PDA

View Full Version : eBux / eStore's Future


CMX_CMGSCCC
03-05-2006, 09:49 PM
I'm sure people have all read about the 'ebux' being Trademarked in the USA & Canada.

First off, let me start off by saying that this really sucks. But it's really my own fault for not researching it before creating eBux / eStore. It will cause a lot of headaches I'm sure in the future.

SO if you have been following the progress at http://www.ps2hits.com/forums/ then you will notice that eStore is no longer in existance. Now before you start to cry, you would also have noticed that vBux / vStore is in place of the old eBux / eStore.

vBux / vStore v1.5.0 is up and running at the above test forums. Now I can not stress the magnitude of the testing thats needed before this version is released out in the wild to the public.

I'm doing everything I can to make it save as MUCH as possible. But there will be some things that you will have to resetup. I have done a lot of the conversion coding already. I must say that the conversion I've done so far is gearing up quite NICELY. I'm proud of the coding for the update, which I can say a lot, I am usually not proud of coding that I make, but it gets the job done normally as well.

I have added a revolutionary change to the forum table that all vB mod coders will take note of. I do not think that this was ever done before, if I am wrong, I apologize. I have added a "bitfield" to the forum table. Yes, just like the <bitfield inside of bitfield_xxx.xml for the Usergroups.

It took 4 plugins to do this and when v1.5.0 is released, we may see other hacks start to use settings like this. So what does this mean to you, the end user?? Instead of eBS using 11 fields inside of the forum table, vBS will only use 4 fields inside of the forum table, aka less data to cache and save. And now that the foundation is layed for this, I could add some more forum options that should make things interesting as well.

The fact is, vB.com could do some modifications to make this more streamlined in the future, check out the following code:

Inside admincp/forum.php

foreach ($vbulletin->GPC['forum'] AS $varname => $value)
{
if ($varname == 'options')
{
foreach ($value AS $key => $val)
{
$forumdata->set_bitfield('options', $key, $val);
}
}
else
{
$forumdata->set($varname, $value);
}
}


This code is inside the block where it checks $_POST['do'] == 'update'. Instead of checking if the varname is equal to options. They should check if the field type is a bitfield type. If they would check if the field was a bitfield and then run ->set_bitfield for the varname found, it would mean 1 less plugin and/or hack has to be done.

SO if you use a bitfield with the current vBulletin 3.5.4, it will save all of the fields as separate variable names. SO I have devised a very small chunk of code to do the following:


// process all of the vbsforumoptions
foreach($vbulletin->GPC['forum']['vbsforumoptions'] AS $key => $val)
{
// set this bitfield
$forumdata->set_bitfield('vbsforumoptions', $key, $val);

// unset the one set previously by vBulletin
unset($forumdata->forum['vbsforumoptions'][$key]);
}


With this, you can see my custom bitfield is named vbsforumoptions, and you will notice it does UNSET the previous one that is set by vBulletin, so it will function properly. vBulletin.com, if you could update that code in forum.php to allow mod makers to use bitfields, that would be great :)

Even if they do not add this ability in the future, the fact remains that the above code will work and it is fairly optimized.


So the bottom line........

When you see the coding for the new Product XML sheet for vBS. You might look at it and say "its HUGE", but in reality is quite small for a task of this magnitude. I have renamed all of the phrases, all of the template variables, all of the variables/tables/fields inside of the PHP files. Basically any and all reference to ebux/estore have been changed to vbux/vstore and the tables/fields have been changed to vbs_table or vbs_field to better recognize which fields are for use with the new vBS. It's a MUCH better organized system and should allow for much easier to understand core code to build addons for.

I know this post seems a little long winded, but its necessary for me to tell you that when the aftermath settles for vBux / vStore .... everyone will be coming out on TOP.

-CMX

djjeffa
03-05-2006, 10:13 PM
I was thinking of install ebux/estore, do you recomend I wait?

Reeve of shinra
03-05-2006, 10:32 PM
Having to rebrand sucks but thank you very much for continuing to support what has to be one of hte most extensive hacks ever made.

CMX_CMGSCCC
03-05-2006, 10:38 PM
Well, if you wait, you avoid any templates that have to be changed, it should be coming out in the next couple days.

Reeve: Yes, but what else choice did I have? :x

-CMX

moonclamp
03-05-2006, 11:19 PM
I'm happy with the way mine is running now.

My main worry is that if I upgrade my users will lose points or features they "paid" for.

