Heavily Modifying Groups - Hack Code or Plugin/Product

[6impy]

I've been using vBulletin for over 8 years and have experience programming in PHP, but have never delved into personally making a mod for vBulletin.

I'm familiar with the hook system and have been reading over a few threads, including one that says,
Last but not least hooks are not magic, don't add a million of them and expect your forum to run as fast as it did when you first installed it. Only plug-in/hack-in what you really need!"

My plan is to modify the groups to include these features:
- Search for groups by distance to zip/postal code (US and Canada -- I have experience with this outside of vBulletin)
- Email notifications for new/active groups forming in your area, reminders of meetings when in a group, etc.
- New fields for groups: Active/Inactive, Location, Type (one of 3 types), Age Range, Cost/Free, Audience, etc. WITH filtering ability when viewing a group listing
- Active/Inactive members of group (without making them leave group, just identify them as such)
- Multiple group maintainers with description fields for them as a group maintainer
- Schedule voting ala Doodle (http://www.doodle.com/BSPgk3iqakcqrr7f)

Is this way too much to even consider a plugin/product?

Or would it be best done with a combination of hacking the code and using hooks?

Any thoughts would be much appreciated!

Thanks,
Drew

[Dismounted]

The real problem is not the number of plugins, but what is run inside of them.

[6impy]

Thanks for your reply (and first reply ;))

Are there any specific threads or tutorials you'd recommend for getting started?

[Dismounted]

A good starting point is the manual. Also have a look in the Articles section.

[6impy]

Thanks! I didn't even notice the articles tab!