Community & Social Features

Relevant source files

The following files were used as context for generating this wiki page:

• src/server.js
• src/views.js
• PLAN.md
• src/widgets.js
• README.md
• test/app.test.js

PuppyPad provides a suite of community and social features that allow members to discover, follow, and interact with other site owners. These features transform static homepage hosting into a social network by implementing activity feeds, profile interactions, and site discovery mechanisms.

The system relies on a central SQLite database to track relationships between users, including follows, blocks, likes, and comments. Discovery is facilitated through "The Dog Park" (site directory), a global webring, and automated Atom feeds.

Sources: README.md:29-45, PLAN.md:120-155

Site Discovery Mechanisms

PuppyPad employs several methods for users to find new content. These mechanisms prioritize active, verified sites and prevent spam through specific cooldown periods.

The Dog Park (Site Directory)

The Dog Park acts as the primary directory. It displays site cards containing screenshots, taglines, tags, and hit counters. Users can sort the directory by recent updates, newest members, most followed, or most visited.

Webring and Random Fetch

The Webring is an opt-in feature where members add navigation links to their site. The webring/next, webring/prev, and webring/random endpoints facilitate movement between participating sites.

Endpoint	Behavior	Eligibility
/random	Redirects to a random listed site	Listed site
/webring/next	Redirects to the next site in the ring (by ID)	webring = 1 and Listed
/webring/prev	Redirects to the previous site in the ring (by ID)	webring = 1 and Listed

Sources: src/server.js:335-350, src/widgets.js:65-66

Social Interactions

Members interact directly through profiles and update events. Interactions are restricted by the system's blocking logic.

Following and Activity Feeds

Following a site adds its updates to the user's personal /feed. An update event is generated automatically when a member saves or uploads files.

1. Follow: The POST /follow endpoint creates a record in the follows table if no block exists.
2. Update Event: The markUpdated function creates or updates an event in the events table. Events are grouped by hour.
3. Feed Generation: The /feed route retrieves events from users identified in the follows table, excluding hidden or banned sites.

Sources: src/server.js:235-245, src/server.js:319-324, src/views.js:195-197

Liking and Commenting

Users can interact with specific update events or general profile pages.

• Likes: Logged-in users can toggle a "like" on an event via POST /like.
• Comments: Users post comments to POST /comment. Comments target either an event_id (specific update) or a user_id (general profile guestbook).

Blocking Logic

Blocking a member provides immediate isolation. The POST /block endpoint performs the following:

• Inserts a record into the blocks table.
• Deletes existing follow records between both parties.
• Filters the blocked user's comments and likes from the blocker's view.

Sources: src/server.js:301-311, test/app.test.js:636-654

Notifications and Communication

PuppyPad uses a dual notification system: an in-site list and optional email alerts.

Notification Kinds

Kind	Trigger	Email Option
follow	Another user follows your site	note_mail includes 'follow'
comment	A user comments on your profile/update	note_mail includes 'comment'
like	A user likes an update event	note_mail includes 'like'

Sources: src/server.js:260-272, src/views.js:203-214

Guestbooks

Guestbooks are site-specific widgets served via an iframe at /_hw/guestbook.

• Spam Prevention: Entries containing links are automatically held for owner approval.
• Moderation: Owners can block IPs or filter specific words from their guestbook settings.
• Notification: Owners choose between instant emails, daily digests, or no notifications for new entries.

Sources: src/server.js:114-135, src/widgets.js:59-62, src/views.js:527-537

Data Architecture

The social graph is maintained through several relational tables.

Summary

Community features in PuppyPad are designed to promote organic discovery while giving owners control over their social environment. By combining retro concepts like Webrings and Guestbooks with modern social mechanics like Activity Feeds and Likes, the platform encourages user engagement without algorithmic interference. Owners maintain safety through opt-in listings, granular notification settings, and robust blocking tools.

Sources: README.md:29-45, PLAN.md:15-30