vBulletin Project Tools - Project Tools Importer for forum threads

Beta warning

This is currently in beta stadium. I used it successfully on my forum, but there might be problems with other configurations. See below for current limitations and features not yet implemented.

Note for german speaking users: There will be a german version released and supported on vB GO once this mod reaches Release Candidate stage.


What's this mod for?

I needed a simple to use function to move my forum threads into the vBulletin Project Tools. This Add-on adds a new moderation link to the showthread page that allows you to import the thread into any project and issue type you are allowed to post in.

The source thread can either be left untouched or automatically be converted into a redirector that leads to the created issue. No data in the original thread will be lost, an easy restore function will be implemented in the future. Redirectors can show a prefix (like "Moved:" for thread redirectors) that can display the project title and the issue type.


What's new in Beta 3?

Code rewrite

This is a major rewrite of the whole codebase. The code has been optimized and redundant code has been moved to functions and classes. Please note that this means almost everything is new and this likely means there are new bugs in places that worked before. Use at your own risk!

Attachment import

The most requested functions has been added: You can now import attachments if vBulletin or Project Tools (or both, of course) store attachments in the file system. There's a new setting in the AdminCP where you can specify if attachments that do not meet the current limitations should be imported.

I was only able to test this on Windows based systems, but it should work on *NIX as well.

Other changes

A function has been implemented to allow the creation of a notice stating the issue has been imported (by which user at which date). It's enabled by default, but you can disable it in the AdminCP. See also the new screenshot attached.

There have been other minor changes, see the changelog below.


Functions implemented

• Import of threads (Issue)
• Import of posts (Notices)
• Import of attachments (Filesystem is now supported, too!)
• Import of subscriptions
• Create redirector (optional)
• Create a notice stating this note was imported (optional)

Current limitations

These limitations result on the fact that I created this Add-on mainly for myself and so I left out some features not important to me. They are planned to be fixed in Version 1.0.0.

• Currently you need the moderator permissions canmanagethreads and canremoveposts to import threads. Should be replaced by a new moderator permission (can convert all threads in a forum) and a new usergroup permission (can convert own threads).
• [s]Attachments will only be imported if both vBulletin and Project Tools are configured to save attachments in the database. Attachment limits will be ignored.[/s]

Functions planned

This functions will probably be added to a version after 1.0.0. Please post suggestions and comments so I can see where to go

• Allow to hide redirectors based on a global setting or on usergroup permissions
• Allow to completely delete the source during thread after import
• Allow to manually delete redirecting threads (imported x days before) using the AdminCP / ModCP
• Allow to automatically delete redirecting threads using vBCron
• Allow to associate status changes with posts during import (ex: change status to "Solved" at the same time a it has been posted)
• Mass import of multiple threads
• Export issues (back) into threads

Requirements

• vBulletin 3.6.7
• vBulletin Project Tools 1.0.0

Installation

These are some fast installation steps. There is a file ptimporter_install.txt in the zip file with more detailed instructions.

• Upload everything in the "upload" directory into your vbulletin home directory
• import the product file ./includes/xml/product-db_ptimporter.xml
  Note: select "Allow Overwrite" if upgrading
• Apply the two small template changes in ptimporter_templates.txt
  Note: Not needed if upgrading from Beta 2

Done.

[daFish]

What a nice addon. Thanks for this.

I've found an issue but I'm not sure if it is a bug or working as designed.
If I move a thread to a project, I can select self assign. Does this mean I, as the administrator but not thread startet, are going to be assigned to this issue or does this mean the thread starter is going to be assigned although he is not a staff member?

[GameCrash]

Hi,

it means you (the one importing the thread) are assigned. Usually "assigned" means you are the one handling the issue, and I assume often it's the person importing it so that's what the shortcut is for.

[daFish]

Originally Posted by GameCrash

Hi,

it means you (the one importing the thread) are assigned. Usually "assigned" means you are the one handling the issue, and I assume often it's the person importing it so that's what the shortcut is for.

So, this is then a bug because I didn't get assigned to the issue. I've had to assign me in the issue details by hand.

[daFish]

I've found 2 other issues:

1. If you have a thread with replies by yourself and are subscribed to this thread, the subscription will stay if you move the thread to the project tools.
   Viewing all your subscriptions show a locked icon for the thread.
2. Similar situation as above: You've subscribed to a thread and there are new messages you didn't yet read. The thread got moved to the project tools.
   Now everytime you go to you UserCP, there is the notification about unread threads. Same goes for New Posts.

I think the subscription should be removed while moving the thread to the tools, because it is no longer a thread but a issue.

[daFish]

Hello? Is anyone alive?

[GameCrash]

Hi, for some reason I didn't get an email notification for your other posts so I missed them. Sorry about that.

Assigning

I'll look into this

Thread subscription

The threads are not actually deleted but just closed. That way a "undo" would be easy to implement. I'm not sure how to resolve that issue the best way, but let me think about it.

[daFish]

Originally Posted by GameCrash

Hi, for some reason I didn't get an email notification for your other posts so I missed them. Sorry about that.

Assigning

I'll look into this

Thread subscription

The threads are not actually deleted but just closed. That way a "undo" would be easy to implement. I'm not sure how to resolve that issue the best way, but let me think about it.

Thanks for the info.
Maybe it would solve the problem, if every subscription a user has with this thread would be deleted.
So the thread can be imported into a project and is closed to leave the ability of undoing the import is still usable.

[beduino]

hello gamecrash!

you already test this with vb 370rc3?
tks for all
beduino

[GameCrash]

Hi,

I didn't test it with vB 3.7 yet, but I don't think there will be a problem. If there is a problem let me know.

The next version released will officially support vB 3.7.

And why don't I get the "Instant email notification" I have enabled for this thread

[Roflstilzchen]

thank you, works fine on 3.7.0 gold 8)