Portal / CMS question
 

Is there a portal / cms solution where it only displays the information on the cms or portal page? I dont want any edits or changes to the actual forums but would like the inital portal style page when you hit the site.
When the portals are throughout the site it makes it too difficult to install styles and other hacks. I would like to keep the forums stock with as few changes as possible then have my one portal page where I can link to arcade, chat, garage or other hacks..
Is this out there???

vbadvanced cmps will do just that. Theres only 2 small changes to your stock vb files. The front page and any pages you create through it will inherit your styles. Its modular so you can show what modules you want to show on which custom pages. Yadda yadda, im starting to sound like a salesman.

How is style integration?
Can I download any of the free ones at vbulletintemplates and import them and they work?

I bought the vBPortal software and am very dissapointed in it.

AdvancedCMPS is completely integrated into vb. Any style you select for the forums will be shown on the portal. Yes, you can get the free ones and they too will work..

I use it here: http://www.ravensrealm.net & Here: http://www.theflyfishingforums.com

Looks awesome !!

How is updating the core vB files? Are there a lot of edits to the core files after an upgrade to keep the portal working?

With the current version there are (if I recall correctly) 4-5 edits and the new version that'll be coming out in a few weeks will require a lot less.

Would you install now? Or wait?

I'd install now. ;) The edits are pretty minor, about 4-5 quick cut & pastes. Should take about 20 minutes or so. That way you can be up & running immediately and when the next version is released it'll contain an upgrade option.

Not sure what you were dissapointed at, as vbPortal does the same as vbAdvanced except:

1. Have more features
2. No vb3 file edits required (nice for when you have to update vb3)
3. Lots of styles available (also pre-converted styles from vb3 style makers like ExtremePixels etc)

I grant you with it having loads more feature and the ability to change almost anything, there is a bigger learning curve. But once passed that you'll not look back.