Commbull (Community Bulletin) 5.1a for vBulletin 4.01

[djbaxter]

This not the CommBull product itself. This is simply instructions for adapting it to work with vBulletin 4.x.

Download CommBull from: Commbull (Community Bulletin) 5.1a for vBulletin 3.8x (https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=230359)

grandeur_69 (https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/member.php?u=29364) has released his latest version of CommBull as a free add-on, indicating that he no longer has time to continue developing it. I am posting this here for the benefit of other vBulletin 4.x who don't want to lose the newsletter feature (grandeur_69 has approved this).

At https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showpost.php?p=1962766&postcount=71 a member asks:

Hi, the version 5.1a work fine with vbulletin 4.0.1 ?

My response is posted at https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showpost.php?p=1962845&postcount=72 and reproduced here...

I have the previous (commercial) version, 4.5f, which does run successfully via a cron job, running on 4.01. It required some modification of the installation instructions but it does work. I expect you should be able to get this version running as well, although as the coder noted the cron capability won't work.

1. Edit product-Commbull.xml and find the following line:

<dependency dependencytype="vbulletin" minversion="3.6.0" maxversion="3.8.99" />

Change to:

<dependency dependencytype="vbulletin" minversion="3.6.0" maxversion="4.99" />


2. Upload the files and import the product.

3. Now you need to do the template edits so that members can opt-in or opt-out of your newsletter. The current instructions are as follows:

4. Template modifications
--------------------------------------

Template: "Modify User Option" -> "modifyoptions"

After:

<tr>
<td><label for="cb_adminemail"><input type="checkbox" name="options[adminemail]" value="1" id="cb_adminemail" $checked[adminemail] />$vbphrase[receive_email_from_bulletin_board_staff]</label><input type="hidden" name="set_options[adminemail]" value="1" /></td>
</tr>


Add:

<tr>
<td><label for="commbull"><input type="checkbox" name="commbull" value="1" id="commbull" $checked[receivebulletin] />$vbphrase[receive_email_from_commbull]</label><input type="hidden" name="set_options[receivebulletin]" value="1" /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><br />$vbphrase[newsletterformat]<br /><label for="commbull_type"><input type="checkbox" name="commbull_type" value="1" id="commbull_type" $checked[receivebulletin_type] />$vbphrase[type_email_from_commbull]</label>
<input type="hidden" name="set_options[receivebulletin_type]" value="1" /></td>
</tr>



Now, obviously this won't work in 4.x. These need to be modified as follows:

1. Edit Template: "Modify User Option" -> "modifyoptions"

FIND:

<vb:if condition="$show['friend_email_request']">
<li>
<label for="cb_receivefriendemailrequest"><input type="checkbox" name="options[receivefriendemailrequest]" value="1" id="cb_receivefriendemailrequest" tabindex="1" {vb:raw checked.receivefriendemailrequest} /> {vb:rawphrase receive_friendship_req_email}</label>
<input type="hidden" name="set_options[receivefriendemailrequest]" value="1" />
</li>
</vb:if>


ADD AFTER:

<vb:if condition="$show['receiveemail']">
<li>
<label for="commbull"><input type="checkbox" name="commbull" value="1" id="commbull" tabindex="1" {vb:raw checked.receivebulletin} />{vb:rawphrase receive_email_from_commbull}</label>
<input type="hidden" name="set_options[receivebulletin]" value="1" />
</li>
</vb:if>

That first part (above) is the option to receive or not receive the newsletters.

Next would be the option for HTML or plain text emails, which should be:

<vb:if condition="$show['receiveemail']">
<li>
<label for="commbull_type"><input type="checkbox" name="commbull_type" value="1" id="commbull_type" tabindex="1" {vb:raw checked.receivebulletin_type} />{vb:rawphrase type_email_from_commbull}</label>
<input type="hidden" name="set_options[receivebulletin_type]" value="1" />
</li>
</vb:if>

Update:

This now works. I had a ( instead of a { on the previous code. Thanks to grandeur_69 for pointing this out!

Notes:


The product is not mine so I can't offer any support for CommBull itself. However, I have been using the paid versions of this mod for some time and I'm happy to offer what support I can for making the changes necessary to get it running on 4.x.


I have been in communication with grandeur_69. He has indicated that he has no objections to this thread and that as he gets time he will be trying to develop this add-on further as a free product.


Update July 12, 2010: Product XML file provided by grandeur_69 for vBulletin 4.x.

NOTE:


If you have already done the manual edits, do NOT use the XML file. And if you import the XML file, you should not need to do the manual edits.

Some people are encountering problems using the XML file. If you are one of them, uninstall the product and use the manual edits. Those seem to work just fine.


Update July 14, 2010: Error in XML file corrected.

[Bouncer222]

The product is not mine so I can't offer any support for CommBull itself. However, Ihave been using the paid versions of this mod for some time and I'm happy to offer what support I can for making the changes necessary to get it running on 4.x.


So does it or does it not work on 4.0??

And can you please describe a little more what exactly it does?

Thanks

[djbaxter]

Answered in the first post:

I have the previous (commercial) version, 4.5f, which does run successfully via a cron job, running on 4.01. It required some modification of the installation instructions but it does work. I expect you should be able to get this version running as well, although as the coder noted the cron capability won't work.

CommBull is a configurable newsletter for your forum, previously a commercial product but now released as a vBulletin.org add-on.

The changes from 4.5f to 5.1a are largely cosmetic, representing attempts by the original author to include the forum styling in the newsletter across a wide variety of email clients and configurations. I don't need that since for me the forum styling was already working.

I did install version 5.x at one point but reverted to 4.5f because of the absence of the capability to send the newsletters out via a cron job.

I believe the changes I made for 4.5f should allow you to install version 5.1a on vBulletin 4.x.

For more details about CommBull 5.1a, see the thread at https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=230359

[Alfa1]

Does this work with group, blog, CMS content or does it solely handle forum content?

[djbaxter]

I've only recently upgraded to the vBulletin 4.01 Suite from the 3.84 forum only. At the moment, the blog is disabled because I'm still trying to figure out how to and how I want to configure the CMS... some real documentation would be nice!

So I can't tell you about the blog. However, the last newsletter sent out by my forum picked up articles from the CMS as well as forum threads, so I don't know of any reason it wouldn't also get the blog entries.

[Alfa1]

That sounds very interesting. I cant find anything about handling bounces. Does commbull do that?

[djbaxter]

No. You'll need another system to take care of that.

[Alfa1]

Ah too bad. Unfortunately there is no fully functional system for that.

[djbaxter]

At one point, I was successful in integrating the EZ Bounce add-on with CommBull but then I upgraded CommBull and couldn't recall how I'd done it previously. :o

[Hornstar]

Thats a bummer as I would have loved this if it had the bounced email functionality...

[Dr.osamA]

thanxx

nstalled

but dont use
________
WWW.VAPORIZER.ORG (http://vaporizers.net)

[Alfa1]

At one point, I was successful in integrating the EZ Bounce add-on with CommBull but then I upgraded CommBull and couldn't recall how I'd done it previously. :o
EZ bounce is great, as its the only option to counter bounced emails. But it still implies handling thousands of bounces, one by one, after each mailing.

[djbaxter]

EZ bounce is great, as its the only option to counter bounced emails. But it still implies handling thousands of bounces, one by one, after each mailing.

When you first implement a bounceback strategy, yes... but it needs to be a strategy where members with bouncebacks due to invalid email addresses are moved to a separate member group (I call mine Inactive). Then, when the newsletter goes out, the Inactive group is not included in the mailing list.

Once you have that set up and working, the effort to maintain it is minimal. Now I get a few bouncebacks each week and I change the usergroups for those members to Inactive if the bounceback reason is "no such address" or "no account for that user". This takes perhaps 5 minutes at most.

