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zethon
07-04-2010, 10:00 PM
vbNetwork

Summary
This add-on gives you the ability to share forums with other message boards without having to share any database information. The plugin uses webservices to share posts.

Release Notes
Currently the installation is easy but if you want to set up and run your own network it will help if you're familiar with XML. Joining an already existing network is fairly simple.

If you would like my help writing versions for phpBB, IPB or other message board software, please feel free to contact me.

If you are interested you can join my existing network, but please note that it is mostly a trolling-based community of boards. Feel free to start your own network with other boards.

Product Specifications

several plugins
one cron job
file uploads
new DB tables
several phrases


Installation
Approx 2-5 mins

See the included installation instructions.

Upgrading/Updating

upload all files in the upload directory, overwriting any existing files
re-import the XML file, setting "Overwrite" to "Yes"


Configuration
See the included documentation for details.

Support

If you encounter problems or discover any bugs, please create a new issue at: http://code.google.com/p/vbnetwork/issues/list

Sample
This is one shared forum on three different boards (WARNING: the content of these forums may be NSFW).
http://www.anothermessageboard.com/forumdisplay.php?f=29
http://www.juot.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=50
http://www.drunkensquirrel.net/com/forumdisplay.php?f=28


PLEASE CLICK INSTALL!

ZomgStuff
07-05-2010, 08:37 PM
My site is ZomgStuff.net

If anyone wants to setup a network with me, shoot me a PM.

Centrix
07-05-2010, 08:54 PM
hmm interesting. and people can reply on your own forum to posts originally posted on an other board?

or do they get redirected to that other board when they want to reply

LuisManson
07-05-2010, 09:50 PM
this is very interesting...
if someone has a running forum about android feel free to askme about networking
* my site is about android, in spanish

Xencored
07-05-2010, 10:37 PM
Wow Awesome mod
only thing which pops in my head is
security for some-reason is this safe to use?

KevinL
07-05-2010, 10:57 PM
This reminds me of the 'Zoints' addon.

Nice work.

klaus
07-05-2010, 11:25 PM
If it's like newsgroup but only among Vbulletin forums then this is an amazing add-on.

Will try it out.

AtomicAcidbath
07-05-2010, 11:51 PM
Oh yes, this has wonderful possibilities.
Anyone remember FidoNet from the BBS days?

zethon
07-05-2010, 11:52 PM
hmm interesting. and people can reply on your own forum to posts originally posted on an other board?

or do they get redirected to that other board when they want to reply

No one gets redirected. If I'm a member of Board A and I write a reply, it will show up on Board A as a normal post. Though, on Board B my response will show up like a guest post. Check out the links I provided for an example.

Wow Awesome mod
only thing which pops in my head is
security for some-reason is this safe to use?

The webservice requires a authentication. The instructions tell you how to secure your network.

If it's like newsgroup but only among Vbulletin forums then this is an amazing add-on.

Will try it out.

The idea is that it can network not just vbulletin board with other vbulletin boards, but with boards of any software.

AtomicAcidbath
07-06-2010, 12:27 AM
Uh oh.
Bug found and added to project issues tracking.
Does not play well with prefixed tables.

Found it in networkforum.php
7 occurrences where references to table network_sub should be.

" . TABLE_PREFIX . "network_sub

soupgnatzee
07-06-2010, 12:30 AM
This looks very interesting!!

slinky
07-06-2010, 02:37 AM
How about issues of duplicate content in Google? Has anyone considered this - although it is a VERY neat hack!

merk_aus
07-06-2010, 02:52 AM
Thanks for this much appreciated...

cbehan
07-06-2010, 03:09 AM
This is very interesting. I'm very interested in networking some phpbb installs with my vBulletin install.

Is something like this in the works?

Trek
07-06-2010, 03:29 AM
Oh yes, this has wonderful possibilities.
Anyone remember FidoNet from the BBS days?

Exactly what I was thinking. =) Although I hope the setup for this would be much easier than those node configs could be at times! ;)

AtomicAcidbath
07-06-2010, 08:38 AM
A couple other omissions I found in the package:
file /network/service.php missing php declaration at top of page
Has:

<?


