Facebook Timeline Support

[Alexander V]

So, as you probably heard (it's a pretty big deal) Facebook is rolling out a set of changes under the name Timeline.


This generally means facebook will put more effort in showing users current activities WITHOUT them having to actively do this.


So, I was wondering, what's the odds of IPS developing a Facebook application so members can share the topics they are viewing/replying to, products they buy on IP.Nexus, downloads on IP.Downloads, Blog posts on IP.Blogs etc etc?

The music industry is clinging on to it, the games are clinging on to it and magazines are clinging on to it. it's a matter of time before the first forums jump on the bandwagon- question is if IPS will join them, head them or sit back and watch them?

(Right now I am suspecting it will be IPS and XenForo on the band wagon, VBulletin joining late to the party and PHPBB3 wondering what is going on to begin with).


Sharing doesn't mean clicking that button, the new Facebook (hailed as it's biggest improvement since the platform) focuses entirely on it happening automatically after the first permission given.

[Feld0]

This sounds like a very neat idea. So, basically, your forum activity on an authorized IP.Board forum would be reported on your timeline? It would be a great way to extend the functionality of IP.Board's support for Facebook Connect beyond a login handler and photo sync tool.

Not sure if IPS would consider it a priority to get their board to post onto Facebook, but it would be an awesome exclusive feature to have.

[Matt]

Yes, this is something I'm personally aware of and would like to do something with it.

The issue is always resources, of course. It sounds simple enough "just ping this Open Graph URL each time you read a topic or make a reply" but the truth is that pinging a URL is quite expensive. You're essentially creating a socket from your server to Facebook's, transmitting data and receiving a reply. If you did that a hundred times a second, you'd really notice it on your server.

[Alexander V]

Yes, this is something I'm personally aware of and would like to do something with it.

The issue is always resources, of course. It sounds simple enough "just ping this Open Graph URL each time you read a topic or make a reply" but the truth is that pinging a URL is quite expensive. You're essentially creating a socket from your server to Facebook's, transmitting data and receiving a reply. If you did that a hundred times a second, you'd really notice it on your server.

True, but it would be limited if it'd be configurable, wouldn't it Matt? For example, less powerful servers could choose to only do this for topic posting or not at all.


It's awesome to hear you are aware of it, really great to know the IPS team is keeping up with the latest technology and news. :)

[.Ian]

It would also be neat if members were auto logged in on say blogs if they are signed into facebook - I know that on many sites now I see the ability to post instantly as myself.