[fourat]

thank you
if i uninstall the mod is DB Changes stay in my forum's DB ?

[djbaxter]

thank you
if i uninstall the mod is DB Changes stay in my forum's DB ?

It should, yes. Support for the original mod is at https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=230359

[Alfa1]

When you first implement a bounceback strategy, yes... but it needs to be a strategy where members with bouncebacks due to invalid email addresses are moved to a separate emmber group (I call mine Inactive). Then, when the newsletter goes out, the Inactive group is not included in the mailing list.

Once you have that set up and working, the effort to maintain it is minimal. Now I get a few bouncebacks each week and I change the usergroups for those members to Inactive if the bounceback reason is "no such address" or "no account for that user". This takes perhaps 5 minutes at most.
Not on a high traffic site. I have manually processed 20.000 bounced addresses. THat indeed took care of a lot of problems. But after that, there are still valid email accounts that turn into invalid ones and each mailing results in a large number of bounced mails to process.

Please read the article in my signature: How to keep your board from getting blacklisted as a spammer (https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?p=1533552)
It covers this issue.

It turns out that this is a huge issue as many vbulletin boards have been banned by large email providers, without even knowing it. More and more webmasters are discovering this.
I am starting to suspect that large email providers are actively reacting to vbulletins flaws in this respect. vbulletin as a whole is generating a massive amount of emails to invalid email addresses. Its a serious spam issue.

[djbaxter]

As I get time, I'll look into seeing if I can re-integrate EZ Bounce.

Thanks for the link to your article. I have already implemented all the things you discuss there. I'm not sending out 20K newsletters at a time and if I were I'd get one of the mailing list managers. CommBull really is intended for the average forum that doesn't require the big guns.

[javivi0]

hello, thank you for update of combull. Some yeras ago, I bought commbull, and now I?ve installed in my vb4 with you modifications.

But when sending a newsletter to my users, I have had this error when I went around 2.000 user aprox.

Database error in vBulletin 4.0.1:
Invalid SQL:
INSERT INTO mailqueue
(dateline, toemail, fromemail, subject, message, header)
VALUES

(1266880338,
xxxxxx@wanadoo.es',

MySQL Error : Got a packet bigger than 'max_allowed_packet' bytes
Error Number : 1153
Request Date : Tuesday, February 23rd 2010 @ 12:12:18 AM
Error Date : Tuesday, February 23rd 2010 @ 12:15:49 AM
Script : http://www.xxxx.com/foro/admincp/commbull.php?do=send&page=2
Referrer : http://www.xxxx.com/foro/admincp/commbull.php?do=send
IP Address : 77.228.0.3
Username : admin
Classname : vB_Database
MySQL Version : 4.1.22-standard


after having this error, my forum will get stuck, being necessary to empty the bbdd Mailqueue to return to normal

Can you help me?

Thank you very much
I?m sorry for my english

[djbaxter]

hello, thank you for update of combull. Some yeras ago, I bought commbull, and now I?ve installed in my vb4 with you modifications.

But when sending a newsletter to my users, I have had this error when I went around 2.000 user aprox.



after having this error, my forum will get stuck, being necessary to empty the bbdd Mailqueue to return to normal

Can you help me?

Thank you very much
I?m sorry for my english

I'm guessing that you are using version 5.1? If you are a licensed CommBull owner and you still have a 4.x version available, I would advise you to use that instead. I'm personally running 4.5f which avoids many of the issues with 5.1.

[javivi0]

Thank djbaxter, I have 4.2 version, but this version works fine with vbulletin 4??ç

[hollosch]

Email sending not working. What can be the problem ?
Newsletter creation in a forum works...

[djbaxter]

Thank djbaxter, I have 4.2 version, but this version works fine with vbulletin 4???

Try it. I have 4.5 working with vBulletin 4 so there's a reasonable chance it will work for you with the modifications in the first thread here.

[djbaxter]

Email sending not working. What can be the problem ?
Newsletter creation in a forum works...

For problems with CommBull 5.1, please post at https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=230359

[katoom400]

Email sending not working. What can be the problem ?
Newsletter creation in a forum works...

same problem here, I send 30 at a time and it rips right thru them.....but no mail goes out, not sure what's happening?

[ArchAngelz]

It seems from the comments here that CommBull v4.5f is much better that 5.1. Since CommBull as a whole is no longer a commercial product; is there any way for us to get CommBull v4.5f?

[djbaxter]

It seems from the comments here that CommBull v4.5f is much better that 5.1. Since CommBull as a whole is no longer a commercial product; is there any way for us to get CommBull v4.5f?

You would have to contact the author, grandeur_69 (https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/member.php?u=29364).

[asuccar]

Does anyone have any idea what this error is?.

Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at [path]/admincp/commbull.php:35) in [path]/includes/functions.php on line 3781

I get it when i click on 'send' in admincp.

[docvader]

I have the previous (commercial) version, 4.5f, which does run successfully via a cron job, running on 4.01. It required some modification of the installation instructions but it does work.

I guess that it is safe to assume that these directions above, will work with a 4.5f version of Commbull??? (I found mine!)

EDIT: Installed, but I get this error: Site error: the file /home/xxxxxx/public_html/forum/admincp/commbull.php requires the ionCube PHP Loader ioncube_loader_lin_5.2.so to be installed by the site administrator.

The test.php shows that I have Ion Cube loader installed (I've used Commbull before with vb 3.8, 3.7, etc)

EDIT again: Installed commbull 5.1. Works well for me. Now if I can only figure out how to change the html colors of the email that is sent.... (It used to pick up the forum default)

[docvader]

Commbull 4.5f can be found here:
http://www.octanedev.com/commbull_4_5_f.zip

[djbaxter]

Can someone tell me the URL that is supposed to be hit when this link is clicked by the recipients of the email?

To unsubscribe from the community updates, click this link

I followed the instructions, but the URL for that link is http://mysite.com/admincp/$commbull_unsubscribe, which does not get resolved.

If this is a question for the main Commbull thread, I can ask over there, but since I'm using v5.1 and the modifications included in this thread, I thought it made more sense to ask here first.

Thanks.

In the template file, admin/commbull_template_html.php for HTML newsletters, look for that line and replace mysite.com with the URL for your forum.

If that doesn't work, try using:

<a href=\"http://mysite.com/profile.php?do=editoptions\">{\$lang[unsubscribelink]}</a>

[ArchAngelz]

I have the previous (commercial) version, 4.5f, which does run successfully via a cron job, running on 4.01. It required some modification of the installation instructions but it does work. I expect you should be able to get this version running as well, although as the coder noted the cron capability won't work.

Can you share how the installation instructions should be modified in order to get v4.5 working? It seems that v4.5 may be better than v5.1 and hence, installation instructions for that may be useful.

[djbaxter]

Can you share how the installation instructions should be modified in order to get v4.5 working? It seems that v4.5 may be better than v5.1 and hence, installation instructions for that may be useful.

The modifications above are for 4.5f but shouild work with 5.1.

If you are asking how to install 4.5f, if you have a copy, those versions require either the Zend Optimizer or Ioncube installed on youjr server.

The installations instructions for 4.5f are as follows (from the ReadMe):

ENCODED FILES
=============
The files in these packages are encrypted to protect the code. You will need to install Zend Optimizer (zend.com) or IonCube (ioncube.com) to make the files work.

INSTALL:
======

1. Add Commbull XML Product Plugin
----------------------------------------------

- Go to your ACP and select "Plugin System -> Manage Products".
- Click "[Add/Import Product]".
- Navagate to the "commbull-product.xml" file included with this installation file and click "Open".
- Then click "Import".


