Miscellaneous Hacks - 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

<!-- 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

$spacer_close

add

<!-- 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

[slmoney]

ok..I figured it out...
If you have Adsence code loaded on your footer, you need to put the code for USC BEFORE the adsence code...I got it to work!

[ChrisBaktis]

Is there a way to get more then one box on a side that are not connected - I know you can have more then one box but they all show up in the same 'big box' - I would prefer to have 2 seperate boxes - can this be done?

[T_Richardson]

Originally Posted by ChrisBaktis

Is there a way to get more then one box on a side that are not connected - I know you can have more then one box but they all show up in the same 'big box' - I would prefer to have 2 seperate boxes - can this be done?

You would have to edit the template directly, adding tables, etc..

[ChrisBaktis]

Got it - thank you

[NashChristian]

Hello,

I'm about dizzy looking over all the side column mods and trying to decide which will best meet my needs.

I've boiled it down to the following two:

A.) This one - the Ultimate Side Columns or
B.) Left Side Column on Forum Home Only also by Kerry-Anne

What I'm running: 3.6.7 PL1

What I need: I'm looking for a left side column, on my Forum Home only, that will allow me to have a few (3-5) separate blocks of content (in separate blocks with titles at the top of each block) with a small gap of white space between them.

Any guidance I would greatly appreciate!

Thanks!

[ChrisBaktis]

I have a problem - when I use this hack for the left side - everything looks great except when I view a post or the memberlist...

If you click on the links you will see what I mean...

http://www.hobbystoresearch.com/foru...tyleid=1#post1

And this is how it looks on all pages but a post and the memberlist

http://www.hobbystoresearch.com/foru...?f=2&styleid=1

this 'width problem' only appears on the member list and when viewing a post. any ideas what can be causing this?

[T_Richardson]

Originally Posted by ChrisBaktis

I have a problem - when I use this hack for the left side - everything looks great except when I view a post or the memberlist...

If you click on the links you will see what I mean...

http://www.hobbystoresearch.com/forums/memberlist.php

this 'width problem' only appears on the member list and when viewing a post. any ideas what can be causing this?

I don't know for sure, but it looks like you have the tables codes mixed up or missing a <tr> or </tr> <td> etc...
Try uninstalling then reinstall.

[ChrisBaktis]

i have - severla times : ) - since it is a new board I even reinstalled 3.6.8 and this happens even on the default template where the only change made is this hack. It just seems that for some reason the memberlist and post code are at a fixed width.

[ChrisBaktis]

Well - getting ticked off I did a fresh install of 3.6.8 - made no changes except install this hack - changed the forum width so it is fixed - and the problem is still there...I cant figure it out - this has taken 3 days of my time and im pulling my hair out.

http://www.hobbystoresearch.com/foru....php?p=1#post1

[Chadi]

Just found this and installed it. However, the right column is showing up below the footer and the left column above the forum (both on forumhome) categories.

I did exactly as told:

header

<!-- logo -->
<a name="top"></a>
<table border="0" width="$stylevar[outertablewidth]" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" align="center" class="header_bg">
<tr>
    <td align="$stylevar[left]" valign="top" height="112"><a href="$vboptions[forumhome].php$session[sessionurl_q]"><img src="$stylevar[titleimage]" border="0" alt="$vboptions[bbtitle]" /></a></td>
    <td align="$stylevar[right]">
        &nbsp;
<!-- banners -->

