As you have probably noticed by now we’ve rolled out a huge update to AngryBirdsNest.com! There is a ton of new functionality now available, but don’t worry, if you don’t want to use it you don’t have to. I’ve coined this the “social” update, but as you will quickly see it goes beyond that. Into this update I’ve encapsulated a bunch of user requests, squashed some bugs, and addressed some of my own pet peeves (e.g. for the longest time there were no arrows on the main navigation to signify that it was a dropdown). We’ll be updating the FAQ soon, but for now I’ll try to explain some of the new functionality below.
Activity
There are two main “activity” areas. The first is on the general “Activity” page, which can be accessed via the “Community” dropdown menu in the main nav. The other is on your own profile. For those familiar with it, the activity section may seem similar to Facebook’s news feed. It’s a cool place to check out the latest things happening around the site. You can see peoples comments, status messages, and much more. You can even “Reply” and “Favorite” certain activity items. A “Reply” is much like a comment, but only appears in the activity section. When you “Favorite” something it will be saved in your profile under the Activity -> Favorites menu. This is a great way to bookmark things you like and access them quickly down the road.
Notice the dropdown menu on the top right hand size of the Activity section? By changing these options you can filter activity by: Everything, Updates, Posts, Comments, Friendships, and New Memberships. Now, it’s important to note that the dropdown menu is persistent, which means the next time you come it should be filtered by what you selected previously.
If anyone has mentioned you (@username) you’ll see another tab on this page called, “Mentions”. As the name implies, this tab will only show those activity items where you’re mentioned. You can also see who has mentioned you via your profile: Activity -> Mentions.
Profiles
The profiles have probably been overhauled more than anything else. They are now much more customizable and personal. You can even upload your own avatar! That said, we are still using Gravatar, so you don’t have to. You can quickly access your profile by clicking your user name in the main navigation. You can find other peoples profiles through the Members section and various other places throughout the site, such as the leaderboards.
From your profile you can post status updates, manage your details, change your notification settings, and access to your friends list, messages, and favorites. Head over another user’s profile to view their status updates, send them a friend request, or private / public message.
A quick note regarding messages. While a private message is self explanatory, a public message works much like Twitter. If you chose to public message someone it will post to your activity feed AND show up on the user’s profile under “Mentions”.
Notifications
By default you will receive notification emails when certain things happen on the site. If you don’t want to receive these emails you CAN easily disable them by heading to your profile then clicking: Settings -> Notifications. Currently, you’ll receive notification emails for the following actions:
- A member mentions you in an update using “@username”
- A member replies to an update or comment you’ve posted
- A member sends you a new message
- A new site notice is posted
- A member sends you a friendship request
- A member accepts your friendship request
Members Directory
The Members Directory is a place to see and search the existing AngryBirdsNest members. When on this page be sure to pay close attention to the “Order by” dropdown menu on the top right. This will filter the results and is persistent, just like on the Activity page. What you have selected in this dropdown also affects the scope of your search. That said, if you can’t find someone chances are you have “Last Active” or “Newest Registered” selected. If you do, change it to “Alphabetical” and search again. The “Alphabetical” option allows you to search through all members.
A few quick things regarding this page:
- If the user has a gaming platform entered in their profile it will show up. In addition, if they have scores entered on the leaderboard you’ll see a button called “Leaderboard” under their name. Click this to quickly see jump to their leaderboard.
- You can search by more than just user name! For example, maybe you want to see all the users who have “Android” entered in their profile. Just select “Alphabetical” from the dropdown then type in “android” and hit “Search”.
- Your friends will show up under a separate tab.
- If you find someone you’d like to be friends with click, “Add Friend”. Don’t abuse this or I will remove it and you will get banned.
This really is just the tip of the iceberg and there is much more on the way (hint: new groups and forums!). Your task now is to get out there and explore all the goodies this update has to offer. As I mentioned above, we’ll get the FAQ updated soon, but for now use this as your guide.
Lastly, there will be bugs that need to be worked out. Also, I’m sure there is other helpful info that can be added to this guide right now. For both, please leave your comment below.
Off topic, but has the layout for the website changed?
(look at the birds, the ME, the GE and the slingshot at the top).
I tried restarting and refreshing my browser, and also tried using a different browser, but could not get that old layout.
Yes, we just tweeted about it. And you don’t need to include a picture of something that everyone can see.
i like it..except for the ad at the top
Not a lot we can do about the ads, sorry. Ads are the only way I’m able to keep this site afloat at the moment. I thought the ad was more user friendly there than at the top of the content area (the old spot). Reason being, when you hover over our navigation there is a chance the drop down menu will go behind the ad.