2. File Upload
-------------------------------------
- upload all the files in either the upload-IonCube or upload-Zend folders in Binary Mode, depending one which optimizer you have installed. Do not upload the folder itself, but only it's contents to the forum root. I did not make any changes to any of the vB files, so you don't have to worry about any of them being overwritten.

IN BINARY MODE:
---- if you do not upload the files in Binary mode, you will get something that looks like:
Fatal error: Unable to read 42220 bytes in /site/root/forums/admincp/commbull.php on line 0


3. Cronjob
-------------

- A default cron (Sunday at 4am) was added when you imported the Plugin, however it is disabled by default.
- Go into "Scheduled Tasks" -> "Scheduled Task Manager" and edit "commbull_newsletter_send_task" to the desired schedule.

**NOTE: before the cron can run properly, you must "save" the settings necessary to run it on it's own. To do that, you will need to partially start the first run. Go to ./admincp/commbull.php and change all the necessary settings that you wish to run and be sure to select "Save Preferances" near the bottom, otherwise it won't have anything
to run and the cron will fail. If you view the cronlog, and it failed, you will see "Commbull [No Settings Defined! - quitting]".

[docvader]

Getting back to this unsubscribe issue, the mailer points to an unsubscribe link of:

http://forum.russbo.com/admincp/$commbull_unsubscribe

$commbull_unsubscribe doesn't work. Any idea as to what to change that PHP line to, to make it work appropriately?

This seems to get you to the edit options page, but I wasn't sure if there was a commbull specific link

<a href="http://mysite.com/profile.php?do=editoptions\">\$vbphrase[tounsubscribe]</a>

[djbaxter]

No, that's it. If you've followed directions, that should take the member to options where s/he can uncheck the "receive commbull newsletters" option.

[djbaxter]

Update July 12, 2010: Product XML file provided by grandeur_69 for vBulletin 4.x.

[Dragonsys]

When someone checks (or unchecks) the boxes in their Options, the settings are not saved in the DB. Everything else is working perfectly.

[djbaxter]

When someone checks (or unchecks) the boxes in their Options, the settings are not saved in the DB. Everything else is working perfectly.

It's working for me.

Make sure the member knows to scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on "Save".

One other possibility is that if it's an admin who is configured as "unalterable" in config.php, I'm not sure whether that will be saved.

Added: Are you talking about the manual edits or the XML file?

[Dragonsys]

It's working for me.

Make sure the member knows to scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on "Save".

One other possibility is that if it's an admin who is configured as "unalterable" in config.php, I'm not sure whether that will be saved.

Added: Are you talking about the manual edits or the XML file?

The manual edits, to modifyoptions. I used the latest xml file you uploaded yesterday.
I was trying it in my settings. I have checked and I am an admin, but I am not unalterable, in config.php.

I changed my settings via a SQL cmd. then I went into my settings and unchecked the HTML Type. When I hit save, it blanked both boxes. The only way I can get it to set back to enabled, is by using a SQL cmd.

[djbaxter]

What vBulletin version are you using?

[Dragonsys]

What vBulletin version are you using?

4.0.4 PL1


Looking at the xml file, I do see this:
<templateedits>
<templateedit template="modifyoptions" varname="modifyoptions_commbull" username="Commbull" version="5.3" dateline="1278487345" searchorder="5" active="1" product="Commbull">
<title><![CDATA[Community Bulletin]]></title>
<searchstr><![CDATA[ <input type="hidden" name="set_options[adminemail]" value="1" />
</li>]]></searchstr>
<replacestr><![CDATA[ <input type="hidden" name="set_options[adminemail]" value="1" />
</li>
<li>
<label for="receivebulletin"><input type="checkbox" name="receivebulletin" value="1" id="receivebulletin" tabindex="1" {vb:raw checked.receivebulletin} /> {vb:rawphrase receive_email_from_commbull}</label>
<input type="hidden" name="set_options[receivebulletin]" value="1" />
</li>

<li>
<label for="receivebulletin_type"><input type="checkbox" name="receivebulletin_type" value="1" id="receivebulletin_type" tabindex="1" {vb:raw checked.receivebulletin_type} /> {vb:rawphrase type_email_from_commbull}</label>
<input type="hidden" name="set_options[receivebulletin_type]" value="1" />
</li>
]]></replacestr>
</templateedit>
</templateedits>

I wonder if my manual edits are conflicting with the edits inside the xml file.

[djbaxter]

Oh. Did you do the manual edits AND import the XML file? It should be either/or, not both.

I'll edit the instructions to clarify that.

What I would suggest is that you undo the manual edits and see if that works for you. If you still have a problem, uninstall and start again, this time trying just the XML file.

[Dragonsys]

Oh. Did you do the manual edits AND import the XML file? It should be either/or, not both.

I'll edit the instructions to clarify that.

What I would suggest is that you undo the manual edits and see if that works for you. If you still have a problem, uninstall and start again, this time trying just the XML file.

lol yeah that is what I figured after I looked at the xml file, so I am trying that. I will let you know how it goes.

EDIT:
Ok, when I uninstalled and reinstalled, without the manual edits (I reverted the template prior to install). They check boxes do not show up at all.

[djbaxter]

Sorry about that. I have posted a warning now so others don't make that mistake.

[Dragonsys]

Sorry about that. I have posted a warning now so others don't make that mistake.

:D not a problem
The template edits from the xml file do not show up though

[djbaxter]

OK. Then uninstall it and use the manual edits. I'll let grandeur_69 know.

Are you using a custom template? or the default?

[Dragonsys]

OK. Then uninstall it and use the manual edits. I'll let grandeur_69 know.

Are you using a custom template? or the default?

I am using a custom template. The only problem with uninstalling the xml is all of the other changes it makes other than the template changes. Can I use the old xml file for the phrases and such?

[djbaxter]

I am using a custom template. The only problem with uninstalling the xml is all of the other changes it makes other than the template changes. Can I use the old xml file for the phrases and such?

Yes. That's what I would do. And then use the manual edits to add the stuff in the Settings.

[Dragonsys]

Yes. Thaty's what I would do. And then use the manual edits to add the stuff in the Settings.

cool, thanks for the help!

EDIT:
That worked. The checkboxes work as expected now. Thanks again for your help. This is a great product and exactly what I have been looking for. I'm glad you have been able to share how to get it working in 4.x

[Dragonsys]

There is another problem with the xml file (both versions). I posted it here - https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showpost.php?p=2069052&postcount=162

[Dragonsys]

With your manual edits to modifyoptions above, the problem is, if the Admin does not allow members to email other members, these options will not show in the UserCP. I think that since the Newsletter will usually come from an Admin, the options should be available regardless of the Members being able to email each other. To correct this the <vb:if> statements should be removed (they are not included in the xml file either).

Also, IMHO, it looks better if you put a space in between the check box and the label. To do this, you just need to insert a space before the phrase. I have included the code for both items above, in the below box (this is both check boxes):

<li>
<label for="commbull"><input type="checkbox" name="commbull" value="1" id="commbull" tabindex="1" {vb:raw checked.receivebulletin} /> {vb:rawphrase receive_email_from_commbull}</label>
<input type="hidden" name="set_options[receivebulletin]" value="1" />
</li>
<li>
<label for="commbull_type"><input type="checkbox" name="commbull_type" value="1" id="commbull_type" tabindex="1" {vb:raw checked.receivebulletin_type} /> {vb:rawphrase type_email_from_commbull}</label>
<input type="hidden" name="set_options[receivebulletin_type]" value="1" />
</li>

[djbaxter]

There is another problem with the xml file (both versions). I posted it here - https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showpost.php?p=2069052&postcount=162

Thank you. Attached file updated in first post.

