Re: [Lynx-dev] Website shows blank page in Lynx browser

[Kyle Bachan]

Hi Larry,

Thank you for this--I was thinking it must be a config issue on my end. Unfortunately though, this did not work for me but I have a feeling this might be network or computer setup related. I'm going to try running this when I get home on a different computer and see if there's a difference.

Kyle

On Thu, Apr 12, 2018 at 10:36 AM, Larry Hynes <address@hidden> wrote:

Hi Kyle

With a fresh default install of lynx from homebrew all I can see
when accessing

/usr/local/bin/lynx 'https://account.torontopubliclibrary.ca/'

is

---
Account : Toronto Public Library
REFRESH(14400 sec): [1]https://account.torontopubliclibrary.ca/
---

If I specify even the default lynx.cfg file, as follows

/usr/local/bin/lynx -cfg /usr/local/Cellar/lynx/2.8.8rel.2_1/etc/lynx.cfg \
        'https://account.torontopubliclibrary.ca/'

then I see:

---
Account : Toronto Public Library
REFRESH(14400 sec): [1]https://account.torontopubliclibrary.ca/

We're sorry, you need to enable _javascript_ to use the new version of the library account.
[2]Back to old account
---

(You can also specify the path to the cfg file by setting the environment
variable LYNX_CFG)

This might help you.

Kyle Bachan <address@hidden> wrote:
> Yes, I do have the latest version on mac. Dan do you know why I'm unable to
> see anything on the website while Karen is?
>
> On Thu, Apr 12, 2018 at 9:46 AM, dan d. <address@hidden> wrote:
>
> >
> > No, both macports and homebrew provide the latest version as soon as it is
> > available, currently Lynx 2.8.8rel.2.
> >
> > On Wed, 11 Apr 2018, Karen Lewellen wrote:
> >
> > > If I am not mistaken, the last edition for the mac is several versions
> > > old.
> > >   2.8.5 or something?
> > > anyway let us know.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > On Wed, 11 Apr 2018, Kyle Bachan wrote:
> > >
> > > > Brew is software that macs use to install programs. I will have to
> > take a
> > > > look at my version when I get to work tomorrow but that would explain
> > why
> > > > I'm not able to connect properly to the website. Once I have a properly
> > > > working Lynx browser, it should make it much easier for me to see what
> > the
> > > > site looks like and make the adjustments. But I will investigate
> > further
> > > > tomorrow. Thank you for your help so far.
> > > >
> > > > On Wed, Apr 11, 2018 at 5:46 PM, Karen Lewellen <
> > address@hidden>
> > > > wrote:
> > > >
> > > >> Hi Kyle,
> > > >> I have no idea what brew is.  What edition of Lynx are you using for
> > > >> testing?
> > > >> The latest dev edition is dated 21 March 2018..which would be best for
> > > >> testing.
> > > >> At the very least  use 2.8.8 which is the last  edition as well.
> > > >> I should add something else since you are testing.  Make very certain
> > that
> > > >> *all* other account related functions work  with this back door in,
> > placing
> > > >> holds for example.
> > > >> As a test during my discussion with tpl staff I went into the  the old
> > > >> account area.  I also did a search and placed an item on hold.
> > However I
> > > >> did not get the customary call informing me that the item was on hold
> > in
> > > >> the system, meaning it canceled  instead of letting me get the item.
> > > >> Additionally even low graphics browsers that support _javascript_ are
> > not
> > > >> working  on your new account page.
> > > >> For example in the Linux operating system, e-links which can be
> > compiled
> > > >> to support _javascript_, and links which  is likewise ocmpiled neither
> > > >> produce the  back to old account option, nor allow you to log in at
> > all.
> > > >> Keep in mind some mobile devices, windows phones for example, do not
> > work
> > > >> well  with _javascript_.
> > > >> TPL is a public site meaning regardless of browser used   library
> > patrons
> > > >> should expect an open door.
> > > >> If you found an edition of lynx that produced a blank page, then
> > someone
> > > >> can use another lower graphics browser and find a comparative barrier.
> > > >>
> > > >> Karen
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >> On Wed, 11 Apr 2018, Kyle Bachan wrote:
> > > >>
> > > >> Hi Karen,
> > > >>> Oh, I had no idea you were talking to TPL. I'm actually on their web
> > team
> > > >>> which is why I'm trying to debug this specific issue. So you're
> > saying
> > > >>> that
> > > >>> you get the _javascript_ message then? Hmm... I installed lynx via brew
> > > >>> which
> > > >>> may be why there is a variation?
> > > >>>
> > > >>>
> > > >>>
> > > >>>
> > > >>> On Wed, Apr 11, 2018, 5:07 PM Karen Lewellen <
> > address@hidden>
> > > >>> wrote:
> > > >>>
> > > >>> Hi Kyle,
> > > >>>> I am presently in discussion with Toronto Library staff about this
> > issue.
> > > >>>> please please please call them and tell them you are having trouble.
> > > >>>> What I have shared is that since they are a service for the general
> > > >>>> public, the account aspects of the site should not require Java
> > > >>>> Script...could    be a human rights code violation truth be told.
> > > >>>> there is a back door in,
> > > >>>> type the url like this.
> > > >>>> www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/oldaccount.
> > > >>>>   When I just checked your link, I did not get a blank page, but the
> > > >>>> statement that _javascript_ is required.
> > > >>>> Again library staff *must* be told of the problem so they  at the
> > very
> > > >>>> least add the old account link to the site homepage. Much as they
> > had the
> > > >>>> old catalog  link there for years.
> > > >>>> With your permission, may I share this post with the staff members
> > I am
> > > >>>> communicating with presently?
> > > >>>> cheers,
> > > >>>> Karen
> > > >>>>
> > > >>>>
> > > >>>>
> > > >>>> On Wed, 11 Apr 2018, Kyle Bachan wrote:
> > > >>>>
> > > >>>> Hello!
> > > >>>>> I have a Lynx problem that you might be able to help with:
> > > >>>>>
> > > >>>>> I have a customer who would like to view our website in the
> > text-based
> > > >>>>>
> > > >>>> Lynx
> > > >>>>
> > > >>>>> browser. At the very least, our website should display a message
> > saying
> > > >>>>> that "We're sorry, you need to enable _javascript_ to view this" etc.
> > > >>>>> However, this page appears to show blank in Lynx. The interesting
> > thing
> > > >>>>>
> > > >>>> is
> > > >>>>
> > > >>>>> that I do see the correct content appearing when connecting to the
> > > >>>>> localhost version of the browser which makes me think this might be
> > > >>>>>
> > > >>>> related
> > > >>>>
> > > >>>>> to a certificate or subdomain issue.
> > > >>>>>
> > > >>>>> For reference, the website I am trying to access via Lynx is
> > > >>>>> https://account.torontopubliclibrary.ca/.
> > > >>>>>
> > > >>>>> I've posted a stackoverflow question
> > > >>>>> <
> > > >>>>>
> > > >>>> https://stackoverflow.com/questions/49758314/website-shows-
> > > >>>> blank-page-in-lynx-browser
> > > >>>>
> > > >>>>>
> > > >>>>> as well which has some screenshots that might show you more
> > information.
> > > >>>>> Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you very much for your
> > time.
> > > >>>>>
> > > >>>>> Best,
> > > >>>>> Kyle
> > > >>>>>
> > > >>>>>
> > > >>>>
> > > >>>
> > > >
> > >