Alias V2.1

[Mythotical]

Due to the pricing and yearly fee of vBulletin I am no longer creating mods for vBulletin, instead I have stepped out of the shadow of vBulletin to create my own stand alone mods. I wish to thank everyone who downloaded and installed my mods but as of now with not being able to afford hosting and vBulletin, I decided to drop vBulletin so hopes of me returning would only happen if my newest venture brings me a nice profit.

Thank you all again
Steve

[iSpanish]

Hi

i think there is no edit on PHP File on vB3.5.0

or am i wrong?

[Mythotical]

Right now, you must edit your php files, I will be updating the hack in about 2 hours with the plugin xml file. You can wait till then for that or go ahead with the regular editing. Up to you. Either way, the hack will work perfect.

[iSpanish]

Right now, you must edit your php files, I will be updating the hack in about 2 hours with the plugin xml file. You can wait till then for that or go ahead with the regular editing. Up to you. Either way, the hack will work perfect.
Great :)

[Mythotical]

Ok I am having to quit for the night, I am too tired to get this correct but I have managed to the memberlist part ported to the plugin system, I will get the rest figured out tomorrow when I am more awake. Marboosh, I will update the hack with the new xml file and txt file.

Myth

[MrToasty]

No news on this one? Sounds like something I need :)

[Mythotical]

We have moved the hack to a different site, if you wish to have the site url, please PM me. The work on the hack is still under way as we have ran into a few problems but we are slowly working out the bugs and getting it ready for the next release.

[King Kovifor]

I'll try to give support the best I can...

[Mythotical]

Ok updated, 2.1 is now plugin compatible. So everyone enjoy and I hope to see the number of installs grow to be a large number.

[Mythotical]

Evening all those coders out there, I will be releasing version 2.2 probably tomorrow which will include the glow feature for the alias name and hopefully I can get the admin on/off switch debugged.

Cheers
Myth

[john1744]

So this pretty much allows people to change the usernames, but the name stays the same in the profile, their name will be altered in the Whats going on box, PM boxes, etc?

If so then this is one awesome hack.

[Mythotical]

Right, but instead they keep their username and login with that but everyone will see their alias instead when posting, members list, and thus on. The Whats Going On box and PM box will be in this next version as I am having to fix a small problem with the PM box not wanting to show the field. Just remember tho, you must have the new profile field made required at registration or it all could go wacky.

Also, if you don't understand or know how to do custom hook locations, just send me a PM here and I will help you out. Or you can just visit the official support thread located here: http://www.vbrenegades.com/showthread.php?t=68

Cheers
Myth

[Bubble #5]

Has anyone installed this on 3.5 gold yet?

[King Kovifor]

Has anyone installed this on 3.5 gold yet?
We have gold installed on our test boards, and we upgraded from RC2, so yes it works.

[-=Sniper=-]

nice plugin dude, just wondering is it possible to only allow certain usergroups to have a optional alias? would it be difficult to code?

[King Kovifor]

nice plugin dude, just wondering is it possible to only allow certain usergroups to have a optional alias? would it be difficult to code?
It might be but, I'm not to sure. Since it's done through a profile field we'd have to get it to show in a diffent place, and than limit it.

[moonclamp]

Quick security question .. Does this check for identical aliases/usernames?

Could a user maliciously use this to impersonate another member? (either with his username or alias?)

___

Also, what happens if you use HTML markup for a username via their usergroup membership?

[King Kovifor]

Quick security question .. Does this check for identical aliases/usernames?

Could a user maliciously use this to impersonate another member? (either with his username or alias?
Right Now it doesn't. We are working on it though, and if it happens always check the "name" section of it as it'll tell you who the REAL poster is. Or click on it and click on "View public Profile" as that's the actual registered info.


Also, what happens if you use HTML markup for a username via their usergroup membership?

Nothing, as of yet. I have an idea now... *writing it down for mythotical, as it's PHP related.* You could always use the BBCode for it for now... but that's had to do...

KK

[Mythotical]

I am currently working on including the suggestions stated to the next release for 3.5.x and 3.0.x

I am also having to port over quick account switch but having a bit of trouble with getting it to insert and call info from the database so this may take a bit longer to finish than I had hoped.

