In addition to the standard search functionality of the site, there will often be content in which you wish to be able to search on a constant basis, without the need to have to create an advanced search for content items. An example of this would be 'Unread content' or 'Content I have started'. For this, we have Activity Streams. These provide you with the ability to set up lists of content based on a criteria that has been given, either by yourself, or user defined.
The 'All Activity' stream which is available in the activity menu by default, will give you a rundown of all activity on your site. Unlike other streams on your site, this will notify you of any new items since viewing the page. You can view this in either a condensed view (one line per item) or the default expanded view you see in the screenshot below.
Live All Activity Screen
If you wish to switch off some items from showing within 'All Activity' such as when members register, these can be switched off from the following location in the ACP
System -> Content Discovery -> Streams -> Activity Stream Settings
Activity Stream Settings
Within the default menu structure, under the 'Activity' menu item, you will see a 'My Activity Streams' option. Here you will see any admin defined activity streams, and also the ability to create your own stream (on a per user basis).
Default Stream Menu
When selecting to create new stream, you will be presented with the filters you wish to use for your new stream. Here I have created a new stream for a news forum on the site. Note you can select the cog icon at the side of any content type to select specific items under that content type. In this instance, a specific forum.
New Stream Creation
Any new streams that are created, are then shown under the 'My Activity Streams' menu, beneath the default set of streams.
User Defined Streams
When viewing any existing streams, you will see a set of filters at the top of the page, in which you can change to your liking. Changing these will change the data shown in real time. Often there are times where you will wish to save a small change to an existing stream, rather than creating one from scratch. After making an edit to any of the filters, you will see a save button, which will then allow you to create a new stream from your changes.
Save From an Existing Stream
In the activity menu, you will see there are some streams in which are defined by default within the system. These items can be changed or added to within the following location in the ACP
System -> Content Discovery -> Streams -> Activity Stream Settings
You can filter by all areas of the site when creating a new stream in this area, or edit an existing stream.
New Stream Creation
You will see at the bottom of each stream, there is a 'Default' selection box. Only one item can be select, which by default is the 'Unread' stream. If you change the default, it will change 'unread' link on the front end of your site to point to that new stream. In the image below, I have changed this to statues
Default Stream
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