[djbaxter]

With your manual edits to modifyoptions above, the problem is, if the Admin does not allow members to email other members, these options will not show in the UserCP. I think that since the Newsletter will usually come from an Admin, the options should be available regardless of the Members being able to email each other. To correct this the <vb:if> statements should be removed (they are not included in the xml file either).

Also, IMHO, it looks better if you put a space in between the check box and the label. To do this, you just need to insert a space before the phrase. I have included the code for both items above, in the below box (this is both check boxes):

<li>
<label for="commbull"><input type="checkbox" name="commbull" value="1" id="commbull" tabindex="1" {vb:raw checked.receivebulletin} /> {vb:rawphrase receive_email_from_commbull}</label>
<input type="hidden" name="set_options[receivebulletin]" value="1" />
</li>
<li>
<label for="commbull_type"><input type="checkbox" name="commbull_type" value="1" id="commbull_type" tabindex="1" {vb:raw checked.receivebulletin_type} /> {vb:rawphrase type_email_from_commbull}</label>
<input type="hidden" name="set_options[receivebulletin_type]" value="1" />
</li>

Thank you. The reason I used the if statements is because I don't want the member to be receiving the newsletters if s/he's unchecked the "Receive Email from Administrators" checkbox.

I've never had the email other members option disabled - I'll look further into this.

[Dragonsys]

Thank you. The reason I used the if statements is because I don't want the member to be receiving the newsletters if s/he's unchecked the "Receive Email from Administrators" checkbox.

I've never had the email other members option disabled - I'll look further into this.

That is what I figured. from the looks of it though, it looks like Commbull supports and complies with the Admin Email option. So if (if I am reading it right) they have that option off, they won't get the newsletter anyway (unless you check the box to ignore this option).

[khalled]

Can Commbull run via cron job

[djbaxter]

Can Commbull run via cron job

I run CommBull 4.5f using a vBulletin cron job (schedfuled task) to send out the newsletter automatically every Wednesday.

I assume the same is true of CommBull 5.1, the version released here as a non-commercial vBulletin product.

[khalled]

I run CommBull 4.5f using a vBulletin cron job (schedfuled task) to send out the newsletter automatically every Wednesday.

I assume the same is true of CommBull 5.1, the version released here as a non-commercial vBulletin product.

what version of vBulletin you used

i run vb4.0.4 but the cron job not run

[djbaxter]

It's been working for me on 4.01, 4.02, 4.03, 4.04, and now 4.05.

[khalled]

It's been working for me on 4.01, 4.02, 4.03, 4.04, and now 4.05.

i follow the procedure you mention but the cron job not work with me

[djbaxter]

i follow the procedure you mention but the cron job not work with me

For that, you'll have to ask the CommBull creator at https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=230359

[asuccar]

Hey guys,

I downloaded & installed this great mod without a hitch...I configured the html to look exactly as I wanted it to.

When I was ready, I went to the send page and clicked on the 'send' button below...then the mod done its thing and listed all my user (blu blu...user...html ok) and way at the bottom it says 'All Done!.

Problem: None of my users got the email! And there's no way (that I know of) to verify delivery (something like 'sent mail')...can anyone tell me what's going on?

[djbaxter]

Hey guys,

I downloaded & installed this great mod without a hitch...I configured the html to look exactly as I wanted it to.

When I was ready, I went to the send page and clicked on the 'send' button below...then the mod done its thing and listed all my user (blu blu...user...html ok) and way at the bottom it says 'All Done!.

Problem: None of my users got the email! And there's no way (that I know of) to verify delivery (something like 'sent mail')...can anyone tell me what's going on?

I see you also posted this in the CommBull thread at https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=230359 - you'll need to get grandeur_69 to help you with this. I'm just trying to provide support for adapting the add-on to 4.x but I'm not using version 5.1.

[robbiefritz]

So just to make sure that I understand, I download v5.1 from that page then use the xml file here to install?

[djbaxter]

So just to make sure that I understand, I download v5.1 from that page then use the xml file here to install?

I used the manual ediots and they are working well for me.

grandeur_69 provided the XML file but I have not personally tested it. However, if you're installing 5.1, by all means give the XML product file here a shot. If it doesn't work for you, try the manual edits instead.

[robbiefritz]

I used the manual ediots and they are working well for me.

grandeur_69 provided the XML file but I have not personally tested it. However, if you're installing 5.1, by all means give the XML product file here a shot. If it doesn't work for you, try the manual edits instead.

Thanks m8! Appreciate your efforts.

[jiffylb1]

get this dtatabase error when trying to send news letter now did not happend before

Database error in vBulletin 4.0.5:
Invalid SQL:
UPDATE forum SET replycount=replycount+1,threadcount=threadcount+1, lastpost='1281283070',lastposter='Diablo' WHERE forumid IN ();
MySQL Error : You have an error in your SQL syntax; check the manual that corresponds to your MySQL server version for the right syntax to use near ')' at line 1
Error Number : 1064
Request Date : Sunday, August 8th 2010 @ 11:57:50 AM
Error Date : Sunday, August 8th 2010 @ 11:57:50 AM
Script : http://www.clearwaterbiker.biz/forum/admincp/commbull.php?do=send
Referrer : http://www.clearwaterbiker.biz/forum/admincp/commbull.php
IP Address :
Username : admin
Classname : vB_Database
MySQL Version : 5.1.48-ius

[djbaxter]

get this dtatabase error when trying to send news letter now did not happend before

Database error in vBulletin 4.0.5:
Invalid SQL:
UPDATE forum SET replycount=replycount+1,threadcount=threadcount+1, lastpost='1281283070',lastposter='Diablo' WHERE forumid IN ();
MySQL Error : You have an error in your SQL syntax; check the manual that corresponds to your MySQL server version for the right syntax to use near ')' at line 1
Error Number : 1064
Request Date : Sunday, August 8th 2010 @ 11:57:50 AM
Error Date : Sunday, August 8th 2010 @ 11:57:50 AM
Script : http://www.clearwaterbiker.biz/forum/admincp/commbull.php?do=send
Referrer : http://www.clearwaterbiker.biz/forum/admincp/commbull.php
IP Address :
Username : admin
Classname : vB_Database
MySQL Version : 5.1.48-ius

Please post thisv at https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=230359 - this thread is just about how to adapt CommBull to 4.x.

[Noerenberg]

i used your xml

my problem is, all my settings are right, i got the newsletter but NOT the users

[Dragonsys]

i used your xml

my problem is, all my settings are right, i got the newsletter but NOT the users

Check and make sure you selected the correct Usergroups
Also, make sure your users are set to receive email from Admins & to get the Newsletter

[djbaxter]

i used your xml

my problem is, all my settings are right, i got the newsletter but NOT the users

Check and make sure you selected the correct Usergroups
Also, make sure your users are set to receive email from Admins & to get the Newsletter

Thanks, Dragonsys.

Noerenberg, if you still have problems, try uninstalling the product and using the manual edits instead of the XML product file.

[RichieBoy67]

I know to ask in the other forum but I just wondered if there were any mods known to interfere with this mod?

Thankls

[djbaxter]

That's a server error. You'll need to contact tech support for your hosting service.

[racingsolution]

Installed this on my 4.x forums and it's working great.. thank you

[asuccar]

Great add-on...work perfectly

Request though, i can sent latest posts, polls, b'days, events...but can we also send out latest blogs and articles? Does anyone knows how?

oh, just one more question:)

I want to greet the user as 'Dear Username', where i want the username to appear, to '\$vbphrase[username]' or just '$username'...or is it something different?

[djbaxter]

Great add-on...work perfectly

Request though, i can sent latest posts, polls, b'days, events...but can we also send out latest blogs and articles? Does anyone knows how?

No. This add-on was originally created for vBulletin 3.x, before the Suite was released. It will work on 4.x with the modifications outlined here but I know of no way to include articles and blogs.

oh, just one more question:)

I want to greet the user as 'Dear Username', where i want the username to appear, to '\$vbphrase[username]' or just '$username'...or is it something different?

