Bug: /database embed macro is not functional

[Hendrik Hillus]

Hello,

I have a bug to report.

Information:

• We got migrated yesterday evening/night. (Databases now appear in the page tree)
• Had databases before it was bought by Atlassian
• I use MS Edge (it is IT policy), currently version 122.0.2365.52

Bug:

• When trying the "/embed database" macro a white, blank popup opens and nothings happens.
• I know the workaround is to embed the "database page", but that just lets me show the whole database, and not an entry (or a value).

Have I misunderstood something here? Does anyone else have this issue?

[Hendrik Hillus]

Here is a screenshot of the issue: 

[Rebecca Dai]

@Hendrik Hillus 

There had been a feature flag issue for newly migrated databases where specific features are not fully ungated. It has been resolved. Would you please double check and let us know if your issue has been mitigated? Thank you!

[Hendrik Hillus]

Works now. If I choose to embed an entry, is there a way to change the configuration afterwards? In other words: Is there a way I can change what is displayed without deleting and embeding again?

[Divya Sriram]

Hey Hendrik, for your quesiton"is there a way I can change what is displayed without deleting and embeding again?" 

The idea here is that you want to showcase a different entry, so you can create a new embed and choose a new entry to showcase.

Does that clarify the behavior today? Can you help me understand if there is a different behavior you're looking for and how that would help you?

Thanks,

[Hendrik Hillus]

Hey @Divya Sriram

I'm looking for another behaviour. As it has been previously.

I'll try to explain the usecase:

• You are working on a page about a certain topic.
• A lot of people work on this topic / specific subtopics (--> create new pages)
• There is a database, which exists to provide an overview of some data about a subtopic

The database is structured as follows:

• The db represents the complete topic
• A db entry represents a subtopic
• The db values of the entries hold the information that provide the overview of the subtopic

We have / had a template was structured like

• ToC and the rest of standard layout of a page in our Confluence site
• Database entry embedded, with an entry that just contained the information: Configure to select the correct entry (that matches the correct subtopic)
• ...

Notes:

• The database has to many entries for it to be viable to create preconfigured templates, where the correct entry is already selected
• Not all users that create content in Confluence are "experts" and know how to optimally work with it
  • Most users just select a template, follow the steps that are written in the placeholders and rarely bother with inserting and embedding their own macros

With the current implementation, we cannot provide the database entry embedd Smartlink / macro. Instead we have to rely on the users to see that there is supposed to be a database entry on the page, not be intimidated by the phrase "database" and then embed the correct database first in order to select the correct entry.

Not the real example, but I think this could help understand this usecase:

• The imaginary database "Strategic Accounts" contains information about all Strategic Accounts we have
• The information in the database may change over time, but should be up-to-date on all pages.
• Examples could be: Contact in the Strategic Account; Name of our Account Manager; which of our solutions they use; Link to website; ect...
• Now, there are different spaces and different usescases where these information can be used, (also by different departments).
• Examples:
  
  • Strategic Account Sales log activities
  • Corporate Communications creates a blog post of a new public agreement
  • Partner Management creates pages of how the companies will work together in the future.

--> They all have to understand macros, and databases instead of just clicking on a database entry that says "Click and select correct the Strategic Account"

Also: If a user selects the wrong entry for some reason, at the moment the only solution is to delete the smart link and embed a new one.

Suggested Solution, that would solve this problem:

• Implement the pen icon, when clicking on a database embed-Smartlink
  • The pen would open the dialogue that appears when using the database entry (database, entry (optional), value (optional))
• Reenable the usage of databases in templates
  • Either have a dialogue similar to when using "new variable" when opening a template
    • Template creator/editor can "preselect" database
  • Or just like it was in alpha

This is a rather large response and I am aware that my english / writing skills might make it difficult for you to understand my point, I am happy to provide insights in a quick meeting.

[Hendrik Hillus]

And another question: Is this group still the correct place to report bugs?

[Rebecca Dai]

@Hendrik Hillus 

Yes, the databases community site along with intercom are still the correct place to report issues! And thank you for reaching out!