Should read:

<?php


File Product-network.4.0.X.xml should have these lines included to get rid of warning(s) in control panel:

<phrase name="vbn_added_network_forum_successfully" date="1161992074" username="" version="0.1"><![CDATA[Added network forum successfully.]]></phrase>
<phrase name="vbn_added_board_to_forum_successfully" date="1161992074" username="" version="0.1"><![CDATA[Added board to forum successfully.]]></phrase>


Seems fairly straight-forward to set up, but I can't be sure I've done it right with no connection at the other end.

goran424
07-06-2010, 08:41 AM
This looks amazing, can't believe such thing is possible.
Anyone willing to share Network on Motorcycles? My forum deals with Thai Motorcycle Scene (English language). Tagged until someone responds.

sticky
07-06-2010, 08:52 AM
Is there any way to network and share database information? For example, share the userbase and have the same log in on both?

LCN2007
07-06-2010, 12:37 PM
How will this affect SEO? I mean having a link to your site in every post?

cloferba
07-06-2010, 04:04 PM
demo?

strudinox
07-06-2010, 06:34 PM
Interesting idea. I'd really like to know how this effects SEO before I make it live. I'd like to start up a gaming/tech network if this doesn't have any negative effects on my boards.

trophyrider
07-06-2010, 11:35 PM
This looks amazing, can't believe such thing is possible.
Anyone willing to share Network on Motorcycles? My forum deals with Thai Motorcycle Scene (English language). Tagged until someone responds.

We'll try it with you! Our group is the Motorcycle Sport Touring Association. Visit us at http://www.sporttouring.us.

PM me and I'll send you my email address.

trophyrider
07-07-2010, 12:22 AM
Well, maybe best to back away from this mod at the moment until some of the bugs are worked out. I get a database error when I click on the network forum manager link...

Database error in vBulletin 4.0.4:

Invalid SQL:

SELECT DISTINCT subid FROM vb_network_sub
WHERE (network_sub.networkid = 1)
ORDER BY subid;

MySQL Error : Unknown column 'network_sub.networkid' in 'where clause'
Error Number : 1054
Request Date : Tuesday, July 6th 2010 @ 08:16:53 PM
Error Date : Tuesday, July 6th 2010 @ 08:16:53 PM
Script : http://www.sporttouring.us/admincp/networkforum.php
Referrer : http://www.sporttouring.us/admincp/index.php?do=nav
IP Address : 98.108.23.234
Username : VersysRider
Classname : vB_Database
MySQL Version : 5.0.91-community

CrosseyedGamer
07-07-2010, 12:41 AM
This is rather interesting for sure. I run a social website for gamers which has unique articles and other gaming related info. If there are any gaming websites that wish to network up to share news, game reviews or whatever let me know.

Going to tag and watch to see how the bugs get worked out.

TyPenn613
07-08-2010, 11:24 AM
I would be curious if you could label the guests. For instance, if I link with another forum called Forum X. If Forum X makes a post that shows up on my site as a guest, it would be nice to have it show up under a generic Forum X username, so that people on my site could find the other forum, and vice-versa. This would be particularly helpful for sites that link with 2 or more others. Just a thought.

Also, maybe I'm blind and missing something, but is there a way to decide which forums these guest posts show up in? How would a thread on another site know which forum to go into on my site?

x626xblack
07-08-2010, 11:33 AM
I have a gaming site also if anyone is interested. Not touching this one though until some of the questions are answered and some bugs are worked out.

zethon
07-08-2010, 02:04 PM
A couple other omissions I found in the package:
file /network/service.php missing php declaration at top of page
Has:

<?


Should read:

<?php


File Product-network.4.0.X.xml should have these lines included to get rid of warning(s) in control panel:

<phrase name="vbn_added_network_forum_successfully" date="1161992074" username="" version="0.1"><![CDATA[Added network forum successfully.]]></phrase>
<phrase name="vbn_added_board_to_forum_successfully" date="1161992074" username="" version="0.1"><![CDATA[Added board to forum successfully.]]></phrase>


Seems fairly straight-forward to set up, but I can't be sure I've done it right with no connection at the other end.

I have a few bug fixes which I will post later. Thank you for logging the issues in the Google Project.

Is there any way to network and share database information? For example, share the userbase and have the same log in on both?

