Geek Article System 2.0 (lite)

[The Geek]

This hack is a simple and effective (but lighter) version of the very popular Geek Article System 3.0 (https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=75916) .
This is actually the first Geek Article System which I still support as it offers people who dont need all the whistles and bells of the larger version (multipage, sidebar, bylines) in a far simpler nutshell.

The key reason for me crating GAS was that I wanted my articles (I also use them as tutorials) to be searchable and reside within the Froums. So I made this simple hack. It may not be all singing and dancing, but I think it can moonwalk with the best of them.

Difficulty to install: A cinch
Time to install: ~5 minutes (if that)
Installer: yup

UPDATE v.2c (17/01/2004)
Fixed rouge phrase that didnt install right.

UPDATE v.2 (04/01/2004)
Removed some left over html in geek_postbit_article that was for my style. The extra HTML that was in there may wack out your layout a touch.
Added a missing phrase (geek_articles_rate_this_article)
Installs either English or French phrases (thanks to cclaerhout)

UPDATE V. 2 (03/01/2004)
Added 2 more templates: showthread and forumdisplay variants (though these are much more subtle... mostly phrase changes
Added a couple of buttons (comments and new article)
Grouped phrases into their own lot

UPDATE V. 1.5 (14/12/2004)
Creted a Zip file with installer and ReadMe
Phrased the postbit.
Thats about it.


nJoy

[Snow]

Great hack! I don't suppose there's a way to copy existing articles from vb3 articles or do the authors have to re-post them in the new forum? Also, can this hack be applied to an existing forum instead of creating a new forum?

[The Geek]

Great hack! I don't suppose there's a way to copy existing articles from vb3 articles or do the authors have to re-post them in the new forum? Also, can this hack be applied to an existing forum instead of creating a new forum?
Thanks Snow!
Sadly, there is no import facility from vB3 Articles.

And yes, you can apply this to any existing forum. You do not have to create a new forum ;)

nJoy

[Snatch]

Warning: Invalid argument supplied for foreach() in /var/www/html/includes/sessions.php on line 476

Unable to add cookies, header already sent.
File: /var/www/html/includes/sessions.php
Line: 476

*G* Cool Demo hihi

[The Geek]

Warning: Invalid argument supplied for foreach() in /var/www/html/includes/sessions.php on line 476



Unable to add cookies, header already sent.
File: /var/www/html/includes/sessions.php
Line: 476

*G* Cool Demo hihi
? where are you getting that error ? There is no way this could produce that error!

[mcyates]

? where are you getting that error ? There is no way this could produce that error!
can the articles be transformed to rss or xml?

[Snow]

Warning: Invalid argument supplied for foreach() in /var/www/html/includes/sessions.php on line 476



Unable to add cookies, header already sent.
File: /var/www/html/includes/sessions.php
Line: 476

*G* Cool Demo hihi
Did you use the cPanel editor to edit the files? It sometimes adds extra spaces at the end of the file which can cause that "unable to add cookies" error.

[Snow]

Thanks Snow!
Sadly, there is no import facility from vB3 Articles.

And yes, you can apply this to any existing forum. You do not have to create a new forum ;)

nJoy
Thanks :) I've got it working fine. I've just got a very minor problem which hopefully you could help me with. Because the background of the article title is dark and the usernames are using the colours defined for the usergroups, the usernames aren't showing up very well (see first screenshot). I tried adding color: #FFFFFF; to the span tag but a second span tag is being added with the username e.g. Written by <a href="member.php?u=5"><span style="color:#9900FF">SatCam</span></a> . Is there a way to get the username in white text as in the vb3 articles hack (2nd screenshot)?

[The Geek]

Mycates: Just as much as any other forum can be (all it is is just a standard show thread with a substitute postbit to change the layout).

Snow: Huh, that table inherits the thead class from an encapulating <td> a few lines above. It looks like your thead css is that purple colour. You can either wrap your <span> in a new or different class, or the TD that the table resides in.

Not sure if this helps?!?

[reteep]

Would it be possible to convert existing (regular) Threads?

[The Geek]

Would it be possible to convert existing (regular) Threads?
You dont need to convert anything. You can apply this to any existing forum (or a new one) without any type of conversion. When you put the forum #'s in the phpinclude_start function, it will swap the standard layout of showthread to the article version. Dont like it on that forum? Just take the forum # out of the phpinclude_start and it goes back to normal.

Hope this helps!

[Snow]

Would it be possible to convert existing (regular) Threads?
It worked fine on my existing forums and the threads within. It just converts the first post into the article and the replies into comments, e.g.this article (http://aboho.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2433&styleid=4) was a regular thread prior to installing this hack.


Snow: Huh, that table inherits the thead class from an encapulating <td> a few lines above. It looks like your thead css is that purple colour. You can either wrap your <span> in a new or different class, or the TD that the table resides in.

Not sure if this helps?!?Thanks I'll play around with the styles a bit to see if I can sort this out. :)

[reteep]

Hey very nice, thanks for your answers.

[mcyates]

Some of my members are getting this error:


Warning: in_array(): Wrong datatype for second argument in /usr/home/yates238/public_html/showthread.php on line 1186


But i'm not?

[The Geek]

Some of my members are getting this error:


Warning: in_array(): Wrong datatype for second argument in /usr/home/yates238/public_html/showthread.php on line 1186


But i'm not?
whats your phpinclude_start addition say? i.e. $geek_article_forums = array(x,y,z)

[mcyates]

nope it says
$geek_article_forums = array(122);

[mcyates]

oh, its ok, this one guy was using the wrong style. Its only installed on one style. I should have removed the old style. Thanks

[cclaerhout]

What a nice and clever hacks : looks like V3articles but much easier to install and to use ! Congratulations and thank you. :up: :banana:

[Polo]

Thanks for sharing... I have tons of articles on v3articles... I wish I could bring them to this system... have a great day...

[Lionel]

? where are you getting that error ? There is no way this could produce that error!

I am getting the same too.

[The Geek]

I am getting the same too.
can you give me a link?

[Lionel]

can you give me a link?

sorry, I uninstalled it

[The Geek]

sorry, I uninstalled it
crap, am curious to see how an array check in showthread.php would wig out sessions.php?

Did you see this post? ->https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showpost.php?p=581776&postcount=7 it seems to make the most sense to me.

[Lionel]

crap, am curious to see how an array check in showthread.php would wig out sessions.php?

Did you see this post? ->https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showpost.php?p=581776&postcount=7 it seems to make the most sense to me.

I am not using cpanel. I was having the error on all showthread pages.

[pjdaley]

are you using a mac to edit your files?

[Lionel]

I am using notepad

[Holidazed]

I don't see how this is any different than the exiting postbit (Other than the "Written By"). Can you spell it out for me? When posting a new article, do we get the option to put in the Article's author (in case we are posting somebody elses article)???

[The Geek]

I don't see how this is any different than the exiting postbit (Other than the "Written By"). Can you spell it out for me? When posting a new article, do we get the option to put in the Article's author (in case we are posting somebody elses article)???
See the demo-> http://www.thenailgeek.com/showthread.php?t=8801

The first post and subsequent posts are all changed. No, you can't put in someone elses name. All this does is substitute the postbits for first and susequent posts in forums you specify in phpinclude_start

[vau7]

I cant see the Demo:


Warning: Invalid argument supplied for foreach() in /var/www/html/includes/sessions.php on line 476



Unable to add cookies, header already sent.
File: /var/www/html/includes/sessions.php
Line: 476

[The Geek]

I cant see the Demo:
duh. Sorry bout that guys.

I noticed that the 3 people who got this error were from Germany. When I looked into it I just installed this language detecting hack-> https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=59564 but didnt put in the correct language ID for german. :(

Anyway... apologies... should work now. http://www.thenailgeek.com/showthread.php?t=8801

[Lionel]

I am in america...

[Holidazed]

OK, I looked at the demo again. I still fail to see why this is better than the way the postbit is now. If I use this mod, it will imply that all articles that I post were written by me. This is not always the case.

[The Geek]

OK, I looked at the demo again. I still fail to see why this is better than the way the postbit is now. If I use this mod, it will imply that all articles that I post were written by me. This is not always the case.
Very true bitg. It is more of a cosmetic thing I suppose. Saying that, isnt there some hack around here that lets you post as another user? If so... there you go. Marry the two together and live happily ever after ;)

Have you tried vbarticles? Not sure but that may do what you are after.

[Holidazed]

vb3articles is the same problem. Yours is much better. I just want another field that a user has to fill out when posting an article. The field is "Article Author". That is it. Then your modification would be perfect for me.

