Implemented [Suggestion] Ability to send alert to all online members

[Ryan Kent]

Anytime an update comes out for an add-on or style, the installation freezes the forums. I would like to be able to send an alert to all online members with a notification "the site is undergoing maintenance and may not be responsive for a few minutes". I am not aware of any current way to let users know about the maintenance other then making a forum post which many wont see.

 

[Paul B]

There is an add-on for this as far as I am aware.

Edit: http://xenforo.com/community/threads/massalert-send-custom-alerts-to-groups-of-users.9883/

It doesn't allow you to specify just online users but it will send to all users who are online.

 

[Ryan Kent]

I do have this add-on installed but to the best of my knowledge it allows me to send alerts to user groups. I would prefer not to send an alert to all registered users when it only pertains to those who are online.

I would guess a modification would need to be made to create a user group which adds/removes users as they go online/offline?

I think this particular piece should be in the core. Anytime a site needs to perform an update you will have every user start to post/msn/etc the site is down when really it is undergoing a planned maintenance. For my site, I will set a planned maintenance window, post a thread, etc but there will be users who miss the notice.

 

[Paul B]

Why don't you just close the board 5 minutes before you start the upgrade and change the message to state what's happening?

That's what I do.

That's better than an alert as the members can't miss it then, which some will if they don't immediately check their alerts.

 

[Ryan Kent]

That works too!

 

[Paul B]

Don't get me wrong, I'm not dismissing your alerts idea.
I'm sure some will find it useful.

But in the meantime, I think that's the best way of informing online members than an upgrade is imminent.

 

[Onimua]

A notice system would be great for this kind of thing.