As promised, here is another batch of improvements I've recently implemented. There are quite a few improvements and new features in this batch and everybody should find at least one thing they like in this batch.

Upgraded vBulletin to v3.8.1

I upgraded vBulletin from from v3.8.1 to v3.8.1 Patch Level 1.

Unfortunately, this wasn't a big release and actually just fixed a security exploit, but at least the forum is secure now :-)

Separated Sticky and Normal Threads

As requested, I have separated Sticky and normal threads. There is now a
a thick line that separates Sticky threads from regular threads to help make the disctinction between the two easier to see visually.

You can see an example of this here.

Datestamp Improved

I've changed the datestamp setting to display from the "Yesterday/Today/Date" format to detailed "friendly" times such as "1 Minute Ago", "2 Hours Ago", or "3 Weeks Ago".

You'll notice this in many areas throughout the site such as on posts, threads, Private Messages, etc. The new format is much more detailed and informative.

Secure Email Sending Enabled

Previously, if members wanted to e-mail another member they would be shown their actual e-mail address on their profile page. I've changed this setting so that the actual e-mail address is hidden and replaced with a contact form that will allow others to e-mail that person directly through the site instead.

This helps protect against e-mail harvesting as well as makes the process of e-mailing members easier. Spambots will not be able to use the form since it requires a CAPTCHA system to be answered for guests.

As before, only members who have opted-in to "Receive Email from Other Members" will be able to be e-mailed.

Made all JavaScript/CSS External Files

This one probably won't be too exciting for anyone other than me and maybe Pinguaq.

I made all the main Javascript functions and CSS declarations as external files. This essentially allows for faster page loading and smaller page files. While the difference will be very minor and most likely not noticable by anyone on a high-speed internet connection, it does make the site's code cleaner and better, and those on lower connections should notice some small improvement in loading times.

New Video Section!

I would consider this a major improvement to the site. There was some discussion about a video system and possibly training system for PFO. Our new video section provides a nice new feature to the site as well as give a good foundation and platform to host PFO Poker Analysis videos.

The new video section is linked from both the left and top navigation menus and lets members add videos from 3rd-party video hosting sites. PFO members can also can rate, comment, and search for videos.

Moderators can also moderate the videos by deleting and editing them.

While the videos are not hosted on our servers and are added from 3rd-party sites such as YouTube and Vimeo, adding videos is incredibly easy. All you need is the actual URL of the video, and then to add a video all you have to do is paste that URL in and the system will automagically grab all the relevant information such as title, keywords, description, and even runtime and enter it into the site.

Please feel free to add some quality poker videos to our new video section. I may even run a little contest in April to award the top video contributors in April.

I have already added the complete full versions of High Stakes Poker season 5 so far.

Added "Contact" column on Member List

Our Memberlist page now displays a contact column. This makes it easier for members to e-mail and/or PM other members.

Birthdays Removed from Front Page

I have removed the "Birthdays" section from the bottom of the front page because really: who cares?

I'm actually surprised it's still enabled by default in vBulletin, let alone a feature.

Forum Status Locks Now Displayable

Members (and visitors) will now see the following "locked" forum status images for forums that they do not have access to post in:


This should help lower the amount of e-mails from members who
dont bother reading the Sticky Threads on why they cant post in those forums yet.

It should also help make it more clear to guests that they will need to register in order to post or create a thread.

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I hope you guys like these improvements. I'm already working on the next batch. Feedback is welcome!

Looks good Kid, thanks.

I really like the sticky thread separation.