Then when the article is displayed, it would say "Article contributor" (which is the person uploading it) and "Article Author" (which is the person who wrote it). Granted, I could add this manually to the top of each article, but it would be nice if it were part of the system.

[Snow]

OK, I looked at the demo again. I still fail to see why this is better than the way the postbit is now.
It distinguishes the official articles/tutorials from the standard threads.
If I use this mod, it will imply that all articles that I post were written by me. This is not always the case.on my forum at least, the "written by" states the article author not me. :confused:

[The Geek]

vb3articles is the same problem. Yours is much better. I just want another field that a user has to fill out when posting an article. The field is "Article Author". That is it. Then your modification would be perfect for me.

Then when the article is displayed, it would say "Article contributor" (which is the person uploading it) and "Article Author" (which is the person who wrote it). Granted, I could add this manually to the top of each article, but it would be nice if it were part of the system.
Ah, I see what you mean. I will look into it however off the top of my head it means either altering the threads table to add another column (ugly IMO) or adding another table with this info (much better and easier). It then means either selecting from that table or changing the SQL that pulls the posts to join and include this outside table.

The other thing of course would be that newpost.php would have to be tweaked to accomidate.

Its all doable... but I dont know when I would have the time to do it.

Just as a thought: could this (https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=68263) do the trick? I just browsed through it and it looks like it adds a text field to a new thread. If thats the case, it should be super easy to simply use that as the text field your after.

Sorry it isnt as perfect of a solution. Let me know how you crack on with it.

[The Geek]

I am in america...

eh? Im going to get a large dent in the centre of my forehead over this. The seesions.php error is in regards to the 'auto selecting language' hack I put on the other day. Are you certain it still isnt working?

What about if you look at Snows? http://www.aboho.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2433

(hope you dont mind me posting the URL Snow). Can you see that Lionel. If so, then it is that other hack I installed recently (going to have to find a way tofix it). However if you CANT see it and get the same error, then there is a veryvery freaky bug hanging about in vB3 as a whole!

My Maney is on the language hack I did ;)

Let me know Lionel.

Cheers

[Snow]

(hope you dont mind me posting the URL Snow).
no prob. ;)

[auveeb]

Hello,

Can somebody explain what this hack does? Thanks

[Nordinho]

Hello,

Can somebody explain what this hack does? Thanks

It turns the threads of a chosen forum into articles...

Nailgeek: thanks a lot!! flawless install!! Great hack!!

[acrimony]

Is there anyway to modify this hack to have multiple pages? I would much rather have multiple pages than just a single LONG text.

[The Geek]

good idea. It is doable but would require a lot more coding and hacking. I have already started to put on my thinking cap to enhance this much more than it already is. I try to use the underlying vB system as much as possible so it doesnt make such an impact to installs and upgrades and that makes me hesitant to make 'uprooting' changes.
When I get closer to fleshing out a heavier version to this one, ill post it as a seperate hack as I think this one will fullfill the vast majority of user needs.

Cheap and cheerful. Thats me ;)

[vau7]

Thank you, now i can see it. Beautiful!

[spence2]

Thank you!!! Easy install and alterations ... just great.

I'm using your hack as the basis for lots of types of articles, including sermons. I found that I could use this hack (https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=63230) to create categories (in drop down menu). And by using this post (https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=65780&page=1&pp=15) to hack a little deeper, I was able to pre-populate the entry form with some details I wanted my users to enter.

I've added some screenshots to clarify.

Thanks again for creating and sharing your work!

[The Geek]

Thats quite cool Spence2. Good 'complimenting' of other hacks.

[Guy G]

Very good hack really.

also may i add your forum as a really beautifull design...

[The Geek]

Very good hack really.

also may i add your forum as a really beautifull design...
Cheers Zorobz!

The design was a lot of hard work by Alex (directpixel). I think it paid off quite well! ;)

[The Geek]

New update!

I have just phrased the bits of text that were in the custom postbit and I included an installer for the package.

Really only update if you want the phrases or the mega cool installation script.

[boo.3]

nice job man!

[Zachariah]

Is there a multi-page option ? Many articles have 5-10 pages. 1 huge post blows.

[The Geek]

Is there a multi-page option ? Many articles have 5-10 pages. 1 huge post blows.
It does harrybutt (blow that is). I do not currently have plans for this version to span multiple pages but may have something in the works.

[tormodg]

Multipage articles would be great. In the meantime this is perfect for my site. I'll start working with it right away. Great hack nailgeek.

[pingme]

Coooooool :D just work on multiple page thing and you will be a bigger star here :D

[dsotmoon]

multiple pages and the ability to put in the aurthors name and this is the best hack of the year, would it work on 3.0.1 ?

[The Geek]

multiple pages and the ability to put in the aurthors name and this is the best hack of the year, would it work on 3.0.1 ?
I assume it would.

Looks like I get to start fleshing out multiple pages then ;)

[JirQUEST]

I assume it would.

Looks like I get to start fleshing out multiple pages then ;)
i run a fiction site so... what can i say?

i love it lots! :D

[TCattitude]

the nail geek, what is the difference between a normal forum with a normal thread and you "article forum" with "your article"?

I can only see "Make a comment on this article" instead a "post reply" button, and teh replys are the same... just like a simple post after the main post of the thread.

I want to know, because i'm looking for an article system, and... well... i want to know.
I already have a forum-article, but is just a normal forum, with subforums, and post inside (and moderation for threads).

Is any difference?

Thanks ;)

[The Geek]

the nail geek, what is the difference between a normal forum with a normal thread and you "article forum" with "your article"?

I can only see "Make a comment on this article" instead a "post reply" button, and teh replys are the same... just like a simple post after the main post of the thread.

I want to know, because i'm looking for an article system, and... well... i want to know.
I already have a forum-article, but is just a normal forum, with subforums, and post inside (and moderation for threads).

Is any difference?

Thanks ;)
Its really no more that a cosmetic change TC. In other words it would take your existing forum that contains threads that are 'articles' and just displays them in a way that is more similar to an article system that requires a massive hack.

There is more coming on this modification too. I am working on tweaking the forumdisplay to be more 'article like' as well. But once again... this is purely cosmetic (which is why it has been as popular as it has been).

Not sure if that helps!?!

[AlexanderT]

Sounds great!

[TCattitude]

Its really no more that a cosmetic change TC. In other words it would take your existing forum that contains threads that are 'articles' and just displays them in a way that is more similar to an article system that requires a massive hack.

There is more coming on this modification too. I am working on tweaking the forumdisplay to be more 'article like' as well. But once again... this is purely cosmetic (which is why it has been as popular as it has been).

Not sure if that helps!?!
Yeah, i understand now.

If you say more is coming for this hack... well... yes: is useful then.

And... the best of all: no one miss article from my already article forums.

Thanks ;)

[TTG]

Very useful .. installed with no problems .. thanks.

Clicked install :)

[SamirDarji]

Interesting...I'll have to take a look at this.

[alzibub]

That is pretty sweet!
Thanks for sharing the code :)
*goes off to install*

[rlamego]

Nice work! The concept is great!
Nevertheless I would like to see this a bit extended with multiple pages support, something I believe is indispensable for tutorials.
I suppose that isn't possible, is it?

[The Geek]

Nice work! The concept is great!
Nevertheless I would like to see this a bit extended with multiple pages support, something I believe is indispensable for tutorials.
I suppose that isn't possible, is it?
Not in its current state. I am working on it though :)

[rlamego]

Thanks! I guess I'll install it because I rather have a simpler and extendable system than a buggy hackable source of problems like vBArticles.

update: easy installation, no problems at all. *Clicks install*
Thanks again =)

[jesslynn]

Awesome! Just what our little starting-out site needed. A place to organize our how to articles, while keeping them in the forums our users know and love! :up:

[tormodg]

The only problems I am having with this are purely practical. Some have been discussed before but I'd like to just reiterate some points here. I realize this will probably have to be done by myself...but maybe others have the same needs.

1. There should be some options for the byline. "Written by" is not correct when, say, you post press releases or news from a public source ("posted by" would be more appropriate in those situations).

2. It would really be nice to have a way to separate the introduction from the main article, so that the introduction could be shown on the front page without the rest of the text

3. A nice hack to pull the headlines and introductions to the front page as in vBadvanced, but on a separate news page (so that a link with "News" would be appropriate in the navbar), would be awesome.

Just some ideas...I may have heavier needs than most here but I still find the Geek Article "System" ;) to be a simple and efficient way to allow people to post news.

[tormodg]

One more thing....

