[HTL] & [Normal] Private threads

Tested with 3.0.1

This hack lets you have private threads. A private thread is either:
* A thread where only some selected users can post
* A thread where some some selected users cannot post, everybody else can

With this regular users can protect their threads from regular spammers, it is useful for a roleplaying game, for a semi-private conversation (everybody can read, only some users can post), if you wanted to have a semi-private conversation with 5 people that is not possible in private messages, but a private thread would do.

The hack works:

When you create a thread you will be given the option for the thread to be private. If the thread is private you need to specify:

To allow some users or to deny some users (not both!)

Everybody can see the thread but when they try to answer they must have the proper permissions, otherwise a "this is a private thread" message would be shown to them.

After the thread is posted you can go to the "edit thread" screen and change which users can see the thread and its general behaviour, you can either make it public again or make a public thread now private. This is done by whoever has access to the edit thread tool.

I am not planning to release a "completely private" thread hack, if you don't want anybody to see the thread or to post in it just use a private forum I think only not being able to post is enough functionality (at least for me!).



Please take in consideration this hack only runs with php version > 4.1.0

Info for hackers:
You may modify, improve, upgrade, redistribute this hack, include it
in another hack or yours or translate it provided you do it free of
charge and you distribute it in www.vbulletin.org at least, there is no
need to pm me asking for permission
Some portions of the code are (c) Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.

[TheComputerGuy]

Originally Posted by gmarik

interesting, but not sure if it is of some use for me ...

Good hack. I think Administrators need to be able to see it no matter what.

[Giveit2u43]

very nice hack.. works well and was easy to install.. shows off how much easier the HTL makes it for somewhat bigger hacks like this..

[Giveit2u43]

Originally Posted by TheComputerGuy

Good hack. I think Administrators need to be able to see it no matter what.

It doesn`t stop people from seeing the thread, just replying.. we`ve got this set for our poetry, story submission threads where some people are constantly flamed by the same people, just gives them a little control and might make them post more...

[Diana Notacat]

This is fantastic! I'll get alot of use for this in my RPG forums! Great idea! <3

Questions! Would Admins still have the ability to reply, even if they are not on the reply list? And are admins or mods able to edit who is on the reply list?

[Dean C]

Very nice!

[bluecat]

Originally Posted by Diana Notacat

This is fantastic! I'll get alot of use for this in my RPG forums! Great idea! <3

Questions! Would Admins still have the ability to reply, even if they are not on the reply list? And are admins or mods able to edit who is on the reply list?

I second this and would like to know as well, but also, is it possible that only certain usergroups could get this privelage? Thank you.

[Kentaurus]

Originally Posted by Diana Notacat

This is fantastic! I'll get alot of use for this in my RPG forums! Great idea! <3

Questions! Would Admins still have the ability to reply, even if they are not on the reply list? And are admins or mods able to edit who is on the reply list?

Admins wouldn't be able to reply right away. Although because they can edit the thread they can add themselves to the allowed list and then reply.

[bluecat]

Thanks. Also, I ran a test thread and can see the 3 options to allow, disallow, etc., but after hitting the edit thread to put who can or can't, it doesn't show me a form to enter the names. I'm sure I've installed everything right. Any suggestions?

[Kentaurus]

Originally Posted by bluecat

Thanks. Also, I ran a test thread and can see the 3 options to allow, disallow, etc., but after hitting the edit thread to put who can or can't, it doesn't show me a form to enter the names. I'm sure I've installed everything right. Any suggestions?

Did you do the template edit completely? It should show a "Select users - Separate multiple users with a ;" and an input box to type

[Boofo]

Can this be addd to the editpost if you are editing the first post in the thread?