Cheers and keep the suggestions coming
Myth

BTW, concerning the Alias Name being duplicated, I will try to get that part installed, but no username will be duplicated as the system already checks for duplicate usernames. I will probably go off that code for username check for alias check.

[King Kovifor]

Yes, Keep the suggestions coming!

[Mythotical]

We have officially asked for help from someone who knows what they are doing when it comes to vbulletin. I will not release the name of that person as I'm not sure if they wish to be known as of yet.

Thanks for the suggestions and Alias 2.2 shall be released very soon.

[King Kovifor]

We have officially asked for help from someone who knows what they are doing when it comes to vbulletin. I will not release the name of that person as I'm not sure if they wish to be known as of yet.

Thanks for the suggestions and Alias 2.2 shall be released very soon.
Yes, We believe that this addition to the team will allow the Alias hack to progress quicker and more effectively.

[HellRazor]

When I try to access the thread on the vbrenegades forum I am told I don't have sufficient permissions to access the thread...

[Mythotical]

Eek, ok HellRazor, I will be upgrading to vbulletin 3.5.1 tonight so bear with me. I will grant you access as a mod so that way you can view it. I think something went wrong during the upgrade to 3.0.8 or 9. Not sure.

Thanks for letting us know.

EDIT: Ok HellRazor, give it a try now.

[HellRazor]

Eek, ok HellRazor, I will be upgrading to vbulletin 3.5.1 tonight so bear with me. I will grant you access as a mod so that way you can view it. I think something went wrong during the upgrade to 3.0.8 or 9. Not sure.

Thanks for letting us know.

EDIT: Ok HellRazor, give it a try now.

Nope...its still not letting me in.

[Mythotical]

Ok HellRazor, I edit your access masks, lets see if that does it. Try again.

[HellRazor]

Ok HellRazor, I edit your access masks, lets see if that does it. Try again.

Its working now, thank you! :)

[King Kovifor]

But he had to do something. I'm bored so I'll do some testing.

[one9er]

Now how we going to do this if we can't get into the site to read it.? I even registered on theat site. :ermm:
Please refer to this thread: http://www.vbrenegades.com/showthread.php?p=201#post201

[King Kovifor]

Bear with us, we are working on this... I'll quote the thread here:

This was once called Public Displayed Names V1.3 but since has been renamed to Alias V2.1.

What this does is in your profile, you will see a field: Alias: which is where you will put the name you want everyone else to see when they see your posts. The username will still be seen when reading the profile which is good by me. Screen shots are provided below.

Update: Added addition hooks to my files
Please refer to this thread: https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=82703
You MUST do what is described in that thread for 3 of codes, the 1st one listed you do not have to modify at all.

Future 2.2:
Admin on/off switch
Alias Glow Color

Tested on 3.0.7 and 3.5

Please click INSTALL if you are going to use this hack.

Screenshots provided.

I will be getting the xml file uploaded soon. Support will be given in this thread so please post any bugs, problems, or suggestions in this thread.

[one9er]

Thank's King Kovifor.

[King Kovifor]

YW, And it'll work now as we are in the process of upgrading as I type this.

[King Kovifor]

<a href="http://www.vbrenegades.com/showthread.php?p=201#post201" target="_blank">http://www.vbrenegades.com/showthread.php?p=201#post201</a>

The link is now operational and everybody can see it.

[Mythotical]

UPDATE:

We are working at getting the new version released.

We are bypassing the custom profile field part and trying to make it forum wide hack. In other words your username will be replaced everywhere eventually. The hack is still in an incomplete stage and testing has come up good other than 2.1 crossing paths with 2.2 so we gotta work around that path crossing as well.

All in all, this new version is looking promising.

NEW FEATURE LIST for 2.2:
Usergroup Specific
Check again other Alias/Usernames
Glow Feature
On/Off Switch
Forum wide display
Customising for RPG use as well (Might be 2.3 version)

Since this is such a huge upgrade to the new version, we will probably make this release 3.0

If you have feature requests, please post them as we are always looking to make this hack better for all.