4. A way to quote a source and provide a link to the source

[The Geek]

These are some good ideas that I will look into implimenting with the next version (that supports multiple pages).

I especially like the introduction ability.

[cinq]

Great hack nailgeek !
Perhaps something like this would be useful in the posting of an article ?
( see attachment, those input boxes are just for example, placement and title of the input boxes may be anywhere or anything respectively )

Then contents of the input boxes would then be factored into the content of the article, or how it displays on the GEEK_ARTICLE_POSTBIT postbit template first's post.

Just an idea :)

[The Geek]

Great hack nailgeek !
Perhaps something like this would be useful in the posting of an article ?
( see attachment, those input boxes are just for example, placement and title of the input boxes may be anywhere or anything respectively )

Then contents of the input boxes would then be factored into the content of the article, or how it displays on the GEEK_ARTICLE_POSTBIT postbit template first's post.

Just an idea :)
yea, for the next version I am wroking on, there will be something like that for author and source, then an inputbox for # of pages and POSSIBLY a tickbox for the introduction. I say possibly because at this stage the pagnation is giving me a massive nightmare. The pagenav at the top and bottom of each page is a two part navigation: 1 for articles and 1 for comments.
I think I have it just about licked. When I do, then the rest of it is just about data entry.

Thanks!

[Nick0r]

You should also modify the forumdisplay so that it shows more relevant things like... Comments instead of replies... author instead of thread starter.. etc.

[lanc3lot]

Hello, is there a support for images like v3 articles?

Sorry if is a noob question, but in the demo, i didnt saw images:D

[Nordinho]

Hello, is there a support for images like v3 articles?

Sorry if is a noob question, but in the demo, i didnt saw images:D
it uses the forums...so yes you can use images...

[lanc3lot]

And they are showing like V3 Articles?

Can someone show me a live example?

Thanks a lot again:)

[j_86]

Quoted from the first post in the thread; Demo: http://www.thenailgeek.com/showthread.php?t=8801

[lanc3lot]

Hmm i meant a live example with images like v3 articles
:)

[The Geek]

Hmm i meant a live example with images like v3 articles
:)
there is this one: http://www.thenailgeek.com/showthread.php?t=2754

But that is just inline. It does attachments as well. Pretty much anything you can do in a post. It doesnt have the 'related media' thing at the bottom like vbarticles.

As for the suggestion regarding forumdisplay... I just need to update the install package as I have this sorted too (just been too busy with holidays)

HTH's

[TCB]

Although V3articles has very nice features and more options to pull data from it (like showing 'last x articles', 'x most popular articles', and 'featured article') that can be displayed on the forum or homepage (vbadvanced) this one has the advantages that it's easy and that it's nested in the forum tree.

Will install it tonight :D

[The Geek]

I updated the package to version 2.0

Whats different?

1- Carrid the 'article' theme through to the rest of showthread.php and even forumdisplay.php by adding 2 more templates. Granted, these changes are only subtle when compared to the first yet I felt it needed to be done for completeness.
2- Grouped phrases into their own lot
3- Added a couple of buttons

To upgrade, download the latest release and follow the upgrade instructions (they are pretty straight forward).

nJoy

[The Geek]

Although V3articles has very nice features and more options to pull data from it (like showing 'last x articles', 'x most popular articles', and 'featured article') that can be displayed on the forum or homepage (vbadvanced) this one has the advantages that it's easy and that it's nested in the forum tree.

Will install it tonight :D
A vBadvanced module block would be a piece o cake to do (essentially just latest topics for pre defined forums).

Ill look into it as it could be a cool addition.

[cclaerhout]

Very nice update. I've just seen a little problem under Firefox : when you want to vote for an article, little stars don't show, where as they do with the normal templates. And again congratulations !

[The Geek]

Thanks for that. I forgot a phrase in the install package (though in my firfox, it showed the stars but not the title of the drop down).

I have updated the install file, however you can quickly fix yours by adding a new phrase:
Phrasegroup: GeekArticles
variable: geek_articles_rate_this_article
Text: Rate this Article

Thanks again!

nJoy

[cclaerhout]

Here's a little translation for French users :-)
(only the visible phrases translated).

[The Geek]

Here's a little translation for French users :-)
(only the visible phrases translated).
Sweet! Ill fold that into the next update as an option to install.

[TCB]

I got various layout problems with this hack.

The top:
http://www.tcb-files.com/temp/541da952e5525c.jpg
1. There are no 'Article Tools', 'Search This Article' or 'Rate article' links
2. The foldout menu's do work however, but give empty boxes (like under admin tools there are only empty boxes)
3. There's no dark line under that table (where the article tools, search this article and rate this article links should be). It also have a different outline compared to the article table and the comments tables.

The bottom:
http://www.tcb-files.com/temp/541da955b67193.jpg
1. the two tables where 'comments' (first row) and the 'Make a comment on this article' textlink (second row) doesn't feature any text.
3. There are no 'Previous Article | Next Article' textlinks, only the << and >> signs.


It seems like it has to do something with the language. But I only have the default language and the default template installed. I have checked for the phrases, and they are installed. The alignment problem doesn't exist in the normal showthread.

I also see links to images like 'background="images/dp/skin_images/forumbox_top_tile.gif' in the templates. Those files are meant for your skin, but aren't working for people having a different skin.

[The Geek]

Looks like much (if not all) of your phrases did not install.

Can you PM me a link and also do a quick phrase search for the variable geek_articles_next_article

Did you get any errors running the install script?

Cheers

[TCB]

All phrases have been installed (already checked). I will run through all lines that I have to edit again :D

[agiacosa]

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but... Can articles have inline images in them?

Thanks.

Art

P.S. Excellent work by the way.

[TCB]

Looks like much (if not all) of your phrases did not install.

Can you PM me a link and also do a quick phrase search for the variable geek_articles_next_article

Did you get any errors running the install script?

Cheers


https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/

And I have also checked that the geek_articles phrases are loaded in the php files, like in showthread.php:
$phrasegroups = array('forumdisplay','geek_articles');

So the phrases are there, the geek_articles is added to the phrasegroups, and still the language doesn't show up :ermm:

[The Geek]

I also see links to images like 'background="images/dp/skin_images/forumbox_top_tile.gif' in the templates. Those files are meant for your skin, but aren't working for people having a different skin.

Must have been asleep last night to have missed that!
That is most likely why your layout went funked. However, you are still missing all of the phrases that I can see. The only thing I can think of is that you didnt add geek_articles to your phrasegroups.

I have updated the package to remove those instance of my style 'additions' (that I found). I also integrated cclaerhout's french phrases (cheers) into the install package. Before it installs the phrases it gives you the option to install in english or french.

Thanks all!

[The Geek]

So the phrases are there, the geek_articles is added to the phrasegroups, and still the language doesn't show up :ermm:
so your showthreads.php phrasegroup line looks like this:
$phrasegroups = array('posting', 'postbit', 'showthread','geek_articles');

[The Geek]

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but... Can articles have inline images in them?

Thanks.

Art

P.S. Excellent work by the way.
yup.

Thanks ;)

[TCB]

I have uninstalled the hack (using the install script) and then re-installed the latest version (with the english/french option). And now it works :D

[The Geek]

sweet. (was getting nervous for a minute ;) )

[acrimony]

Grrr! Just after I started entering the phrases manually :rolleyes:

[cclaerhout]

Yesterday i saw the size problem between boxes, but i was too tired to tell you lol
I've installed again with your new installation file, and it rocks both in english and french ! Thanks to have integrated my translation. And again congratulations for your hack, your humour inside it (;-) ) and the support you give us.

[peterska2]

Typical. I install yesterday then you release an update today.

Oh well it's still good work. :D

* peterska2 clicks install

[nathanaus]

Nice hack - I think :) Errr I'm confused. Followed instructions to the letter. I go to the forum that I speicifed to be the article forum and well.... nothing.

There are no buttons to click to write an article with. I know it's something I've done wrong but I have no idea what. I'm new to VB so be gentle :)

Attached image of what I'm seeing. Any ideas?

[The Geek]

Nice hack - I think :) Errr I'm confused. Followed instructions to the letter. I go to the forum that I speicifed to be the article forum and well.... nothing.

There are no buttons to click to write an article with. I know it's something I've done wrong but I have no idea what. I'm new to VB so be gentle :)

Attached image of what I'm seeing. Any ideas?
Hey there naathanus. Are there any threads in there? Also, did you upload the newarticle.gif button to your images/buttons folder?

