Is it possible to base a whole site (and page layout) on the vBulletin template? Basically I would like my main page to display new private messages, registered members, and use the same theme as the rest of the site

I know it has something to do with including global.php in every page, but then how do I call each function? just use $whatever ?

I've tried searching, but cant find anything like this, any help is most welcome :)

try vbportal ... www.phpportal.com or another front end php portal.

Is there any way without using a portal type thing?

Yes, it can be done... and its not really that hard to do. My suggestion would be to download a bunch of hacks and really look over the code, especially the hacks that have stand alone pages. Do a search (here or over at vbulletin.com) for how to include templates.

Always begin with:
Then you can do things like:
This means that where ever $footer or $header appear in a given template, they will be ... executed for lack of a better word.

Then end with something like:
That template will be 'executed' every time the page loads and should include $header and $ footer somewhere.

Obviously that isn't much to go on, but it should get you started.

-JRW

Thanks for the help :)

Great idea about the hacks too :D