We tend to get some long (really really long) status updates in groups. Sometimes, people just don't know where to post. Then they sort of realize what happened or another member suggests they post in the forum.

Also, with the new (and very slick Twitter integration) posts longer that 140 characters stay in the journal.

So, I was thinking about some options for status updates and wanted to get some community feedback started

1. Add a character countdown counter to status posts.
2. When the status is longer than 140 character, hide the Twitter icon (if connected)
4. Allow admins to set a max length for status updates.
5. If the person posts something too long...open a message dialog that explains the discussions exist for longer posts and allow the member to click a button to create a new forum discussion.

Agree with this mostly. I would like the character countdown.

Max length - there is some issues with this. I have actually had to increase the max length from 140 because it would otherwise not send a post to Twitter with a long URL, even though the bit.ly integration would have brought it below 140.

I would probably prefer to see options to truncate or split the post on Twitter, with your option as a 3rd possible setting.

Also, normally only the group admin can post as the group, and it's only group status updates that get tweeted. Unless this has now changed in 1.8.3? It's certainly been a reason I've wanted to have multiple group admins.

This is still true. But my main concepts here are:

1. Warn the user when they are "going long"
2. Give them options (shorten or convert to discussion)
3. Disable Twitter
4. More admin control

Yeah, I'd definitely want to be able to control the behaviour more than just warning, disabling and prompting.

this would really be cool. We get the same deal Steven. Some members will either not know where to post or to lazy to go find the right spot and then boom! Giant status update...been fighting it for a while and never seem to win

I may experiment with this: http://roy-jin.appspot.com/jsp/text...ounter.jsp

Have you guys read my post here: http://www.activemodules.com/Commun...fault.aspx

attached is a quick and easy jquery script that can be used in your templates.

Perfect. Thanks Jeff....missed that post.

Nice, thanks for the help, it works great!