New Posting Features - [AJAX] vB Post Templates 1.5.0

vB Post Templates

vB4 Version: https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=242246

This modification adds an extension to your User CP, and posting interface. Both which allow you to pre-create "Post Templates". This is useful for repetitive posts, such as common replies to commonly answered questions.

A quick example would be here on vBulletin.org, all the moderators post nearly the same reply to users who are unlicensed, with this modification they would only need to insert a post template in their User CP, and then they could easily push that template into any post, quickly.

Ofcourse this could be used as an actual "Template", for users who make certain posts that are always constructed in some way or form, an example for that could be people who release modifications who like to structure their first post, and generally try to do universally.

Another use would be simply storing common responses or phrases, and you'd simply be able to push them into posts quickly without typing them


How does it work?

Very simple, in your User CP you can create two new things. One is categories for your post templates, and you'll need atleast one category before you can create a post template. Then secondly ofcourse, you can create post templates.

Once you have atleast one of each, when making new topics, or replies, or blogs, or anywhere with the full post editor, you'll see a new option integrated into the vBulletin WYSIWYG called 'Post Templates', clicking it will open a menu showing you your post templates categorised. Click any of the post templates, and AJAX will quickly request then spit the contents of that post template, into your post!



Features

• Fully Integrates into vBulletin WYSIWYG editor
• Unlimited amount of categories/templates allowed.
• Fast template inclusion, through AJAX.

Translations
Spanish - Thanks to dvbusuario

FAQ
1) Does this work on lower vB versions?
A) I've not tested it, so feel free if you wish, but you may experience errors.


Change Log

- Version 1.5.1
Fixed bug with attachment bbcode manager in editor toolbar

- Version 1.5.0
Enhanced User CP Interface - More user friendly I hope!
Cleaned WYSIWYG Integration - Empty categories hidden, and PT hidden if no categories with templates are found
Usergroup Permissions - Ability to decide who can use PT, who can create items in PT, who can create "defined" items in PT, and who can use "defined" items in PT.
Defined Items - For those with permission to create defined items, they can create categories and templates and with the defined option make the category/template "Public" to all users who can use "defined" items.


If you have any questions, suggestions, or anything else then feel free to let me know

[Stifmeister2]

Originally Posted by djr

I would love to see admin defined templates instead of user defined templates. This way the admin decides (in AdminCP) who gets to post what (in combination with the usergroup permissions).

Yes that would be better imo.

[TheLastSuperman]

Originally Posted by Stifmeister2

Yes that would be better imo.

Ohhhhhh Deceptor lol???

Eh? What do you think?

[Vitaly]

Originally Posted by djr

I would love to see admin defined templates instead of user defined templates. This way the admin decides (in AdminCP) who gets to post what (in combination with the usergroup permissions).

I don't agree. That overcomplicates mod/management without significant benefits.

May be, just function to bulk append (copy) templates from one profile to another one. Not more. But seems to be used in rare cases. The simple solution is just to publish all templates for stuff in restricted section of forum, and everyone will select those he really needs.

[Lynne]

Originally Posted by Vitaly

The simple solution is just to publish all templates for stuff in restricted section of forum, and everyone will select those he really needs.

Exactly what I was thinking. I was gonna write a bunch of 'templates' in our Staff forum and just have the Staff pick the ones that they need to add to their own set of templates. I have about four 'main' areas that need moderators to reply in all the time. Each of those forums require different pre-defined statements to be made.

[djr]

Vitaly and Lynne: For our forum (and I guess many other forums) it's really important that the admin and all mods all speak in the same 'tone of voice'. If you delegate this power to the staff by leaving them the option who gets to post/select what and in what way, you'll essentially lose that control. If you look at vB.com (the canned replies on which this mod is based), you'll notice they all post the same responses over and over.

Another point which I'd like to make from an administrator point of view: if you appoint new moderators you'll have to instruct them individually which templates they have to generate in their UserCP and point them to the admin predefined templates they have to copy and paste in their own templates. It would be far more easier if the admin (with help of the staff) defines up the templates/canned replies, store them in the AdminCP and selects which usergroup may use what template.

[Lynne]

Actually, djr, there is only one canned reply here - it is regarding the licensing issue. All other mod replies are our own - although I know I'm not the only mod that has a text sheet of 'cheats' to copy/paste when appropriate.

[djr]

Originally Posted by Lynne

Actually, djr, there is only one canned reply here - it is regarding the licensing issue. All other mod replies are our own - although I know I'm not the only mod that has a text sheet of 'cheats' to copy/paste when appropriate.

I wrote vB.com, not vB.org

[Deceptor]

I suppose best of both worlds would be needed really. Either way I'm setting up permissions to work both ways, either:

- Users can create their own templates
- Users can create their own and have preset ones (defined by admins)
- Users can only use predefined ones

So which way works best for your forum and you will be available

[djr]

If you manage to do this I will match Vitaly's donation

[Lynne]

Originally Posted by djr

I wrote vB.com, not vB.org

Whoops, I missed that. But, I could have sworn that I saw a discussion about this on vb.com and they also do what we do - each have their own text file that they copy/paste from.