No. But there is an option in the AdminCP to turn on email syncing (or whatever I called it). This works as follows: UserX registers with the same email address on BoardA and BoardB (assume they are also networked). If UserX then posts on BoardA, his post will show up as his user account on BoardB and not as a Guest post. This option has to be turned on in the AdminCP and the user must have the same email address on both boards.

Also, maybe I'm blind and missing something, but is there a way to decide which forums these guest posts show up in? How would a thread on another site know which forum to go into on my site?

In the Forum Manager at the bottom, you can select which network and network forum a particular forum is configured to. This is explained in the docs.

Oh yes, this has wonderful possibilities.
Anyone remember FidoNet from the BBS days?

That was exactly my inspiration for writing this plugin. :)

goran424
07-08-2010, 08:38 PM
We'll try it with you! Our group is the Motorcycle Sport Touring Association. Visit us at http://www.sporttouring.us.

PM me and I'll send you my email address.

Ok, PM sent.

TyPenn613
07-09-2010, 10:39 AM
Sorry to repost, but is there anything that can be done like this?

I would be curious if you could label the guests. For instance, if I link with another forum called Forum X. If Forum X makes a post that shows up on my site as a guest, it would be nice to have it show up under a generic Forum X username, so that people on my site could find the other forum, and vice-versa. This would be particularly helpful for sites that link with 2 or more others. Just a thought.

zethon
07-09-2010, 11:21 AM
Sorry to repost, but is there anything that can be done like this?

I would be curious if you could label the guests. For instance, if I link with another forum called Forum X. If Forum X makes a post that shows up on my site as a guest, it would be nice to have it show up under a generic Forum X username, so that people on my site could find the other forum, and vice-versa. This would be particularly helpful for sites that link with 2 or more others. Just a thought.

Each post coming from a remote board has a message appended to it stating the originating board. For example, a post from my board to another board may look something like:


Oh my god! You guys are so lame!

__________________
Originally posted at www.anothermessageboard.com


Here is a work safe example of a post made on my board that appears on a remote board via my network plugin:

http://www.drunkensquirrel.net/com/showpost.php?p=5400&postcount=9

This way people are able to find the remote board. But there is no (easy) way to make all posts show up under the same generic ForumX username, which is what I think you're asking for.

Actually, looking at that post reminds me of an undocumented feature of the plugin that does allows boards to grab the avatar of the remote users. I will document this tonight and upload my bug fixes as well.

session-one
07-09-2010, 11:54 AM
if someone has an anime, gaming, or if you find that our boards will be associated pm me...

my url is http://www.sessionone.net .. this seems like a good idea and i'd like to join a network or form one :)

TyPenn613
07-12-2010, 02:27 AM
Thanks zethon! Nice work.

murekhalir
07-12-2010, 03:53 AM
How about, instead of creating simliar posts, create a mod that can duplicate user logins.

When I think of network, I think of being able to use one login. to login to mulitpe vbulletins.

Unsure why there hasn't been a solution for this yet!

AtomicAcidbath
07-13-2010, 01:12 AM
[Edit]got it working.

Unusual characters in Member Name causes XML parser error.
(example: Name "??b" prevents the XML package from being accepted)

To fix:

in file /network/functions_network.php find:

if (!file_exists($workingfile))
{
$xmlstr = "<package networkname='".(strtolower($networkinfo['name']))."'>\n";


Replace:

if (!file_exists($workingfile))
{
$xmlstr = "<?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"windows-1252\" ?>\n";
$xmlstr .= "<package networkname='".(strtolower($networkinfo['name']))."'>\n";

Centrix
07-14-2010, 04:39 PM
Is it possible for one-way traffic as well? Like, my forum takes info from an other board that doesnt have this mod installed, but that board does nothing with mine.

VonDoom
07-14-2010, 06:51 PM
Installation
Approx 2-5 minsSee the included installation instructions.Serious Epic fail for me.. haha ive been working on this for at least an hour probably closer to two. Bla (ok in fairness it did only take a cpl minutes to install.. Configuration on the other hand Oui..)

