Suggestion: Multiple Uploads

[Jarano]

I have a community with more than 50,000 pictures uploaded and much more coming. People ask me why don't we have in IPB the possibility that free servers give uploading up to 10 pictures at the same time. We have our own server but people prefer to upload in imageshack.us or imagevenue.com since they have this possibility.
They have to upload one picture and after that to do the same operation for the second picture, can't we have 10 windows for ten pictures?

Thank you! :D

[Genestoy]

This has been asked for soooooooooooo many times and can't understand why this important feature is never responded to by management or has been added????? Way more important for some forums than some of the "stuff" that has recently been added in 2.2 :thumbsup:

[Michael]

I think the way uploading is done in IPB 2.2 is great, I don't see any reason why there needs to be 10 upload fields when you can upload as many files as you want with no page reloads now.

[Cybertimber2009]

The problem may be one of two things.
1) It uses Ajax... upload one and then upload another. One by one can't get any faster.
2) If you upload multiple ones at once, you will probably get more time time outs and failures.

[fozo]

Already suggested to ntd. Waiting to hear back from him!

[Ech0]

The problem may be one of two things.

1) It uses Ajax... upload one and then upload another. One by one can't get any faster.

2) If you upload multiple ones at once, you will probably get more time time outs and failures.

I have to agree on the timeout issues, especially with large high resolution pics. Nothing is more frustrating then trying to upload several pics at once then waiting and waiting just to see a browser timeout.

[backdream]

I really agree to add this function.

[D.San]

I think this function has it's place and would like to see it added.

+1

Conditions: Completely configurable from the AdminCP (max uploads / sizes / usergroup permissions).

Otherwise the idea is a good one. I've always liked this particular feature.

[Jarano]

I think the way uploading is done in IPB 2.2 is great, I don't see any reason why there needs to be 10 upload fields when you can upload as many files as you want with no page reloads now.

It's true what you say Michael, it's better than 2.1.7 but if you upload one picture of 20, you have to wait 20 or 30 second per picture until the upload it's finished with no time at all to do some other things, like edit 20 more pictures for the next upload! :whistle: but if you upload 10-20 pictures at once you will have 3 or 4 minutes to do other stuff. It's much more simple and people know that. That's why they use free hosting to upload up to 20 pictures at once, copy and paste the link and good bye!....that is why vBulletin has this feature in their software from a long time ago.
I think this is serious subject for people who works with a huge quantity of material to upload.
If IPB Management thinks that this is a minor problem for the minority of the customers, then forget it!... and let us know if you never will change to this, that way we'll try to do something about it, no matter where.
I have seen in a Hungarian Forum 10 windows for upload files, I assume it's a MOD but I couldn't find it anywhere.
Thank you for your attention and sorry for being too extensive! :D

[skysober]

Well if you look in the IPB mods area, you will find this very useful mod created by Dean for IPB 2.0, because IPB ignored its customers when repeatedly asked in the past.
Deans mod worked so great as well! It brought IPB almost up to the same level as free software such as phpBB2. We, the customers, asked for this from day one that IPB went commercial and their promises that by going commercial they could offer the features we users needed.

Then just as the mod for 2.0 was added by Dean, IPB suddenly changed their software yet again to 2.1 to prevent this feature from working.

Now that 2.2 is out and so many are choosing to NOT upgrade to it, because of it becoming even more restricted to add the mods that IPB should have already included in the main software. IPB even told me in an email that Dean now works for IPB and we would soon see those mods the thousands of users desire only he was able to create for us. This was many months ago.

If Dean actually works for them now, I suspect they simply pay him to NOT fix the attachments and cause greater frustration by so many. Maybe they don't get enough air in their cubicle and they believe that all the negative conversations given over the entire internet discussing this is advertisement for them. They must have heard some actor give the old saying that bad reviews can generate sales. LOL.

I will stay with IPB 2.1.7 simply because of the many mods I have already installed, like the Video Media Box. IPB still thinks adding one photo at a time is amazing technology, let alone the thought of asking for them to consider this. Maybe it is because they are still on dial up and think since they don't use this that no one else does... perhaps they think DLS is run by demons or something so won't upgrade. ;) (youtube is what they raft down a river in :ph34r: )

now if anyone ever does improve IPB to the same level as the free software, I hope they share their mods with IPB, as it seems that IPB will never get this done.

[Vitaly]

May be, that feature was postponed until 3.0? I've seen a very nice movie with flash uploader and drag&drop support.

[bfarber]

skysober, where are you getting your information from? :blink: You seem quite bitter and hostile, and I've no idea why.

because IPB ignored its customers when repeatedly asked in the past.

We don't ignore our customers - however just because someone posts a feature suggestion does NOT mean it will automatically get added. It doesn't work that way.

It brought IPB almost up to the same level as free software such as phpBB2.