I agree. I know you guys have to have ads, but I don’t think there should be an ad at the top of the page.
Strange, I personally think it’s better here, since its now out of the way of the navigation. To me this seems more user friendly for a couple reasons:
1. The chance of accidentally clicking on the ad is much lower.
2. It doesn’t impede the drop down menus, which I know frustrated a lot of people.
The very top of a site is typically a very common place for this type of ad. Unfortunately, at the moment, there isn’t a great alternative.
It’s just a new user experience @birdleader – in a few days everyone will be used to it and won’t even remember the old structure. I personally like it also.
@birdleader I guess it is something that we all have to get used too. At least that ad in the background of the site is not here anymore.
I am testing this, so nothing is set in stone. So far I do prefer it though. Regarding the background, those only run occassionally, though there is a new one slated to go up soon for an iOS game.
did the header change again?
I think that this new layout is OK, except where did the slingshot go? Also I think that the white and orange birds should have a spot up there, to have the whole flock. (just a suggestion)
I don’t like the ad on top either.
So you’re issue is all set now?
No, it still isn’t fixed. I tried several different things besides what was suggested, still no solution.
Found the problem, an extension I use for chrome called ad block plus was doing it.
Good find. I’m probably gonna clean up a bit of this thread tomorrow, if you have no objections. (Mostly remove the “how-to-refresh” instructions and such)
Hi SpeedySlim (@amslimfordy),
I know you’re updating today/this week & you’re probably still in the middle of it but just thought I’d let you and BL know that when I click on “All Activity” under the Commmunity drop down, all I can view now is my activity. Previously I could see all the recent posts/comments.
Thanks for the info :)
cc: @birdleader
Sorry, I don’t see anything different. Using the dropdown menu shows All User Activity on my end.
@chicadee When on the “All Activity” page make sure that you select the, “All Members” tab then change the drop down on the top right to, “Everything”.
@birdleader i like the new design it looks very good
Hi Bird Leader (@birdleader), I did have “Everything” selected but it doesn’t matter now cos it’s all fixed and working again thank you. It must have just been a glitch whilst the updating was in progress.
Re the updates/changes to your ABN, I like them and I agree re placing the ad spot at the top – it’s a lot less intrusive. :)
Hi, me again Bird Leader (@birdleader),
Sorry to be a pain but I just found another glitch. I visited the Forum and when I went to return to the main site, there were no links in the yellow bar. The Eagle graphic was sitting over it but no words/drop down menus were available – just a blank yellow bar. I was able to return by clicking on the site title i.e. ANGRY BIRDS NEST that normally sits under the eagle. In other words, on the Forum page, the eagle is below the title instead of above. Hope this makes sense.
Yeah. I had this too and also tried doing the hard refresh too but still nothing
@birdleader – Ooh I just found the missing drop down titles – they’re hiding between the grey bar which has the “Search” function in it and the Forum’s headings in the black bar. If you wave your cursor over that thin blue line between the bars, the drop down menus will show! The sneaky little devils – what are they doing there? lol
BirdLeader has tweaked some features on the website. If things look a little funny, just do a hard refresh ( Shift + F5 )
Like iamMighty, I tried that @sal9 and unfortunately it didn’t work.
Maybe clearing your cache might do it, if you haven’t tried it.
Everything is fine on my end on Chrome.
Thanks sal9 – I’m not computer literate so wasn’t sure what “clearing your cache” actually meant but guessed running the CCleaner program we have might work – bingo – all better now.
cc: @birdleader
My bad, I should have mentioned it was your web browser’s cache.
Glad it’s fixed now.
Am I the only one who is seeing alignment problems on the the Leaderboards? The Level Column doesn’t seem to be wide enough when a level has double digits – it begins in The Big Set up when you get to 10-10. Instead of the level number being on one line, it goes to 2 lines. I’m pretty sure the font was changed in the update and it’s a bit bigger and this would explain why it’s not fitting. There’s also a problem on the individual Level Leaderboards at the bottom where the page numbers are shown – only the top half of the numbers are showing – in this case the line width/height isn’t big enough.
This is possibly happening in other Leaderboards – I’ve only been viewing/using the ABO Leaderboards and haven’t checked any other levels.
Is it just my computer? I hope not, this latest set up is less than 12 months old!I’ve refreshed umpteen times, run my CCleaner program again and even tried the Compatibility View function but nothing seems to fix this problem at my end.