I dont get the documentation, I just cant get this to work.. Spent a cpl hours putting everything together, But the whole process must just be over my head..

zethon
07-14-2010, 07:08 PM
Is it possible for one-way traffic as well? Like, my forum takes info from an other board that doesnt have this mod installed, but that board does nothing with mine.

No, not with this plugin.

Serious Epic fail for me.. haha ive been working on this for at least an hour probably closer to two. Bla (ok in fairness it did only take a cpl minutes to install.. Configuration on the other hand Oui..)

I dont get the documentation, I just cant get this to work.. Spent a cpl hours putting everything together, But the whole process must just be over my head..

I suppose I should specify more. If you are joining an existing network, the setup time is roughly 2-5 minutes. If you're starting your own network, then it's a little trickier.

VonDoom
07-14-2010, 07:31 PM
Yeah im building my own network between a cpl of my Dog specific forums..

sticky
07-15-2010, 02:18 PM
How about, instead of creating simliar posts, create a mod that can duplicate user logins.

When I think of network, I think of being able to use one login. to login to mulitpe vbulletins.

Unsure why there hasn't been a solution for this yet!
I don't know either, the demand for this is huge.

cloferba
07-15-2010, 03:04 PM
i cant understand exactly what this mod does :S

AtomicAcidbath
07-17-2010, 01:41 AM
All set up here.
If anyone is interested in networking forums (General Off-topic stuff), send me a PM.

apokphp
07-17-2010, 06:15 AM
I run a Debate site (topics range from serious to fun : politics/religion/philosophy/current events - entertainment/sports/off-topic, etc...). I'm interested in setting up a network with other sites.

Not interested in trolling behavior though. We are fun, but respectful.

Juggernaut
09-17-2010, 03:47 AM
Can a board be using vbulletin 3 and another use vbulletin 4 with this add-on?

Sforums
03-25-2011, 02:17 PM
Very quiet in here....guess this thing never really took-off?

cobradude
03-27-2011, 01:36 AM
There was a lot more activity for the 3.8x version that I found. I finally got it installed and working after finding much better instruction in the other thread.

vbNetwork Version 0.9.5
Requirements/Notes
________________________________________
This plugin is being developed on 3.8.X of vBulletin and has been tested on 3.6.X and 3.7.X
PHP's libcurl package needs to be installed on your server.
The usergroup "Unregistered / Not Logged" must be given permission to view network forums and in Usergroup Manager to post and reply, you can disable guest posting in the forum permissions but must be enabled in the usergroup settings.
It is recommended that your User Registration Options allow usernames up to 25 characters in length.
Installation
________________________________________
1. Upload all files in the UPLOAD directory, preserving the directory structure.
2. Create the following directories with the following permissions

