Iwantanupdate. Iwantanupdate. Iwantanupdate. Iwantanupdate. Iwantanupdate.

I. Want. An. Update!

“Wow, somebody’s feisty today. What’s up?”

I just really, really, really want the new RRL site to be released soon. It’s been, I don’t know, several months since RRL V2.5 was released and the 3.0 update was stated to be in progress? Then there’s the tidbits dropped by the RRL staff here and there in the forums. I simply can’t wait for it to come out!

“I know. I can’t wait for it either. You know, there’s a ****-****…”

Yep, found that thing about two weeks ago. The graphics look nice. Hey, what’s with the censor?

“Umm… I just remembered that there’s a message posted on the ****-**** to not advertise the ****-****. I’m pretty sure it’s safe if I just replace ****-**** with “****-****”. There’s not enough context clues to guess what the stars represent anyways, right?”

Yeah. You’re probably right. I still can’t get the impending update out of my head though. Could we discuss the features the staff have been talking about for this TNtopic?

“Already done. Have you not seen the TNtopic title?”

Oh joy! Lemme run through my checklist.

Revamped & streamlined systems behind the curtains.

Fiction reviews & ratings changes

“... now that I look at it in list form, there’s not all that much that’ll be changed.”

NoNoNoNoNo! That’s where you’re completely wrong! RRL 3.0 is practically worked from the ground up for both PC and mobile, all while maintaining the current content! It’s being made to support the growing community’s needs such as better ad service, secure donations options for authors, improved forums, and tweaked reviews systems so that there’s less of an issue with hate/revenge reviews. Not to mention that I think it’ll have a major graphics revamp and look much more “modern” if the ****-**** is any indication of RRL 3.0.

“Don’t get me wrong, I’m just saying that the list looks deceptively short. Anyways, let’s get onto the content for real already! Let’s look at #1 on your list.”

I’m on it.

RRL will be undergoing a major overhaul in the transition from 2.5 to 3.0. From what I hear, everything is getting an upgrade from servers to ads and fictions to forums. It’s a pity I can’t remember where those tidbits were dropped in the forums. I would have loved to quote them for all of you in the audience. Especially since I’d like to fact-check myself and provide the most accurate information possible.

This will improve not only performance, but allow both writers and readers a much more enjoyable experience.

“Don’t forget those pesky 500 errors which seem to plague the site now and then.”

Exactly. With improved code and servers, among other things, RRL will (hopefully) be error free once the kinks get smoothed out. It was mentioned somewhere in the forums that it’s actually a wonder that the forums are holding up so well right now with the ever increasing loads. Again, I can’t quote that and I may be getting the original post jumbled up, but it’s close enough.

“I get the feeling that you don’t actually know what you’re talking about.”

Ding-ding! You get a prize, j0nn0. Now guess what that says about my info-lakey, aka- you.

“Yeah, yeah. You can’t exactly expect me to remember every little detail down to where it’s logged, do you? Anyways, let’s get moving to #2 on your list, fiction pages, reviews, and ratings.”

Ooh, that’s a big one. It’ll impact the the rating system, review process, and fiction display. Let’s start with how fictions are displayed. Now, I’m getting this from the ****-**** so the final release may differ slightly from what I’m laying down here.

Everybody uses the latest updates page, right? It’s practically a part of my daily routine by now. You open up that page and BAM! There they are, shiny new chapters for all to discover and enjoy. From what I see, the updated fiction displays in RRL 3.0 will showcase fiction title, tags, the new ratings system, a latest chapter quick link, AND fiction cover! Unfortunately, I don’t see a fiction blurb option right now, but I’m hoping that the staff will keep a dropdown option similar to the current latest updates page. It’s the first thing I look at when deciding whether or not to check a story out. I’d think it’d be a hassle to have to click on a story link to actually read the blurb. Well, don’t take my word for it. Have a look for yourself with the example below.

Spoiler: Image

I’m sorry, this is the real image. Please don’t kill me.

“What’s up with the thumbs up thing?”

That’s actually a part of the new fiction ratings system and goes along with the reviews to some extent. Instead of a number value system (0-5 stars), there’ll be a thumbs up/down system. People tend to get a little antsy with numbers or placing a value upon things so this’ll solve the issue of people both giving reviews with 0/5 stars or people giving “fluff reviews” of “5/5 This **** is da’ bomb!”

“From what I understand, these “fluff reviews”, both positive and negative, will be converted to ‘comments’ on the fiction page. Can you tell me more about this and the advanced ‘reviews’?”

I was just getting to that. A review will consist of the standard review piece but have a new addition. This addition is the Pro/Con and I believe it’s just the boiled down main points of your review. You won’t necessarily have to place things in either of them, but it’d be useful for prospective readers. Existing stats such as stars are done away with and stats for the review itself (+/- thumbs) will remain.

I’ve been looking at a couple of them and they also seem to utilize the forum’s BBCode system now instead of HTML. This means that whatever you can do in the forums such as embed images, link, change fonts, etc. should be possible. On the flipside, that also means that all pre-existing reviews will display HTML tags if they’ve used any text effects. I believe a couple of your reviews need updating once RRL 3.0 rolls out, j0nn0.

…

I think I covered almost everything.

“Hmm. Is there anything else of importance to note?”

Not really. Well, even if the current ****-**** doesn’t display it, I’m sure the devs will add the member side-bar with the standard login, follows list, and profile options. That’s about it for now. If you have any questions, ask away in the comments below. See ya next time readers!

“See ya… oh, and if you’ve got any ideas and/or suggestions for future TNtopics, please post them in the comments below or PM me, thanks.”

P.s. Do NOT pester the RRL staff, or more specifically, the RRL Devs, about the update. It’ll be ready when it’s ready. You don’t wanna piss them off, especially since they have the power and authority to “delay” the release as needed.

Spoiler: Aftershow relaxation You know, I’m wondering just how functional the ****-**** is right now… Hey, j0nn0. I dare you to-

“Nope. I am not messing with it. The look but don’t touch rule applies here, Narrator. You better keep your non-existant, grubby little hands to yourself, too.”

Fine. I’ll leave it alone. For now. Mwa-ha-ha!!!

Can’t forget about the music.

*Disclaimer* Spoiler : Trending News (According to Narrator) is in no way, shape, or form endorsed by the RRL staff and should be treated as such. I repeat, my and Narrator’s word IS NOT the voice of RRL or its staff and should never be treated as an official source, ever.