Not sure I understand your question but if you want it to appear as "Dear asuccar:" you would use:

Dear \$username:

[asuccar]

Cheers dude...and yep, that was exactly what i was asking:)

[hudarsono]

Hi,

I just installed this mod. But i couldn't find the option to send html newsletter? Does it has html editor for us to write the newsletter ourself?

Thank you

[djbaxter]

Depending on which version you installed, you should find it in the Admin CP -> Users menu.

Scroll down to Send Community Bulletin.

[kaype]

Tried to install this on 4.1.3, but did not install the XML, gave me the following error message below. Any help will be appreciated.

The following dependencies were not met:

This product is not compatible with version 4.1.3 of vBulletin. (Compatible starting with 3.0 / Incompatible with 4.1 and greater)

[djbaxter]

You'll need to edit the product-Commbull.xml file.

FIND around line 10:

<dependency dependencytype="vbulletin" minversion="3.5" maxversion="3.8" />

CHANGE TO:

<dependency dependencytype="vbulletin" minversion="3.5" maxversion="4.9" />

[StarBuG]

I get the following error when I try to send the newsletter:

Warning: Missing argument 1 for vB_Database::query_write(), called in [path]/acp/commbull_functions.php on line 366 and defined in [path]/includes/class_core.php on line 438


Database error in vBulletin 4.1.4:

Invalid SQL:
;

MySQL Error : Query was empty
Error Number : 1065
Request Date : Friday, July 1st 2011 @ 02:27:27 PM
Error Date : Friday, July 1st 2011 @ 02:27:27 PM
Script : http://www.adsenseexperts.com/acp/commbull.php?do=send
Referrer : http://www.adsenseexperts.com/acp/commbull.php
IP Address : xxx
Username : me
Classname : vB_Database
MySQL Version : 5.0.51a-24+lenny5


I run 4.14

Any help is appreciated

[djbaxter]

Is this a new install or was it working before?

Did you select usergroups to receive the newsletter?

Did you select forums for content?

[StarBuG]

fresh install, yes and yes
I can see the newsletter in preview but when I click send it gives the above error.
I use commbull 5.1a

[djbaxter]

Can you post this over at https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=230359 for grandeur_69 to respond?

[djbaxter]

fresh install, yes and yes
I can see the newsletter in preview but when I click send it gives the above error.
I use commbull 5.1a

One thought: Did you use the product XML file from this thread? or the one supplied with the 3.x version?

[StarBuG]

Tried both, same problem

Ok, I removed all files, reinstalled it again and now it works.
Strange.

Anyway thanks for your quick help :)

EDIT: Found the real Problem. The Error occurs when I select a Forum to post the Newsletter in. Without it, it works.

[djbaxter]

Tried both, same problem

Ok, I removed all files, reinstalled it again and now it works.
Strange.

Anyway thanks for your quick help :)

EDIT: Found the real Problem. The Error occurs when I select a Forum to post the Newsletter in. Without it, it works.

Oh. I have never used that feature.

Glad you got it working. :)

[joeychgo]

How do we get the css like in the screencaps? I really hate the look of the last version's html. I tried to instal the previous version but all the css seems to be stripped out.

[djbaxter]

How do we get the css like in the screencaps? I really hate the look of the last version's html. I tried to instal the previous version but all the css seems to be stripped out.

I'm still using a 4.x version myself. I do know that earlier versions would not work properly if you have the CSS stored in the file system. You might try checking that setting.

Otherwise, for 5.1b support, you'll need to ask at https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=230359

[Scalemotorcars]

Took a ton of editing on the HTML template but it is working for 4.1.4

Thanks...

[Scalemotorcars]

Just a note. After about a weeks searching and a major hassle with my host we both were able to conclude that this mod on VB4 overloaded the servers. If you use this mod......

Be sure to do 3 things.

#1 Be sure to set up a bounce email. (this is an absolute must on any board)
#2 Send notices out in small amounts. Maybe 100 or less.
#3 Set a delay between sending out your emails. 2-3-5 or so minutes apart so you dont overload the server.

Great mod for a small to medium boards but large boards should look into a 3rd party service.

[Igel1]

Has anyone run this mod with vb 4.1.7?
If so, what must I change to by work?
I get an error message when sending mail related to the body.
The preview works though.

[djbaxter]

I have an earlier version running on 4.1.7.

However, as stated in the first post, for help with CommBull itself, please post in the developer's thread at https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=230359

[Igel1]

Thanks for the reply.
After a fresh installation (all other mods are disabled), it does not work.
Version 5.1a for vBulletin 3.8x and the xml from here.
Which version do you use with 4.1.7?

I will ask my question in the other thread.

[Igel1]

Sorry, my mistake.
The MOD works on 4.1.7
The error was because of my german translation since had a variable errors crept

[Igel1]

Hello all,

I would like to install a checkbox for the newsletter in the registry under vb4.1.7
this code:

<div class="blockrow">
<label>{vb:rawphrase receive_email}...</label>
<div class="rightcol">
<ul class="checkradio group">
<li>
<label for="cb_adminemail"><input type="checkbox" name="options[adminemail]" value="1" id="cb_adminemail" tabindex="1" {vb:raw checkedoff.adminemail} /> {vb:rawphrase receive_email_from_bulletin_board_staff}</label>
</li>
<vb:if condition="$show['email']">
<li>
<label for="cb_showemail"><input type="checkbox" name="options[showemail]" value="1" id="cb_showemail" tabindex="1" {vb:raw checkedoff.showemail} /> {vb:rawphrase receive_email_from_other_members}</label>
</li>
</vb:if>

<li>
<label for="receivebulletin"><input type="checkbox" name="receivebulletin" value="1" id="receivebulletin" tabindex="1" {vb:raw checkedoff.receivebulletin} /> {vb:rawphrase receive_email_from_commbull}</label>
</li>

<vb:if condition="$show['email']">
<li>
<label for="commbull"><input type="checkbox" name="commbull" value="1" id="commbull" tabindex="1" {vb:raw checkedoff.receivebulletin} /> />{vb:rawphrase receive_email_from_commbull}</label>
</li>
</vb:if>
</ul>

in the template "register" show the text and the checkbox for the newsletter but there are no funktion under the checkbox.

Please can anybody help me.


Another question

In setting section when I select for "Only include threads that have been started or replied to since this date?" as yes, I get in the newsletter threads older than the date I selected.
The threads are older and the last post in the thread also older.

I've already asked in the main thread, but unfortunately not received a response

Thanks Igel1

[RichieBoy67]

Hey all,

I have this working on one of my own sites which has 4.1.12 and it works perfectly. I have another client with 4.1.12 and I cannot get it to send. It runs through everything and it even shows the list just as it would if the emails went out but noone gets any email.

Does anyone have any ideas on how to fix this? Could this be a server issue possibly?

Thanks

[djbaxter]

I would suspect so.

First, check all the settings in CommBull. Then check all the settings for AdminCP>> Settings >> Options >> Email options. Look for any differences there.

If those are all the same for the one working and the one not working, look for server email configuration differences.

[RichieBoy67]

In 4.1.12 I cannot get the unsubscribe link working. I have not yet looked into the template mods but I am sure they have to be changed again to work on this version.

Does anyone have any changes to get the unsubscribe link working on 4.1.12?

Thanks much

Ok guys, I got this working by using this mod (https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?p=2346475#post2346475) and by editing the unsubscribe link in commbull_template_htmlnew.php ..

# The next issue I am having is that none of the user stats are showing, the user avatar is not showing, calendar events are not showing. I think it is due to some of the phrases and variables being changed in 4.1 but I cannot figure out what has changed. Has anyone else fixed this issue?