./network/packets/incoming - chmod 777
./network/packets/outgoing - chmod 777
3. Go to your AdminCP and install the product's XML file (product-network.xml or product-network-3.5.X.xml if you're using vBulletin 3.5)
Instructions for Those Running a Network or acting as the central site
Steps for Creating a Network
1. Go into your Control Panel and under Network Management select "Add New Network"
2. Fill out the information accordingly. Make sure that the "Network Admin" and "SelfID" match.
3. Under "Network Manager" select the newly created network (click on network name).
4. Under "Add a New Messageboard" enter in the information for your messageboard/site (The primary Board/site).
The "Node Code" should match what you entered under "Add New Network" under Self ID
Click Save.
Steps for Creating a Network Forum (Share Forum)
1. Under "Network Forum Manger" select "Add Network Forum".
2. Enter in a unique numeric Network Forum ID (This can be anything I just use three digits say 199).
3. Your board will automatically be subscribed to forums set as network forums with this number, see next step.
4. Use the Forum Manager to assign this network forum to a forum on your board, open the forum (edit) and scroll to the bottom, you will see a dropdown with 2 choices – Local or Networked. Select networked then enter the Network Forum ID below such as 199 as is the case above.
You can do this for more than one forum and the satellite boards will use the same setting in the forum they wish to share.
Steps for Adding a Mesasgeboard/Site to Your Network
1. Go into your Control Panel and under Network Manager select the desired network, as per set up in step 1, click on the name to open/edit.
2. Under "Add a New Messageboard" enter the information (as per below) for the new messageboard and click "Save Board".
Node Code – for this I usually use an abbreviation of the board/site that is going to be joining, normally 3 letters.(eg abc)
Board URL is the URL of the other board/site.
Service URL is the location of service.php EG http://www.anothermessageboard.com/network/service.php or http://www.anothermessageboard.com/f...rk/service.php
depending on the site setup.
3. Use the "Network Forum Manager" to add the new board to the desired network forums.
Open Network Forum Manager, click “Add Board to Forum” under the corresponding Forum ID (eg The 199 we assigned earlier)
Enter the node code you assigned earlier for the new site/board (eg abc)
4. Once again select the desired network in the Network Manager.
5. Under "XML Update" copy the XML from "Network Nodes" and "Network Forums" and send it to the admin of the new site/messageboard. The admin will use this XML to update the network info on their board.
6. Using the Network Manager again, under "Network Updates" select the boards on your network to send an update. Every board on your network will need an update with the new messageboard's info, so you should probably select every board.
7. Click "Send Updates".
Instructions for Those Joining a Network
Steps for Joining a Network
1. Go into your Control Panel and under Network Management select "Add New Network"
2. The network admin should have supplied you with the information on this screen.
Network Name – set by central site
Network Admin – set by central site
Self ID – set by central site that would be the abc example above.
Network password – set by central site
Click Save
3. Get back to "Network Manager" under "Network Management" and open/edit the network you just added.
4. The network admin should have supplied you with XML for "Network Nodes" and "Network Forums". Paste the XML into the appropiate field and click "Save".
Your board is now configured to receive packets from the network, but you will have to assign a forum to receive and send posts see next step.
Steps for Adding/assigning a Network Forum
1. Notify your network admin that you wish to subscribe to a certain network forum, he will give you the Network Forum ID (The 199 example above) and add you to the share forum as well.
2. Once your network admin has confirmed that you have been subscribed to the network forum, use the "Forum Manager" to assign a local forum to the network forum (this can be any forum on your site, some people set up a specific forum for this purpose). These options are near the bottom of the forum configuration under "Network Options".
Select Networked Forum from the drop down and enter the Network Forum ID (eg 199) below, then save it.
Posts from both sites will now appear in that forum.
Final Notes
When adding boards, removing board, adding network forums, removing network forums, adding messageboards to and removing messageboards from network forums, all the boards on your network will need to be updated with this new information.
Open the Network Manager, open/edit the affected network.
Check the boxes in the list of subscribed sites to select those that will receive updates.
Click “Send Updates”
Go to 'Scheduled Task Manager' and set your network delivery to run (you may have to enable it) as often as you need it to. (find the network and open/edit, if everything is set to * it will send/receive every minute)
To run a test, make a post in the shared forum, then go to 'Scheduled Task Manager' and click “Run Now” under the edit button.

Cron Configuration
________________________________________
Your board will periodically send out updates (mostly new posts/threads). This is done through a cron, either a vBulletin "Scheduled Task" or a standard Unix cron.
In 'Scheduled Task Manager' the installer will create a task that is by default disabled.
You must enable to the scheduled task and set it to run as often as you like.
Alternatively, you can run a system cron. The cron must be run from the directory of the deliver.php script and passed the 'console' parameter. An example is below:

cd /directory/of/your/forum/network; php -f deliver.php console
Contributors
________________________________________
1. ChairmanTroll at www.theranter.com
2. Hambil at www.theranter.com
Thank you!
Other
________________________________________
Currently support for this plugin is minimal. I can be contacted at zethon@gmail.com.
I hope to one day add network voting support and pm support.
This plugin was originally developed in Summer 2006 and has undergone a lot of revision and bug fixing since. Please send me any bugs you find in the network software and I will do my best. Feel free to contribute code as well.
If you are interested in joining your board to our existing network, send me an email and we'll be happy to have you. But please realize that the content of our network is based on trolling and may not be suitable for some message boards.
If you need some help starting up your own network, let me know and I'll do my best to help out.

8thos
05-21-2011, 02:31 AM
I am joining tonight.

1 potential problem.

For my site, new members registered names must be letters and/or numbers with no special characters or spaces in between. It uses this regular expression: ^[A-Z0-9]+$

I have this rule set in place because my host said it would break MediaWiki which I have installed (but down at the moment).

