Topic: Little things that bug you/me about the forum (Read 3253 times)

I don't see the need to modify the forum code for this. There's software for virtually every OS out there to provide keyboard macros. You define some key combinations, like CTRL-B or maybe Shift-CTRL-B for bold, and this inserts [b]|[/b] with the cursor | sitting between the BBcode tags.

I guess, more sophisticated software could allow the distinction to wrap selected text with the appropriate BBcode tags or if no text is selected, insert the tags with the cursor sitting within the those.

I mean, I wouldn't mind if the post entry screen would recognize certain key combos by the underlying forum code, but you can have basically the same with some software addon.

Well, you are right about that, and I know that writing the code is more convenient, but this works when you are writing something yourself. you might need to bold a part of a post that you are quoting or maybe edit a post and bolding a part for visibility. In such a case, if the text is long, it's easier to just select the text and use the shortcut.

Besides, you don't need to use your mouse to select a text; you can hold shift and use arrow keys to do that. 

Test: how long does this take?
Test: how long does this take?
Yes, I typed that twice But on the first one, I used my mouse to select it, while on the second one I just typed the BBCode. Typing the additional 7 characters is faster than moving my hand to my mouse and back. Just type the code

Hi @PowerGlove.

I don't know if this has been suggested before, but I will go ahead and do it. If it's a repeated request/suggestion, it should be ignored.

It's nothing major, but I think this can bring some convenience for writing posts. So, I suggest that there should be keyboard shortcuts for some of the writing patterns or styling elements, such as Bold, Italic, Underscore, etc.

For example, if I'm writing a post, and I have a line or maybe a word that I want to have in bold letters, I would select it, and press CTRL+B and it should add an opening and closing tag for the bold element on both sides of the text selected. The same can be done for other styling elements as well. We can also do it for the alignment elements as well.

I don't know if it's possible or not, but if it's possible and gets implemented, it can make things a bit easier for us when writing. 

Yes, you're right. But I think you get the idea of ​​what I meant.
To use a QR code without using a camera scan, you always have to use an additional program to verify it. It is not practical, it is not easy for most people, and it can be insecure.

This is one way for malicious actors to feed you their data. There are many sites that change Bitcoin addresses in QR-codes. If you do this, at least process the data locally with trusted software. I only use qrencode, which is included in my Linux distribution. I've never felt the need to decode a QR-code on my PC, but malicious software can replace data in during encode or decode.

But what is the advantage of using the QR code if it is not to scan the camera?
If it is not scanned, you need to take the image of the QR code, send it to a website that breaks down the code, and then obtain the information. It's not a big advantage.

I think the QR code is an incredible tool, but I only see two uses for it: transporting the user offline to online; transporting the user from one device to another device.

I was not talking about typical link for clicking, but QR codes are just holding information and that can be address, link, text or anything else.
In my opinion easy decoding QR codes should be available even without scanning with camera, not just in this forum but everywhere.

For payment probably nobody, but they could be used as alternative address format for tips, donations or for forum profile page.

I agree they have their use case but I dont like using QR codes for everything, and I already said that I had issues several times with QR codes not being recognized or they showed wrong information for some reason.

Personally, I'm not interested in the [qrcode] tag, as it has some abuse potential.

Humans can't read QRcode and many likely don't have QRcode reading apps that clearly show where the QRcode will lead you to in a privacy friendly way. And even when your QRcode decoder shows you what's encoded, link shorteners will make the situation even worse and there will be enough users who will open such links anyway.

As I rarely see any QRcodes in this forum, this proposal feels like a solution for a non-existing problem.

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The [hide] tag I'd love to see as soon as possible.

Considering this post[1], does it make sense to have a feature within the forum that is not trusted security wise but can be used, and that ends up accumulating work for the staff in the long run? Would it make sense to accept 2 out of the 3 following inputs to fully reset an account password ? :

• E-mail Verification Code
• 2FA code
• (Optional) Signature from staked address

The last one would only be optional as most users do not stake their address. I don't think that enforcing a staked address during registration is also feasible as that would increase the barriers to new users that could simply give up on signing up due to that extra process.

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[1]https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.63504654

I've seen it many times, and usually it's gone when you try again.

PowerGlove, I got this weird database error today, while meriting a post (only once though). It's probably nothing. Since it's my first time seeing this, I thought of reporting this to you. Because, afaik, you are the fixer guy here! 

When we search some keyword using search feature  (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=search) and select by username , it displays post in descending order of relevance. There should be option to sort the results based on date also with single click. Would it be complex for you to setup ?