    </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="34" colspan="2">

<!-- nav buttons bar -->
<div align="center" style="z-index: 100;">
    <table  cellpadding="$stylevar[cellpadding]" cellspacing="0" border="0" width="100%" align="center">
    <tr align="center">
            <if condition="$show['member']"><else /><if condition="in_array(THIS_SCRIPT, array(index))"><else /><td class="nav_menu_control"><a id="toggle" href="#" name="toggle">$vbphrase[vbstyles_login]</a> </td></if></if>
        <if condition="$show['member']">
            <td class="nav_menu_control"><a href="usercp.php$session[sessionurl_q]">$vbphrase[user_cp]</a></td>
        </if>
        <if condition="$show['registerbutton']">
            <td class="nav_menu_control"><a href="register.php$session[sessionurl_q]" rel="nofollow">$vbphrase[register]</a></td>
        </if>
 $template_hook[navbar_buttons_left]
<!-- <td class="nav_menu_control"><a href="project.php$session[sessionurl_q]">$vbphrase[projects]</a></td> -->
        <td class="nav_menu_control"><a href="faq.php$session[sessionurl_q]" accesskey="5">$vbphrase[faq]</a></td>
        <td class="nav_menu_control"><a href="memberlist.php$session[sessionurl_q]">$vbphrase[members_list]</a></td>
        <td class="nav_menu_control"><a href="calendar.php$session[sessionurl_q]">$vbphrase[calendar]</a></td>
        <if condition="$show['popups']">        
            <if condition="$show['searchbuttons']">
                <if condition="$show['member']">
                <td class="nav_menu_control"><a href="search.php?$session[sessionurl]do=getnew" accesskey="2">$vbphrase[new_posts_nav]</a></td>
                <else />
                <td class="nav_menu_control"><a href="search.php?$session[sessionurl]do=getdaily" accesskey="2">$vbphrase[todays_posts]</a></td>
                </if>
                <td id="navbar_search" class="nav_menu_control"><a href="search.php$session[sessionurl_q]" accesskey="4" rel="nofollow">$vbphrase[search]</a> <if condition="$show['quicksearch']"><script type="text/javascript"> vbmenu_register("navbar_search"); </script></if></td>
            </if>
            <if condition="$show['member']">
                <td id="usercptools" class="nav_menu_control"><a href="$show[nojs_link]#usercptools">$vbphrase[quick_links]</a> <script type="text/javascript"> vbmenu_register("usercptools"); </script></td>        
            </if>
        <else />        
            <if condition="$show['searchbuttons']">
                <td class="nav_menu_control"><a href="search.php$session[sessionurl_q]" accesskey="4">$vbphrase[search]</a></td>
                <if condition="$show['member']">
                <td class="nav_menu_control"><a href="search.php?$session[sessionurl]do=getnew" accesskey="2">$vbphrase[new_posts_nav]</a></td>
                <else />
                <td class="nav_menu_control"><a href="search.php?$session[sessionurl]do=getdaily" accesskey="2">$vbphrase[todays_posts]</a></td>
                </if>
            </if>
            <td class="nav_menu_control"><a href="forumdisplay.php?$session[sessionurl]do=markread" rel="nofollow">$vbphrase[mark_forums_read]</a></td>
            <if condition="$show['member']">            
                <td class="nav_menu_control"><a href="#" onclick="window.open('misc.php?$session[sessionurl]do=buddylist&amp;focus=1','buddylist','statusbar=no,menubar=no,toolbar=no,scrollbars=yes,resizable=yes,width=250,height=300'); return false;">$vbphrase[open_buddy_list]</a></td>            
            </if>            
        </if>
$template_hook[navbar_buttons_right]
        <if condition="$show['member']">
            <td class="nav_menu_control"><a href="login.php?$session[sessionurl]do=logout&amp;logouthash=$bbuserinfo[logouthash]" onclick="return log_out('$vbphrase[sure_you_want_to_log_out]')">$vbphrase[log_out]</a></td>
        </if>
    </tr>
    </table>
</div>
<!-- / nav buttons bar -->
</td></tr>
</table>
<!-- /logo -->

<!-- content table -->
$spacer_open

$_phpinclude_output
<if condition="$show['member']"><else /><if condition="in_array(THIS_SCRIPT, array(index))"><else />
<div class="spacer"></div>
<div id="vbstyles_element" align="right" style="z-index: 10;">
<div id="vbstyles_element_in" align="center">
                  <!-- login form -->
             <form action="login.php?do=login" method="post" onsubmit="md5hash(vb_login_password, vb_login_md5password, vb_login_md5password_utf, $show[nopasswordempty])">
        <script type="text/javascript" src="clientscript/vbulletin_md5.js?v=$vboptions[simpleversion]"></script>
                <div class="smallfont" style="z-index: -6;">
                  <input type="text" class="navbar_forms" style="font-size: 11px" name="vb_login_username" id="navbar_username" size="16" accesskey="u" tabindex="101" value="$vbphrase[username]" onfocus="if (this.value == '$vbphrase[username]') this.value = '';" />
                  <label for="cb_cookieuser_navbar"><input type="hidden" name="cookieuser" value="1" tabindex="103" id="cb_cookieuser_navbar" /></label>
                  <input type="password" class="navbar_forms" style="font-size: 11px" name="vb_login_password" id="navbar_password" size="16"  tabindex="102" onfocus="this.value=''" value="Password" />
                  <input  type="image" src="$stylevar[imgdir_button]/go.gif" style="vertical-align: middle;"/>
                </div>
                <input type="hidden" name="s" value="$session[sessionhash]" />
                <input type="hidden" name="do" value="login" />        
                <input type="hidden" name="vb_login_md5password" />
                <input type="hidden" name="vb_login_md5password_utf" />
                </form>

              <!-- / login form -->
</div>
</div>
<div class="spacer_small"></div></if></if>

<!-- USC header edit start -->
<table width="100%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0">
<tr>
$usc_left
<td valign="top">
<!-- USC header edit end -->

footer

<br /><br />
<div align="center">
    <div class="smallfont" align="center">
    <!-- Do not remove this copyright notice -->
    $vbphrase[powered_by_vbulletin]<br />
    vBulletin Skin developed by: <a href="http://www.vbstyles.com">vBStyles.com</a><br />
<div class="spacer"></div>
<if condition="in_array(THIS_SCRIPT, array(index))"><a href="http://validator.w3.org/check?uri=referer"><img
        src="$stylevar[imgdir_misc]/w3cxhtml.gif"
        alt="Valid XHTML 1.0 Transitional" height="13" width="73" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://jigsaw.w3.org/css-validator/check/referer ">
  <img src="$stylevar[imgdir_misc]/w3ccss.gif" alt="Valid CSS!" height="13" width="73" border="0" />
</a></if>
    <!-- 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>
<br />

<!-- USC footer edit start -->
</td>
$usc_right
</tr>
</table>
<!-- USC footer edit end -->

$spacer_close

<!-- /content area table -->

<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" accesskey="9">$vbphrase[contact_us]</a> -</if>
                <if condition="$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>

</form>
</div></div>


<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>