Hack: Orkut Formatting For Scrapbooks, Forums

Update (10/14): It looks as if this hack was originally developed by Sharath (explanation provided at the bottom). See his post for an updated version.

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Although there are plenty of hacks out there that make it easier to format text in ones scrapbook or forum (such as the Orkut Toolbar), this one by far seems to most useful.

Created by Siva Jawaji, the Orkut Formatting Toolbar provides easy to use formating buttons above not only the "general" scrapbook box...



...but in the reply boxes as well.



You can even use this hack while replying to various forums on Orkut.



Currently users have to either remember 30 different formating codes ranging from smilies to colors to the basic [b]bold[/b], [u]underline[/u] and [i]italic[/i] codes (either that or constantly refer back to the Orkut chart).

Siva's hack removes that hassle, making it easier for even non-geeks to concentrate more on what they say, than the appearance of the message on Orkut.

Hopefully Google includes a similar feature later on this month, when they open up Orkut with API's.

Note: This hack is for Firefox users (sorry IE fans). In order to use this hack, you will need to first install GreaseMonkey. After that, you can download Orkut Formatting Toolbar over here.

I will add this hack to the Orkut User Tools sidebar underneath the GreaseMonkey section.

Update (10/14): It seems as if their is a dispute on who is the original author of this hack.

Siva's hack (featured above) seems to be based upon a previous script by MarivaldO.

However Sharath is claiming that both scripts are based off his original hack, which he has improved upon by adding glitter effects (which looks really nice by the way).

I (hopefully) doubt anyone purposely took this hack for their own, as they could have simply forgotten to credit the original creator.

Since it looks as if Sharath may have been the original author of this hack (at least to me), I'll give him credit for the original hack.

Should Orkut Integrate This Google Talk Hack?

(Hat Tip: Ramesh Chowdary from Tech Orchard)

A long, long time ago Google decided to add Google Talk to Orkut in order to allow friends to easily chat with each in real time.

Unfortunately Google Talk was very limited, causing some people to either whine about it (okay, so I was the only one complaining) while others decided to do actually create a hack for the rest of us.

Now it seems that a new Google Talk hack has emerged, that not only improves upon the previous hack, but also is in the "perfect spot" on the Orkut page.

(Gauravv.com) Recently i felt need of an IM client just inside orkut so that i can be in touch with who are online ,although i knew ultimately orkut will add this feature someday ..but why wait for them to take initiative :) so i made this greasemonkey script which does same thing,it also has support for multiuser conference :).

The beauty of this hack is that users can "hide" the Gtalk (or Google Talk) feature by clicking on the Hide Gtalk link...



...if they feel like browsing through their list of friends.

If they feel like chatting with someone online all they have to do is click Show Gtalk link...



...and they can begin to chat, or even call them if they would like.

If any Googlers are reading this post, hopefully they will consider adding this feature, along with a host of others rumored to be coming out this November.

Note: This hack is currently for Firefox users only, although I will see if I can find one for Internet Explorer 7 (as I'm seeking some useful hacks come out for that browser).

You will need to install GreaseMonkey first, as well as Macromedia Flash Player.

After that, head over to UserScripts.org to install this hack. I will add this hack underneath Orkut User Tools in the GreaseMonkey section.

Hack: Mass Delete Tool For Friends (And Foes?)

(Hat tip: Dean aka The Dude of Orkut)

Update (7/9): Corrected original authorship of script hack.

Here is a useful tool originally developed by Rodrigo (and partially translated into English by Sharath) that gives users the option of removing testimonials, messages, topics and even friends en mass.

Here is a brief explanation over at Technowise.

(Technowise) Now deleting anything from orkut is a lot more easier with the Mass Delete Tool!
This tool is for mass deleting messages, topics, events, friends and testimonials. It will be very useful for all orkut users, especially the community owners and moderators. The orkut interface only provides multiple selection and deletion of scraps, and this tool provides options for everything else!

In order to use this hack, users will need to install Firefox as well as GreaseMonkey, and for the visually stimulated (that includes me) here are some quick screen shots on how useful this hack may be for some users.

1. After installing GreaseMonkey, search for the OMDT link.





2. Clicking on it will open a new mini window which allows you to adjust how fast you want the deleted friends, testimonials, etc. to take place.





3. Next, select Yes to turn on the script (other wise it will not work).





4. The options below simply ask if you want to be alerted on your homepage. Simply click yes on both items.





5. After you are done, click OK. A pop up should appear asking you to verify whether you want to turn this on or not. Simply hit Ok again to let the fun begin.





6. Next, select the friends that you want to remove. If you want to remove all of them, you can always hit the all link as shown below.





7. Next, hit the Delete Selected link to remove your various friends. Just in case you change your mind there is an Interruption link (not shown here) which you can always click on to halt the process.





8. Last but not least, a pop up window should appear, letting you know not only how many friends were deleted, but how long the process took.

This is a really helpful tool (at least for me) and probably is something Google should consider adding as a feature in the Friend Section. Users can download this GreaseMonkey hack over here, and this tool will definitely go underneath Orkut User Tools.

If anyone has any questions regarding this hack, please visit Sharath's post on TechnoWise Rodrigo Lacerda scrapbook as the community forum seems to have been deleted.

Update (7/9): Thanks to Mr. Nobody and Sharath for confirming Rodrigo as the original author. Props to both of you guys!

Enlarge Thy Image?

Rahul, over at the Welcome to the Devil's Workshop has created a GreaseMonkey hack (Firefox required) that allows users to enlarge the images on their scrapbook.

Here is a before and after screen shot comparing the two:



For those of you who are already Firefox (and GreaseMonkey) fans, you can install this hack by clicking here.

Although a cosmetic hack, this does improve the overall appearance of my scrapbook (at least in my opinion).

Note: I am going to list this hack underneath Orkut User Tools on the sidebar.

Double Note: Congrats Rahul for reaching 100,000 plus hits!