Would it be worth sticking to the current version because of this, or is there very little chance of this happening?

OAndrea
03-06-2006, 12:29 AM
I am new to Vb and hacking and extensions and all this stuff, but I have to say that this hack has been the best. I am super impressed by how much you have done in so little time. Thanks for all your hard work! The store ROCKS and I am positive the vbux/vstore is going to totally kick booty too!

MorrisMcD
03-06-2006, 12:33 AM
Trademarks suck!!!

I am patient with the current ebux.. Take your time and lookin forward to the new one..

CMX_CMGSCCC
03-06-2006, 01:31 AM
Thanx for supporting the cause!!

If you upgrade PROPERLY, you will not lose settings the members have purchased.

The proper will to upgrade will be to first INSTALL vBux / vStore, then Uninstall the old eBux / eStore.

-CMX

ImportPassion
03-06-2006, 01:49 AM
I REALLY don't think you need to worry about the trademark issue.

JsnakeJ
03-06-2006, 02:16 AM
Its not worth the hassle if it does become a problem, thats why hes doing this.

Ilovechase
03-06-2006, 02:30 AM
I am sorry about all the trademark stuff :(. I know vbux will be awesome and I am so excited to install it...:) I think I told you already that you are awesome and I totally appreciate your hard work and dedication :)

Monie

Rickie3
03-06-2006, 02:52 AM
what if i dont want to upgrade to vBux / vStore,and continue using ebux/estore,will it be illegal to have it on my site,i hate the thought of having to trace down template edits,then having to redo temp edits again.Have you seeked legal advise on the name ebux/estore has there been a injunction to force you to stop using said name,i cant see a problem if the name of your hack has not been questioned legally.Wouldnt it be easier just to change E to a V

caimakale
03-06-2006, 03:04 AM
what if i dont want to upgrade to vBux / vStore,and continue using ebux/estore,will it be illegal to have it on my site,i hate the thought of having to trace down template edits,then having to redo temp edits again.Have you seeked legal advise on the name ebux/estore has there been a injunction to force you to stop using said name,i cant see a problem if the name of your hack has not been questioned legally.Wouldnt it be easier just to change E to a VIt has been questioned legally. It truly is a legally trademarked name and CMX as well as each of you need to change it to protect yourselves from possible trouble.

The store isn't going away by any means. Everything will be identical, acutally better with some bug fixes and a few new options, than it is right now.

Rickie3
03-06-2006, 03:26 AM
well the same could have been said for Ucash/Ushop,this is going to have a huge impact on so many forums out there already running ebux/estore,there is always some bastard out there that cant help themselves by dobbing someone in for something as simple as using a name in a hack,no wonder this worlds in a bloody mess

JsnakeJ
03-06-2006, 03:37 AM
vB.org should make an announcement for the people using it to upgrade aswell.

caimakale
03-06-2006, 03:42 AM
well the same could have been said for Ucash/Ushop,this is going to have a huge impact on so many forums out there already running ebux/estore,there is always some bastard out there that cant help themselves by dobbing someone in for something as simple as using a name in a hack,no wonder this worlds in a bloody mess
Truthfully, this update shouldn't be much different from any other update as far as we are concerened. We will have to redo template edits, but it may not be that difficult. I am not going to jump the gun and say anything yet because I haven't seen the new package, but it may end up being easier than we think.

Don't lose faith in CMX now just because of a problem with the name...because of this we will end up with a better store than 1.2.6. :)

Rickie3
03-06-2006, 04:33 AM
Don't lose faith in CMX now just because of a problem with the name...because of this we will end up with a better store than 1.2.6. :)oh i havent lost faith in CMX at all,you must have missunderstood my post,i feel sad for all the hard work CMX has put in and his dedication to everyone involved,just to have it stalled for whats in a name

proxx
03-06-2006, 05:00 AM
CMX,

since you're going to be re-branding it.

I recommend chosing something different.

a) vBux is fine, I checked and it is NOT trademarked
b) vStore IS trademarked, so maybe you can use something different?

use http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/gate.exe?f=tess&state=6hu8dp.1.1 to search and see if a trademark is taken.

Since you're writing a nice software, and in future it might 10 times more features and have much more value, you don't want these trademark owners coming and say stop using it, or you don't want them to benefit from the positive image created by your software.

Just my two cents.

Gizmo5h1t3
03-06-2006, 10:48 AM
these trademarks are a complete bummer....why should it matter when i expect your version of "vstore" bears no relation to the other one?????

excellent work yet again mate.....

