Miscellaneous Hacks - vbNetwork - share forums with other boards

vbNetwork

Summary

This add-on gives you the ability to share forums with other message boards without having to share any database information. The plugin runs through webservices and uses XML.

Release Notes
Currently the installation is easy but if you want to set up and run your own network it will help if you're familiar with XML. Joining an already existing network is fairly simple.

This plugin is developed using vBulletin 3.8.X and being tested on 3.6.X and 3.8.X. If it works on both of those, I will assume it works on 3.7.X.

If you would like my help writing versions for phpBB, IPB or other message board software, please feel free to contact me.

If you are interested you can join my existing network, but please note that it is mostly a trolling-based community of boards. Feel free to start your own network with other boards.

Product Specifications

1. several plugins
2. one cron job
3. file uploads
4. new DB tables
5. several phrases

Installation
Approx 2-5 mins

See the included installation instructions.

Upgrading/Updating

1. upload all files in the upload directory, overwriting any existing files
2. re-import the XML file, setting "Overwrite" to "Yes"

Configuration

See the included documentation for details.

Support

If you encounter problems or discover any bugs, please create a new issue at: http://code.google.com/p/vbnetwork/issues/list

Change History

• 0.9.0 (2009-02-20) - initial Beta release
• 0.9.2 (2009-05-03) - added (some) logging, fixed bug for 3.8.2
• 0.9.3 (2009-05-03) - added 'Delete' to Network Management, other minor changes
• 0.9.4 (2009-05-08) - added new board and forum management functionality, and some new minor features
• 0.9.5 (2009-05-09) - adds new option to sync network users via email, and added ability to change the network name
• 1.0.0 (2010-06-02) - Version 1.0 for vBulletin 3.8.X

Sample

This is one shared forum on three different boards (the content of this forum may be NSFW).
http://www.anothermessageboard.com/f...splay.php?f=29
http://www.juot.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=50
http://www.drunkensquirrel.net/com/f...splay.php?f=28

PLEASE CLICK INSTALL!

[Lynne]

This is pretty cool! I can't think of a use for it on my site right now, but I do like the idea.

[Brandon Sheley]

I agree it sounds pretty cool, wouldn't you worry about duplicate content?

[Loki12]

Sounds like a great idea, but how about security risks of incoming packets? Could be exploited by hackers and those who want to flood your site.

[R1lover]

I'm not sure how you are merging username etc.... as they show up different on each site.

very interested in this, but I don't see how it's working properly with different boards and different users etc... can each site post to the shared section without having to register?

[trickfly]

Sounds good, I installed it on my site here: www.symbiangalaxy.org

Anyone wanna join my network ?

[zethon]

Originally Posted by Loco.M

I agree it sounds pretty cool, wouldn't you worry about duplicate content?

That's Google's problem.

Originally Posted by Loki12

Sounds like a great idea, but how about security risks of incoming packets? Could be exploited by hackers and those who want to flood your site.

Each network has a password which has to be verified before any packets are processed.

Originally Posted by R1lover

I'm not sure how you are merging username etc.... as they show up different on each site.

very interested in this, but I don't see how it's working properly with different boards and different users etc... can each site post to the shared section without having to register?

Posts from other boards show up on your board as Guest posts would. The username is constructed from the user's name on the other board and the board's "node code". Hence, if someone on another board the username "Fred" and that board's node code is XYZ, then posts from that user will show up on your board as a Guest with name "Fred@XYZ"

[al-jadeed.ca]

thanks for the greate add-on wish the best and the best in developing this add-on and i will show you what i got after installing it
wish you visit my website for arabic people only
http://www.sa5tta.net/vb/

[al-jadeed.ca]

i installed the add-on but how to add a network and make it work i need your answer

[zethon]

Originally Posted by al-jadeed.ca

i installed the add-on but how to add a network and make it work i need your answer

You should probably find a network you want to join before installing this plugin. Or have another board ready to join a network you want to start.