Since you are running a modified skin, you may need to copy it to wherever that skin looks to for its buttons. In all reality though, you may need to create a button called newarticle.gif that would look better on your skin (same thing for comment.gif)

Hope this helps ;)

[The Geek]

Just as an FYI, I created a 'Latest articles' module for vBadvanced found here (https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=73828). Those using vBadvanced CMPS should give it a whirl.

[The Geek]

Due to popular request, I have also released a Featured/Random Article module for vBaCMPS here->https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=73836

[SamirDarji]

Wow, nice modules!

[cclaerhout]

Thanks for theses modules. I'm going to use one of them for sure :)

[nathanaus]

Hey there naathanus. Are there any threads in there? Also, did you upload the newarticle.gif button to your images/buttons folder?

Since you are running a modified skin, you may need to copy it to wherever that skin looks to for its buttons. In all reality though, you may need to create a button called newarticle.gif that would look better on your skin (same thing for comment.gif)

Hope this helps ;)
Hi
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you - I fell asleep at the computer :(
There are no threads - I'm testing this and all mods - on a test forum. I created the thread especially for this mod. Ith as an ID of 3 so could then go add 3 to the php_start option.
I uploaded the buttons but I'm thinking I may have added them to the default image folder not the modified skin's foler.
Ultimately I'll change the buttons but for now as it's on a test forum it doesn't matter :)

I'll try the button moving and let you know

[nathanaus]

Yep okay when I uploaded the images to the correct diectory I suddenly had an option to make a new article (amazing huh?). However I still have the issue where, in the title bar of where the articles are listed it shows up as
: articles
In the normal forum section, that area would be:Thread / Thread Starter
In your demo you link to that section on your forum says:
Article / Written by
Another question, in your demo link you have at the top of the article:

Auctioning your values
Written by The Nail Geek

Is there an extra step to get the "Written by" part to show up?
Thanks :)

[The Geek]

Yep okay when I uploaded the images to the correct diectory I suddenly had an option to make a new article (amazing huh?). However I still have the issue where, in the title bar of where the articles are listed it shows up as

In the normal forum section, that area would be:
In your demo you link to that section on your forum says:

Another question, in your demo link you have at the top of the article:

Is there an extra step to get the "Written by" part to show up?
Thanks :)
PM or post me a link. It sounds like your phrases arent installed correctly

[memobug]

MMMMMultiplepages :)

but they'll be asking for the PrinterFriendly template to go with!

Some article software I have used elsewhere lets you insert a pagebreak tag to create the breaks. Were you thinking along those lines, or perhaps would separate posts by the author be separate pages?

Regards,

Matt

[rlamego]

Nathanaus: I had exactly the same issue as yourself and it was solved after a second uninstall -> install.

Nail Geek, I was looking at the files and reviewing the install and it just occurred to me that maybe the installation procedure depends on the changes made to the 2 php files. If so, that would explain why I need to do a second install to get it to display properly.

[nathanaus]

Nathanaus: I had exactly the same issue as yourself and it was solved after a second uninstall -> install.

Nail Geek, I was looking at the files and reviewing the install and it just occurred to me that maybe the installation procedure depends on the changes made to the 2 php files. If so, that would explain why I need to do a second install to get it to display properly.
Yep that fixed it. Uninstall then re-install. I'm thinking the mod's need to be done to the files before running the installer. Thanks very much rlamego for the tip :)

So I think if people are planning on adding this great hack, they should do step 2 then step 1 of the insturctions. :)

Great hack :) *clicks install*

[The Geek]

I think TCB had a similar install problem however I cant see for the life of me how the PHP files would do have anything to do with the installation of phrases.
I think it has more to do with the creation of the phrasetype. Ill review the install file... maybe during installation the language isnt rebuilt, but during the uninstall it is.

Anyway... Im glad everyone digs it.

memobug: Yea, I was eyeing the printthread template with a little disdain. I think that will be the next job to tackle.
As far as multipages... that is a little harder. I have managed to work out additional code to do the pagination to keep the articles seperated from the comments (harder than you would think) but it also requires more showthread modifications, a new table added, and some newreply modifications to enter data into that table.
Im away next week and when I get back I will look at cleaning up the pagination routine and look at adding the newreply modifications. Hopefully I may have something in a few weeks.

[memobug]

Oops I had to retype this.

I had two comments and a possible bug for you. Everything installed okay with just these notes

1. It would probably help a lot to number the instruction steps in each of the php script mods. Since you need to switch screens to cut & paste to install this, it is easy to lose track. I think it was some 5 in the first file and 3 in the second

2. As usual, when I installed this one the language changes didn't "take" right away. I had to go into the language admin and pretend to alter one of the terms to give it the kickstart it needed to go. I just searched on GEEK and "edited" the Article Ratings term by clicking OK, then all the terms snapped in. Happens all the time and most probably has nothing to do with you, but worth mentioning in case someone else has a similar problem. (I see now that two posters above did have that behavior!)

3. The bug (I think it is a bug) is related to missing Author icon on relocated articles. I understand that this template is designed to show the Author's avatar in the first post and subsequent posts don't have it, and are treated as comments, right? That is how it behaved when I created a new article. But when using the Thread Move tool, I move old articles that people have written months ago into my new "articles" forum, these articles shows up without any Author avatar and no spiffy Article title or byline next to it. (I tried moving a couple of articles with the same result) When the articles are moved back to their origins, the post title and avatar return.

I tried editing and saving the first post too, but that didn't help. I moved three articles with the same result. All had good avatars and titles. One was my own.

Any ideas?

AN IDEA ABOUT HTML:

This article thing has me really going, and I would like to be able to have HTML in the article posts so I can run the articles in two columns (tried it and it looks cool) and embed images inline, but not have the server risks of enabling HTML in the comments. What do you think about making it so the first post could display HTML but it would strip HTML in subsequent posts?

Regards,

Matt

[The Geek]

Great feedback and suggestions.


1. It would probably help a lot to number the instruction steps in each of the php script mods. Since you need to switch screens to cut & paste to install this, it is easy to lose track. I think it was some 5 in the first file and 3 in the second
I agree and will try to re-sort this for my next release. Nice suggestion


2. As usual, when I installed this one the language changes didn't "take" right away. I had to go into the language admin and pretend to alter one of the terms to give it the kickstart it needed to go. I just searched on GEEK and "edited" the Article Ratings term by clicking OK, then all the terms snapped in. Happens all the time and most probably has nothing to do with you, but worth mentioning in case someone else has a similar problem. (I see now that two posters above did have that behavior!)
Hmm... I am now almost 100% positive that this has something to do with inserting a new phrasetype. I will have to investigate why the language isnt rebuilt correctly after it is added.


3. The bug (I think it is a bug) is related to missing Author icon on relocated articles. I understand that this template is designed to show the Author's avatar in the first post and subsequent posts don't have it, and are treated as comments, right? That is how it behaved when I created a new article. But when using the Thread Move tool, I move old articles that people have written months ago into my new "articles" forum, these articles shows up without any Author avatar and no spiffy Article title or byline next to it. (I tried moving a couple of articles with the same result) When the articles are moved back to their origins, the post title and avatar return.
This one is really odd. Are you saying that after the move the threads look just like normal ones? Can you send me a link with a moved article so I can take a peek?



AN IDEA ABOUT HTML:

This article thing has me really going, and I would like to be able to have HTML in the article posts so I can run the articles in two columns (tried it and it looks cool) and embed images inline, but not have the server risks of enabling HTML in the comments. What do you think about making it so the first post could display HTML but it would strip HTML in subsequent posts?
Couldnt some bbcode be done to signal a new column?

blahblahblah
asdfsdfasd

make the BBcode translations simply add <td>blahblah</td>

I am just speaking off the cuff here so cut me some slack ;)

[memobug]

Hi TNG, here you go

link to an article created in the articles Forum
(http://forum.bonsaitalk.com/showthread.php?t=9706)link to an article moved to the Articles Forum
(http://forum.bonsaitalk.com/showthread.php?t=1953)Link to a two column article (http://forum.bonsaitalk.com/showthread.php?t=3238) for fun (also moved to this forum)

Yes I think you could make some table tags. I saw a posts recently for creating some table tags using special BBCODE. I am thinking of doing all sorts of things in the articles. Everything from including graphics and recommend-it and probably including just a brief intro blurb and IFRAMING content from another Content Management System I have that does multipage stuff, print format and the like. Links to articles by the same author, on a related subject, etc, etc.

