Add-On Releases - Amazon Store Integration

Finally, I've gotten around to putting together a version of the Amazon Store integration mod for vBulletin 3.6.

This mod allows you to add an Amazon store to your vBulletin. You can set it to search for a particular keyword, for different types of items - CDs, DVDs, Clothing, etc. A sample of the store in action is available here: http://www.lidragracing.com/amazon_store.php.

You will need to sign up for Amazon Web Services to get an AWS key in order for this to work. In addition, you need to have PHP 5 installed on your server.

Installation is very simple, upload 3 files, import the xml file and then add a link to the store in your navigation bar. See the attached file "ECS Amazon Store.txt" for the exact installation instructions.

Give it a try, let me know what you think. Make sure you click "Mark as Installed" if you've installed it.

Also, if you intall it and use it, please post the URL you have it installed at so I can see how it's being used.

{edit}

To upgrade to a newer version, re-upload the php files and then import the xml product file. Afterwards go to the admin control panel to check to make sure all of the fields are filled in properly.

[trancetopia]

I'd really like to get this working for amazon.co.uk

Has anyone any tips on how I can do this using this promising mod?

Thanks.

[mikelbeck]

Originally Posted by trancetopia

I'd really like to get this working for amazon.co.uk

Has anyone any tips on how I can do this using this promising mod?

Thanks.

The next release will have support for choosing your locale. I'll get it out in another day or two.

In the mean time, I think what you can do is open amazon_store.php and amazon_store_detail.php, search for this:

http://webservices.amazon.com/onca/xml

and replace it with this:

http://ecs.amazonaws.co.uk/onca/xml

I haven't tested that, so I'm not positive it will work. But the docs say it should... Give it a try, let me know if that does it for you.

[mikelbeck]

Originally Posted by Kihon Kata

Uhm....this is what I got when I tried to import the product:




Database error in vBulletin 3.6.8:

Invalid SQL:
DELETE FROM phrase WHERE product = 'ecs_amazon_store' AND languageid = -1;

MySQL Error : Got error 127 from storage engine
Error Number : 1030
Date : Wednesday, October 31st 2007 @ 07:17:42 PM
Script : http://www.XXX.com/forums/admincp/pl...=productimport
Referrer : http://www.XXX.com/forums/admincp/pl...?do=productadd
IP Address : XXXXXXXXX
Username : XXXXXXXXXX
Classname : vB_Database

Running Dedicated Dual Processor Linux Server
PHP5
Mysql 4.1.20
btw.

I really have no idea where that error would come from... this mod does not do anything with the database, that looks to me like something is wrong with your vBulletin itself.

I *think* that error means one of your tables is corrupted or crashed. Try doing a repair and see if that corrects it.

[yoyoyoyo]

Originally Posted by yoyoyoyo

since you are aking for suggestions:

I like the idea of having more than one category to choose from, and also multiple search options, So, for example - you could have a navigation menu somewhere that lists all of the types of items, such as Books, DVDs, CDs, etc., and have a separate search term attached to each category. I also like the idea of having more than one search term for each category - for example - you could have 2 or 3 different settings for each category: Books could have "cat grooming" and "cat breeding" and then the results would be compiled in to one overall "Books" category. I know that this would require a lot of coding, but I can see it as being very helpful. As it stands now, if I want to search for the term "Cats" then it will bring back the Cats broadway cast recording, as well as books about cats, and movies with Cat in the title - I would like to narrow down those searches, but if I put "cat grooming" then it will ignore books about "cat breeding," etc.. I hope I made myself clear enough - sorry for the rambling explanation...

Even if you don't have the categories listed - I think the multiple search terms would bve really helpful - so you could enter "cat grooming" "cat breeding" "cat history" etc. and allow all of those search terms compile the results for the store. If I put all of those in at once: "cat grooming breeding history" it narrows down the searches too much, but having the three of them separate and then combined in to one overall search would be really helpful.

[Kihon Kata]

Originally Posted by mikelbeck

I really have no idea where that error would come from... this mod does not do anything with the database, that looks to me like something is wrong with your vBulletin itself.

I *think* that error means one of your tables is corrupted or crashed. Try doing a repair and see if that corrects it.

Yep, that fixed it. Thanks! Installs.

[scottct1]

I installed it, but its not doing what I want.

I want it to only display HDDVD and BluRay Movies only.

Its there any way to make it search for two keywords?

Also any way to add a Amazon Search Box which is tied to my associate ID?

[Kihon Kata]

Mine's working good, except there is "Page 1 of 5365". How can I split this up better?

[mikelbeck]

@scottct1 - The next version will allow you to do multiple searches, and they'll be a search box so your users can type in anything they want.

@Kihon - what would you prefer? Also, I had a look at your site, check to make sure your Associate Tag is entered correctly, your links don't look quite right.

[mikelbeck]

Where would you like to see the search box? Right now I've got it up on top of the page, I'm not sure if I'm happy with it there.

Also, would you like your users to a) only search the search index you've selected or b) select the search index to search through?

[mikelbeck]

Version B4 is now available.

In this version, I've added results caching, cleaned up the templates, added additional search options and added support for locales.

There are many more options in the ACP, so if you upgrade please immediately go to the ACP and check to make sure that you've got your settings correct.

Also - VERY IMPORTANT - you'll need to create a "cache" directory for the cached results to be stored in. Make sure this directory is chmod'd to 777! Read the included text file for more information.