vb.org Archive - Miscellaneous Hacks

vb.org Archive (https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/index.php)

- vBulletin 3.6 Add-ons (https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/forumdisplay.php?f=194)

- - Miscellaneous Hacks - Ultimate Side Columns (https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=141870)

Ultimate Side Columns

Ultimate Side Columns
By Kerry-Anne www.peterska2.co.uk

Welcome to Ultimate Side Columns!

Introduction

Following the success of the left and right side column modifications, and building on their weaknesses, the Ultimate Side Columns system was born.

Ultimate Side Columns (USC) is your one stop shop for all your side columns needs. It is an easy to configure, all in one solution.

Features

USC uses a standard vBulletin Options Interface with minimal template editing involved, to display content in columns on your site.

USC controls both the left and right columns on your site, both of which work independently of each other, and can be displayed on a range of pages through some very simple options.

The only editing required for a standard installation is the header and footer template. For advanced users, the templates for the two columns can also be edited if required. Most users of this system will not need to do this.

Installation

Import the product-ka_ultimate_sidecolumns.xml file as a product through your product manager.

Open your header template and at the very end add

Code:

<!-- USC header edit start -->

<table width="100%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0">

<tr>

$usc_left

<td valign="top">

<!-- USC header edit end -->

Open your footer template and above

Code:

$spacer_close

add

Code:

<!-- USC footer edit start -->

</td>

$usc_right

</tr>

</table>

<!-- USC footer edit end -->

That is all your template editing done.

Now, go to vBulletin Options > Ultimate Side Columns Options

Here you can set which column you wish to use, and where you want it to appear. Content is also controlled through the options on this page. HTML is allowed in all content boxes.

Configuration

As there are a number of options available, this section explains them all.

First, you have the settings for enabling and disabling the two columns. As these work independently of each other, you can have the left column turned on, the right column turned on, or both turned on. If you need to turn them off for any reason, you can also turn them off here. Also, if you need to disable plugins for any reason, the code is completely disabled meaning that no unsightly white gaps are left on your pages.

Next, we have the width settings for the two columns. If you find that your columns are too wide, or too narrow, then they can be adjusted independently here.

The display pages settings allow you to control where your columns are displayed. These are pretty straightforward, with the exception of the setting adsense appropriate. This option stops the column from being displayed on the following pages in line with the adsense TOS:
- search
- search results
- registration
- contact us
- usercp
This is correct as of todays date. Any changes in the TOS for adsense will only be reflected in any updates as appropriate.

Next are the settings for the content of the left column, followed by the content of the right column. Both sections are prefixed by a blank setting. This is by design and there is not a bug with the code or anything missing.

Adding More Blocks

By design there are five (5) blocks per column. Some people may require more than this. To allow for this, comments have been added to both the usc_sidecolumn_left and usc_sidecolumn_right templates. The comments include a commented out section of code to use as a template for additional blocks. There are also some warning comments present in both templates. Take heed of these as editing other than the places indicated will result in the templates being malformed and the USC system not working correctly.

Support

Support for this modification is extremely limited. However, as everything apart from the two small template edits is controlled directly through the vBulletin options and not through template editing, issues should be minimal.

If you have any other combinations of pages that you would like to see available for the column options, please post them in the support thread ensuring that you add the title "USC Page Combination Request" to your post, or use this as the first line of your post ensuring that it is in bold text. This is very specific as due to the limited nature of support and time, the support thread will only be quickly skimmed through and therefore requests may be missed if it is not clear what they are.

The screenshots attached to this post and the next one show a range of pages with a range of column combinations. They are not labeled but they are pretty self explanatory.

Enjoy the USC system.

Kerry-Anne

PLEASE NOTE: This modification is unsupported. You may not receive a reply right after posting. Please try and help each other out. I do not support custom styles. If this does not work in your style, and you can confirm that it does not work in the default style (with a link and screenshot) then you will need to resolve the problem yourself. I also do not support any versions earlier than 3.6.5 in any way, shape or form. If you are using it on a version prior to 3.6.5 then no support at all will be provided.

Version 2.0 information

Version 2.0 has been released and can be found here:
https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=175181

Thanks Kerry... glad to see this back as I used to for a reference for other things I do on my site more than anything... *installed* :)

Sorry for the off topic of this next part...
But any chance of your minimum age or bottom navbar hack coming back? Or maybe if I can get a copy of the original just in case I have to uninstall/reinstall if I screw something up by accident... was gonna PM you, but then I noticed your sig, and figured this would be good as any place. Sorry, and thanks.

