Heavily Modifying Groups - Hack Code or Plugin/Product
 

I've been using vBulletin for over 8 years and have experience programming in PHP, but have never delved into personally making a mod for vBulletin.

I'm familiar with the hook system and have been reading over a few threads, including one that says,
My plan is to modify the groups to include these features:
- Search for groups by distance to zip/postal code (US and Canada -- I have experience with this outside of vBulletin)
- Email notifications for new/active groups forming in your area, reminders of meetings when in a group, etc.
- New fields for groups: Active/Inactive, Location, Type (one of 3 types), Age Range, Cost/Free, Audience, etc. WITH filtering ability when viewing a group listing
- Active/Inactive members of group (without making them leave group, just identify them as such)
- Multiple group maintainers with description fields for them as a group maintainer
- Schedule voting ala Doodle (http://www.doodle.com/BSPgk3iqakcqrr7f)

Is this way too much to even consider a plugin/product?

Or would it be best done with a combination of hacking the code and using hooks?

Any thoughts would be much appreciated!

Thanks,
Drew

The real problem is not the number of plugins, but what is run inside of them.

Thanks for your reply (and first reply ;))

Are there any specific threads or tutorials you'd recommend for getting started?

A good starting point is the manual. Also have a look in the Articles section.

Thanks! I didn't even notice the articles tab!