VB3 Customizations for a newbie...
 

I'm new to VB and just now looking at customizing the board to my needs with 3 out. I have a few basic questions...

1) Should I wait a little longer before trying to customize the site? Are typical customizations not impacted by updating when minor releases come out?

2) Where is a good resource for customizing VB into a portal type environment. I want VB3 to fit into my community, I don't want to make sure everything else fits into VB3.

3) What banner ad rotation software does everyone recomend?

4) Are there contractors available to do VB3 work for me? What are the typical hourly rates?

Thanks,
rob

1. Yes. I suggest you wait. Install the base, and really learn how to use it. Go through the various upgrade processes until gold and get comfortable with upgrading. Then hack.

You can change colors and logos, etc. without it being affected by upgrades though.

Template mods are not necessarily affected, but any change you make to the php files usually is.

2. Portals are not yet coded for VB3.

3. Don't use one so cannot comment.

4. Yes. You can post in the Service Requests forums.

1, 2 and 4: same anwser as Amy
3: I use phpAdsNew, and I love it!

4: Depends on the extensity of the work, the complexity and the completion date;)

Satan

Ok, great responses, I'm feeling a little more comfortable. I'll really take it slow at first.

Actually, something like how vbulletin.org's front page is set up would work for me. I would like various windows that link to various parts of my community. The top menu and header bar would remain fixed. Instead of just linking to the "forum", what's the easiest way to have a window that shows maybe the most recent posts or just the main forum headings?

Also, how was the vbulletin.org's front page developed? I don't think it's image mapping as I don't think anyone does that anymore. How can you create those windows with the graphics around them?

Is vB planning tools to assist in a portalized forum or will it all have to come from customizations?

Thank you

i offer style design.. ask about on my site.. (in sig)
www.artorg.co.uk or visit msn or email me for info

[nopromo]colicab-d[/nopromo]