Will this be a problem?

Alfa1
05-21-2011, 06:05 AM
Google indexes all pages under multiple urls. :( Is there any way to fix this?

8thos
05-21-2011, 12:37 PM
Google indexes all pages under multiple urls. :( Is there any way to fix this?By making your network subforum private. You should anyway as it may contain not safe for work material.

I want to join the network for pure entertainment value. I've seen some threads. Their funny enough to warrant trying it.

demo7up
07-04-2011, 12:33 AM
Anyone run automotive website... I have one pm me

8thos
07-04-2011, 01:58 AM
Damn forgot all about this.

GameVB
07-05-2011, 01:11 AM
Anybody whants to share forum boards with me?

my site is www.gamerhut.us

8thos
07-05-2011, 05:03 AM
I like your site's layout. You need more members. Go to theadminzone.com or something and join their network. Also, make sure your put your site's link in your sig. I let people do that on my forum, as long as they aren't spamming.

GameVB
07-05-2011, 05:07 AM
I like your site's layout. You need more members. Go to theadminzone.com or something and join their network. Also, make sure your put your site's link in your sig. I let people do that on my forum, as long as they aren't spamming.

thats your site?

we should network =D

I am trying to reach out to gamers etc.

Rahstyles
07-05-2011, 07:05 AM
I want to network with everybody on here..

what do u do.. what doyou add in the spots?

Network Name
This is the unique name for the network of boards you are creating or joining.
Network Admin
This is the node code of the network admin. If you are creating your own network, this is the same as self-id. Otherwise, this will be supplied to you by the network admin.
Self ID
This is the node code of YOUR messageboard. If you are creating your own network, this is the same as network admin above. Otherwise, this will be supplied to you by the network admin.
Network Password
This is the network password. If you are creating your own network, select a password and remember it, there is no way to retrieve it. This cannot be blank but has a minimum of 1 character. If you are joining a network this will be supplied to you by the network admin.

Rahstyles
07-06-2011, 02:25 AM
Anybody can help meout wiht this network thing man

GameVB
07-20-2011, 06:42 AM
I am still looking for others

8thos
09-10-2011, 04:33 PM
I'm back in the network with birdoprey5's juot.net forum and max's AMB forum.

I am still looking for others
What happened to your site?

Hawkmaster
09-11-2011, 07:23 PM
Can I link my two vBulletin forums together? One runs 3.8 and the other 4.1.5?

8thos
09-11-2011, 11:13 PM
Yeah.

Poker Face
09-11-2011, 11:58 PM
I'd like to see some screen shots or more links with the networks actively intergrated...

The 1st link above, you have to register, 2nd is empty and 3rd is not in use anymore.

BirdOPrey5
09-12-2011, 10:55 AM
On mine (the 2nd one) you have to register to see it: http://www.juot.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=50

Same with AMB which is on the same network.

8th Legion is the newest one on this network (of 3 boards) I think they are open: http://www.the8thlegion.com/forums/70-The-Trollarium

thecore762
09-12-2011, 07:29 PM
Tagged because I might be interested in looking to add this option.
The thing is, sometimes some of the content can be inappropriate.

8thos
09-12-2011, 08:23 PM
Tagged because I might be interested in looking to add this option.
The thing is, sometimes some of the content can be inappropriate.Only thing bad I've seen so far was a thread about a sex toy. Other than that, the Network seems to be full of random rants and youtube links. I've noticed that some of my members are viewing the threads and only a few occasionally post. Looks like they have to get used to it first. I like it because it is a nice break from the average forum thread on my site.

BirdOPrey5
09-12-2011, 10:53 PM
The point of this mod is you can network any boards together, if you network with admins you trust you can trust the content of your network. It just so happens my forum and zethon's forum who have been networked for over a year have kind of "anything goes" off-topic so discussion of sex toys and other not-family-friendly topics are the usual on our network. Using this mod does not mean you get our threads- you can network with someone else.

thecore762
09-13-2011, 06:31 AM
What about from a SEO point of view? Duplicated content?

BirdOPrey5
09-13-2011, 10:58 AM
What about from a SEO point of view? Duplicated content?

