Stabilize Randomly sort for a better browsing experience // mod: no reorder while browsing library

Feature Suggestions
1

I apologize if this has been addressed already. I made an effort to find existing posts on this topic, but I found none.

I’ve found the “Randomly” sort to be one of the greatest features when browsing a large library as an end user. It makes it significantly easier to find something to watch while both reducing the scrolling required and keeping the library looking fresh with every visit. However, too much of a good thing can become a serious problem.

The Problem:
When browsing a movie library to find something to watch, you likely want to view the details page of multiple movies in the process. However, currently, when you return to the library from a details page, the random sort reshuffles again. This causes you to lose track of the next movie you intended to investigate and, more importantly, the movie you’ve decided to go back to and watch.

Proposed Solution:
Limit the shuffling action of the “Randomly” sort function to the use of the library link in the sidebar. This would preserve the sort when navigating in and out of individual movie details while preserving a link to execute a reshuffle if you want it.

I am unsure how simple or difficult this change would be programmatically, but I do know that it would significantly improve the viewing experience.

2

I totally agree with your enthusiasm for sorting a large library of movies with the random function. I often wonder why this ability is relegated to the very bottom of the available sorting options, when it should at least in my opinion be above “Bitrate” and “resolution” among others.

I guess I get tired of seeing the same 12 movies listed at the top of the library, and would prefer to have a happy surprise to see something else.

As for your hiccup with the random list changing after backing out of the details of a movie. I also agree with this, but my issue is Plex crashes when I do this (every time), especially if I have scrolled down several pages worth of movies. However, this issue may need to be brought up separately.

Nice work!

-J