Suggestion: Linking Accounts

[Team Fail]

I know that many of us (me included) have alts on this site. Would it be possible to be able to log in as one user, and through verification (Like IP address or by having a member of higher-staff set it up for those of us that want to do this), go to a list and access our alternate account without having to log out than log back in? It would save on time and make PC a bit more efficient.

[Twilight Sky]

I use a different browser for my alt account, you could do that. D:

[Lily]

Don't really see much point in this. D: Like mentioned, different browsers work. And I'm not sure if switching alt accounts on one user is that big of an issue for a lot of people..

[Forever]

Pretty much what the others said. :x I don't think we really need something like this, due to the percentage of those swapping between alts constantly isn't that high, though if it's possible to be done and someone does it, then I'm fine with that too, but I don't think it's necessary. I also don't get how it would make PC more efficient...?

From the way you described it, it sounds more like a hassle to go to a list and pick out your alt. :(

[Hiroshi Sotomura]

Get yourself some cookie switching code or something. vBulletin, like most websites, aren't designed to handle multiple logins.

I suppose we could implement cookie switching too, but that'd be problematic in many ways.

[Team Fail]

Originally Posted by Twilight Sky

I use a different browser for my alt account, you could do that. D:

Well, my computer is rather old, so multiple open browsers, combined with the many other programs I run really slow down my computer.

Originally Posted by Lily

Don't really see much point in this. D: Like mentioned, different browsers work. And I'm not sure if switching alt accounts on one user is that big of an issue for a lot of people..

I have seen some people that use their alt accounts at times. So, I don't think it's too bad of an idea, personally. Plus, it is useful for those of us that have old chunky computers that can't have more than one browser open without killing the computer.

GEEK STATS:

Spoiler:

At a sitting state, my computer uses about 700 MB to 1 GB of the 2 GB of ram on my computer. If I cut some programs I can cut it to 900 MB. If I run Google Chrome, Firefox and FL Studio, that jumps to 1.5 GB of ram, and if I throw in Minecraft, it can jump to 1.7 GB of 1.9 GB total. And I have been lucky (Although rarely) to drop my used ram to 600 MB. But that's only after I sift through all my processes with a fine-toothed comb and disabled Aero on my computer. I cannot get it under 600 or else I would mess something up.

[Hiroshi Sotomura]

I personally don't see any real need for people to even actively use multiple accounts. Note my use of the word "actively."

[Team Fail]

Well, seeing as this idea is already being shot down brutally, I'll just ask for this to be closed. If it isn't going to get any positive criticism, I might as well put the cap on my idea and leave it behind.

Edit: Scratch that. I Might have someone that does like it. =D

[Patchisou Yutohru]

o/ I like this idea. I have alt accounts, and while I don't necessarily use them much, it's nice to have the ability to seamlessly switch between accounts. I know it's possible, because I'm a member of a few other vBulletin forums that have this feature. Incredibly convenient for those who do have multiple accounts.

Using necessity as an argument against something makes me scratch my head. If were were to judge if something is necessary, so many things should be removed. O__o;

[Drew]

I like the idea, but I'm concerned that it would just be another thing for PC to have to load / process. xD;

As awesome as it would be (since I have periods of times where I use my alts quite often), I've always considered it as lazy for me to not to want to logout, and log back in to use my alt, just because it takes too long. Because really, ohmygod it takes maybe 30 seconds, and four clicks. xD;

The idea is neat, I'm just kind of torn.

[countryemo]

..You dont have to run everything at once Team Fail xD ..my mom yells at me if I have more the one tab open /dont listen
Diff browsers to work, but it would be nice feature. I dont really use my alt though, only for trying new profile themes. but it is a nice feature to have.
let us save themes already

[Xyrin]

I don't have an alt but as long as it doesn't stress the server enough that you'll be able to tell I like the idea.

[QuilavaKing]

Originally Posted by countryemo

..You dont have to run everything at once Team Fail xD ..my mom yells at me if I have more the one tab open /dont listen

Lol, really? I literally have... 34 tabs open right now. Sometimes even more.

[Drew]

That.. must be some RAM you have, Quilava. xD;
If I have five or six tabs open, my computer gets loud.

But yeah, I suppose I'm not so torn. I like the idea, but I don't want it to be done if it's gonna be hard for PC to handle. I doubt I'll chance my stance, unless someone comes along and and is all "O PC WOULD BE FINE".

[Rukario]

Not too hip on this, but there is a plugin that's available to do this should we decide to allow/add it.

[Team Fail]

Originally Posted by Patchisou Yutohru

o/ I like this idea. I have alt accounts, and while I don't necessarily use them much, it's nice to have the ability to seamlessly switch between accounts. I know it's possible, because I'm a member of a few other vBulletin forums that have this feature. Incredibly convenient for those who do have multiple accounts.

Using necessity as an argument against something makes me scratch my head. If were were to judge if something is necessary, so many things should be removed. O__o;

Yay! Some positive criticism! I never knew that other forums had this. I guess I'm not alone.