PERFECT!!! I had planned to install your right and left column mods over the weekend but didnt have time will be installing this when I get home tonight!

any idea how many queries it adds?

This is completely different to my old versions as it is a complete solution.

As for anything else, I can't really comment on them at the moment. Some things are on the list for complete rewrites (like this one replacing the old columns mods) but others are defunct and may remain on the scrap heap. Information will be made available about them as and when I am ready to deal with them on a mod by mod basis.

This is what i looking for. Thank you Kerry, for this release.

*installed*

Nice one, Gotta try this one for sure.
Thanks..
*Clicks Install *

Hi Kerry-Anne can I translate your wounderful hack für german vb users?

as always, all my hacks can be translated for release at vBHacks-Germany :) They cannot be released on any other sites without my written permission though (before everyone starts asking)

Hello, nice Hack, but it has a "bug".

If you view a thread, its too small. Andreas postet a soultion for this problem here.

ALso the caldendar Display has this "bug" ;)

In English:
Create a Plugin on parse_templates with the following Content:

HTML Code:

$vbulletin->templatecache['header'] .= '";$spacer_open="';

$vbulletin->templatecache['footer'] .= '";$spacer_close="';

Greetings Surviver

[high]* projectego clicks install ;)[/high]

You rock! This is heaps better, I am currently using your old one, but will change over right now. Thanks.

This is awesome!

Thanks!

Thanks does this modification gives ability to pickup random polls from a specific forum and display on sidebars ?

No. That would be something completely different. Please look at the screenshots and read the description provided. This does exactly what is described, and looks like the screenshots.

@ ZomgStuff - Don't forget to click install

Very good hack.

For those people where this hack does not work in the header, add at the end of your navbar template. It worked.

This is not working so far.

The left nav. showed up on top of the site instead of on the left, and the right showed up down the bottom of the site.

I disabled left, and did my code for the right, but it is still showing up down the bottom instead of on the right.

example: http://www.gamerzneeds.net/forums/

looks amazing and just what I need...awesome job. :D

can I ask... is it possible to get this to work for the forumhome only? (ie: not forumdisplay, showthread) or that already a feature (didn't see that listed).

Exactly what I have been looking for! Thank you for your efforts!!

http://prosper-living.com

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrendelKhan{TSU (Post 1202297)

Thats already an option. Its just a shame that is is not displaying it correctly on my site, its showing it at the very bottom instead of on the right :/

I uninstalled this plugin again because the threads show up up smaller in width.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hornstar1337 (Post 1202290)

If you have applied the template edies correctly and used the blocks provided for the contents then this won't happen. Check your edits and your block contents.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrendelKhan{TSU (Post 1202297)

Yes, there is a forumhome only option.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3dsoft (Post 1202390)

I uninstalled this plugin again because the threads show up up smaller in width.

You can use the forumhome only option so that it does not appear in your threads.

looks GREAT!

One question though...

I would like to use the sidebar for guests only (advertistement placing)
Is this already an option or can I somehow add this easily?

Thanks! :)

This hack is awesome! A massive improvement over your previous columns hack, Kerry. Thanks again! ;)

I can't remember which sidebar hack I am currently using (yours or someone else's), but one thing I did due to requests by members was to make the sidebars collapsable. This way, if people want to see them, then they can. If their screen size doesn't work well with the sidebars, then they can collapse the sidebars when they don't want them and expand when they do need or want them. Just a suggestion... I'd definately be up for it if you did that, as I'm not 100% impressed with the way I did it.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANNK YOU THANK YOU ....

BTW did I say THANK YOU!!

What a GREAT product!

*cant wait to install.. clicking install!* You rock!

thanks kerry-Anne good one installed

Quick question! Does this show on portal, photoplog or groups etc.. (subdirectories).

Quote:

Originally Posted by hornstar1337 (Post 1202290)

Instead of putting the first code in header, try putting it in navbar template. That's how it worked for me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bellinis (Post 1202512)

looks GREAT!

One question though...

I would like to use the sidebar for guests only (advertistement placing)
Is this already an option or can I somehow add this easily?

Thanks! :)

I got the same idea. Would be nice, if this could be integrated.

