics; empathy may have a donation associated with it. Online meeting/conference rooms and scheduling them.

Importance:
Status: Dreams and research.
Likelihood:

Forum Moderators

The ability for a forum to have different levels/types of moderator. Moderator types could include those to delete spam; identify, report and/or banish spammers; move both comment thread and topic to another forum and topic (possibly by requesting that of someone with multi-forum access permissions); stimulate and guide discussion; and to post summaries of discussion as an addition or alternative to Digests and as contributions to eNewsletters edited together from many such summaries.

Importance:
Status:
Likelihood:

Email Features

Email Forum Participation

The ability to participate in Forums via email, rather than only via website. Very useful for some users, especially low-bandwidth users. Preferred by many users, since their main medium for online interaction is email.

Importance: High.
Status: Dreams and research, possibly seeking bids.
Likelihood: Low, since it probably requires lots of custom code.

Thread Notification

Ability to check a box for notification if someone posts a followup to a thread or topic. Currently in core Drupal "subscribing" to a Topic sends notification of all posts to that topic, including those by that user. Notification by thread would enable someone to post a topic and only receive notification if a reply or comment is made to that post (preferably not posts made by the user posting).

Importance:
Status: Dreams and research.
Likelihood:

Email Lists

Individual and group mass mailing (by topic, by person, by permissions, by preferences) meaning that a Trainer, Circle or other affiliation group can have his/her/their own listserve that people can sign up for, and there will also be group listserves, such as Friends of NVC, and the Trainers Newsletter. Rrestricted access and first-use click agreement on usage guidelines to prevent spamming our contact lists.

Note: Friends of NVC and the Trainers Newsletter are currently Yahoo Groups; some thought needs to be given to whether or not we want to bring them in-house considering current email issues and the occasional inability to get a cnvc.org email to the recipient.
Importance:
Status:
Likelihood:

Email Digest Option

A Digest function for the convenience of users who prefer to have messages on a topic, thread or list combined into a single mailing sent to them daily, by discussion volume or weekly.

Importance:
Status:
Likelihood:

Auto-Trimming of Quoted Prior Emails

User-selected optional automatic trimming of quoted prior emails to a pre-set number of first and last lines. This would enable those who prefer shorter emails/digests to see only the new text or optionally some or all of the prior "quoted" text. Marshall expressed interest in this feature since it might enable him to follow the Trainer List in particular.

Importance:
Status:
Likelihood:

Email Archives

Some method for users to access an email archive. This could enable new participants to review prior messages, or anyone to look something up. Ideally it could be done via Find; Email by date range, Topic or Thread; or interactively via a web interface.

Importance:
Status:
Likelihood:

Find

Map Interface

Currently near completion on Google solution. Something not requiring JavaScript or other client-side processing preferred. Very helpful to have a visual method of finding trainers and trainings. Also useful if proximity searching is possible, where searching for Los Angeles would find trainers/trainings in any city within a specified distance.

Importance: High.
Status: Close to initial client-side implementation.
Likelihood: High, barring unforeseen complications. Lower for initial server-side solution.

Pull-down Menus

Some problems with dependent pull-downs, and user interface simplicity. Close to at least an initial implementation. This may be the most important feature on the new site, since old site although possibly unreliable for volume use was meeting all Find needs. Also useful if proximity searching is possible, where searching for Los Angeles would find trainers/trainings in any city within a specified distance.

Importance: High.
Status: Close to initial implementation.
Likelihood: High, possibly with further enhancements soon after site release.

Potential Features

The following are items to consider for future research and implementation.

Misc

Calendar Date By Domain

Date seems to be currently set at GMT, so that a visitor from a different time zone will sometimes see a date that doesn't match their current date. Might use domain or IP address of visitors to automatically select the current date for Calendar and any other features using date.

William Notes

Notes from Meeting 06/24/2007
Defined functionality:

  • The ability to assign moderators to forums
  • The ability to subscribe to topic
    • optional, subscribe to comment thread

Subscribing meaning to receive email notification that includes body and subject line of comment.

  • The option to strip or leave quoted text.
  • The ability for the moderator to move both comment thread and topic to another forum and topic.
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