I’m pleased to announce the release of SRG Clean Archives 4.0 for WordPress which has been completely rewritten from version 3.0.
In this latest release, you’ll notice the following features and improvements:
Updated SRG Clean Archives Admin Page with the following options:
- Toggle on/off showing total post count next to month (on by default)
- Toggle on/off showing total comment count next to post title (on by default)
- Added option to toggle on/off password protected post display (off by default)
- PayPal donation button so you can show your support
The plugin code was completely rewritten (again) with the following enhancements:
- Added a caching function (only generates 1 or 2 queries per page view)
- Added collapsing months using moo.fx javascript effects library
- User can expand or collapse full month view from archives page
By using moo.fx to achieve the collapsing month effect, the final user visible display is much cleaner and not a mile long if you have hundreds or thousands of posts.
However, to search engines, all your archived posts are still being shown. Just view source of your archives page to confirm this. Yay web 2.0 technology.
Please be aware that if you are upgrading from any version prior to 4.0, it’s not just a simple upload a new plugin file and go.
The plugin structure is completely rewritten, there is a new token to use when creating a dedicated archives page and the plugin now has it’s own dedicated folder, so be sure to read the readme.txt file included with the download.
I still have plans to automate the process of adding the code to a page for creating the archives page but I’m working through some issues with the WordPress visual editor which is causing some problems if you try and use the token while using the visual editor.
Right now you have to use code mode and/or have the visual editor turned off on the specific page for your archives.
I’d like to take this time and give some link love and thanks to the following people for contributing to and/or testing this latest release:
- Shawn Grimes (Original plugin author – version 1.0 – 2.1)
- Mark Jaquith (Tracking down a WordPress 2.1 bug)
- Rubin J. Kaplan (Helping me with late night coding)
- Ajay D’Souza (Suggesting collapsing months)
- Viper007Bond (Introducing me to moo.fx javascript effects library)
- Weblog Tools Collection (Spreading the word about SRG Clean Archives)
- Brandon Wood (Beta testing and help with improved readme.txt)
That’s about it for now.
If you find this plugin useful, consider making a PayPal donation to show your support.
If you have any comments, suggestions or bugs to report, let me know.
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Sean, you did it again! This is a sick plugin, man.
Fascinating update, Sean.
I still would like the option to show all the archives in one fell swoop rather than have to click on a month to see the rest. Believe it or not, there are people out there who don’t understand that you have to do that
Peace,
Gene
Awesome update. I love the collapsing month display.
Hey Gene.
That’s actually already a work in progress.
I just wanted to get the 4.0 version out before the weekend but maybe over the weekend it will be available in the release.
Hi Josh.
Glad you like the latest version. As always, more to come.
@Gene: I’ve added in the option so the user viewing the archives page can expand or collapse the view so it shows all months or one month at a time.
I think this is a nice solution and gives the user the option verses making it an admin option.
Thoughts?
I’ll try the new version. Where is it?
Peace,
Gene
@Gene: It’s on the project page.
I did not change the version number, just updated the download file and readme.txt as I didn’t feel this was worthy of a version number change.
It may be worth the change for the folks who downloaded the previous version of 4. But now that you’ve done it, I do like the change. I kind of think that allowing the people who visit the site this option should also be specified in the Dashboard settings. Or we can make the decision for them there too
Thanks for the great work. It really, really loads fast now.
Peace,
Gene
@Gene: Version number has been bumped to 4.0.1.
Glad you like the latest version.
I’m going to give it a few days and let some other users provide some feedback.
Yes, no sense rushing until you know where your public stands.
Have a great weekend.
Peace,
Gene
Updated from version 3 to version 4… Archives are blank… Arghhhh!
Hi Chantal. I just sent you an email but please read my post fully as I clearly point out that if you are upgrading from any version prior to 4.0, it’s not just a simple upload a new plugin file and go.
The plugin structure is completely rewritten, there is a new token to use when creating a dedicated archives page and the plugin now has it’s own dedicated folder, so be sure to read the readme.txt file included with the download.
I’m sure it’s something with the token. Standing by for your reply to my email.
Works for now. I don’t what happened… Maybe some bits and bytes which where sleepy.
Ah, interesting. I’m not sure I actually related you to the guy at nine rules, in notes. Funny how that is.
Dirty girl I will remain.
It’s really nice though. I haven’t had my archives up in a year. I’m sure my readers will thank you.
Hey cooper. Yep, that’s me
Glad I was able to bring something back to your site.
Be sure to keep an eye on my site for updates to the plugin.
I do have other things in the works, I just want the dust to settle a little on this release.
In case your wondering I actually got here via Justin Kistner’s blog.
I downloaded the newer version, and will install it later today after all my picnic-ing fun is over.
Hi cooper. Got here via Justin?
Yeah, that boy is a cool cat for sure
Enjoy your picnic-ing today.