Perks Hack for vB 2.0.3

This is a revision of what I mentioned above, thanks to what chrispadfield posted I got a better idea for handling the ad free browsing part of this hack. You will not be needing a new style now, so there is no way for the users to add a different style ID in the browser address bar and on top of that you won't have to update 2 style sets if you make some template changes. I almost feel like a real vB hacker now j/k.;)

Anyway, the usually hacking rules apply. Back up you files or try this out on a test forum first. This is working without any flaws on my forum, but you never know. As mentioned earlier I am fairly new to the PHP realm so don't expect any professional type support out of me.

Let's recap what you get with this hack. Perks based on premium user group:

Hacked Features:
- allow custom avatars
- allow custom titles
- ad free browsing template for usergroup, mods and admins
- special recognition graphic and title

Possible Non Hacked Features (basic admin panel operation):
- private forum for exclusive content
- allow searches (if not on by default)
- increased mass buddy pm limit

Extras :
- run ad pop-ups just on the forum index, while blocking them from premium usergroup, admins and mods
- incorporate recognition icon and title in the Galaga Hack if you use it

good work, exactly how i did the header and footer :)

some of those extra bits you added are great, thanks.

I am not ignoring the thread... I just haven't had much time to work on this lately...

With Family, 3 Jobs, a father recovering from double by-pass surgery and many other things interfering with my life, it leaves very little time for programming. Heck, I haven't even checked to see if my DNS change from two weeks ago has gone into effect on my own site which is still in development.

However even with all this... The majority of this hack has been running at SitePoint Forums for 2 weeks now in a testing phase. I should be releasing my version of it soon. It is just finding time to write up the documentation and creating an installation script now.

I thnk we all understand it takes time... and with all that you have going on... it can be difficult.. I am very sorry to hear about your father :(... I hope for a very speedy and healthy recovery!!! My Blessing go out to him, you and the families.

I have noticed all of the new things at Sitepoint.. looks great.. actually it has always looked great, now it has enhancements :)

Are we getting any closer? We're preparing to launch in two weeks, and this would be a great addition to our forum section.

That's totally understandable wluke. LIke I said this is just a trimmed version of what you r working on for the people who are in dire need of this like myself.

Without a doubt you'll a much better job at it then I ever could.

Wow. Sorry to hear about the ups and downs, WLuke.. Take your time. We're all living without this modification as it is - when you finish, you finish.

Otherwise, just to let you know, I'm interested in this. I just moved www.80sxchange.com to a new host and it's not even ready yet. As soon as my UBB goes up and is functioning, I will be converting to vBulletin 2.03 - so yes, I am very interested in this feature you are working on...

I think it would be a great idea to allow this system to work with PayPal's subscription service. Is there any way that can happen? It would really be pretty amazing if this could all be automated. As soon as someone donates, they get the features...

I would definitely be interested in this too! I would like to reward some of my members who have donated to our site and literally kept us going this year. These ideas are great, and $35 for a hack like this is certainly worth it!

Thanks also for the great ideas on this thread- I hadn't thought about doing this manually, and I really appreciate the perks hack as well. Lots to think about as we try to stay solvent. My biggest goal this year is not to go in the red!

TigerLily:)

this sounds like a great hack... can't wait.. :D