1 problem with simple hack

Hi all, I have a problem.
I have a hack at:
http://www.webmaster-forums.com/forums/index.php which works (thanks EVA2000). it is the top 5 posters in the left column. However when i use it on another template (forumdetails) it does not work. Any idea why. The variable I use is $top5.
cheers
JP

Probably because the variable isn't available in the file where the template is being called

try adding the variable to global.php instead of the indivdual files