We're back, and with upgrades!

[Craig]

Thank you for your patience while this upgrade was completed. Unfortunately it took longer than expected due to some technical issues with our server.

 

EMS has been upgraded to the latest software that runs our website, bringing with it some improvements (stuff you won't really care about, like better spam defense) and a significant new feature.

 

Web App Push Notifications

 

If you're on Android and use the default web browser, you can create a web app using Chrome which adds EMS to your smart phone screen, like an app, which will allow push notifications. I'm not an Android user so that's as much as I know, but if you want to know more you can check out the instructions for adding a website as a web app, provided by Google, here: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/9658361?co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid&hl=en

 

This also works on desktop browsers too, such as Firefox, Edge and Chrome.

 

Edit: it should be noted that Apple users can do the same, but as for push notifications... Not on iOS (at least not  yet).

 

Achievements

 

The headline features for this update are the new rank system and achievements.

 

Previously, forum ranks were based solely on how much you posted in the forum and gallery. Each post or gallery image added "1" point towards your overall rank. That meant the only way to increase your forum rank was to post content, with no credit given for other activities, such as giving and receiving reactions. These old ranks have been replaced with new ones, which are more visible and based on more than just content created in the forum and gallery. You now earn points towards your rank by posting in the forums, uploading images to the gallery, reacting to posts (which gives reputation to the poster), receiving reputation, having your content followed or being followed by another member. The more you interact with each other in various ways, the more points are earned towards your forum rank.

 

You can also earn badges by performing certain actions. Newer members can earn a badge by making their first post, or replying a few times to posts, while more established members can earn badges by posting their 500th post or by receiving their 100th positive reaction. Badges that have been awarded to less than 10% of our members are marked as “rare”.

 

We’ll be able to add more badges as we understand better how this works, and already plan to add some one-off badges to recognise specific achievements, such as “Picture of the Month Winner” (coming soon). If you have ideas for other badges, let us know.

 

You can see the most recent achievements on the website home page:

 

 

You can see your own badges by visiting your profile:

 

 

If you click the middle section (Recent Badges) you'll see your badges and rank in more detail:

 

 

 

You may notice that there aren't exact dates for when certain milestones were reached for existing members (it'll probably show like mine, "Earned before Jun 2021"). This isn't a bug and is working as intended - we simply don't have the data to know exactly when certain ranks would have been achieved.

 

So, who do we think has the highest rank? It's certainly not me... 😁

 

As usual, if you spot any bugs please let me know. Feel free to send me a PM as I'll get a notification.

[+Ibbo]

Thanks for the work Craig.

[Nightspore]

I was worried for a moment but realised it was an upgrade.

 

 

And I've been promoted! Does this mean I can use the Officer's Mess now? lol

 

[+Graham]

Thanks Craig.

No idea what you have had to do but thanks 👍

[BAZ]

Thanks Craig, that was an epic one.

Like Craig said, a lot of stuff is what runs the forum and  operational stuff.

We hope you like the new features that have either been added or refreshed.

A massive round of applause for Craig who said that it was going to take a lot of coffee, I reckon he's probably OD'ed on caffeine. Well done mate.

[Craig]

8 minutes ago, BAZ said:

I reckon he's probably OD'ed on caffeine.

 

[+RonC]

Thanks Craig..👍

[+Bino-viewer]

Can I have an 'all the gear, no idea' badge please......? 😉

[+Glafnazur]

Thanks Craig👍

[+Derbyshire Dave]

Thanks for all of the work Craig!

[Craig]

You may notice a few badges being awarded. We've added a few badges to recognise historical achievements. 🙂

[Sheila]

1 hour ago, Craig said:

You may notice a few badges being awarded. We've added a few badges to recognise historical achievements. 🙂

I seem to have lost some from earlier but can’t remember what they were. Have enough anyhow 🤣

[Craig]

14 minutes ago, Sheila said:

I seem to have lost some from earlier but can’t remember what they were. Have enough anyhow 🤣

 

Don't say that, it's making me panic!

 

 

I just checked and all the badges you had earlier are still there as far as I can see:

 

Before

 

 

After

 

[+Bino-viewer]

4 hours ago, Craig said:

You may notice a few badges being awarded. We've added a few badges to recognise historical achievements. 🙂

 

Ok, so if theres no 'all the gear, no idea' badge, how about a 'bad astronomy' badge....?

And yes, i have the book somewhere.....😄

[Sheila]

On 21/06/2021 at 16:42, Craig said:

 

Don't say that, it's making me panic!

 

 

I just checked and all the badges you had earlier are still there as far as I can see:

 

Before

 

 

After

 

That’s cos they are different. Two on the top say rare. That’s what I probably noticed or not. Not sure they just looked different is all LOL

Edited June 22, 2021 by Sheila