Is there a chance BL (@birdleader)it’s another glitch from the update?
It’s not a glitch. You’ll see the same thing with the golden egg or trophy room levels.
There is a limit in font size and number of characters that can fit those fields.
Shouldn’t they be able to widen the columns? The “Your Score” column doesn’t need to be that wide. Sorry, but I’m looking at it from a spreadsheet angle and these things can usually be fixed. It looks messy and IMO not an impprovement at all. Also only being able to view half a printed line – i.e. the page numbers can’t be right.
Sorry, it’s just my opinion – I like figures/columns to be neat.
@Chicadee What browser and operating system are you using when you see this issue?
Hi BL, @birdleader,
Internet Explorer and Windows 7
Oh – there’s definitely something wrong – that post came out above Kartflyer’s post – note the time differences.
It could be an orphaned comment that was attached to another post that was since deleted.
Yes, Kart had responded to my mistaken double post, so it should have been up higher in the previous thread.
I just removed the orphan. As per the leaderboards, I’m not sure I understand the issues.
Hi SpeedySlim, is it not showing your end?
What I mean is that originally the leaderboard Levels would show like this (when there’s double digit levels):
Level 10-10
Now I’m seeing:
Level 10 –
10
I can’t show what’s happening with the page numbers – that’s just a cut off problem.
Same display here – iPad with either Safari or Terra.
I believe BirdLeader is working on a few adjustments as we speak.
FYI, I had a look via Firefox and it looks neater through that browser as it shows:
Level
10-10
However, I’d like to stay with IE as I’m used to it.
Thank you
I’ll have to log off now – it’s 1.30am (here downunder) – I’m a Night Owl but even that’s getting late for me. Night Night :)
P.S. SpeedySlim, Could you please delete this post – I know it’s off topic – just thought it’d be a bit rude to just log off and disappear without saying why.
Ta Muchly
No problem. We think the “Level Width” should be OK now. We’ll look into the other.
Thank you SpeedySlim and Bird Leader (@birdleader) – yes, using the smaller font has fixed it – including the page numbers. The Leaderboards’ Level numbers are all on one line now and page numbers at the bottom of the individual Level Leaderboards are all visable now. :)
I just waived my cursor over the Mighty Eagle in the masthead and his beak moved and a fish can appeared! That’s new isn’t it? I turned the speakers on (they’re normally off when playing AB) to see if he makes a noise but apparently not – at least on my PC it doesn’t. Either way, I like it – it’s a nice little touch. I wonder what other little tweeks have been made that I’ve not noticed yet? It’s a bit like looking for Golden Eggs lol.
Yeah, I wonder the same @chicadee – I click around sometimes to see if there are other easter eggs hidden around the site – but I haven’t found any.
Awesome site back ground @birdleader
@birdleader @amslimfordy :
Out of curiosity, is there a way to block another user so you don’t see their posts or receive messages from them?
Not sure what you mean. You can’t received private messages from someone who is not your friend. @ mentions cannot be made exclusive or anything of that sort.
I guess what I’m asking is, if there’s another user who’s views I don’t agree with, can I block their posts from appearing in the comments I see. Don’t worry about it, it’s not a big deal.
Sorry, I don’t believe that’s possible — besides closing your eyes >.<
LOL – yeah, there’s that…
I am having a problem with the “Compare” function on the Leaderboards. Despite not having played much in comparison to other members, I do like to compare my scores sometimes. I am still able to compare ABO levels but for some strange reason can no longer compare scores I’ve achieved so far on the Golden Eggs Leaderboard. I’m pretty sure I was able to in the past.
Is anyone else having this problem?
Weird, I have it too. I don’t recall doing it the past (wasn’t active in GE leaderboards), but I think it was possible then?
cc: @birdleader
May be a result of GEs having no /episode tag.
Thanks for the bug report @Chicadee. This should be fixed!
Yes BL/@birdleader all appears fine now.
Thank You :)
Awesome background – the pig is eating the ad!
Is there any way you can save a draft for PMs?
Unfortunately, not at this time. Would be a feature worth adding down the road though.
Hi BL (@birdleader), FYI/feedback – just thought I’d let you know that since you put the extra RAM on today, the site seems to be running a lot faster. I was going to comment re the sluggishness but obvioulsy you knew about it – (i.e. the site seemed faster pior to the recent updates!?).
However it all seems OK now.