Regards,

Matt

P.S. Get some plants in that nailshop to deal with the free radicals and nasty solvents. Dracaena is supposed to be very good. We need you around for future upgrades to this hack ;)

Another effective and relatively inexpensive method receiving increasing attention is the use of plants. Plants have two mechanisms for cleaning indoor air. Their leaves absorb toxins, which are transmitted to the roots. The plant then uses them as food. Plants also emit water vapors which act like a pump to pull dirty air toward the roots where it can again be converted into food. Plants can help reduce molds and mildews, too. However, since the soil can release these allergens, it is recommended that gravel be placed over the soil to promote quick drying and minimal airborne particles. Research has shown that filling a room with plants can cut airborne mold and bacteria by 50% to 60%. Some plants are general air purifiers, while other specialize (by reducing formaldehyde in the air, for example).
http://www.brown.edu/Departments/Brown_Is_Green/es41/projects/wats4198/

[The Geek]

hmmm... Have you done any modifications to the template? (just checking ;) )
Can you put this in the first line of your GEEK_POSTBIT_ARTICLE template:
<-- the firstpostid: $thread[firstpostid] -->
(just above <!-- post #$post[postid] --> )

It is failing that test on the articles you have linked to and hence the reson why it thinks its a comment instead of the article. I have moved some articles about on my site and havent had a problem.
Are any of these threads split by chance?


Thanks for your concern regading the solvents ;)
However, the amount of harmful vapour in a busy salonis about 100-200 times below safety thresholds meaning you are in a much more dangerous arena driving to the plant store to get a new one ;)
Sadly, some solvents simply smell really strong in very low (and very safe) concentrations. However I may just go and get a new plant anyway :)


nJoy

[Nick0r]

Great update, someone should made a mod for this to work with daniweb (cscgal)'s SEO hack, so that we can have just for the forum of the articles...

article<ID>-title-title.html instead of post<id>-title-title.html

[memobug]

hmmm... Have you done any modifications to the template? (just checking ;) )
Can you put this in the first line of your GEEK_POSTBIT_ARTICLE template:
<-- the firstpostid: $thread[firstpostid] -->
(just above <!-- post #$post[postid] --> )

It is failing that test on the articles you have linked to and hence the reson why it thinks its a comment instead of the article. I have moved some articles about on my site and havent had a problem.
Are any of these threads split by chance?Hi, TNG,

1. I made the template change requested.
2. I also tried a simple test of creating, splitting, and moving posts into the article forums and both split pieces behaved correctly as you designed with avatars on the first post.
3. To answer your question, I am not sure if the problem threads were split threads. That was a common way of creating articles on our forum. Someone posts a question and someone else answers with a long, "article-like" reply, so I split it out and they flesh it out a bit more into an article.

However, I am thinking that the problem seems to be with older posts. I believe both the ones I moved with problems were created under vbulletin 2.3.5. The tattler comment you asked me to insert reveals that those problem threads have a firstpost=0... So maybe that firstpost thing is new for 3.0.3?
4. Would I have to change each firstpost field in the database to make it correct, or is there some other way of rebuilding them?


Another topic:

Article ownership:

It seems like it might be necessary in practice for the moderator/admin to be able to attribute an article to someone else. Quite often people send me stuff and I format, edit and post it for them. It would be great if there were a way to go back and make it appear to be theirs.

Regards,

Matt

[peterska2]

@The Nail Geek: Any chance of those vBa CMPS add'ons being done for vBIndex?

[The Geek]

However, I am thinking that the problem seems to be with older posts. I believe both the ones I moved with problems were created under vbulletin 2.3.5. The tattler comment you asked me to insert reveals that those problem threads have a firstpost=0... So maybe that firstpost thing is new for 3.0.3?
4. Would I have to change each firstpost field in the database to make it correct, or is there some other way of rebuilding them?
Why not just make a script that selects all threads with a firstpostid=0 and update them? I guess it just depends on your quantity of threads that have this situation that you may want to put in as an article.
I guess you could always test the firstpostid in showthread.php and if it is 0, do a quick select to get the first one.

Anyhooo... those are a couple of things that may help you work around the issue.


Article ownership:

It seems like it might be necessary in practice for the moderator/admin to be able to attribute an article to someone else. Quite often people send me stuff and I format, edit and post it for them. It would be great if there were a way to go back and make it appear to be theirs.
This is a feature that was requested several pages back. It is dooable, but a little difficult.
In the design I am working on, I am storing any 'extra' article info in a seperate table (hate changes to existing vb tables) that is pulled when a user is browsing an article.
I was going to store an extra 'author' line there, however that causes problems with the forumdisplay pages. You would really want this extra field to be displayed next to the title in forumdisplay. However, what if its not even a member name? Just display the name? No link or anything? Blech. I hate trying to get my head around these things. Guess Ill have to do the later.

BTW: Not sure if its off topic or not... but the pagination did my head in and I am still not sure if I like the way that it looks. Any feedback guys? (personally Im gunning for it all on 1 line)

[The Geek]

@The Nail Geek: Any chance of those vBa CMPS add'ons being done for vBIndex?
not likely by me. What time I do have I am working on 2 other large scale hacks... I used to have vbindex but I dont anymore so I would have to set it back up to code it.

I would encourage anyone else to do it... its not very hard at all... I just dont have the extra time right now. Sorry :(

[peterska2]

not likely by me. What time I do have I am working on 2 other large scale hacks... I used to have vbindex but I dont anymore so I would have to set it back up to code it.

I would encourage anyone else to do it... its not very hard at all... I just dont have the extra time right now. Sorry :(
OK thanks anyway

[hockyfan]

Three questions:
1. Can this hack convert current threads into "articles"?

2. Is there way I can make it so that if an "article" has more than one page of comments, the first post (the "article") will appear at the top of each page?

3. Will this work on vB 3.0.4?

Thank you! :)

h

[memobug]

BTW: Not sure if its off topic or not... but the pagination did my head in and I am still not sure if I like the way that it looks. Any feedback guys? (personally Im gunning for it all on 1 line)1. Well firstly I found that if I copied the existing old vb2.3.5 article and then moved the copy into the articles forum, it worked perfectly. I guess copying the article causes the firstpost field to be updated properly, so that problem at least has a workaround. Then I just delete the old thread.

2. That pagination looks great!!! Is it running on your site? I would be interested in checking it out live. A key question is whether there is some kind of means to format an existing article in this way? I like do like the single line layout, too.

3. I was looking at the article and it seems that the reputation link is missing from the article post itself? It would be good to have there so people can give the author props (whatever those are).

4. I was just thinking it would be interesting to show attachments in a vertical column distributed alongside the article.

column1..........column 2
attach............article text
_____ BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
_____ BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
PIC__ BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
_____ BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
_____ BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
PIC__ BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
_____ BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
_____ BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
PIC__ BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
_____ BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
_____ BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
PIC__ BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH

Regards,

Matt

[nathanaus]

Three questions:
1. Can this hack convert current threads into "articles"?

2. Is there way I can make it so that if an "article" has more than one page of comments, the first post (the "article") will appear at the top of each page?

3. Will this work on vB 3.0.4?

Thank you! :)

h
I can answer number 3 for you with a yes it will. The first two questions I don't know the answers to sorry

[nathanaus]

3. I was looking at the article and it seems that the reputation link is missing from the article post itself? It would be good to have there so people can give the author props (whatever those are).

I agree, it would be good if the ability to give repuation points was there.

4. I was just thinking it would be interesting to show attachments in a vertical column distributed alongside the article.

column1..........column 2
attach............article text
_____ BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
_____ BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
PIC__ BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
_____ BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
_____ BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
PIC__ BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
_____ BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
_____ BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
PIC__ BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
_____ BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
_____ BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
PIC__ BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH

Regards,

Matt
I like that idea too, but it would be better if you had the option - say a traditioanl view and a columned view. Well I think it would be better anyway :)

[The Geek]

Hey Hockeyfan
1 - Yes, as it is simply a differing 'view' on a traditional thread. Making a forum an 'article' forum makes those threads display as articles, making an article forum a regular forum makes them display normally.

2 - Do you mean like here at vb.org? I suppose that wouldnt be too hard with some minor changes.

3 - yup ;)

[The Geek]

1. Well firstly I found that if I copied the existing old vb2.3.5 article and then moved the copy into the articles forum, it worked perfectly. I guess copying the article causes the firstpost field to be updated properly, so that problem at least has a workaround. Then I just delete the old thread.
Cool. thanks for finding a workaround for that issue. Next update ill mention that old vbx threads should be copied instead of moved.


2. That pagination looks great!!! Is it running on your site? I would be interested in checking it out live. A key question is whether there is some kind of means to format an existing article in this way? I like do like the single line layout, too.
Not running in a place that is accessible yet. There wll be no means to format existing articles like it (yet) though it is something I guess I will have to give some thought to as I am sure people will want it. Right now, You simply keeping adding 'replies' for pages.
In a nutshell, you create a 'newthread' and click 'add page' to keep adding pages. Once you are done adding, you click complete and it then opens the article for commenting.