JsnakeJ
03-06-2006, 03:13 PM
Laws are laws man. Would you want someone to copy your product or even name and make a good bit of money off of what was supposedly your idea? Just because some of the people that are using this modification do not live in the United States or Canada doesn't mean that we shouldn't take trademarks lightly.

What about making it vBstore & vBux, since theres a trademark on vStore.

rinkrat
03-06-2006, 03:45 PM
It will be nice to go a few days without an upgrade ;)

CMX_CMGSCCC
03-06-2006, 04:41 PM
That's very odd, I know I checked that same site for 'vstore' as a trademark and it pulled up nothing...

That sucks pretty bad, anymore suggestions for names?

-CMX

Sooner95
03-06-2006, 05:42 PM
eshop/ecash?

bbshop/bbscash

bbstore/bbsbux

vbux/vshop

vbux/vmarket

vbcash/vbmarket

ecash/emarket

Jus some suggestions, havnt checked if any are takin..but its a start. Sux bud that this has to be rebuilt, but its by far the best addon for vb around. Get this rebuilt, and make it as painless as possible, more cash is on the way to your paypal bud. You've earned it.

CMX_CMGSCCC
03-06-2006, 06:46 PM
Of the names u suggested all of them were either trademarked, or had their domain URL registered for the .com

Thanx for the support!

I have come up with a new name and we will be using it.

http://www.vbplaza.com

The Domain name doesnt DNS properly in all areas yet, but its coming!

-CMX

MorrisMcD
03-06-2006, 07:32 PM
Do CMX Bux

We can always rename the phrases to match our sites... That way you kinda brand yourself into the product :D And.. Chances are it wont be taken

PixelFx
03-06-2006, 07:48 PM
Do CMX Bux

We can always rename the phrases to match our sites... That way you kinda brand yourself into the product :D And.. Chances are it wont be taken

joined site, looking forward to seeing the updates and changes you've made :D

Wachtmeister
03-06-2006, 09:18 PM
Man, is there any chance to keep translations done in eBux over to vbPlaza?

Or do you plan to just rename all ebux_*.* to vbplaza_*.* ? So i could keep my language file. Damn, i hate to sit again hours to translate everything.

Sooner95
03-06-2006, 10:43 PM
crap, was hoping vbmarket was available..apperently someone thought it was good too..lol

I like vbplaza bud, works for me.

CMX_CMGSCCC
03-06-2006, 11:00 PM
Unfortunately all phrase names had to be changed to vbplaza_ as well, if u have ur modifications done though, u can download what u have now, and do a global replace for estore to vbplaza and ebux to vbbux and it then u could reimport it later.

-CMX

JsnakeJ
03-07-2006, 01:45 AM
Am I allowed to rename it "WD Store" for the on forum areas as I am not to fond of the name "Plaza"? I know how to do it just want permission.

Ohiosweetheart
03-07-2006, 02:22 AM
Im assuming that 1.2.6 is the latest version??

CMX_CMGSCCC
03-07-2006, 02:39 AM
Am I allowed to rename it "WD Store" for the on forum areas as I am not to fond of the name "Plaza"? I know how to do it just want permission.

I have phrased everything that u are ABLE to modify. The only Plaza u wont be able to remove legally is the branding information.

But u can purchase that option to remove it from http://www.vbplaza.com once the first vbPlaza is released!

In fact, you can purchase the branding free from the above site now if u want.

If u have donated in the past to myself, I will grant u the branding free option for free, just register at http://www.vbplaza.com and send myself CMX a PM on that forum and I'll add u to the subscribed users list!

And yes, v1.2.6 is the latest version so far. ALTHOUGH, I'm probably going to release a v1.5.0 beta version in the next day or so, beta releases are only available to uses who have the Premium Subscription listed above.

Now that eBux is its own brand and has its own site/setup. I will take the updates much more precautiously, meaning beta version will be released for a day or so and final version will be released a day or so after that to verify there are no minor bugs.

-CMX

JsnakeJ
03-07-2006, 02:49 AM
Sounds good, I will consider buying it. Guests can see the Premium Forums, btw. ;)

CMX_CMGSCCC
03-07-2006, 02:56 AM
Sounds good, I will consider buying it. Guests can see the Premium Forums, btw. ;)

Thanx for reporting, fixed the permissions for that now.

Thanx for supporting vbPlaza!

-CMX

The FUTURE is here!

Thread closed! :)

-CMX