Facebook Reader
Facebook Reader is an agent that runs in the background on the data server, such as TweetOut or Super Ticker. The Facebook Reader agent connects directly to the TweetOut or Super Ticker database. This agent reaches out to Facebook and returns valid content based on your topics and searches created in Flow.
Important:
- This agent must be running, and you must be signed in with valid Facebook user account credentials in order to receive new content.
- The system running the Facebook Reader agent must also have Microsoft® Internet Explorer® version 9 or higher installed.
- If you are troubleshooting a lack of new content, ensure that the Facebook Reader agent is running and functional using the Agent Status.
Cloud Instance or Local Instance?
Customers using a cloud instance of TweetOut or Super Ticker do not need to manage the Facebook Reader themselves; Bannister Lake manages it for you. For assistance with your instance of Facebook Reader, contact Bannister Lake Support.
Customers using a local instance of TweetOut or Super Ticker can access and manage their own instance of Facebook Reader.
- In a standard installation, Facebook Reader is available on the server, also known as the Flow Server or database server.
- In a custom installation, Facebook Reader may be located elsewhere. See your local system administrator for details.
Note: The system where the Facebook Reader agent is installed must also have Microsoft® Internet Explorer® version 9 or higher installed.
Access Facebook Reader
To access the Facebook Reader agent, run the agent from its desktop icon on the server.
Connect to Facebook
The Facebook Reader agent requires you to sign in with a valid Facebook user account because Facebook does not allow anonymous access to posts. Any client application requesting post information must have valid credentials.
As a result, posts and groups that you have access to as a Facebook user are available to you in Flow for playlists and output. When you sign in, no information is used or shared and you can control application visibility for the Bannister Lake application via Facebook. You can also revoke access to the application at any time.
Run Facebook Reader for the First Time
The first time you run the Twitter Reader, you must configure it to connect to a database.
- Select File > Preferences.
- Enter server connection details.
- Click Test to test the connection.
- Click OK.
Next Read
The countdown timer indicates when the Facebook Reader will next attempt to retrieve post data.
Click Read Now to manually retrieve data on demand and bypass the countdown clock.
Multiple Server Instance Support
You can create and manage multiple server instances for the Twitter Reader.- To create another instance, select File > Preferences.
- Click New.
- Assign the instance a name and configure that instance for a specific database.
- Test the connection.
- Click OK.
Manage Database Connections
Connection and user authentication values would have been correctly configured by your system administrator initially during installation; however, you can modify the values at any time using the Setup tab.
Note: Use caution when modifying these values.
Adjust Reader Settings
By default, Facebook Reader attempts to retrieve data every two (2) minutes. You can adjust that value by selecting File > Preferences. This value must be a minimum of 60 seconds (1 minute), and it affects all server instances. Click OK to save your changes.
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