[Gn_Snake]

This plugin work in vb 4.2?

[docvader]

No. You get this error when you try to install it, using the xml file in this thread.
The following dependencies were not met:

This product is not compatible with version 4.2.0 of vBulletin. (Compatible starting with 3.0 / Incompatible with 4.1 and greater)

Shame, it was a good product. Used it for years.

[djbaxter]

No. You get this error when you try to install it, using the xml file in this thread.


Shame, it was a good product. Used it for years.

Just edit that line in the XML file.

[docvader]

My bad. I wrongly assumed that the xml file change had to do with the original file, not the one amended to this thread.

Yes, it installs, it appears to work as usual, it creates the html email, and it "sends". But, unfortunately, the email never gets out (never receive it). Running the commbull task does not cause the email to send; vbulletin has no problem sending out test emails.

Get this jibberish when the commbull task is run:

commbull_newsletter_send_task
????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????etc, etc, etc....
?ƒ? ?ƒ£ ?ƒ?€??ƒ¡?ƒ? ?ƒ?œ?ƒ?†?ƒ?+?ƒž

Not sure what's going on; had always worked great on the 3.x series. Did something change mail wise with this and 4.x? Checked the email settings in options as suggested above, everything looks fine. (not using smtp, using php for mail, and it works for vbulletin tests. Do I need to use smtp mail for commbull??? This worked for as long as it existed, on my server, something happened with the 4 series. )

[docvader]

Found it.

It's the "Use Cron Based Sending" in the Vbulletin email options section. It's set to "yes" by default with the upgrade to 4.2; turn it off so commbull can send the email through vbulletin when it wants, not when vbulletin's cron email job runs.

But good lord, the css is a bit "blue" with the email; it doesn't take any cues from the forum theme (I seem to remember that it did in the past, maybe). Anyone have any good suggestion for colors for the commbull template htmlnew? Thanks!

[djbaxter]

What version of Commbull are you using, docvader?

[docvader]

DJ, 5.1a.
Was it the older version that took the theme from vbulletin?? Does that one still work? Same features?

[djbaxter]

Yes I'm still using version 4.5f. Still working on vBulletin 4.20.

[docvader]

Thanks DJ, I'll try it. I'll dig through my laptop and find it.

[420]

Just upgraded VB 4.1.12 to VB 4.20 PL 2 and now Commbull doesn't work.

Any ideas?

[Nelson58]

So this does NOT work with 4.2?

Please advise if this can be upgraded.

Thanks!

Nelson

[Nelson58]

No response? I will assume the newsletter does not work with 4.2 and will not work with 5.0 .

Nelson

[Nelson58]

I wanted to see for myself if it worked. So I installed 5.1a on my 4.2 pl2 Vbulletin site. Made the changes indicated above. It shows that it is emailing the newsletters, but it doesn't email anything. I changed the crom setting in the email options in admincp and got the same result. Does not work with 4.2 pl2.

Nelson

[Calystos]

I've not had any luck with commbull working on 4.2 either. Which is a major shame as it was awesome. And a lot better to look at and configure/etc, than some of the others I've tried.

Anyone managed to figure out why its stopped working? I've not had the time to look into it myself yet.

[djbaxter]

If you still have one of the older versions (paid versions) try that. Version 5.1 never really worked properly for me but 4.5f is still going strong, week after week, now on 4.2.0 PL2.

Otherwise, please give me details about your settings and I'll try to figure it out.

One recommendation to try is this:

AdminCP >> Settings >> Email Options

Use Mailqueue System = No

Use Cron Based Sending = No

Number of Emails to Send Per Batch = 1000 (tweak this if it creates problems on your server)

E-Mail Send Delay = None (tweak this if it creates problems on your server)

Encode as UTF-8 = No

SMTP Email = No

[Calystos]

If you still have one of the older versions (paid versions) try that. Version 5.1 never really worked properly for me but 4.5f is still going strong, week after week, now on 4.2.0 PL2.

Otherwise, please give me details about your settings and I'll try to figure it out.

One recommendation to try is this:AdminCP >> Settings >> Email Options

Use Mailqueue System = No

Use Cron Based Sending = No

Number of Emails to Send Per Batch = 1000 (tweak this if it creates problems on your server)

E-Mail Send Delay = None (tweak this if it creates problems on your server)

Encode as UTF-8 = No

SMTP Email = No
Thanks, will check those above suggestions and see if that helps. If not will drop down to that 4.5f version.

Our commbull settings are pretty much default, but I have noticed one bug in the 5.1 version that if you try to enable it to post a copy of the newsletter to a forum it comes up with a mysql error of invalid sql but no actual info as if the sql query is blank or something.

Here are the above listed settings that we (currently) have set and have been set for as long as I can recall and used to work with pre-4.2 vbulletin.


Use Mailqueue System = Yes, with locking
Use Cron Based Sending = Yes
Number of Emails to Send Per Batch = 100
E-Mail Send Delay = None
Encode as UTF-8 = Yes
SMTP Email = No

[djbaxter]

Thanks, will check those above suggestions and see if that helps. If not will drop down to that 4.5f version.

Our commbull settings are pretty much default, but I have noticed one bug in the 5.1 version that if you try to enable it to post a copy of the newsletter to a forum it comes up with a mysql error of invalid sql but no actual info as if the sql query is blank or something.

I've never tried to use that feature.

Here are the above listed settings that we (currently) have set and have been set for as long as I can recall and used to work with pre-4.2 vbulletin.


Use Mailqueue System = Yes, with locking
Use Cron Based Sending = Yes
Number of Emails to Send Per Batch = 100
E-Mail Send Delay = None
Encode as UTF-8 = Yes
SMTP Email = No


I had problems getting cron-based sending to work correctly and eventually juist disabled it. On my server, everything functions well with it turned off and erratically with it turned on.

[Calystos]

I've never tried to use that feature.
I had problems getting cron-based sending to work correctly and eventually juist disabled it. On my server, everything functions well with it turned off and erratically with it turned on.
Yeah, that feature appears to be buggy. Shame, thought would be handy for an archive of the sent messages.

Hmm, seems it was cron-based sending to blame. Turned it off and it posted fine. Though the post it actually posted is like info from July and not the most current info, eg it doesn't display the most recent thread/posts but the ones from way back in July when it stopped working, lol. Though it also appears to have sent a load of other messages too. Again, all from July. So perhaps the vbulletin cron post sending was messed up. Am going to check the vb bugs list an forums to see if theres any info on a fix for that. As the cron based sending system woulda been handy.

[djbaxter]

Yeah, that feature appears to be buggy. Shame, thought would be handy for an archive of the sent messages.

Hmm, seems it was cron-based sending to blame. Turned it off and it posted fine. Though the post it actually posted is like info from July and not the most current info, eg it doesn't display the most recent thread/posts but the ones from way back in July when it stopped working, lol. Though it also appears to have sent a load of other messages too. Again, all from July. So perhaps the vbulletin cron post sending was messed up. Am going to check the vb bugs list an forums to see if theres any info on a fix for that. As the cron based sending system woulda been handy.

You may have a rather large mail queue by now if you've had cron-based emailing on for a while. If you have a VPS or dedicated server, you can flush this through WHM. Otherwise, ask your host to have a look at the queue and remove old emails.

[Calystos]

Yeah, its on a dedicated server. And appears to have caught up now. I wonder if its actually that to have been the cause. EG a messed up mailqueue from back then, maybe a host server issue or a crashed/bugged daemon. *shrugs*

Will re-enable the cron and run a test later to see if it works again. And will monitor the mail queues closely from now on and see.

[djbaxter]

Honestly, I wouldn't bother. I'm on a dedicated server too and all cron mail sending did was slow everything down. Everything works just fine without it.

