Bio Commentary

Bio page guestbook module. Adds commentary section to character bios where others can leave public messages. Requires canaddcomments pref (admin-granted). Comments visible to everyone viewing that bio. Standard commentary system with post/view. Character pages become miniature social hubs.

How It Works

Viewing Bio Commentary:

  • Visit any character's bio page
  • If canaddcomments enabled (for viewing user): Commentary section appears
  • Shows recent comments left by other players
  • Header: "`^Commentary from others:`0"

Posting Comments:

  • Text box: "Add a comment"
  • Type message, submit
  • Comment appears in bio's commentary feed
  • Attributed to your character name

Commentary Section ID:

  • Format: "pet-bio-{acctid}"
  • Each bio has unique commentary section by account ID
  • Prevents comment cross-contamination between bios

Permission System

canaddcomments Pref:

  • Bool preference (0 or 1)
  • Default: 0 (disabled)
  • Admin must grant permission per-user
  • If disabled: No commentary section appears at all

Why Permission-Based?:

  • Prevents spam/abuse on public bio pages
  • Allows server to enable selectively (donators, trusted players, etc.)
  • Can revoke for users who abuse commentary

Typical Configuration:

  • Option A: Enable for all players (open community)
  • Option B: Enable for donators only (premium feature)
  • Option C: Enable by request (moderated access)

Use Cases

Social Interactions:

  • Leave appreciation messages for helpful players
  • Post congratulations on achievements
  • Coordinate with clan members
  • Roleplay character interactions

Guestbook Signatures:

  • Players "sign" each other's bios
  • Build connection network visible to community
  • Show who's friends with whom

Recruitment/Advertising:

  • Clan leaders post recruitment offers
  • Event organizers announce activities
  • Shop owners advertise services

Moderation Considerations

Potential Issues:

  • Spam: Players posting ads on many bios
  • Harassment: Targeted negative comments
  • Drama: Public arguments in commentary
  • Off-topic: Using bio commentary for general chat

Admin Tools:

  • Revoke canaddcomments for abusers
  • Delete offensive comments via commentary management
  • Ban repeat offenders
  • Set community guidelines for bio commentary use

Comparison to Other Commentary

  • Village Commentary: Public global chat
  • Clan Hall Commentary: Private clan chat
  • Bio Commentary: Public per-character guestbook

Bio commentary is character-focused rather than location-focused.

Technical Details

Hook: bioinfo (runs when viewing bio pages)

Commentary Functions:

  • addcommentary(): Renders post form
  • commentdisplay(): Displays comment feed
  • Uses standard lib/commentary.php library

Nocollapse Setting:

  • Sets args['nocollapse'] = 1
  • Prevents bio commentary from being collapsible
  • Ensures commentary always visible (important for feature discoverability)

Section Migration (v1.0 → v1.1):

  • Old format: "pet-bio-{login}" (username-based)
  • New format: "pet-bio-{acctid}" (ID-based)
  • Migration code handles converting old commentary to new format
  • Prevents broken commentary when users have similar logins

Strategy for Players

Building Your Bio Guestbook:

  • Ask friends to sign your bio
  • Leave thoughtful comments on others' bios (reciprocity effect)
  • Keep bio commentary positive and welcoming
  • Check your bio regularly to respond to comments

Etiquette:

  • Don't spam the same message on multiple bios
  • Keep comments relevant to the character
  • Avoid drama/arguments in public bio space
  • Use YOM for private conversations

Limitations

  • No Owner Moderation: Character can't delete comments on their own bio
  • Public Only: No option for private bio comments
  • No Notifications: Won't know when someone comments unless you check
  • No Threading: Flat comment list (no replies to specific comments)

Bio Commentary: where your character's bio page becomes a primitive social media profile complete with public wall posts, except there's no Like button, no algorithmic feed, and no way to stop your annoying acquaintance from posting "nice character! check out my clan!" on literally everyone's bio including yours. At least it's honest about being a guestbook from the Web 1.0 era.