| Linkshell Community Update |
Previously, the various pages within a linkshell community could not be linked directly from other pages. This will now be possible in the next version update. Using this feature, you can point your friends directly to your linkshell, link to events on the World Portal board, collaborate with your friends, and use URLs in a variety of other useful situations.
Session Expiration Time Extended
In order to limit server-side resource consumption, and for security reasons, linkshell community login sessions are set to automatically expire after a specific period of inactivity. Ever since the linkshell community beta, we have received a number of comments on this feature, and we have been hard at work on a way to extend login periods. We have found technical means to improve this, and with this update the session expiration time has been extended.
Login Screen Changes
Using the new login page, if users already have a character in the linkshell community, they will be able to access their community just by selecting that character from a list on the page.
See the Topics section on the official FINAL FANTASY XI website for more information on these and other changes in this version update.
Next, we would like to answer a few questions we have received from members of the community.
Q: How do I access linkshell communities from my mobile device?
A: We have received a lot of questions like this from Japanese users, where web surfing via mobile phones has really taken off. There are a number of issues that would need to be worked out in order to prepare a mobile-ready version of the linkshell community. We are not yet at the point where we can promise anything, but we are definitely taking it into consideration for our future development plans.
Q: What about a function that allowed the user to upload images, like with a blog?
A: Adding a way to upload images and keep logs of your activities or diaries is something else we are considering. We have several other features in the development pipeline ahead of this, however. Meanwhile, until those are done, we would like to hear more detailed suggestions and comments from the users on uploading images.
Q: Why can’t we post or edit comments on the calendar after events take place?
A: Currently, this is so the loot distribution conditions can’t be changed before an event is complete. For the future, we are considering adding a “revision history” feature or something similar in order to make editing comments possible.
Q: Will the message board categories ever be expanded beyond the current six?
A: The current categories were set up to reflect the comment categories available in-game. We would be willing to add new categories based on the needs of the linkshell community users.
Q: Are there any plans to expand the linkshell community search function beyond searching via language or time frame?
A: There are already a variety of registered communities, and soon German and French versions will be added. Along with this change, we recognize the need for revamping the community search function. We are already hard at work on a solution, and we expect our users will have access to it in the near future. Of course, we would love to hear suggestions from our users on what search conditions would be more useful.
Q: Are there any plans to search for characters as with the communities?
A: Since the focus of the linkshell community is on the community and not the individual, there are no plans to implement character searches at this time. If the desire in the community for such a function is great enough, and if we believe adding it would have an appropriate effect on the community, we will consider adding it.
Q: Are there any plans to add an alliance function, as in other communities?
A: We are very interested in any functionality that would strengthen the relationship between communities and make it possible to collaborate between each other as in an alliance. We request that interested users contact us with details on how exactly they would like see this functionality implemented.
Q: How are ranks determined?
A: We cannot reveal the exact way ranks are determined, but we can say that we take into account not only how active the community is, but also how that community’s members interact with others.
Q: Can you make the interface more intuitive?
A: We would like to improve all features and functionality in the interface so that most of our users can easily and readily use it, and the changes we are making to the login screen with this update are one example of our efforts in this area. As always, we would very much like to receive whatever specific feedback the community can provide us on how to improve.
Q: Are there any plans to add a function to include characters not in a specific linkshell?
A: Since the purpose of the linkshell community is to support members of that community, we do not at this time have any plans to add functions specifically for characters not in a given linkshell. If we were to add any such functions at a future date, they would likely be along the lines of an invite system to encourage other players to join in linkshell activities.
Q: Will we be able to add URLs to our posts?
A: We very much welcome this suggestion. No idea can be implemented immediately, but this is definitely something we are considering as a future addition.
Finally, a word on comments/suggestions for the linkshell community:
Just as with FINAL FANTASY XI itself, we receive valuable input on the linkshell community program from our users, and we take this input into consideration with each and every version update. If there is anything you would like to suggest about the linkshell community, please let us know via this link:
http://fanzone.playonline.com/ff11us/portal/support.html
Furthermore, at this site, there is a forum where you can voice your suggestions and exchange opinions with others. By all means, please make use of it! Your continued participation is what makes our linkshell community a better place.
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