Online Members: How Does It Work?

  • Thread starter gracy
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In summary, the conversation discusses the categorization of online members on Physicsforums. It is clarified that being an online member does not necessarily mean actively using the site, but rather having visited it within the past 10 minutes. The question of whether checking alerts counts as activity is brought up, and it is speculated that the server may count it as such. Additionally, it is mentioned that leaving a forum tab open without activity for more than 10 minutes may result in being shown as offline.
  • #1
gracy
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Are members who have internet access at the moment categorized as online members?or is just not about having internet access one should have PF window open in order to be online member!I just want to know how it works?
 
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  • #2
Physicsforums is not the internet, it is just a website - if someone does not visit it, the server has no idea if the user is online or not. All the server sees are requests for pages in this forum from users.
 
  • #3
There are members and members online, online meaning they are on the internet and have PF open in a device that can read the PF pages., computer, phone, etc... It does not necessarily mean that they are actually looking at PF.
 
  • #4
Users are counted as "Online" if they have visited PF within the past 10 minutes.
 
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  • #5
Greg Bernhardt said:
Users are counted as "Online" if they have visited PF within the past 10 minutes.
Wow, that times out quickly.
 
  • #6
Greg Bernhardt said:
Users are counted as "Online" if they have visited PF within the past 10 minutes.

So if I sit here on the same page for longer than that, does it show me as offline?
 
  • #7
Drakkith said:
So if I sit here on the same page for longer than that, does it show me as offline?
After 10 minutes of inaction it would
 
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  • #8
What about the alert checking feature for gold members? Does that count as "activity"?
 
  • #9
mfb said:
What about the alert checking feature for gold members? Does that count as "activity"?
Good question, I don't know :)
 
  • #10
Greg Bernhardt said:
Good question, I don't know :)
After checking alerts, the red marking goes away. That means there was an interaction between the user and the server. It seems reasonable that the server counts that as activity.
 
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  • #11
Shyan said:
After checking alerts, the red marking goes away. That means there was an interaction between the user and the server. It seems reasonable that the server counts that as activity.
I suspect mfb meant the invisible mechanism that decides whether the red marking should appear in the first place (without user interaction).
 
  • #12
DrGreg said:
I suspect mfb meant the invisible mechanism that decides whether the red marking should appear in the first place (without user interaction).
Right. I can test it tomorrow if I don't forget.
 
  • #13
If I leave a forum tab open for 18 minutes without activity (but with automatic alert checking), PF opened on a different computer doesn't show me as logged in any more.
 
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FAQ: Online Members: How Does It Work?

How are online members able to interact with each other?

Online members are able to interact with each other through various online platforms such as social media, messaging apps, and online forums. These platforms allow for real-time communication and collaboration between individuals from different locations.

How do online communities form and grow?

Online communities form and grow through shared interests and common goals. People with similar interests or needs come together online to share information, resources, and support. As the community grows, new members join and contribute to the group, creating a sense of belonging and community.

What are the benefits of being an online member?

Being an online member allows for connections with a diverse group of individuals, access to a wealth of information, and the ability to collaborate and learn from others. It also provides a sense of community and support, especially for those who may not have access to similar resources in their physical location.

How do online members maintain privacy and security?

Online members can maintain privacy and security by carefully managing their online presence and being mindful of what information they share. This includes setting privacy settings, using secure networks, and being cautious of who they interact with and what information they provide.

How can online members contribute to scientific research?

Online members can contribute to scientific research by participating in online surveys, crowdsourcing data, and sharing their experiences and insights. Online platforms also allow for easier collaboration and communication between scientists and researchers, leading to more efficient and impactful research findings.

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