We're happy to announce the release of NodeBB v4.3.0, which contains native support for remote categories, bringing better integration with other NodeBB forums, WordPress, Lemmy, PieFed, mbin, and other "group-based" implementors on the ActivityPub network!
## What does this mean? :thinking_face:
It means that starting with this release, you will be able to "browse" to other categories simply by searching for them in your `/world` page. Just like with regular categories, you can "track" or "watch" remote categories — the former will show up in your `/unread` page, and the latter will also send notifications on new topics.
Prior to this change, remote categories were rendered just like regular users, and there was some confusion over who was a user and who was a publisher.
The integration with blog platforms like WordPress also mean you'll be able to use NodeBB kind of like a feed reader, with built-in notifications when new content is received. We're hoping to also extend this to support Ghost as well :hand_with_index_and_middle_fingers_crossed:
Some examples of categories loaded remotely in this NodeBB:
* ["Fediverse" on piefed.social (running Piefed)](
) — `@Fediverse`
* ["ActivityPub Protocol" on SocialHub (running Discourse)](
) — `@ActivityPub Protocol`
* [Vivaldi Browser Blog (running WordPress)](
) — `@Vivaldi Browser`
* ["General Climbing News" on community.openbeta.io (running NodeBB)](
) — `@General News`
* [Fediverse memes (running Lemmy)](
) — `@npub14hjt...v79r`
)
)
## Other notable changes in v4.3.0
### Chat allow/deny list :left_speech_bubble:
There was some desire for more fine-grained support for allow/deny lists for the chat system. This is now available in v4.3.0. Per @<baris>:
> Leaving allow list empty would mean anyone who is not in deny list can message you.
> Leaving deny list empty would mean anyone who is in allow list can message you.
> If both are empty everyone can message you.
> Current restrictChat toggle can be turned into a toggle to disable chat completely.
> Upgrade script can add the users following to the allow list if they have restrictChat turned on.
### Show number of topic watchers :eyes:
You are now able to see the number of users watching a specific topic alongside the existing stats (posts, views, etc.)
)
### Accessibility updates
* Avatar background colours are now selectable via keyboard navigation
* Post drafts are now accessible via keyboard navigation
### ... and of course
* Bug fixes and security updates
NodeBB Community
Fediverse
A community to talk about development and ask questions about NodeBB modern forum software
NodeBB Community
ActivityPub Protocol
A community to talk about development and ask questions about NodeBB modern forum software
NodeBB Community
Vivaldi Browser
A community to talk about development and ask questions about NodeBB modern forum software
NodeBB Community
General News
A community to talk about development and ask questions about NodeBB modern forum software
NodeBB Community
Fediverse memes
A community to talk about development and ask questions about NodeBB modern forum software
)
![9b2e5ab5-d2cc-46be-81aa-1e82057e0652-image.png]()
## Other notable changes in v4.3.0
### Chat allow/deny list :left_speech_bubble:
There was some desire for more fine-grained support for allow/deny lists for the chat system. This is now available in v4.3.0. Per @<baris>:
> Leaving allow list empty would mean anyone who is not in deny list can message you.
> Leaving deny list empty would mean anyone who is in allow list can message you.
> If both are empty everyone can message you.
> Current restrictChat toggle can be turned into a toggle to disable chat completely.
> Upgrade script can add the users following to the allow list if they have restrictChat turned on.
### Show number of topic watchers :eyes:
You are now able to see the number of users watching a specific topic alongside the existing stats (posts, views, etc.)
![80bc61e4-0bbd-4dce-ab3b-6ab9df2eb1b1-image.png]()
### Accessibility updates
* Avatar background colours are now selectable via keyboard navigation
* Post drafts are now accessible via keyboard navigation
### ... and of course
* Bug fixes and security updates