Those with super-large mailing lists and or shared hosting with limits on emails per hour may need it. But since you can adjust those settings yourself, seriously just bypass it.

[SilverBoy]

It is working with me, but the most read threads or most replied threads blocks always grab data from the day one of the forum, and the date that we entered to select only threads starting from it don't work any more !!
for example if I select the date as 1 September, it displays threads written in 2003 and the last reply was in 2006 !!
How I can solve this???

[djbaxter]

It is working with me, but the most read threads or most replied threads blocks always grab data from the day one of the forum, and the date that we entered to select only threads starting from it don't work any more !!
for example if I select the date as 1 September, it displays threads written in 2003 and the last reply was in 2006 !!
How I can solve this???

Yes, the date not updating has been a longstanding problem and I never found a fix for that.

What I do is periodically between mail-outs I go into the AdminCP and adjust the date and then click on preview mailing. After that it will use the new date until I go in and manually change it again.

[Calystos]

Yup, totally confirm that it was indeed that cron mail sending system. Works without it enabled, but enable it and it just stops so yeah gonna leave that disabled from now on I think, lol. I reckon its because the commbull system had its cron file removed so its trying to run the cron but can't because of the missing file.

Am gonna look into the issue in regards to why the post to forum option doesn't work sometime soon though. It comes up with an invalid sql query, "query was empty" error. It posts to the forum fine, but then it seems it resets or blanks the query in regards to continuing on to actually email the post. Go fig. Its not an essential feature, but thought it might be handy for a backup log or something. Or maybe for other things.

[Nelson58]

If you still have one of the older versions (paid versions) try that. Version 5.1 never really worked properly for me but 4.5f is still going strong, week after week, now on 4.2.0 PL2.

Otherwise, please give me details about your settings and I'll try to figure it out.

One recommendation to try is this:

AdminCP >> Settings >> Email Options

Use Mailqueue System = No

Use Cron Based Sending = No

Number of Emails to Send Per Batch = 1000 (tweak this if it creates problems on your server)

E-Mail Send Delay = None (tweak this if it creates problems on your server)

Encode as UTF-8 = No

SMTP Email = No

How would I get one of the older versions, like 4.5f to try it on my 4.20 PL system?

Thanks!

Nelson

[djbaxter]

How would I get one of the older versions, like 4.5f to try it on my 4.20 PL system?

Thanks!

Nelson

You would have to contact grandeur_69 (https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/member.php?u=29364) who created the product. The earlier versions were commercial products.

[SilverBoy]

Yes, the date not updating has been a longstanding problem and I never found a fix for that.

What I do is periodically between mail-outs I go into the AdminCP and adjust the date and then click on preview mailing. After that it will use the new date until I go in and manually change it again.
Thanks djbaxter for your reply, but really I didn't get the point :confused:

I want the date criteria to be applied to most reply and most read threads, is there away to do this?

Thanks :).

[djbaxter]

Thanks djbaxter for your reply, but really I didn't get the point :confused:

I want the date criteria to be applied to most reply and most read threads, is there away to do this?

Thanks :).

Not to my knowledge. Then again, I don't know why you'd want to do that.

[SilverBoy]

Thanks again :)
I want it to display the most active threads in my forum in this week for example, not to show my members 8 years old threads and in the most cases it is dead thread now ;).

[djbaxter]

From the AdminCP for my version of CommBull:

Show info starting from this date: Day Month Year

Only include threads that have been started or replied to since this date? Yes/No

Note: Only applies to sections sorted by Most Replies or Most Views (others automatically adhere to above date)

Do you see this in your version?

[SilverBoy]

yes but it didn't change any thing !! always getting the same threads !!

[Nelson58]

You would have to contact grandeur_69 (https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/member.php?u=29364) who created the product. The earlier versions were commercial products.

djbaxter,

I don't mean to be a pest, but is there any way you can help me to get this working on 4.2 PL2? I installed the 5.1 on here but no go.

I would be willing to pay for a newsletter app that works with 4.2 since I wont be able to afford to upgrade to 5.0 for a while.

Thanks man!


Nelson
www.Hobby-Machinist.com

[djbaxter]

I could give it a try but I'm using 4.5f. I was never as happy with the later versions. Do you have an earlier version?

[Nelson58]

I could give it a try but I'm using 4.5f. I was never as happy with the later versions. Do you have an earlier version?

I contacted Grandeur and got no response.

So many people want a newsletter, myself included, it really does energize the less active members of the forum.

If you or someone could get 5.1 working, I would be very appreciative and send you some money via Paypal.

Nelson
www.Hobby-Machinist.com

[djbaxter]

If you PM or email me the following, I'll see what I can do:


FTP access
Admin CP access with admin privileges

[Nelson58]

If you PM or email me the following, I'll see what I can do:


FTP access
Admin CP access with admin privileges


Do you want me to reinstall 5.1a first?

Thanks,

Nelson

[djbaxter]

Up to you. I can do that if you wish.

[PakGamerz]

hey can anybody share the plugin 4.5f, because i need to run a cron job for community bulletin, i am willing to pay also. I tried to download the package from the developers site but the link is down, Please share the cron file.php with me asap.

Thanks

[djbaxter]

hey can anybody share the plugin 4.5f, because i need to run a cron job for community bulletin, i am willing to pay also. I tried to download the package from the developers site but the link is down, Please share the cron file.php with me asap.

Thanks

That would be a copyright violation because the 4.x versions were all paid add-ons. Try contacting the developer, grandeur_69 (https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/member.php?u=29364), via PM from this site.

[Majora]

I still get this error when i open /admincp/commbull.php to send the E-Mail:

Invalid SQL:
ALTER TABLE user ADD receivebulletin SMALLINT (5) UNSIGNED DEFAULT '1' not null;

MySQL-Fehler : Duplicate column name 'receivebulletin'

I already used the 3 querys:

ALTER TABLE user DROP receivebulletin;
ALTER TABLE user DROP INDEX receivebulletin;
ALTER TABLE user DROP receivebulletin_type;

[djbaxter]

I still get this error when i open /admincp/commbull.php to send the E-Mail:

Invalid SQL:
ALTER TABLE user ADD receivebulletin SMALLINT (5) UNSIGNED DEFAULT '1' not null;

MySQL-Fehler : Duplicate column name 'receivebulletin'

I already used the 3 querys:

ALTER TABLE user DROP receivebulletin;
ALTER TABLE user DROP INDEX receivebulletin;
ALTER TABLE user DROP receivebulletin_type;

I'm sorry but I don't use that version of Commbull and I cannot provide any support for it.

[Big Kahuna]

This is the feature I most miss from VB3 -- and I sure wish there was a version for VB4. Too many people having too many problems trying to modify the VB3 version to work with VB4 for me to want to jump in.

[cnczone]

any updates no longer working with VB 4.2.2???

[ozzy47]

Define no longer working??

[cnczone]

getting erorrs-

Warning: Function eregi_replace() is deprecated in ..../admincp/commbull_functions_preview.php on line 236

and

Warning: Function eregi_replace() is deprecated in ..../admincp/commbull_functions.php on line 390

and

Warning: Function eregi_replace() is deprecated in ..../admincp/commbull_functions.php on line 382

[ozzy47]

Edit that file and change all instances of eregi_replace with preg_replace

If that don't work, undo the changes.

[Nelson58]

This is why a RELIABLE community newsletter mod is still needed. Ozzy, any chance of repairing Christeris' newsletter mod so that it works better? I had it and it worked for a while, then died.

[ozzy47]

I will at some point, but not sure when.

[djbaxter]

The newsletter started by Maria and continued and then abandoned by Christeris was flawed from the start and never worked very well.