Thank you
Correction @birdleader, We do have a problem. When you click on anyone’s Profile button (my own included) it takes us to the Members Directory. In othere words I can’t access my Profile & suspect neither can anyone else?
Update, others Profile buttons are now working but I still can’t acces mine including the dropdown “Edit Profile”.
I have cleared my cache/used CCleaner.
Hi @Chicadee, thanks for the report, this should be fixed now.
Had to do another cache clear but it did the trick.
All OK now, thanks.
Ooh! I have an Album! Thank you @birdleader. Has there been an announcement anywhere – sorry can’t find the thread if there has. Now all I have to do is get a member of my family to show me how to load pictures lol.
Re the pictures, are there any restrictions? (Besides the “G” rating of course.) I did see the categories re who can view. In other words do the pictures have to be AB related or is it just a general picture gallery for us.
Should be AB related, since it is using our server space. Just general courtesy.
Apologies SpeedySlim for disturbing you & @birdleader – I think I’m going blind. There’s info. re the Album facility in the FAQ & it’s been available since March! I think I’m going blind – could have sworn it wasn’t in the drop down menu before or listed in my profile etc.
It was just recently added (according to BL). See post:
https://www.angrybirdsnest.com/members/birdleader/activity/11369/
BirdLeader just added that to the FAQ today
And the good news for today is: Chicadee is not going blind. Thank you @kartflyer for the link – posted there too – whereever it is lol. Thanks also to SpeedySlim for replying – ever so quick – as usual. :)
Never mind re the “whereever it is” – I just worked that out – it’s a Twitter link. It’s obvious I don’t tweet isn’t it! I only access this site via PC & keep forgetting that most people play AB on their phones and a lot use Twitter now.
@chicadee It wasn’t a Twitter link, it was just a link to one of BL’s posted updates. YOu could go there by clicking on BL’s username, then scrolling down to find his post. :)
Thanks @kartflyer – I thought it was a Tweet because I found the link under the “Twitter” heading on the page you go to when you click on ‘More Chatter” at the bottom of the Comments Box.
i think it has to be angry bird related..but i think you can upload a pictures of yourself and family(as long as it’s g-rated)
AngryBirdsNest is better than Facebook because it is safer!!!
Yes badpiggy, me too. Facebook makes danger ahead to us. In AngryBirdsNest more suitable because this has security online. Danger ahead will be lesser than Facebook.
@BirdLeader Is there a way to send a private message to several people at once?
P.S. I’m still having problems viewing the second page of my friends list.
Yes, in the “Send to” field just start typing a name and when it comes up in the list select it. Repeat this progress for everyone you want to send the PM to.
This should be fixed, but you likely have to clear your cookies first.
Works now; restarted and cleared cache. Did you mean cookies??? That would be fairly drastic.
@mvnla2 Just clearing cache isn’t solving it for me! Maybe I will have to delete cookies as well, but that is pretty drastic! :)
The cookies are the key here. Try changing the “Order By” filter a couple times then refreshing the page. That may update the cookie and fix the issue.
Interesting — After I restarted and cleared cache, I thought I wasn’t working, but it seemed to work if I switched pages at the top instead of bottom. Bottom line is I changed sort filter several times and switched pages back and forth, and it started working. So didn’t have to clear cookies. This is on MacBook Air, haven’t tried my IPad — but I don’t generally use it for this site.
It would be nice if you made an announcement when someone gets a new badge. Even if I think they might have, I usually don’t remember what they had before.
The search feature in members, like if you want to add someone as a friend, seems to be case-sensitive. Also, not sure if it finds partial names (it might, just got the case wrong).
There is something very interrupting on me, it is when I click on Friends then I click page no. 2 on Friends page, I see it looks like I go to All Members Button page no. 2, why this Friends page no. 2 is interrupted? I were using Chrome.
this happens to me,too
This happens a lot, in my experience (iPad). Change the order you are sorting in (i.e. change from alphabetical to most recently active, or vice versa). That usually works for me.
I think your solution is right. I’ll try it now.
Hey, it’s working. It is I just change last active to alphabetical. Thanx a lot.
YO YOUSE GUYS !—–I lost AB FRIENDS AND Have been in the tournament for years —-NOW–That I try —TRY—TRY to reinstall —-IT AIN’T HAPPENING !!—-SO PLEASE —-IF you can H-A-L-P ! < (yup–with an "A")—-I am a GEEZER–with no $$ and not much to do —FRIENDS brought me some fun and comfort<<—-(Kickin' Butt)—————————[email protected]——–
THANKS
JOE