3. I was looking at the article and it seems that the reputation link is missing from the article post itself? It would be good to have there so people can give the author props (whatever those are).
Ya, makes sense... Ill add that for the next package update.


4. I was just thinking it would be interesting to show attachments in a vertical column distributed alongside the article.

column1..........column 2
attach............article text
_____ BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
_____ BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
PIC__ BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
_____ BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
_____ BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
PIC__ BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
_____ BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
_____ BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
PIC__ BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
_____ BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
_____ BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
PIC__ BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
I guess that wouldnt be too hard, but I agree with nathanus in that it should be an option or a template modification.

Thanks guys for your support and ideas

[cclaerhout]

Well it would be great if you could make a difference between the date the article was posted and the date it was written. And why not make the same thing with the poster and the writer(s). I guess, new variables must be created in the database. This feature could be an option. A great option :D

[frage]

I like to have a full magacine outfit and so I create new phrases and edit them in
geek_forumdisplay....
geek_new_posts
geek_contains_new_posts
geek_contains_no_new_posts
geek_no_new_post
geek_forum_contains_no_new_posts
geek_forum_contains_new_posts
geek_a_closed_forum
geek_subforums
geek_search_this_forum
geek_last_post
geek_posts
geek_lastpost

I don't use the *hotthread* feature and so I don't need phrases for them,
but it is easy to do..
edit in the template all vbphrases with geek_ as pr?fix and then
go to ypur phrasemanager search for geekphrases and add this phrases
;)

frage

[hockyfan]

2 - Do you mean like here at vb.org? I suppose that wouldnt be too hard with some minor changes.
Thanks for the quick responses, and yes, that is what I was referring to - any ideas on how it could be done?


h

[The Geek]

Thanks for the quick responses, and yes, that is what I was referring to - any ideas on how it could be done?


h
Try this:

Edit showthread.php and find:

$postids = "post.postid IN (0" . $ids . ")";


ABOVE ADD:

if (in_array($forumid,$geek_article_forums)){
$ids.= ',' . $qrfirstpostid;
}


The only problem I can see is that on >1 page, it will pull your perpage count+ your first. Therefore technically your postperpage will be 1 off (if you were being freaking picky as hell that is)

nJoy

[hockyfan]

Try this:

Edit showthread.php and find:

$postids = "post.postid IN (0" . $ids . ")";


ABOVE ADD:

if (in_array($forumid,$geek_article_forums)){
$ids.= ',' . $qrfirstpostid;
}


The only problem I can see is that on >1 page, it will pull your perpage count+ your first. Therefore technically your postperpage will be 1 off (if you were being freaking picky as hell that is)

nJoy
So on page 2 it'll say page 3? A bit weird, but no big deal. :)


h

[The Geek]

So on page 2 it'll say page 3? A bit weird, but no big deal. :)


h
Na, I meant that your post per page will be 15, but from page 2 onward, you will get 16 as the extra one will be the first post ;)

Hope it helps :)

[hockyfan]

Oh! Even less of a big deal, thanks! :)


h

[hockyfan]

My thread tools dropdown menu is all blank after installing, any ideas why? (screen shot here (http://otnforums.snooboo.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2459)), all I see are arrows with no text, and no text when you click them.


h

[memobug]

My thread tools dropdown menu is all blank after installing, any ideas why? (screen shot here (http://otnforums.snooboo.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2459)), all I see are arrows with no text, and no text when you click them.


hhockyfan, your phrases didn't "take" and to get them to appear you need to edit one of them. See This post (https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showpost.php?p=590749&postcount=113) Part 2.

Regards,

Matt

[hockyfan]

Thanks for the reply, but the link you gave me is talking about trees... :confused:


h

[memobug]

Thanks for the reply, but the link you gave me is talking about trees... :confused:Sorry, I fixed that link. look at part 2 of this: https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showpost.php?p=590749&postcount=113

Regards,

Matt

[cinq]

yea, for the next version I am wroking on, there will be something like that for author and source, then an inputbox for # of pages and POSSIBLY a tickbox for the introduction. I say possibly because at this stage the pagnation is giving me a massive nightmare. The pagenav at the top and bottom of each page is a two part navigation: 1 for articles and 1 for comments.
I think I have it just about licked. When I do, then the rest of it is just about data entry.

Thanks!

Hi nail geek, just wondering if this feature mentioned has been included in version 2 ?

[The Geek]

Hi nail geek, just wondering if this feature mentioned has been included in version 2 ?
Hey Cinq,

Its not included with version 2 as that is focused on phrasing and forumdisplay modifications.
I have sorted out the problems giving me woe and I really only have to finish the newthread modifications and create an install package to complete. There are some screenshots earlier in this thread if I remember rightly.
The next version will be seperate from this one as I still see a positive place for this hack even when the next version is released.

[Robert9]

Really hate it! After installation and cant use the admin options in admin menu (dont know the english word for that, mean the place to set all the values for the board itself.) Anyone else with this problem? Anyone with an idea how this could happen?

[The Geek]

Really hate it! After installation and cant use the admin options in admin menu (dont know the english word for that, mean the place to set all the values for the board itself.) Anyone else with this problem? Anyone with an idea how this could happen?
Eh?
There are no admin options for this hack, nor does this hack even come anywhere near the admin settings.
Are you trying to say that you can't get into your admin control panel now?
I just dont know how that would be possible!

[TCB]

I'm having a hard time deciding which of the article mods to use. Yours, cinq's vbarticle, v3articles. Yours has the huge advantage that's extremely well integrated with the forum (permission, layout, etc.), while the others are not shown as an real part of the forums categories.

Things that I miss with yours:
* possibilty to add original writer (or source) (Cinq's vbarticles)
* a physical "you've rated this article" feature (like v3articles)
* the 'Media' display of the attachments. (v3articles)
* First attachment to be used as illustration image for the featured article (v3articles)
* option to feature an article (v3articles)
* option to add summary of article that will be used (along with the first attachment) as featured/random article on forumhome.

Are there any chances that features like this can be expected for your (good already) mod?

[memobug]

Eh?
There are no admin options for this hack, nor does this hack even come anywhere near the admin settings.
Are you trying to say that you can't get into your admin control panel now?
I just dont know how that would be possible!I think I know, Me! Me!

My bet is he messed up on the phpinclude template mod.

I had a similar problem unrelated to this articles hack when I switched servers. For some reason, even in the admincp mode, vbulletin executes that phpinclude_start template code. (I am getting the name wrong but I am away from my own PC ast the moment) If it doesn't compile, your script stops and you are hosed with no admin panel. Go into phpMyAdmin, find the attachments table that contains the modified phpinclude_start and remove that code from the your default template, so you can get back into admincp.

It's a little weird that admincp does this (execute the php_include) I have no idea why.

Regards,

Matt

[memobug]

I'm having a hard time deciding which of the article mods to use. Yours, cinq's vbarticle, v3articles. Yours has the huge advantage that's extremely well integrated with the forum (permission, layout, etc.), while the others are not shown as an real part of the forums categories.

Things that I miss with yours:
1 possibilty to add original writer (or source) (Cinq's vbarticles)
2 a physical "you've rated this article" feature (like v3articles)
3 the 'Media' display of the attachments. (v3articles)
4 First attachment to be used as illustration image for the featured article (v3articles)
5 option to feature an article (v3articles)
6 option to add summary of article that will be used (along with the first attachment) as featured/random article on forumhome.

Are there any chances that features like this can be expected for your (good already) mod?
If you're using vbadvanced CMPS, I think a separate hack could take care of most of these. #5 already exists for vbadvanced/geekarticles for #6 I have a hack on my news forum that will clip the summary display at the word
-MORE- and give you a summary, so that is doable, and I have last image posted working, so it wouldn't be hard to do #4 at all to get the first. I don't know what #3 Media display is. #2 sounds like it could be doable with a template modification, maybe just a bit more. Looking forward to #1 myself.

Regards,

Matt

[The Geek]

Well, I guess that is cool to be considered as an option for other (significantly) larger hacks.

Ill try to address each point-
1- Next (major) release has this ability
2- Sounds kind of cool. I wont promise it for next release but I will promise to look into it as I dig it.
3- Are you saying that instead of how attachments are displayed now... you would like them displayed like the Media Boxes in vB articles?
4- Wouldnt think that would be too hard... Ill look into that
5- Does the Featured Geek Article hack take care of this?
6- I cant guarantee that there will be a 'summary' or 'intro' section for each article as this has proven to be a little challanging. And as Matt pointed out, the featured/random articles comes almost there with snipping text at a particular point.