[one9er]

I'm new at this stuff so what would the hook name be that I have to make for this?

[King Kovifor]

memberlist_alias (Member List)
showgroups_aliasug (Show Groups {Forum Leaders})
showgroups_alias (Show Groups {Forum Leaders})

Those are the three I know of, not too sure what or where they go, but those are the names.

That's the sections though. I'd trust Myth better on this though.

[Mythotical]

Don't use those, I'm about to include a custom hook location file that will install the hook location for you. I'm redoing the xml files so don't install these unless you know what you are doing.

one9er, hold off for a few hours on installing till I get the new files done.

[one9er]

Thank's tp the both of ya. I will hold off!! :-)

[Mythotical]

Almost done with the files. Keep in mind this will require certain files to be chmod 666 until the hooks are installed. All in all it will be easier for you and everyone else.

[one9er]

Almost done with the files. Keep in mind this will require certain files to be chmod 666 until the hooks are installed. All in all it will be easier for you and everyone else.
Thank's just got the "up-date" e-mail!

[Mythotical]

NP one9er, told you I would make it easier on you, if you need any help just let me know.

[one9er]

NP one9er, told you I would make it easier on you, if you need any help just let me know.
I don't know if I did something wrong but when I post it doesn't use my alias name. It does show my alais name in the member list and in the welcome box along with my real name. Any ideas??

I can waite till the new up grade comes out no big deal.

[Mythotical]

Did you do all template edits correctly? If your using the regular postbit view then you need to edit the postbit template, if your using the old view then you need to edit the postbit_legacy template. I edit both because you never know when you'll have a style that runs off of one or the other.

Make sure you edit your postbit templates.

[Flow Fusion]

help...

Alias Hooks Auto Installer

System Error - Was unable to find specified PHP Line inside file. (case 'joindate')
Alias Hooks Auto Installer
The system is currently executing the required actions. This may take a few moments.

[Mythotical]

Flow, open the memberlist.php file, search for case 'joindate', look right above that, if you have a hook location already there, take it out. Then try to run it again.

[Flow Fusion]

I don't know what you mean?

}

// specify this if the primary sort will have a lot of tie values (ie, reputation)
$secondarysortsql = '';)
{
case 'username':
$sqlsort = 'user.username';
break;
case 'joindate':
$sqlsort = 'user.joindate';
switch ($sortfield
break;

[timmai]

I installed the hack on my 3.5.1 but I still can see the username everywhere. I thought you can only see the username in the profile?

Did I do something wrong? Also, when is vBAlias v1.0.0 coming?

[King Kovifor]

I installed the hack on my 3.5.1 but I still can see the username everywhere. I thought you can only see the username in the profile?

Did I do something wrong? Also, when is vBAlias v1.0.0 coming?
What do you mean you still see the name everywhere?

May I ask if you did...

1.) Template Edits
2.) Installed all Plugins & Files required?

I haven't looked/installed this lately... but this is what I remember.

[007]

Is this possible to do on a per forum basis or would the datastore get goofed up?

[Mythotical]

vBAlias has been on hold for awhile, we are pulling it back into our projects within a couple of days to continue work and finish it.

timmai: All template edits must be done to the 'T' or it won't work properly.

007: We plan to allow this feature, we have not yet gotten it to work but will surely have this as an option.

[Ron Earp]

When I install I get the following error:

System Error - Was unable to find specified PHP Line inside file. (case 'joindate':)

This is with vBulletin, latest version as of 5/5/06.

Thanks,
Ron

[Mythotical]

Ron, I am soooo sorry, I have been away for awhile. I should have made that clear in this thread by stating I would be away for awhile.

I did find that you requested help in the services section, I am glad peterska was able to help. If there is anything else, please let me know.

UPDATE: I have put vbAlias back into production, I am working hard at coding the newest version where as it will run off current hooks and hopefully get it to alter the templates without problem.

[Mythotical]

Alias v2.2 is now available. I have taken away the need for a hooks installer and made the code dependant on existant hook locatoins.