One solution is to make the forum not visible to search engines... However my personal opinion is- I don't really care what Google thinks, my main concern is making a forum my members want to visit- SEO is a secondary concern.

8thos
09-13-2011, 08:37 PM
User experience > SEO

I took a lot of old threads from the forums I used to post on and re-posted them on my site.

Instead of SEO going down, it went up. SEO is pretty unpredictable at times, so you shouldn't always depend on it.

mavherzog
09-15-2011, 02:36 PM
Oh yes, this has wonderful possibilities.
Anyone remember FidoNet from the BBS days?

I've been wanting this for a LONG time.

Any progress on other platforms? (phpBB would be nice)

mavherzog
09-15-2011, 02:39 PM
Anyone have technology forums that would like to have a general geek networked forum?

I run geekhack.org :)

8thos
09-15-2011, 03:18 PM
Anyone have technology forums that would like to have a general geek networked forum?

I run geekhack.org :)I'll join it.

Do you have a network setup already?




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Hey BOP, can different networks share the same subforum or does a new subforum have to be created?

BirdOPrey5
09-15-2011, 04:16 PM
You'd have to make a different (sub)forum for each network...

I.M.O.G.
09-23-2011, 09:11 PM
This thread has been active more recently than the thread for vb3.8, so from that thread:


I'm receiving a lot of XML parser errors (error code 3 when running the scheduled task) when using this mod.

For example, a post with regular quotes is fine:

I'm Matt, AKA "I.M.O.G."

But a post with these quotes is not:

I’m Matt, AKA “I.M.O.G.”

I'm running a network with 8 nodes, so I'm working at improving the parsing code to be a bit more liberal. I've also noticed you have to be careful about the settings on each board - depending on the image settings and such, you may receive errors if one board in the network has more liberal settings configured than another.

Anyone have experience resolving issues like this?

mavherzog
09-28-2011, 02:31 AM
I'll join it. Do you have a network setup already?
Don't have one setup yet. But will do so once I get the time (perhaps this weekend).

I.M.O.G.
10-06-2011, 03:58 PM
For anyone using this plugin, you may want to make the following changes to improve the way vbnetwork handles special characters:

Line 320 of "/forums/network/function_network.php" should read:
$xmlstr = '<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?>'."\n";

The line just below that should change "=" to ".=".

With that small change, you will eliminate a lot of "error code 3" instances, where the XML feeds are corrupted due to the use of special characters in posts.

mavherzog
10-07-2011, 12:23 PM
I have installed and created a new network. For those wanting to join and network with geekhack.org, please drop me an email at: me [at] imav [dot] org

I.M.O.G.
10-09-2011, 04:06 AM
mavherzog, or anyone else sharing public sections, are you doing anything to address SEO concerns? Not sure if duplicate content is something you are concerned with.

Currently I have 9 of my own sites in a network, however we are syncing internal/private sections not accessed by search robots.

mavherzog
12-25-2011, 09:05 AM
I plan to create new forums specifically to be networked. I have had no takers so far regarding other sites willing to network with me. (which I find quite odd considering geekhack is quite busy and can only help those that choose to network with us)

OldSchoolDSL
12-30-2011, 06:07 AM
I plan to create new forums specifically to be networked. I have had no takers so far regarding other sites willing to network with me. (which I find quite odd considering geekhack is quite busy and can only help those that choose to network with us)

I have this installed on a test site only. Not sure if it work or not, but willing to test it if you are.

Pure Dope
06-20-2012, 09:20 PM
How does this work?

I need this installed on both vb forums?

BirdOPrey5
06-21-2012, 11:42 AM
Yes both sites must be setup... One site because the "network admin" and sets up a network password- the other site needs to enter the password (and have the URL of the admin forum) among other settings.

Jncocontrol
07-19-2012, 11:31 AM
My website is: VGunity.com
PM if you wanna link up

lazytown
09-09-2012, 02:30 AM
This hasn't been updated since 2010.. Is this still working? Does it require the services of a 3rd part server? If I have 2 forums of my own I want to 'network' do I still need to use some 3rd party service? 4.2 compatible?

BirdOPrey5
09-11-2012, 11:17 AM
It needs a little work on the styling IIRC for newer VB4 versions, but the main code still works.