Originally Posted by Drew

I like the idea, but I'm concerned that it would just be another thing for PC to have to load / process. xD;

As awesome as it would be (since I have periods of times where I use my alts quite often), I've always considered it as lazy for me to not to want to logout, and log back in to use my alt, just because it takes too long. Because really, ohmygod it takes maybe 30 seconds, and four clicks. xD;

The idea is neat, I'm just kind of torn.

I sure hope it isn't too taxing on the server. We'll have to wait and see.

Originally Posted by countryemo

..You dont have to run everything at once Team Fail xD ..my mom yells at me if I have more the one tab open -_- /dont listen
Diff browsers to work, but it would be nice feature. I dont really use my alt though, only for trying new profile themes. but it is a nice feature to have.
let us save themes already

Well, I can't seem to have too many programs running, but I do a lot of multitasking on my computer. It isn't easy when my windows lag because of a lack of ram.

Originally Posted by Xyrin

I don't have an alt but as long as it doesn't stress the server enough that you'll be able to tell I like the idea.

Oh yeah I like this idea, only as long as it isn't taxing on the servers. But I don't see why it is. Or I might.

Originally Posted by QuilavaKing

Lol, really? I literally have... 34 tabs open right now. Sometimes even more.

Wow. The only time I had that many tabs open was when I was doing the egg search. My PC nearly died.

Originally Posted by Rukario

Not too hip on this, but there is a plugin that's available to do this should we decide to allow/add it.

Oh really? Cool! I can't wait to see what happens from here! :)

[ShinyMeowth]

I don't dislike the idea, but if it is implemented the way you describe it, it can be abused. If it has a quick switching mode for people with the same IP address, then if someone's sibling is a member of PC they could access their account at any time. Making it staff-approved would probably be very time-consuming for staff, as many people have over 5 accounts, and I suppose the staff would have to go verify that its actually the same person. I believe the right way to go about this would be facebook relationship-style: Request linked account status from your alt, go on that alt and accept, and have like 4 confirmation boxes so nobody will accidentally accept and give account access to random people.

[Patchisou Yutohru]

Originally Posted by ShinyMeowth

I don't dislike the idea, but if it is implemented the way you describe it, it can be abused. If it has a quick switching mode for people with the same IP address, then if someone's sibling is a member of PC they could access their account at any time. Making it staff-approved would probably be very time-consuming for staff, as many people have over 5 accounts, and I suppose the staff would have to go verify that its actually the same person. I believe the right way to go about this would be facebook relationship-style: Request linked account status from your alt, go on that alt and accept, and have like 4 confirmation boxes so nobody will accidentally accept and give account access to random people.

The plugin would give you a page in your user CP where you can link an account. To link your accounts, you'd type in your password and username, and (if successful), the accounts will be linked and you'd be able to switch between the two with only logging into one. I really don't think that'd be "abused" and staff doesn't need to have to verify anything.

To get a good understanding, off the top of my head, Bulbagarden forums has this feature.

[Team Fail]

Originally Posted by Patchisou Yutohru

The plugin would give you a page in your user CP where you can link an account. To link your accounts, you'd type in your password and username, and (if successful), the accounts will be linked and you'd be able to switch between the two with only logging into one. I really don't think that'd be "abused" and staff doesn't need to have to verify anything.

To get a good understanding, off the top of my head, Bulbagarden forums has this feature.

That's exactly how I thought of it. Then, the alt would get a message along the lines of "______ would like to link accounts with you. Enter their password to confirm, or press cancel to deny the account link." Plus, if it was per IP address, it could be taken advantage of by spammers.

[Pachy]

I don't like this idea at all. It provides vulnerability...exploit one of the linked accounts and you have a fast line into all accounts linked into it!

This is especially risky with high level staff accounts which have lots of power. Once they're logged in they can cause damage using whatever accounts are linked in a snap!

[Team Fail]

Originally Posted by Pachy

I don't like this idea at all. It provides vulnerability...exploit one of the linked accounts and you have a fast line into all accounts linked into it!

This is especially risky with high level staff accounts which have lots of power. Once they're logged in they can cause damage using whatever accounts are linked in a snap!

When you think about it, hacking a linked account is just like hacking into any other account. But, if that were to happen, hackers would have to know the members and their alts all around the forums before they attempted this. Or the plan would go all bust.

[Arcanine]

What I fail to see is... why? I have an alt that has more posts then some people who posted in this thread, but still... why? If you want to post on your alt then use another browser and post on it that way.
You could say "it's easier/quicker" well... how? I mean the changes would likely be made in the User CP or profile, that takes 2 clicks to go to the CP, another click to go to Options, likely a drop down or check box to pick the profile, and then another click to save. Why would I do that when all I got to do is open up another browser? All I got to do is double click IE, and then click the PC bookmark on the header. Way faster, way simpler, and no PC plugin needed.