Next version will be Alias v2.2 - No Username Anywhere

Cheers and thanks
Myth

[Lazarous]

This is excatly what I was looking for, unfortunatly when I install the plugin...

Database error in vBulletin 3.5.4:

Invalid SQL:

### INSERT QUERY GENERATED BY fetch_query_sql() ###
INSERT INTO plugin
(`active`, `executionorder`, `title`, `hookname`, `phpcode`, `product`)
VALUES
('1', '5', 'Alias 2.2', 'memberlist_bit', '//Begin Alias 2.2\r\ncase \'alias\':\r\n$sqlsort = \'userfield.field5\';\r\nbreak; \r\n//End Alias 2.2', 'alias');

MySQL Error : Unknown column 'executionorder' in 'field list'

[peterska2]

This error is becuase the plugin that you are using has been written for 3.6.0 and you are importing it into 3.5.4

To fix this, open the xml in your favorite text editor (preferably notepad unless you have another editor that you use such as htmlkit or notepad++) and search for all instances of 'executionorder' and remove that and the number attached to it. save it and reimport it. As long as you get all of them, it will work perfectly.

[Mythotical]

Oops, I put the wrong file here. I will take care of that. Sorry

EDIT: All fixed, removed executionorder="5", should run fine with no errors now.

[Lazarous]

Wow! Quick and great response, thank you...

...I have just installed this.

First of all I'd like to say what a fantastic modification this is, this really should be part of vBulletin and plugs a missing gap in my opinion. Thanks to Steve and everyone else for doing this.

This is not a big issue at all, but is there anyway to make the Display Name show on the "Thread / Thread Starter" page when you view a list of all threads as well as the "Last Post" column???

[Mythotical]

Lazarous: Thank you, I appreciate the feedback. I am currently working on what you have suggested, its gonna be a site wide change, there will be no instance of a members username anywhere. That is due to be finished within the weeks. I am finishing up my MySpace vB Hack so once that is done I will finish adding the other modifications to replace the username.

[Mythotical]

vBAlias 3.0 is due to be released within the next 2-3 weeks so stay tuned as it will be the next step in making this hack one that is unforgettable.

EDIT: Release to be expected within 1-3 days.

[btd]

Out of curiosity, will version 3.0 allow people to specify recipients of PMs by their display name as well, or will you still need to know their username/number or click on a link for that?

Thanks much, by the way - 2.2 is already pretty good, and I'm really looking forward to installing v3.0 of this hack on our forums! :)

[Mythotical]

btd: All indications of usernames will be gone in 3.0, you will only have Alias' so even in PM's it will show their Alias.

Features coming in 3.0:
Hide Option - The admin can specify in the vboptions for vBAlias which forums to allow use of the Hide Username/Alias Option, then when a member post they will see the option at the very bottom of the post under Misc Options.

Master On/Off Switch - Self explanatory

Usergroup Based - Admin can specify which usergroups can use vBAlias

Multi Alias - Check to make sure someone is not already using the Alias someone chooses.

Multi check may not be available until 3.1 but I am trying to have it available for 3.0

[tako]

Looking forward to seeing 3.0.... can not wait!!!!!!!!!

[Mythotical]

Just an update of the completed list for Alias 3.0:

Features coming in 3.0:
Hide Option - The admin can specify in the vboptions for vBAlias which forums to allow use of the Hide Username/Alias Option, then when a member post they will see the option at the very bottom of the post under Misc Options.

Master On/Off Switch - Self explanatory

Usergroup Based - Admin can specify which usergroups can use vBAlias

Multi Alias - Check to make sure someone is not already using the Alias someone chooses.

Optional Glow - Users will be presented with an option to add a glow effect to their alias name.

Full Site Alias - Users will no longer see their username anywhere on the forum, it will be replaced by their Alias name.

Admin View Users - The admin's will be able to view each members profile and see that users username, only admins will be able to, mods will be able to upon permissions given by admin.

Multi check may not be available until 3.1 but I am trying to have it available for 3.0

Alias 3.0 has been delayed to a few features causing the plugin to error out.

[tako]

any updates?

[Mythotical]

Unfortunately we ran into a problem with the hide feature. We are trying to fix the issue ASAP. Sorry for the delay on the new version.