The one thing that makes this hack so great (even as is) is because it leaves little to no footprint. There is minimum code changes which means easy upgrades and you get all the benefits of vB(security, searching, permissions). Because of that, there havent really been any real errors to speak of from this hack. It is important that I keep as much of that as possible with the next release (which so far I have done!). Sadly, I have been out of the country on business so I havent had any time to finish it yet.

Watch this space!

Hope this helps and good luck with your decision ;)

Matt - Cheers for the heads up on the phpstart problem (and everything else). That was an odd one!

[hockyfan]

Slightly off-topic, but nail geek, how did you get your main forums list to look as it does (http://www.thenailgeek.com/forums.php (http://www.thenailgeek.com/forums.php)) - the layout, I'm referring to. Is that a hack, or a custom skin/template design?


h

[agiacosa]

Help! Installed but it seems to have messed up my index.php. See here:

http://www.aquaticplantcentralc.om/forumapc/index.php The articles forum are at the bottom. As you can see, they don't obey the main forum/sub forum format and they throw the rest of the skin out of whack.

What did I do wrong?

[The Geek]

Help! Installed but it seems to have messed up my index.php. See here:

http://www.aquaticplantcentralc.om/forumapc/index.php The articles forum are at the bottom. As you can see, they don't obey the main forum/sub forum format and they throw the rest of the skin out of whack.

What did I do wrong?
Hi agiacosa. I have looked at the link here-> http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/index.php and I cant see anything that you are making reference to. Can you give me a link to an article in question?

Hockeyfan- Its a specialty skin by DirectPixel

Thanks

[TCB]

Ill try to address each point-
1- Next (major) release has this ability
2- Sounds kind of cool. I wont promise it for next release but I will promise to look into it as I dig it.
3- Are you saying that instead of how attachments are displayed now... you would like them displayed like the Media Boxes in vB articles?
Yes, the way the thumbs are shown in v3article makes the article-style forums stand out more. Combined with the a more visual ratingstyle (see request 2) it would give your mod a much more professional look

4- Wouldnt think that would be too hard... Ill look into thatSweet :D

5- Does the Featured Geek Article hack take care of this?Yes, it does. My mistake. This request should have been combined with the next:
6- I cant guarantee that there will be a 'summary' or 'intro' section for each article as this has proven to be a little challanging. And as Matt pointed out, the featured/random articles comes almost there with snipping text at a particular point.This feature would be fantastic. Many of my articles start with a bold title and then a contentlist. This is nice when you read the article, but complete pointless for the 'feature this article' option. Filling in a summary which can be displayed for the 'random article' and 'featured article' option is the sollution.

I've waited a long time before v3articles became stable for 3.0.3. Finally a few weeks back hacks were posted that fixed the thumbnails issue and the administration of the catagories. But at the same time your mod was posted. I just love the way it works. Because it's completely visually integrated to the messageboard (contrary to all others that are a sort of a sub-messageboard) this will be my article mod. Fantastic!

Another request: a page break option. I saw that Cinq's mod had this. This would be a great addition also to your mod.

[agiacosa]

Getting this error:

Warning: in_array(): Wrong datatype for second argument in /forumdisplay.php on line 816

[agiacosa]

Removed this and it now works.

if (in_array($forumid,$geek_article_forums)){
eval('print_output("' . fetch_template('GEEK_FORUMDISPLAY_ARTICLE') . '");');
}else{
eval('print_output("' . fetch_template('FORUMDISPLAY') . '");');
}

What is the consequence of removing that code?

[agiacosa]

Well, I was wrong. I'm getting a bunch of errors on posting messages now. Time to uninstall. :-(

[rlamego]

NG, I was translating your phrases and found one phrase where it seems that you missed closing a quote in the installer.
Varname is: geek_articles_no_articles_last_x_days -There have been no articles posted in the last {1} days here.
and downloading the language file, it appears without/outside a phrase group, like this:
<phrasetype name="" fieldname="">
<phrase name="geek_articles_no_articles_last_x_days -There have been no articles posted in the last {1} days here."><![CDATA[]]></phrase>
</phrasetype>

Sorry if I'm posting a already reported issue but I can't read 11 pages of posts right now =(

[The Geek]

Well, I was wrong. I'm getting a bunch of errors on posting messages now. Time to uninstall. :-(
What is in your phpinclude_start tempate?

[The Geek]

NG, I was translating your phrases and found one phrase where it seems that you missed closing a quote in the installer.
Varname is: geek_articles_no_articles_last_x_days -There have been no articles posted in the last {1} days here.
and downloading the language file, it appears without/outside a phrase group, like this:
<phrasetype name="" fieldname="">
<phrase name="geek_articles_no_articles_last_x_days -There have been no articles posted in the last {1} days here."><![CDATA[]]></phrase>
</phrasetype>

Sorry if I'm posting a already reported issue but I can't read 11 pages of posts right now =(
Cheers rlamego - I thought I had fixed that!

I updated the package... shouldnt cause a problem for anyone. The only time it would have been seen is if there were no articles to display for a specified period of time.

[agiacosa]

What is in your phpinclude_start tempate?

$geek_article_forums = array(61);

[The Geek]

$geek_article_forums = array(61);
Huh. Agiacosa, do you know what version of php you are running?

It sounds to me like your phpinclude_start template isnt running. Do you have more than 1 style? If so, check that the $geek_article_forums array is appearing in the phpinclude_start of each of those styles.
The other thing I am confused about (though it still wouldnt casue the error) is that I went to the site in your profile and there is no forum 61. Can you provide a link to let me see the problem?

Thanks

[agiacosa]

Huh. Agiacosa, do you know what version of php you are running?

It sounds to me like your phpinclude_start template isnt running. Do you have more than 1 style? If so, check that the $geek_article_forums array is appearing in the phpinclude_start of each of those styles.
The other thing I am confused about (though it still wouldnt casue the error) is that I went to the site in your profile and there is no forum 61. Can you provide a link to let me see the problem?

Thanks

Hi,

Php version is 4.3.10.

I have three styles and I've included the same phpinclude_start in each.

I had to delete forum 61 because it was causing template problems for some reason. I just created a new forum in an existing category and its ID was 61.

To avoid the errors, I've returned forumdisplay and showthreads back to their originals.

[The Geek]

returned forumdisplay and showthreads back to their originals.

Mkay... let me know if you want it back on and Ill help you with it - but hand on heart the beauty of this thing is that its damn near impossible for it to go awry ;)

[agiacosa]

I thought so too until I was getting the errors. I'd love to put it back up. Will attempt again later this week.

[The Geek]

HowdA All,

Just a line to say that I started a new thread regarding the impending release of the next version that features multi pages and bylines so that I can get some feedback.

Its over here->https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=74610

If you are in love with how Geek Article is now - no stress, this will still be supported as is. The other one is just a much larger option.

Thanks

[tormodg]

It seems the phpinclude_start does not run in vB 3.0.6.

[tormodg]

It seems the phpinclude_start does not run in vB 3.0.6.
Maybe I'm mistaken...anyway, the code is there, but all my nailgeek pages are blank after going for the 2.0 version. :(

[tormodg]

Maybe I'm mistaken...anyway, the code is there, but all my nailgeek pages are blank after going for the 2.0 version. :(
It seems the problem is related to the vBa CMPS system...the output is different since I have included a rightbar on those pages. So it gives me completely blank pages.

[The Geek]

It seems the problem is related to the vBa CMPS system...the output is different since I have included a rightbar on those pages. So it gives me completely blank pages.
Check that the GEEK_ARTICLE templates are about. For some funked out reason, upgrading seems to randomly throw out non vB templates.

Over the past couple of templates, I have had to reinstall several mod templates (always different).

[cclaerhout]

Works fine with vb 3.06. Just have to install again templates (and only them) like it must be done with vBa CMPS.

[ChrisBaktis]

http://www.tcb-files.com/temp/541da9f1192528.jpg

And I have also checked that the geek_articles phrases are loaded in the php files, like in showthread.php:
$phrasegroups = array('forumdisplay','geek_articles');

So the phrases are there, the geek_articles is added to the phrasegroups, and still the language doesn't show up :ermm:

I had the same problem - like most other hacks what I did is go to Phrase Manager and pick a random phrase to edit and just save it...this should save all the new phrases.

[ChrisBaktis]

Couple things:

Any Idea how I can fix my avatar problem? (see attachment)

Also how do I go about getting the comments system to show like it does on your site? At the bottem with the stars showing.