Heh, ok. I'll leave that one alone. :rolleyes:

because of it becoming even more restricted to add the mods that IPB should have already included in the main software

This is just nonsense really - we didn't make the software any more (or less) restrictive than it has been in the past. The code is just different. I apologize if changing the code makes it more difficult for modders to write mods, however that really isn't our fault. It's javascript and an iframe, as well as a standard php file on the backend - it's quite similar to how it always worked, just a little flashier, quicker and easier.

I can't see how making things work and look better is a bad thing for customers.

IPB even told me in an email that Dean now works for IPB and we would soon see those mods the thousands of users desire only he was able to create for us. This was many months ago.

Dean has never worked for us, and I cannot find any valid reason any employee here would tell you he did work for us.


Now, for the suggestion at hand - I've said this 1000 times on this forum already, because yes, this suggestion HAS come up multiple times.

YOU CANNOT DO THIS WITH STANDARD PHP AND HTML

You MUST use Java, Flash, or some other language to support multiple uploads, outside of just standard multiple upload fields. The current system is more intuitive, prone to less problems, and really just as fast - if you upload 10 files that are 100kb at once, or separately, you're still uploading 1MB either way. Besides that, if you upload 10 files that are 300kb, it will timeout on most hosts (default upload limit is 2MB) so the method used presently is prone to much less failure.

I'd love to see a system where you could just select multiple files to upload, but I'm afraid until the HTML standards are changed, it's not possible. And multiple upload fields are really not more productive than the current system.

[skysober]

We don't ignore our customers - however just because someone posts a feature suggestion does NOT mean it will automatically get added. It doesn't work that way.

I seem to recall when I finally gave up asking, that the count in multiple threads over and over asking was over 200 'customers'... not just someone suggesting.

You MUST use Java, Flash, or some other language to support multiple uploads, ...but I'm afraid until the HTML standards are changed, it's not possible.

okaaay... ah, I guess since IPB must comply with only html standards, I'll just delete that forums/jscripts folder, as it must not be needed or utilized... and the easy way we used to add icons and links within the Post box surely must be all html and it is my misconception about it.

and then again... in your own words -

I apologize if changing the code makes it more difficult for modders to write mods, however that really isn't our fault. It's javascript and an iframe

Sorry if I sound bitter, but when a sardonic reply is given, it does get frustrating. Yes, VB, SMF, and phpBB2 all have this option. While I will continue to promote and encourage those whom ask my advice on setting up forums to use IPB 2.1.7
I have recently installed 7 sites with phpBB2 simply for this one reason request of multiple attachments by the site owners. And I HATE installing phpBB2, as then it takes 10 times as long to build and to teach them how to use the aCP and such in compare to the simplicity of IPB's interface.

While I respect that one might believe it is the same amount of time, if anyone even remotely thinks uploading them one at a time is faster, mathmatically it is not possible.. there is still time to re-browse, select, then attach and sit around and wait to repeat this again 10 or 20 times. Not to mention trying to remembers in a local folder of 2000 photos which one of the 20 you wish to post that was already selected and insuring you don't attach the same one twice, ( a common error moderators see and have to correct constantly.)

Thank you IPB for noting yet again about this 'suggestion'

Sky

[Jaggi]

okaaay... ah, I guess since IPB must comply with only html standards, I'll just delete that forums/jscripts folder, as it must not be needed or utilized... and the easy way we used to add icons and links within the Post box surely must be all html and it is my misconception about it.

i have to agree with bfarber on this one i don't see any real advantage of having this as the ajax one in 2.2 is fast and effective and it does stop errors from cropping up. You can delete the jscripts folder if you wish, won't effect us, however it might mess up your forum... :unsure:

and then again... in your own words -

Sorry if I sound bitter, but when a sardonic reply is given, it does get frustrating. Yes, VB, SMF, and phpBB2 all have this option. While I will continue to promote and encourage those whom ask my advice on setting up forums to use IPB 2.1.7

I have recently installed 7 sites with phpBB2 simply for this one reason request of multiple attachments by the site owners. And I HATE installing phpBB2, as then it takes 10 times as long to build and to teach them how to use the aCP and such in compare to the simplicity of IPB's interface.

your saying you have to install phpbb because it has a multiple attachment system... well so does ipb, it just doesn't have a multiple input feature.

While I respect that one might believe it is the same amount of time, if anyone even remotely thinks uploading them one at a time is faster, mathmatically it is not possible.. there is still time to re-browse, select, then attach and sit around and wait to repeat this again 10 or 20 times. Not to mention trying to remembers in a local folder of 2000 photos which one of the 20 you wish to post that was already selected and insuring you don't attach the same one twice, ( a common error moderators see and have to correct constantly.)

