ContentID vs NodeID in vB CMS Question

[Mrajp]

Hey guys!

Currently, we host a knowledge base inside of long list of forums. With the new vB CMS, I would like to convert these threads into CMS articles. I feel that CMS articles would be more professional than forum threads.

I'm running into a bit of a conundrum though. With the threads, I can easily display ThreadID in the threadbit or postbit. Also, I have an input box where the users can specify a ThreadID and it will execute a javascript redirect to /showthread.php?t={threadid}.

However with the CMS, I now see that there is a NodeID and a ContentID. I can display the ContentID in the article title, but content.php takes a NodeID. I'd like to create a widget that the user could type in a value and be directed to that KB article.

So I'm kinda stuck. These KB IDs should be permanent, which I don't think the NodeID provides (but I'm still kinda new to vB 4.0, so I really don't know). I know the NodeID and ContentID have a relationship in the database, but programming all of that in may be a little over my head.

Sorry in advance if this post seems to be a little all over the place. I'm trying to relay all of my thoughts here. I'm looking for advice, suggestions, and/or examples on any of the above. As always, help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
MrAJP