[tako]

thanks for reply. Waiting for good news!!

[Mythotical]

Good news is I am testing the last feature, if all goes well it will be released, I will make another post with results in the next few days.

[Mythotical]

Sorry everyone but with my server down and me looking for new hosting I have no where to work on updates or new plugins so it will be a bit longer before I release a new update.

[Mythotical]

Ok work is to commence in the next 2 weeks to finish Alias 3.0

[PinkDaisy]

Ok work is to commence in the next 2 weeks to finish Alias 3.0

I'm assuming this will work for 3.6.4 (if you are updating it) ???

[Mythotical]

As of right now Alias does not work with 3.6.x, I however will make sure Alias 3.0 works with 3.6.x

I have scrapped the old feature list and am continuing with a new feature list. Hide options will not be implemented at this time, too many errors causing Alias to quit working.

[Mythotical]

FYI, I plan to take Alias 2.2 and rework it, pretty much I am gonna redo the entire mod. This could take a few months so I promise you will see it back again.

[patrickb]

any updates on this?

[el_rob]

Steve, any news on your progress?

Cheers! Rob

[Mythotical]

Yes, the news is I am placing Alias back into production, I don't expect a quick release as I have big plans, very big plans for 3.0 which will take the mod to a new stage and bring users a whole new look at this mod plus their site.

EDIT: BTW, 3.0 will be available for 3.6.x and 3.7.x however it WILL NOT be available for 3.5.x any longer.

[bada_bing]

cool look forward to seeing the next release...

[Mythotical]

I have officially started on the next Alias mod, Alias 3.0 is a rework from the ground up with all features included but instead runs off of a user field instead of a custom field. Be prepared for glimpses. :D

[HellRazor]

We have a roleplay forum and we need a system that allows members to post under a name other than their normal name. I'd love to see a system like this with the following features:

Members can have more than 1 Alias.
The number of allowed aliases can be configured by usergroup.
Each alias can have its own avatar.
Forums can be permissioned to allow aliases (or not).
Forums that allow aliases can be configured to show the user's real name (or not).

[Mythotical]

HellRazor: Currently plans are for only 1 alias at a time but I will look into that. With 1 alias comes 1 avatar which is for the account. Forums will have permission for alias and show alias upon posting. Forums will have a checkbox to hide alias which can be turned off via acp, with your suggestion I will see about having that entered as an option as well.

[davidkv]

I have officially started on the next Alias mod, Alias 3.0 is a rework from the ground up with all features included but instead runs off of a user field instead of a custom field. Be prepared for glimpses. :D

I'm looking forward to this mod very much. If you need any help with testing, please let me know.

[ammoskumar]

any chances for 3.7 plz i needed so badly...

[ammoskumar]

is there any other hack for similar to this one for 3.7...? or when will be out for 3.7 any time spec.

[Mythotical]

Sorry I don't give time spec's because if I do and a major bug is found during testing then I have to fix that bug which can go past the time I say.

Right now I'm having to rebuild from ground up as I want to make sure it uses template replace and it actually replaces username globally.

[Karri]

How is this update going? I suddenly find myself needing this exact thing. Also I want to second HellRazor's requests. Those features would make this product perfect.

[Mythotical]

Unfortunately I have to go out of town for a week. I will not be back until July 11th so all work as ceased till then. Thanks for your patience.

[ChrisChristian]

Any updates on this? How is this update going?

Thanks!

[Mythotical]

Sorry none, right now my attention is on NMAPS. Once I get that completed without bugs I will get back to work on Alias.

[oasi]

Hi Steve

Any update available on the near future?
Does the plugin work for 3.7 ??

Thanks for the plug...

[Mythotical]

Nope, unfortunately all of my mods will stop being developed as I cannot afford the vbulletin license fee any longer nor can I afford to pay hosting every month along with that yearly fee. So I am moving on to a project for the least part that will include me developing my own php stuff, can't say otherwise my post will be deleted and I'll get in trouble. But all in all, I thank everyone who installed my mods, I will allow for another week of peeps downloading and installing them before I remove them for good.