Thank you IPB for noting yet again about this 'suggestion'

Sky

i've not used phpbb in a while but don't you still have to browse for the pictures in that and wot if the folders are in different directories doesn't that mean you have to upload them one by one? meaning the system isn't fool proof? also the browse box remembers where you last grabbed a image from so if their in the same folder you don't have to actually "browse"?

[Digi]

I agree, I find IPB's approach far more organized than any other "multiple upload" attempt elsewhere. Just cause it only has one field does not mean you can only do one per post. Besides, what is really the point of uploading 10 files at exactly the same time?

[stobbo]

If they add 10 multiple uplaod fields, people will ask for 20, and it'll just go on and on. Personally I find the current system fine. It works for me and everyone I know.

As for this:

'I seem to recall when I finally gave up asking, that the count in multiple threads over and over asking was over 200 'customers'... not just someone suggesting.'

200 customers isn't really that much, IPS must have between 50,000 - 100,000 customers, which means that 0.2-0.4% of the customers would like this, which isn't a huge amount.

[skysober]

@ Stobbi... hehe... true... 200 or so isn't that much...(though I must admit this is the first time anywhere I have read of anyone wanting only one attachment at a time to upload as a default...) Yet how much is that again in purchasing amounts lost? Those whom do not voice their frustration or needs? Potential customers lost? Expotentially with members whom visit forums and as a member compare the software in thoughts of getting their own sites? I personally LIKE many of the IPB features over other software... it is why I try a majority of the time to get my own clients to use it. Yet when it is possible to fix an intended oversite, I, like others try to get it corrected.

And if they set up Multiple Attachements (not the misguided and touted reality of one attachement at a time,) one could simply do as Dean did in his mod previously, (or again as ALL of the other competing forum software do,) by allowing the amount to be set in the aCP ;) This would be conductive for ALL customers in this respect, as they could choose if they wish to restrict and limit their members to one attachment uploaded at a time, or allow them the ease and accessability of true multiple attachments.

(While I personally feel this should be a part of IPB), with the thought of potential income for IPB, they could offer an 'addon' section where a customer pays $10 for an addition they need to the software. if only "200" purchased the addon, that would be a bit enough to cover the cost of correcting this. And this would be cost effective for the customers too, as they wouldn't have to hire outside programmers to fix the software to what their members desire.

[bfarber]

So you are referring to multiple input fields, rather than the ability to select multiple files from one input field then? That does not require java/flash in that case (as would the ability to select multiple files from one browse box), however there will be issues. People uploading so many files it times out and they have to start over (of course which will exponentially increase our support tickets because people don't understand how these things work) is a good example.

This is one of those things that it sounds like "Add this because I want it" - not so much what the software really needs.

There are areas in IP.Board, admittedly, that could use some work. If there weren't, there'd be no reason for new versions. However, I personally (and it sounds like the bulk of the members responding to this thread agree) that the attachments method isn't one of those areas we need to spend our (limited) time on at this point. I fail to agree that there are a large number of customers who would not choose IP.Board purely because you upload one attachment at a time instead of 3. I could be wrong - it's happened before.

[FrostedPopTart]

This is one area which I *sometimes* wish had changed, in fact I tried to mod it myself on my own board; but given my sucky PHP coding skills, I failed miserably. I guess if I do ever want multiple uploads I could just use the gallery when I end up buying it... not sure though.

[AndyF]

Could it not be possible to have a multiple upload box similiar to the way the bulk upload works in the gallery ? :unsure:

Say when you click on attachments in the post screen it (maybe) opens a small pop up or something (or expands the area a bit) with several (acp per user group selected) multiple uploads)

(a look at the vb upload system will explain what i mean) , not that im that fussed about it all but just wanted to add a bit to this topic anyway :)

[backdream]

I really add the Multi-uploads MOD to my IPB 2.0 forum, and modify it to use in 2.1.x, also I add an option for members that they can choose how much fields upload once for them.

Much members like this feather and choose the largest number: 8, and can upload 8 files at once. I think IPS can add this feather and let FRONT USERS to choose using it or not.

[Jaggi]

i went to look at the gallery to see if they had any bulk uploading option but after about 5mins of trying to find the various parts and figure out how to upload a image i gave up, really need to work on making that simpler guys. As for multiple upload boxes won't that just take as much time as having one? you still have to browse to each film in the boxes?

[Digi]

i went to look at the gallery to see if they had any bulk uploading option but after about 5mins of trying to find the various parts and figure out how to upload a image i gave up, really need to work on making that simpler guys. As for multiple upload boxes won't that just take as much time as having one? you still have to browse to each film in the boxes?

Not to mention that the "20-30 second wait" they are complaining about for each upload would then become a "20-30 second wait times the number of uploads sent, provided that the server doesn't geek out, or the uploads aren't too big, etc,etc,etc,etc,etc,etc,etc".

[Baxter_jb]

neat little implementation here http://swfupload.mammon.se/

[Digi]

Let's not start mixing in proprietary software with IPB.