Todnem.com (beta)

Since we now have the ability to edit one another's posts, I decided to incorporate a version control feature, in order to allow you to revert back to a previous version of a post.  That way if you edit, or someone else edits, your post incorrectly, you can always get your older version back.  It is pretty limited right now but I plan to add more function to it in time.  For now, you are allowed to view the previous version only.  No editing or comparison between two versions.  I'm hoping to add that soon.

To see previous versions, simply look for the "--Edited by username date/time" under a post and click on it.  A list of all versions will be displayed in order from newest to oldest, including the most current version.  If you don't see the "--Edited by..." then there is only one copy of the post because no one has edited it yet.

To assist you with trying this new feature out, I have edited this post, so you should see the "--Edited by" link below.  Check it out and let me know what you think and what, if anything, I can add function-wise to make this feature work better. 

I think I've discovered another bug.  Except this bug is a user issue.  

In order to Edit a post properly you must use the following steps:

1. Allow the post to completely submit without interruption or errors.
2. When returned to the Clogs, go back into your entry to view it.
3. Click the appropriate Edit button (clog or comment).

If, in order to save time, you create a new post, submit it, and then hit the Back button in your browser part way through the submission process, you will end up with a double post.  While hitting the Back button does save you time, you are simply going back to the edit window in "New Post" mode.  So the app thinks you are creating a brand new post and thus posts it twice.  The result is the first unedited version and another post for however many times you decided to hit the Back button and edit again.

In addition, every duplicate post results in me having to go in and remove all the bad entries as well as sending out an email to members each time you duplicate it.  And because I have now removed the posts, the link in the email doesn't work anymore which makes me look like a bad programmer.    Overall, it just gets messy in a hurry.  So even though it takes a little longer, please use the appropriate methods for editing posts. 

I've noticed a recent trend of premature blog and/or comment submittals.  This by itself really is a non-issue.  However, the actions taken shortly thereafter lead me to believe there's still some confusion on how things work in this application.  Hopefully the below points will help to clarify things a bit:

1. If you accidentally submit a post (either blog or comment), hitting the Cancel button will not cause the submission to halt.  For lack of a better description, the Cancel button that you all see is generally the equivalent of a Back button.  It performs the same function as your browser's Back button.  If you hit this button halfway through submitting, it's usually too late since part or all of the post has already been entered in the database.  So please do not  hit the Cancel button after hitting Submit or the [ENTER] key.  Just let it post the way it's designed to.  The reason for this approach is my next point.
   
2. If you decide you want to update a blog or comment, please use the respective edit buttons to put the item into edit mode and rewrite to your heart's content.  That's what they are intended for.  In the event that you accidentally submit or make a mistake in your text, you can easily go back after submitting the post and edit to ensure the content is correct and up to date.  And again, I stress, please do not hit the Cancel button in an attempt to stop the process.  This just results in duplicate posts and/or database errors.
3. Lastly, if you do happen to "accidentally" hit the Cancel button because your trigger finger just cannot resist the urge , then please remember to go back to the post that is invalid, click the respective Edit button to put it into edit mode, and then click the Delete button to remove it from the database.  That way, the database doesn't become full of bogus, half-written postings.

The management thanks you all ahead of time for your extended cooperation.  

Since I just happen to still be up working on this, I guess I can field the question/comment placed in the previous posting.  Where do Blogs come from, you ask?  Well, you see, when one person is in love with another person... Oh wait. Scratch that.  What is the purpose of Blogging? What is a Blog and why are so many people going completely nuts over them.  I'm going to do this the easy way; by cheating.  Here you go Ms. Anonymous.  I pulled the following excerpt directly from Wikipedia just because you asked so nicely. 

"...A weblog, which is usually shortened to blog, is a type of website where entries are made (such as in a journal or diary), displayed in a reverse chronological order. Blogs often offer commentary or news on a particular subject, such as food, politics, or local news; some function as more personal online diaries. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, web pages, and other media related to its topic. Most blogs are primarily textual although many focus on photographs, videos or audio. The word blog can also be used as a verb, meaning adding an entry to a blog."

The full article can be found here.

As far as logging in goes, yes, you will need an active account to actually post/blog.  But one has already been set up for you in anticipation of your eagerness to start blogging like a mad woman.  I'll be emailing or calling with account usernames and passwords shortly so you all can start plugging away at this thing.  Just please keep in mind that I am definitely still working on it.  And as such, you may notice issues from time to time.  I'll try to keep the downtime to a minimum but if you notice errors just try back in a few minutes.  If the errors persist or you're having other problems, just email me and I'll see if I can resolve the problem.  I am really hoping that the blogs, and other features soon to follow, will provide a centeral location for communicating with friends and family despite our scattered locations and hectic lifestyles.  Please let me know if you have any problems or suggestions for the site in general.  I'm always open to new ideas and challenges.

It's now 1 a.m. and time for me to craaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaash!