Question regarding creation of "groups" and some others

[Cujo_34]

I posted this at vb.com and it was suggested I come here to post and get the answers. So hopefully someone can help me out here.

First the easy questions.

I have a client who wants to totally revamp their current site and make their new site more "community" based and more like an e-zine. A main feature of the site will be the BB but the site also will have functions outside of the BB but using the same logins etc -- I'm hoping to use the BB logins site wide.

1. A function not associated with the BB is that all users (registered) will have the ability to submit news articles, interviews etc through the general site. There will then be users set up as "editors" who review the submissions and have the ability to publish them on the site. Is it possible to designate someone as an "editor" using VB but not have them as say a moderator or admin on the actual BB? Or will I need to modify the DB myself to add a seperate section in there. Also if it is possible to allow users to be "editors" how do they get assigned this, is it by the "admin" or "moderators"?

This has been answered.
2. I currently do not have control of the domain for the client (it's with the old developer/host) so I cannot install the BB right away to the domain. However, I'd like to install the devel board (.htaccess version) to a devel domain under my company's domains. Is this possible? I'm just looking for clarification. I know I can have 2 instances, a running board and the devel board (.htaccess) I just want to make sure they can operate on seperate domains.

The harder questions.

Now my "main" priority I guess. The client would like to set up "groups" in which different registered users can join. Basically these groups will be set up based on interests, activities etc. I have a site as an example of what they are looking for but the site is an adult themed site so I'll send the link through PM if people request it to see it.

The idea of the groups is that a user can request to establish a group then the group needs to be approved. After this the user who established the group is in control of the membership for that group. Another user can request to become a member of the group then the person in charge either approves/denies the request.

3. Is this possible to set up using VB but to use site wide?

Also, I'd like for the groups to have a section on the forum where they discuss their activities etc. Basically if you are a member of the group you can post new threads/replies etc and if you are not a member you can only view (although we may not even want the viewing to take place -- this is yet to be decided).

4. Is this possible?

After seeing the site which they wish to mimic you can get a better idea of the "group" I guess. On the main page it has a listing of the past active groups so I'm assuming this is if the group has a thread running etc,

5. Is there a way to track group activity in VB. I'm not sure if this would just be if the group is logged in, if the group has posted a message etc.

I believe that's it for the "getting started" questions. I'm sure I have more but I can't think of them or know how to word them properly yet, thanks in advance for any help.