Article copy
I had just enough time to do a bit of fixing, before full blogging resume on Thursday.So here it goes:
- Reworked the two "login" links (in the red bar on top and at some pages' bottom) following the reports that these were not working for some users. I'd appreciate if people like tinga-tinga and floridasuzie who had problems accessing the login form could give it a try and let me know if the link gets you somewhere now.
- Rebuilt the mechanism creating entries excerpts in the search engine's results. On rare occasions, and depending on the nature and length of some entries, the previous one could trigger a blank page instead of the expected results. I also added a keywords highlight feature.
- And since I still had a bit of spare time, I put up a ranking system in case some of you want to quickly express their interest or their indifference for my posts. See the five stars next each entry's title, and click the "vote" link to cast your ballot.
Anyway, kindly let me know if I introduced more bugs than I squashed. I said kindly. Okay?
Update
Friendly advice: never thwart a Marine (even a former one) or a Texan.So as requested by Mike and Val, the comment form now has a preview button.
Comments
Comments thread (20)
2307 - Mike H.
Mike H. Spokane, Wa
Um Suzie, I remember Heuristic Algorithm Logic Machine or Carl for short?
Good morning Dave, are you still mad at me Dave?
No, no I'm not mad at you HAL, but I wish that you would stop peeing on the carpet.
OK Dave, I'll try.
2308 - floridasuzie
floridasuzie Florida
Mike,
Re:Um Suzie, I remember Heuristic Algorithm Logic Machine or Carl for short?
You probably wouldn't have asked me that if you only knew how much of a geeky, movie useless-trivia buff and other kinds of trivia buff and well, pretty much useless in general, I am too ;)
You have a good memory, the American version of the movie used HAL for short in English (Heuristically programmed ALgorithmic computer). The French version of the movie used the name CARL for short in French (Cerveau Analytique de Recherche et de Liaison). Unfortunately a goof in the French version still showed the camera plates that read "HAL9000".
I have taken a lot of abuse from my own HAL/CARL, but if he ever pees on my carpet he's outta here.
Suzie
2309 - the dissident frogman
the dissident frogman France
ting-tinga: that's weird, as the link is now designed to work normally in the event where Javascript fails or is not available, an send you to the alternate login page ( go ahead, and use it).
Now it might be as simple as clearing your browser's cache. If you still see "javascript;:" in your status bar instead of "http://www.thedissidentfrogman.com/blog/member_login" when you move your mouse over the login link, then you need to refresh the page - or empty your cache. I assume you're savvy enough to know where to find these commands, if not, just drop me a line and let me know which browser you're using.
I can't see how security settings would prevent this function to work, while leaving the others untouched - particularly since the font size gizmo uses the same javascript effects library. If that works for you, and the text of the posts changes size when you click either normal/large in the sidebar, then it's even more puzzling.
If it's not the browser, it could be some kind of "web cleaning" proxy (like the Proxomitron, which I use myself - you just need to add trusted sites [like the Me! I am trusted, am I not?] to its "Bypass" list) or some Ad removing software that's a bit too genocidal on the script cleaning side.
I'm just guessing here, as I could not reproduce the bug so far. Being such a sensitive feature, I've tested this on a wide array of browsers and operating systems to make (as) sure (as possible) it will work. Which doesn't mean I've got everything covered, of course.
We'll work it out. I'll add a straightforward, 'old school' backup link to the alternate login page — but in the meantime, if you could let me know which browser you're using, that might shed a light on the origin of the problem.
2318 - 2hotel9
2hotel9 Western Pennsylvania
Sorry I didn't hit this sooner! We just got back from Cape Cod and I just got my bloglines feed back. I,too, have had trouble with the login. Didn't mention it because A. I didn't want to be a whiner, and B. I thought it was on my end. I'll certainly squak this time.
2321 - floridasuzie
floridasuzie Florida
2hotel9,
I'm leaving for Cape Cod this weekend, how is it up that way this year? I've seen in the news warnings that seals are leading Great Whites closer into shore. I think I'll be hugging dry land.
floridasuzie
2322 - 2hotel9
2hotel9 Western Pennsylvania
It is great. There was a storm last Friday night that knocked out power for a few hours, other than that it is golden as usual. You will be getting the last week surge, though. Where are you going? My brother in law has a house and cottage in Eastham, just off Thumpertown Beach.
2323 - 2hotel9
2hotel9 Western Pennsylvania
Oh, and don't swim with the seals, you'll be fine.
2324 - floridasuzie
floridasuzie Florida
2hotel9,
I'll be staying in Sandwich with some friends who have some family cottages there - I won't swim with the seals, I draw the line at swimming with shark bait. Dolphins will do me fine ;)
2325 - 2hotel9
2hotel9 Western Pennsylvania
You close to water? If you are Up Cape eat at the Eastham Lobster Pool, it is on 6, just before the light at Brackett. They got good food and it is an old joint. Been there since the '20s, I believe.
2349 - floridasuzie
floridasuzie Florida
Yes, on the Bay. Thanks for the tip!