The way I like to think about PowerGlove improvements on the forum (thank you again for those) is comparing the time that he invests on developing them vs. the overall adoption/impact that they will have. In this particular case, I think that the time that PowerGlove will dedicate himself to develop (or perfecting) the implementation of QR codes will result in a feature that won't be much used, unlike 2FA for example. Not because it's bitcointalk, but because it's a forum. The only time that I feel the need to use QR codes in a website is when I am setting up 2FA for example. Perhaps it's just me, but if I were to see a QR code being used to lead to a certain website, I would probably be too lazy to grab my phone and scan it (or use any other tool in my desktop to read it directly on my PC). Like LoyceV said, hyperlinks work just fine for their goal.

I do believe, however, that QR codes are very useful if you have services that deal directly with the consumer - like restaurants (to scan the menu link), parking machines (to grab the parking ID), devices (to easily scan their SN number), gather feedback from events more easily, etc... Personally, besides 2FA, the feature that I also tend to be using the most lately is sharing the Wi-Fi password by QR code.

Of course that as mentioned by joker_josue, these codes have been used to trick the users[1][2][3][4] but I guess that this will eventually happen with any product because .... well we're Humans right? We'll always find a way to take good things and put them in a bad use.

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[1]https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/12/scammers-hide-harmful-links-qr-codes-steal-your-information
[2]https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/28996-bbb-scam-alert-double-check-that-qr-code-before-you-pay-for-parking
[3]https://eu.usatoday.com/story/money/2024/12/21/what-is-a-brushing-scam-qr-code/76919089007/

Of course it's possible, but it's a lot more work than just clicking a link. That's why hyperlinks were invented like 60 years ago. The only real use I see is creating a payment on a PC and paying from a mobile wallet. But who does that on Bitcointalk?

The purpose of using your QR code is the simplicity of scanning it with a smartphone camera, which will take the user to a website, app or something similar. Using the QR code in any other way is no longer practical. If there is a link, you click on a link.

Sometimes the QR code can be used by hackers to take the victim to a phishing site. @LoyceV gave an example (which seems to be quite global) which is on calipers, where criminals place the QR code giving the impression that it is an app to pay for parking, but in reality it is fake and intended to rob the user.

As is logical, the user must always check whether the website or app they visit is genuine, this requires attention from everyone.

PowerGlove I really hope your little fix gets approved by theymos.
Thanks for working on it

This is not bad, but there some issues with support of QR codes and scanning, and I faced this problems several times.
There are so many QR code implementations and they are not always compatible with all devices and cameras.

I never heard anyone getting hacked with QR codes.
Sure they can be used for hiding any links, but this could easily be solved by showing full link when hovering over QR image.

Many people have both computers and smartphones, and there is no difference with other website... how do you think they are using QR codes on all other websites?
And it's not that hard to scan QR codes with computers, or save image and export links.

I think it could be dangerous to have the system generate QR code. It could be easily used for hacking purposes.

On the other hand, I also don't see it as being very practical.
Anyone viewing the forum on a PC will almost certainly not use the QR code. And anyone viewing the forum on a smartphone will not be able to use it.
So, in practice, I don't see much use for it.

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Wasn't it supposed to click!? 

I think this would be a really good feature. It allows you to hide some additional and extensive information, and you can create topics that are a little shorter and easier to read.
Also when you make a "quote". It is true that we can simply highlight the point we want to comment on, but sometimes there are images, and in this case it can be useful, to not make the post so long and repetitive, maintaining the information.



Keep up the good work in 2025. 

This thread is for updates/improvements about the forum. What you are referring to can be a general thread created by any member; even you can do it if you dedicate some time to it and do some research in the forum. You don't need to make a thread in every section about informative and helpful threads but you can create a combined thread that should cover all informative topics/threads from all sections that you think can be helpful for everyone, especially newbies, and you can post in in the Beginners & Help section.

There might even be a thread like that already, but it might not be active anymore. So a new one can be created.

Edit: I found something that might not be exactly what you are asking for but can go near: [Mega resources for newbies] Check here, find most of your need, before asking.

I really love the courage and your proactive.
If may contribute suggestions or opinions of the superiors here as a newbie
I would love if the OP or any other expertist here in Forum create a featured discussion of weekly or monthly highlights of informative threads on the Forum's dedicated sections this would encourage more users to participate in discussion that's meaningful and helpful, and also increases more engagement to the Forum's values.
Secondly, users threads summaries: its going to be more easier for others to join relevant conversations and grasp the key points, if users are allowed.