Although you can just ad a statement to the header or footer template by yourself.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kerry-Anne (Post 1202489)

If you have applied the template edies correctly and used the blocks provided for the contents then this won't happen. Check your edits and your block contents.

The block edits as default text that they came with were still showing up the same (down the very bottom of the site.)

I have checked the 2 very easy template edits a hundred times already. here is what mine look like just to make you believe it.

Contents of my header template

Code:

<!-- logo -->



<a name="top"></a>

<table border="0" width="$stylevar[outertablewidth]" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" align="center">

<tr>

        <td align="center"><a href="$vboptions[forumhome].php$session[sessionurl_q]" alt="Computer games at GamerzNeeds">

$banner</a></td>

        <td align="$stylevar[right]">

                &nbsp;

        </td>

</tr>

</table>

<!-- /logo -->



<!-- content table -->

$spacer_open



$_phpinclude_output



<!-- USC header edit start -->

<table width="100%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0">

<tr>

$usc_left

<td valign="top">

<!-- USC header edit end -->

you said down the bottom, that is where it is.

Contents of my footer template

Code:

<br />

<!-- /content area table -->



<div class="smallfont" align="center">$vbphrase[all_times_are_gmt_x_time_now_is_y]</div>

<br />



<!-- USC footer edit start -->

</td>

$usc_right

</tr>

</table>

<!-- USC footer edit end -->



$spacer_close

<form action="$vboptions[forumhome].php" method="get">

        

<table cellpadding="$stylevar[cellpadding]" cellspacing="0" border="0" width="$stylevar[outertablewidth]" class="page" align="center">

<tr>

        <if condition="$show['quickchooser']">

                <td class="tfoot">

                        <select name="styleid" onchange="switch_id(this, 'style')">

                                <optgroup label="$vbphrase[quick_style_chooser]">

                                        $quickchooserbits

                                </optgroup>

                        </select>

                </td>

        </if>

        <if condition="$show['languagechooser']">

                <td class="tfoot">

                        <select name="langid" onchange="switch_id(this, 'lang')">

                                <optgroup label="$vbphrase[quick_language_chooser]">

                                        $languagechooserbits

                                </optgroup>

                        </select>

                </td>

        </if>

        <td class="tfoot" align="$stylevar[right]" width="100%">

                <div class="smallfont">

                        <strong>

                                <if condition="$show['contactus']"><a href="$vboptions[contactuslink]" rel="nofollow">$vbphrase[contact_us]</a> -</if>



<if condition="$vboptions['importance_privacy_footer'] == 1"><a href="$vboptions[bburl]/privacy.php" rel="nofollow">Privacy Policy</a> -</if>



<if condition="$vboptions['importance_tos_footer'] == 1"><a href="$vboptions[bburl]/tos.php" rel="nofollow">TOS</a> -</if>



<if condition="$vboptions['importance_rules_footer'] == 1"><a href="$vboptions[bburl]/rules.php" rel="nofollow">Forum Rules</a> -</if>



<if condition="$vboptions['importance_disclaimer_footer'] == 1"><a href="$vboptions[bburl]/disclaimer.php" rel="nofollow">Disclaimer</a> -</if>

                                <if condition="$vboptions['hometitle']"><a href="$vboptions[homeurl]">$vboptions[hometitle]</a> -</if>

                                <if condition="$show['admincplink']"><a href="$admincpdir/index.php$session[sessionurl_q]">$vbphrase[admin]</a> -</if>

                                <if condition="$show['modcplink']"><a href="$modcpdir/index.php$session[sessionurl_q]">$vbphrase[mod]</a> -</if>

                                <if condition="$vboptions['archiveenabled']"><a href="archive/index.php">$vbphrase[archive]</a> -</if>

                                <if condition="$vboptions[privacyurl]"><a href="$vboptions[privacyurl]">$vbphrase[privacy_statement]</a> -</if>

                                <a href="#top" onclick="self.scrollTo(0, 0); return false;">$vbphrase[top]</a>

                        </strong>

                </div>

        </td>

</tr>

</table>



<br />



<div align="center">

        <div class="smallfont" align="center">

        <!-- Do not remove this copyright notice -->

        $vbphrase[powered_by_vbulletin]

        <!-- Do not remove this copyright notice -->

        </div>

        

