Forum Home Enhancements - [AJAX] Tabbed Forum Home

Tabbed Forum Home version 1.01

[AJAX] Tabbed Forum Home version 1.5.0 (BETA)

NOTE: Works with both 3.7x and 3.6x

Description: This MOD is for creating a "Tabbed" Forum Home Page to have Categories displayed within Tab containers (similar to what the new Profile System looks like on vb3.7). Please do not confuse this with the Tab Menu System here at vbulletin.org. They are totally different systems. These Tabs actually switch the content without leaving the main forums page.

I wrote the initial Non AJAX version based on reading many requests from members asking about how namepros created their custom tabbed forum home page. The first implementation I did was a request by bbwforums.net (which you can visit to see a working example). I have shared this version with many members already and decided to release it since it seems to be something that a lot of members are interested in.

UPDATE: I have released a BETA [AJAX] version for those that what something a little more robust and easier to install/configure. This Beta version will never go into production tho as version 2.0 will utilize the YUI AJAX Tabview Toolset. It IS stable tho and is currently running on a few live sites.

NOTE: Keep in mind, I wrote this with the assumption that you are fairly well versed and comfortable with editing files/templates and following the flow of things. If there is something you don't understand, PLEASE let me know so that I can help you understand it. This IS NOT a product that a novice can just plug and play and it takes a little bit of time to setup, but its well worth it in the end (if you want a custom unique look to your forum home page)... the next version (Don't ask when, cause its just on the drawing board) will be a product with ACP controls for easy setup

The attached Zip File(s) contain the Files and Instructions necessary to install each version.

DEMO: www.bbwforums.net or www.namepros.com
[Moderator Edit: The first URL has been un-linked as there has been reported malware on that domain. The mod author may edit this notice once the situation has been cleaned.]

Screen Shots: None, visit one or both of the above links as seeing them in action is better than some static image(s)..

Bobster

Change Log

version 1.01 -
tabcontent.js ver 2.2 to support remote links
updated install instructions (both in txt and rtf format)

version 1.5.0 -
BETA [AJAX] version

July 8, 2008 - Added xml file for WOL
Sep 2, 2008 - Updated xml file for WOL

[Doom Stone]

Originally Posted by jambo_1969

One question having searched this mammoth thread and not been able to find it...

I've got some members who prefer the old layout (roll eyes) - is there a way I can give them the choice whilst keeping the tabs in place ?

With the AJAX 1.5 version, having the tabbed categories on one skin doesn't affect the layout of a different skin. At least not as far as I've gathered from messing around with it for a while. So having multiple skin choices should solve that issue for you.

[jambo_1969]

Originally Posted by Doom Stone

With the AJAX 1.5 version, having the tabbed categories on one skin doesn't affect the layout of a different skin. At least not as far as I've gathered from messing around with it for a while. So having multiple skin choices should solve that issue for you.

Cool - thanks for that.

New Style introduced

[King Kovifor]

Originally Posted by maidos

when the beta is out can we use the beta and upgrade to the stable version with no issue?

Yes. 2.0 is database driven, so only changes may be minor template chagnes for you to make.

[Magnumutz]

Can the same thing be done with bobster's other mod: https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=191106 ?
Cuz that one is purely amazing.

[akulion]

any ideas when v2 will be out?

[Morsolo]

People, stop asking when will it be released.

Bobster has already said:

Originally Posted by bobster65

Beta is complete (as far as features/bugs) .. all that's left is install instructions (being drafted now)..

And then:

Originally Posted by bobster65

We are just finishing up with the Install Doc. Beta 2.0 will be released by this weekend.

So if everyone is patient, bobster can roll it out quicker.

Cheers,
- Morsolo

[dazkeirle]

Originally Posted by dazkeirle View Post

ok guys.

First: Anyone with a linux box, in the js file remove the "/" before clientscript in the source for the css and the loading gif. That will allow those to load.

Second: anybody noticing these display different by default on IE and firefox, It's because the line is added as a class to a break (<br>) instead of a div. Change to a div and all should be well.

I've installed the tabbing. And it looks nice: http://www.mygreatphone.com/forum

Only comments would be:

a) I'd really like it if i could add individual forums to a tab and not just categories.

b) A simple bit of code to show all cats (for my everything tab, instead of having to add everything)

c) The forums no longer show how many are viewing each forum, that would be a really welcome thing to have back, and may even be a deal breaker to whether i use this in the long term.

d)Would be great if it would degrade gracefully, so if no JS or ajax, that it loads the default or other non tabbed style.

Anyway, good for a work-print add-on, but a bit to go before it's perfect (ie. features not working like number viewing and lack of degradation.)

Thank you for the constructive feedback.. much appreciated..

a) This will be possible with the new version (the final release, not the beta). You will be able to use the recent threads module with the beta to pull this off in the mean time.

b) This is an ACP Option with version 2 as well as user group permissions for each tab.

c) This is "fixed" in version 2 as well as Mark Forums Read.

d) as addressed above, this is something that has been in our plans and is being currently looked into as a high priority.

Great news my friend all round.

I have since had another thought that would enhance the product.

The issue with the tabs being there is there's now no longer a front page status showing what threads have been updated and that contain new posts.

So what I'd suggest is instead of say my tabs saying:

Handsets | Networks | Info etc.

They say:

Handsets(2) | Networks(6) | Info

So basically any tabs which contain forums with new posts, the number of new posts is collated and displayed on the actual tab.

Hope that makes sense.

Else the only thing i see as a problem is that the frontpage tabbed section gets all the attention and nobody ever updates the other sections.

Food for thought.

[xcingix]

thanks. great mod.
how is this with vBSEO?

[EricGT]

Originally Posted by King Kovifor

That's not a bad idea. I will see if I can get a module set up to allow this - and if I can I will release it either with 2.0 b2+ or 2.1+ as a default; before that it may only be an addon.

Outstanding. It will be a very popular feature, I think. Thanks for all your hard work on this. Eric

[King Kovifor]

Originally Posted by Morsolo

BETA 2.0 RELEASE DATE ...Information

People, stop asking when will it be released.

Bobster has already said:

And then:


So if everyone sits down and shuts up, he doesn't have to keep checking the thread and we can hope to see it on the weekend.

Cheers,
- Morsolo

This is a post as a moderator and not as a developer. Please tone the post down - some of it wasn't really needed.