If you're going to work on a newsletter, try revamping CommBull. That one worked (and still works on many 4.x installations with a little tweaking) but is in need of updating. As far as I know, the code has been released since the original coder no longer has time to update and support it.

[Nelson58]

The newsletter started by Maria and continued and then abandoned by Christeris was flawed from the start and never worked very well.

If you're going to work on a newsletter, try revamping CommBull. That one worked (and still works on many 4.x installations with a little tweaking) but is in need of updating. As far as I know, the code has been released since the original coder no longer has time to update and support it.

That would be awesome, but I don't know if he can find the original coder to get permission.

Some features that would be awesome would be the ability to configure or "grab" the header from the site to customize the newsletter, and reliable unsubscription links in both user settings and through the newsletter.

[ozzy47]

I own the rights to the NewsLetter mod, that was by Maria and then Christos. At some point I will look into updating it to work correctly. :)

[djbaxter]

If it's going to be useful, it will require some conceptual changes. The original concept for the one you now own was clumsy, awkward, non-intuitive, and flawed. Add he fact that it never worked properly and it's little wonder it was never completed.

That's why I said you might want to try to contact grandeur_69 (https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/member.php?u=29364) for permission to use his code.

[mvigod]

+1 on updating this for 4.2.2

VB 4.x sorely lacks a newsletter feature

[cnczone]

Me too!

[Nelson58]

I will GLADLY pay for a good working pro version of a newsletter for my home shop machinist site. This could be what I am looking for.


Nelson
www.Hobby-Machinist.com

[rcull]

I think I have commbull up and running on my site again, I was very concerned about loosing commbull and it seemed to no longer have support. I did contact grandeur_69 to ask if he was able to supply me with the old pro version ( which I owned, but lost ), but he said this new one was better.

He said he was otherwise unable to help. I would like to see djbaxter, vbulletin, or some other coder take on this as a project. I would expect grandeur might be willing to turn over the rights and allow a new owner to charge for a "Pro" version as he used to.

djbaxter has been active in supporting this mod, I hope some people thank him through paypal.

[Nelson58]

Dj? Any interest in taking this on as a project? I would certainly buy an updated working version.

Nelson

[Black Snow]

Can't get it to work on 4.2.2. When I go to admincp/commbull.php, it redirects to commbull_settings.php. I can't see a preview etc.

[Marv]

Can anybody tell me, how commbull was setup for beeing used with a cronjob? Would like to figure out, if this could be done with this one, too.

[khalled]

Is commbull working on vb 4.2.2.

[cnczone]

not for me it's not.

[rnedelkow]

Any chance we could hire someone to port this mod to vb5?

[ozzy47]

It can't be ported, it would have to be a total rewrite. If you wish to hire someone, post a request in the Requests for Paid Services (https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/forumdisplay.php?f=30) forum.

[djbaxter]

You might want to have a look at http://www.modernvb.com/vb_products.php?vb_products=moreinfo&productid=16

CommBull has had a long run but it is no longer supported and more bugs seem to be appearing even with vB 4.x versions. I think we will probably switch to the version in the link I provided here.

Disclaimer: I am not the developer and have no connection with him. Also, I have not yet tried the paid add-on but it looks like it will do the job and the coder is supporting the addon.

[rnedelkow]

Thanks DJ.

[rcull]

Commbull used to deliver html email to my mailbox just fine. Then I moved my site to another hosting company and now all I see is the source code. Does anyone have any idea what happened that would cause this?

Thanks,

[djbaxter]

Commbull used to deliver html email to my mailbox just fine. Then I moved my site to another hosting company and now all I see is the source code. Does anyone have any idea what happened that would cause this?

Thanks,

Make sure your new host has either Zend or Ioncube installed and then upload the appropriate set of Zend or Ioncube files (fropm the /upload-Zend/ or /upload-IonCube/ folders in the installation package).

If not, you are going to need your host to recompile Apache/PHP with one of those modules included.

[rcull]

Apparently both are installed on the server. But I may have other issues with getting help:(

I have been one of the lucky ones who have never had to update their CommBull from the original "Commercial Version" and while still running it on two sites, I no longer have the originally purchased files. Although I may be able to pick them off the server. One of the reasons I kept the original was, it worked, and when I looked at the free update (when it seemed to be required for VB4 was the old version had the menu addition in the left column.

Things may have made another step backwards. The first test on the server sent out the email, but did not present it as html as mentioned. I eliminated the "Extra Material" just in case, and now while it is sending the emails, they don't seem to be going anywhere...

I downloaded install package from here to have a look at it, but I am not seeing any Zend or Ioncube files in the upload files.

Thank you for your patience and your help!

[khalled]

when i update php from php ea-php56 to php 7 , i run Commbull to send Community Bulletin i get the following errors
Call to undefined function eregi_replace() on line 382 in /home/..../public_html/vb/admincp/commbull_functions.php
#0 /home/..../public_html/vb/admincp/commbull.php(56): commbull_send()
#1 {main}


Fatal User Error: Call to undefined function eregi_replace() on line 382 in ..../admincp/commbull_functions.php in ..../vb/vb.php on line 286
Trace Data:

[rcull]

when i update php from php ea-php56 to php 7 , i run Commbull to send Community Bulletin i get the following errors
Call to undefined function eregi_replace() on line 382 in /home/..../public_html/vb/admincp/commbull_functions.php
#0 /home/..../public_html/vb/admincp/commbull.php(56): commbull_send()
#1 {main}


Fatal User Error: Call to undefined function eregi_replace() on line 382 in ..../admincp/commbull_functions.php in ..../vb/vb.php on line 286
Trace Data:

I am not a coder!, but I just had a look at commbull.php, and the lines stop well short of 382. I have modified the commbull.php in mine to change the presentation, and suspect you have too. Have a look at it (mine stops at 277).

I saw someone on another site suggested replacing eregi_replace with preg_replace.

I to get some errors and have solved some, but would love to see an update:( It seems hosts prefer to see our sites using commercial email services for newsletters. This may be alright for large enough sites, but I keep my newsletter to about 600, and that makes it tough to justify even $10.00 per month for the service.

[khalled]

I am not a coder!, but I just had a look at commbull.php, and the lines stop well short of 382. I have modified the commbull.php in mine to change the presentation, and suspect you have too. Have a look at it (mine stops at 277).

I saw someone on another site suggested replacing eregi_replace with preg_replace.

I to get some errors and have solved some, but would love to see an update:( It seems hosts prefer to see our sites using commercial email services for newsletters. This may be alright for large enough sites, but I keep my newsletter to about 600, and that makes it tough to justify even $10.00 per month for the service.

many thanks , it work when i replacing eregi_replace with preg_replace
but i get some error as you said like
PHP Warning: preg_replace(): Delimiter must not be alphanumeric or backslash in ..../admincp/commbull_functions.php on line 382

[djbaxter]

Sorry, but this stopped working for me several versions of vBulletin 4 ago and I've not been able to fix it or upgrade it to a working version. The original coder has left the building.

The only free version of a newsletter which sort of works is [DBTech] DragonByte Newsletter v1 (vB4) (https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=320026) but it is quirky. There is a Pro version of that add-on but it is also quirky.

You might also look at ModernvB Community Newsletter (https://modernvb.com/vb_products.php?page=products&vb_products=moreinfo&productid=16), another Pro add-on.

[khalled]

Many thanks

[In Omnibus]

There once was a coder named Paul who had nothing to code at all.
He once worked for VB but no longer you see.
So why don't you give him a "call."

[djbaxter]

:)

I don't think Paul is lacking for things to do.

Plus this add-on was originally coded for vBulletin 3.x and lord knows what version of PHP. It was great while it lasted but as I upgraded other things eventually it simply stopped working on two separate forums, and I wasn't able to revive it. It would need a complete recode at this point, in my opinion.