        <div class="smallfont" align="center">

        <!-- Do not remove $cronimage or your scheduled tasks will cease to function -->

        $cronimage

        <!-- Do not remove $cronimage or your scheduled tasks will cease to function -->

        

        $vboptions[copyrighttext]

        </div>

</div>



</form>



<if condition="$show['dst_correction']">

<!-- auto DST correction code -->

<form action="profile.php?do=dst" method="post" name="dstform">

        <input type="hidden" name="s" value="$session[sessionhash]" />

        <input type="hidden" name="do" value="dst" />

</form>

<script type="text/javascript">

<!--

        var tzOffset = $bbuserinfo[timezoneoffset] + $bbuserinfo[dstonoff];

        var utcOffset = new Date().getTimezoneOffset() / 60;

        if (Math.abs(tzOffset + utcOffset) == 1)

        {        // Dst offset is 1 so its changed

                document.forms.dstform.submit();

        }

//-->

</script>

<!-- / auto DST correction code -->



</if>

<script type="text/javascript">

<!--

        // Main vBulletin Javascript Initialization

        vBulletin_init();

//-->

</script>

you said above the $spacer_close that is where it is as well.

Just for your information as well. I have tried placing the code in several other positions as well, including at the very top, under, above, here there and everywhere, and everywhere i have placed it so far, has showed the right navigation bar at the very bottom of the site.

I have tried and tried, and looked and looked at what could the problem be, and im lost, so hopefully you will be able to figure this one out.

Thanks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtlcore (Post 1202642)

Instead of putting the first code in header, try putting it in navbar template. That's how it worked for me.

are you using the right or left navigation bar? Did you put your header edit at the top of the navbar template? and kept the footer one in the footer?

Because I think that wont fix up the right navigation bar, but I will try now either way.

Edit, just tried that, and it didnt fix/change it. The left one still shows up at the very top, and right at the very bottom of the site.

Does this work with VB 3.5.4?

Edit: I got it installed on 3.5.4 by removing the execution order lines from the xml. The only issue I am having is in the configuration options page, instead of showing radio buttons to choose where the menus are displayed, it just blurbs out text, with no way to choose.

example:

Code:

Display Pages For Left Column

Using this setting you can determine the pages where the left column will be displayed.

        radio:piped 0|all pages 1|forumhome only 2|all pages except forumhome 3|all pages except forumhome and usercp 4|forum display only 5|showthread only 6|adsense appropriate

Does the same thing for the right.

Can colums be shown/hidden to individual usergroups?

This would come in handy for my mods for links to there email e.t.c..

I have problem, look image!!! Why?

images dont work.

I tried to place a banner, but does not work. Why ?

Quote:

Originally Posted by KHALIK (Post 1203812)

images dont work.

I tried to place a banner, but does not work. Why ?

Images work fine... check out my site.

PL

I simply put the link to the image and it shows...

Phrase Groups Available:

X vBulletin 3.8.12 by vBS Debug Information
Page Generation 0.03053 seconds Memory Usage 1,864KB Queries Executed 10 (?)
More Information
Template Usage: (1)ad_footer_end (1)ad_footer_start (1)ad_header_end (1)ad_header_logo (1)ad_navbar_below (6)bbcode_code_printable (1)bbcode_html_printable (9)bbcode_quote_printable (1)footer (1)gobutton (1)header (1)headinclude (6)option (1)pagenav (1)pagenav_curpage (2)pagenav_pagelink (1)pagenav_pagelinkrel (1)post_thanks_navbar_search (1)printthread (40)printthreadbit (1)spacer_close (1)spacer_open Phrase Groups Available: global postbit showthread	Included Files: ./printthread.php ./global.php ./includes/init.php ./includes/class_core.php ./includes/config.php ./includes/functions.php ./includes/class_hook.php ./includes/modsystem_functions.php ./includes/class_bbcode_alt.php ./includes/class_bbcode.php ./includes/functions_bigthree.php Hooks Called: init_startup init_startup_session_setup_start init_startup_session_setup_complete cache_permissions fetch_threadinfo_query fetch_threadinfo fetch_foruminfo style_fetch cache_templates global_start parse_templates global_setup_complete printthread_start pagenav_page pagenav_complete bbcode_fetch_tags bbcode_create bbcode_parse_start bbcode_parse_complete_precache bbcode_parse_complete printthread_post printthread_complete
Messages: