Better Chat Interface : Copy/Paste & Editable Messages & Hyperlinks

[Callindrill]

I think it would be great if the chat window behaved, well, like a chat window. Every other application has text that is select-able; you can copy, cut (if the text is editable) and paste (again, if it's editable). In addition, I would like to be able to click in the midpoint of a message and have the cursor go there. I can get around this by having arrow keys on my keyboard, but without a visible cursor that actually changes position, it's very difficult to edit text without just deleting everything after the error and starting over. It would also be nice if there was hyper-link support (even if there was a warning to the effect of: "hey, don't click on links you don't trust... haven't you ever used a computer before?").

The reasons I ask for these things:

• As a leader of a very active clan, it is VERY difficult for me to convey a message to the clan using my phone or tablet. If I get to typing too quickly and make a mistake, then I could end up having to delete a great chunk of the message (or all of it) just to correct it. I should be able to touch the text and move the cursor to a point where I want to be editing.
• I oftentimes want to share web resources with my Clan regarding defenses, attacks, reference materials, "let me google that for you" links, etc. It would be nice if they could just click on the link and have it open a web browser and just work--or if that is too complicated, at least allow them to copy the text that I've posted. As it is, posting a link results in about 1/3 of my clan looking at it after typing it out in the most annoying possible fashion, and the other 2/3 completely missing it.
• I myself have avoided doing this just because of the nuisance of typing out a URL by hand when you're in an application that is full screen (e.g. I have to either write it down on paper, remember it, switch back and forth multiple times,have two devices, or have them send it to me in another way).

So, I don't really think that too much else needs to be said about this... I just want text boxes to behave in what has become a standard way. Well, at least those boxes that contain text in the clan chat and the clan messages. I couldn't care less that I can't select text from info boxes and other in-game metadata type things.

J

[HeavensFace]

i agree with the cursor idea but the copy/paste would cause so much spam in global chat… it's already so spammed, imagine if players could copy/paste. the links could kinda be dangerous, some kids who play are 8 years old, these kids would just click on the links without really knowing what they are doing.

[KJBlack]

I think it would be great if the chat window behaved, well, like a chat window. Every other application has text that is select-able; you can copy, cut (if the text is editable) and paste (again, if it's editable). In addition, I would like to be able to click in the midpoint of a message and have the cursor go there. I can get around this by having arrow keys on my keyboard, but without a visible cursor that actually changes position, it's very difficult to edit text without just deleting everything after the error and starting over. It would also be nice if there was hyper-link support (even if there was a warning to the effect of: "hey, don't click on links you don't trust... haven't you ever used a computer before?").

J

I think the copy/paste function is a matter of server space, bandwidth, etc. So I dont think copy/paste functions will be implemented.

But on the other hand, chatting would be sooooooo much better if you can edit without using backspace. This limitation is so frustrating...so great idea!

[Callindrill]

...the copy/paste would cause so much spam in global chat… the links could kinda be dangerous...

There are already plenty of ways that spammers can get around this limitation. I can, for instance, copy and paste on some keyboards, but not on others. Which means that a spammer need only have a custom keyboard of some kind that allowed pasting. It really wouldn't increase spam in global chat. Especially since this functionality exists if you use a virtual machine environment to do this. The only thing being prevented is the copy functionality for selecting in game text.

As for the dangerousness of the links, that is a matter of preference as to where the "block" should be in place. Perhaps you just can't post links in the global chat, only the clan chat. That's an easy enough work around for this. I, however, disagree with trying to prevent users from posting potentially helpful links simply because some would abuse this functionality and post inappropriate links.

I think the copy/paste function is a matter of server space, bandwidth, etc. So I dont think copy/paste functions will be implemented.

Interactions with a control in the game would not be limited by space, bandwidth etc. The control that represents the chat window is already storing the text somewhere (for a limited time). Allowing the selection of text, or navigation inside of the text box wouldn't alter any of the information that is stored or transferred. As a developer myself, I can't even imagine a scenario where allowing this functionality WOULD increase those things.

[Rapscallion]

I think it would be great if the chat window behaved, well, like a chat window

This is one of my biggest frustrations with CoC. Hope it gets fixed soon!