Thanks for the help.

[tormodg]

Check that the GEEK_ARTICLE templates are about. For some funked out reason, upgrading seems to randomly throw out non vB templates.

Over the past couple of templates, I have had to reinstall several mod templates (always different).

I have reinstalled the templates but I'll try again.

But the most important distinction I see is that I am unable to use the output part in showthread.php because vBa CMPS uses the EVAL function before printint out the content.

I don't have access to my server from where I'm at right now so I'll try to be more specific later.

[The Geek]

Chis: Sorry about that... but the one on my site is the beta for the next version. ;)
Can you send me a link to one of your articles with the avatar problem (though I do kind of like it!)

tormodg: Whenever an rmpty page is spat out, my experience tells me 100% of the time its becasue of a missing template. Depending on if the forum is set as an article forum, the eval will be GEEK_SHOWTHREAD_ARTICLE (I think that was the name off the top of my head). If not, then it uses SHOWTHREAD. This is seen at the very last couple lines of the showthread.php file.

Let me know how you get on.

[ChrisBaktis]

Chis: Sorry about that... but the one on my site is the beta for the next version. ;)
Can you send me a link to one of your articles with the avatar problem (though I do kind of like it!)

tormodg: Whenever an rmpty page is spat out, my experience tells me 100% of the time its becasue of a missing template. Depending on if the forum is set as an article forum, the eval will be GEEK_SHOWTHREAD_ARTICLE (I think that was the name off the top of my head). If not, then it uses SHOWTHREAD. This is seen at the very last couple lines of the showthread.php file.

Let me know how you get on.

here you go:

http://rustysoaptraders.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5206

[rlamego]

Chris, run your page through the W3C Validator (http://validator.w3.org/).
You have a lot of errors on the page, some of them pretty weird like "</font color>" but specially some TDs left open and other layout problems.

[ChrisBaktis]

Chris, run your page through the W3C Validator (http://validator.w3.org/).
You have a lot of errors on the page, some of them pretty weird like "</font color>" but specially some TDs left open and other layout problems.


This page is created via the post - this isnt a template that I created so I have no idea of how to correct anything. All other posts outside of the Article forum show up just fine.

Chris

[The Geek]

Hey Chris - It looks like everything is fine. I am thinking that it is your gradient.

It looks like your pic spans 2 rows... but I am almost 100% positive it is because your background is two tone ;)

After running MY page through the validator I thik I need to clean up a bunch of HTML for the next release ;)

[tormodg]

tormodg: Whenever an rmpty page is spat out, my experience tells me 100% of the time its becasue of a missing template. Depending on if the forum is set as an article forum, the eval will be GEEK_SHOWTHREAD_ARTICLE (I think that was the name off the top of my head). If not, then it uses SHOWTHREAD. This is seen at the very last couple lines of the showthread.php file.

Here is what I have in the last lines of my showthread.php. This does NOT work. The template is in my template list.

if (in_array($forum['forumid'],$geek_article_forums)){
eval('$HTML = "' . fetch_template('GEEK_SHOWTHREAD_ARTICLE') . '");');
}else{
eval('$HTML = "' . fetch_template('SHOWTHREAD') . '";');
}


print_portal_output($home, $HTML);

[tormodg]

This is what I get when I view source:

<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN">
<HTML><HEAD>
<META http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=windows-1252"></HEAD>
<BODY></BODY></HTML>

[tormodg]

Aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh.....there is an extra ) in there....

[tormodg]

Aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh.....there is an extra ) in there....
Yup, that took care of it. One little parenthesis gone and a lot of articles came back. Big, wet, hairy kiss to you, Geek.

[The Geek]

Yup, that took care of it. One little parenthesis gone and a lot of articles came back. Big, wet, hairy kiss to you, Geek.*whew*

Had me worried for a minute. I have to say, your code looks odd there. What page are you using it on?

Aw hell, who care as long as it works!

*the nail geek puckers up

[Guy G]

This is a multi-page version article hack?

[rlamego]

nope

[Guy G]

nope
Demo is... damn it :\ looks good

[tormodg]

Demo is... damn it :\ looks good
Just wait for the next version...it will kick ass!

[tormodg]

Had me worried for a minute. I have to say, your code looks odd there. What page are you using it on?

http://www.hypography.com/ - click on any article to see the GAS.

[utw-Mephisto]

Ok, I have installed it and at least I don't get any error messages.

BUT : I don't even get articles ...

I have set the forum id in the vBulletin Options but the thread still shows up as regular thread :(

[The Geek]

forum id in the vBulletin Options but the thread still shows up as regular thread

Can you post the code in your phpinclude_start template?

BTW: Geek Article System 3 is out in public beta now over yonder -> https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=75795

[utw-Mephisto]

I would love to, but my whole database just crashed...

I am currently resintalling it ...

[utw-Mephisto]

Your new Beta :

Invalid Attachment specified. If you followed a valid link, please notify the webmaster

[The Geek]

Your new Beta :

Invalid Attachment specified. If you followed a valid link, please notify the webmaster
Please report this in the thread for the Beta so I can keep track of everything.

Anyhooo.... will you go over there and post the specifics of the problem (and if you have a link that I can follow).

Thanks man

[The Geek]

As an FYI: I have released Geek Article System 3.0 (https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=75916)

If you only want a layout change that is fast and easy to install - this is your best option. If you want something a bit more robust (multipage support, comment previews, sidebar support, thumbnails instead of avatars, etc...) than head over to Geek Articles 3.0 (https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=75916)

BTW: The GAS add ons for vBaCMPS still work with 3.0 and 2.0

[trafix]

So This is the lite version of "Geek Article System 3.0"

[tormodg]

So This is the lite version of "Geek Article System 3.0"
Well...it's the old version, so GAS 3 is very different from GAS Lite.

[trafix]

GAS 3 is the same hack ... but only much better

[The Geek]

Yup ;)

IMO - this is still a beauty of a hack - it doesnt have any of the whistles and bells of GAS3, but it is lightening fast to install and has a teeny weeny footprint.

[mykes]

The hack created an interesting bug that I'm not sure has been reported.

In showthread.php, the old code looks like this (pre-hack):


if ($threadedmode != 1) // if linear or hybrid
{
exec_header_redirect("showthread.php?$session[sessionurl_js]p=$getlastpost[postid]$highlightwords#post$getlastpost[postid]");
}


It's been changed to this (Geek Articles Hack version):


if ($threadedmode != 1) // if linear or hybrid
{
exec_header_redirect("showthread.php?$session[sessionurl_js]p=$getlastpost[postid]$highlightwords#post$getlastpost[postid]&amp;conly=$commentsonly");
}


With the original code commented in, and the Geek Articles hack code commented out, things work proper. Comment in the articles hack code and things don't work right.

So let me define "don't work right."

If you are on forumhome page and click on the graphic next to a thread link "go to first unread/new post" then it takes you to some post in the thread maybe 2 or 3 posts BEFORE where the first unread/new post actually is. Or even in the middle of some post.

Here's an example of the URL that's generated, so you can see what's wrong:

showthread.php?p=2032241#post2032241&conly=

(I think having the &conly after #post confuses the browser)

The fixed code that works on my site looks like this:


// === GEEK ARTICLES step 5.4 ===
// WAS:
// if ($threadedmode != 1) // if linear or hybrid
// {
// exec_header_redirect("showthread.php?$session[sessionurl_js]p=$getlastpost[postid]$highlightwords#post$getlastpost[postid]");
// }
// NOW:
if ($threadedmode != 1) // if linear or hybrid
{
exec_header_redirect("showthread.php?$session[sessionurl_js]p=$getlastpost[postid]$highlightwords&amp;conly=$commentsonly#post$getlastpo st[postid]");
}
// === /GEEK ARTICLES ===

[mholtum]

maybe I am lost. I installed it without a hitch. But the forums I am using as my articles look exactly the same. It is probably something simple but hey.. Now what?

[Howdy]

Installed. Thanks!

Is there anyway to have the header image included as part of the latest vbarticles?

[The Geek]

the conly= bit doesnt make a difference. It equates to the same as conly=0

Make sure that the forumids are set right

Howdy - The header image is only availible in GAS3

[TheMusicMan]

the conly= bit doesnt make a difference. It equates to the same as conly=0

Make sure that the forumids are set right

Howdy - The header image is only availible in GAS3

I keep getting an error when I try to upload a new article...

Invalid File Specified

... any suggestions please...? thanks.

[The Geek]

Are you sure you have the right version? I think you are talking about GAS3.x and not this one.