Phantom Pages
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 490
Likes: 0
From: Spain
I don't seem to have this problem. What do phantom pages look like? (I know that seems a silly question but since you have asked to have something done about them, I assume they must be visible to some people).
A Runyonesque Character
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,209
Likes: 2
From: The South of France ... Not
Sunnyjohn if you are following a thread you will regularly be using 'last page' or 'go to last post'. If you are then told that you are on the second to last page, the natural reaction is to look at the last one, but that just returns you to the first post on the one you are already on.
This can be mildly irritating (me) or absolutely infuriating (others not so laid-back)
This can be mildly irritating (me) or absolutely infuriating (others not so laid-back)
Uneasy Pleistocene Leftover
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 320
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From: Gone, but not forgotten apparently?! All forums marked "Private"...
It happens when posts are deleted...
Joined: May 1999
Aviation Qualifications: Military (Retired)
Posts: 2,033
Likes: 6
From: Sunny (or Rainy) Somerset, England
Nope. I am told that the "fix" is for IB to run a scheduled task to correct the database, and nothing to do with deleted posts.
However, IB is probably only just getting in to work, so we'll have to wait to see what they can do.
However, IB is probably only just getting in to work, so we'll have to wait to see what they can do.
Thread Starter
More than just an ATCO
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,773
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From: Up someone's nose
Thanks Wholi, couldn't ask for more.
Repeated complaints by others though appear to have had little effect so I won't be holding my breathe,
Repeated complaints by others though appear to have had little effect so I won't be holding my breathe,
Last edited by Lon More; 7th February 2014 at 15:18.
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,803
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From: Perth - Western Australia
The Phantom Page syndrome is an inbuilt problem with the vBulletin forum programme, and it requires a regular database cleanup to correct it.
The webmaster has to be on the ball, when it starts to happen.
I'm not sure that it requires screaming in 28pt bold, though - I always thought Lon More had a pretty good sense of humour.
It must have deserted him for one frustrating moment. Computers that constantly say 'no', can do that to you.
The webmaster has to be on the ball, when it starts to happen.
I'm not sure that it requires screaming in 28pt bold, though - I always thought Lon More had a pretty good sense of humour.
It must have deserted him for one frustrating moment. Computers that constantly say 'no', can do that to you.
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 490
Likes: 0
From: Spain
Sunnyjohn if you are following a thread you will regularly be using 'last page' or 'go to last post'. If you are then told that you are on the second to last page, the natural reaction is to look at the last one, but that just returns you to the first post on the one you are already on.
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 316
Likes: 1
Alternatively you may be on the penultimate page and notice that another page number is shown but assume that it is a phantom, only to find after you posted that it did actually exist and you have used the last letters of the wrong word to start your excruciatingly funny next word. 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 624
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From: East sussex
I use to enjoy finding hidden pages on web sites (nothing on here) best entertainment was entering page numbers (non screen display page numbers) on the old BBC ceefax. Found some interesting ones where the Gov/BBC updated any security threats as to BBC broadcasting studios, and a page for UK updates to the security services. Bet the Russians never sussed that.
Alas it's all BBC red button now. If I don't post again in a few days
Alas it's all BBC red button now. If I don't post again in a few days
Joined: May 1999
Aviation Qualifications: Military (Retired)
Posts: 2,033
Likes: 6
From: Sunny (or Rainy) Somerset, England
Response received:
So it seems that probably the most effective way to deal with the phantom pages is to post something, as you have been doing, and live with it.
In any event, I can ask tech to run a cleanup script that can (but does not always) temporarily correct this pagination error. BUT, bear in mind that this is an issue of appearance only; there won't be any actual posts missing from anyone's view -- rather, it will appear as though there is another page in a thread that you can't get to. Don't fret -- that is a phantom page and there isn't really anything there.