Duplicate Channels/Subforums

[sje1119]

I've seen this question dating back to 2005 and, other than a hastily written alpha script, can't seem to find an answer to it.

I have 1 site with 2 user groups which cannot "see" each other when they're in the forum. Each perceives the forum to be theirs and theirs alone (which is good). This works well via channel permissions and usergroup settings.

I spent a long time configuring the first group as far as naming channels, organizing channels, breaking things out as need be. The first forum is good.

I have not populated the entire second forum as it's a lot of channels and takes a bit of work. I have been adding new channels one-by-one which is so time consuming. Since the second forum is active, I'm not sure how else to do it.

My questions are: 1. perhaps I can't automate adding the rest of the channels to the live forum (where usergroup 2 resides) without risking the loss of their data? True or not true?

2. I want to add a 3rd forum for a 3rd user group but it will be the exact same configuration / channel names as the 1st one. I want to open the 3rd forum after the 1st of the year Is there any way to DUPLICATE the 1st forum for 3rd user group without doing Add New Channel over and over again? Is there any way to do this in an efficient and not time-hogging manner? User group 1 will still be active, UG 2 will be active and I will be adding the 3rd.

3. When I do add channels, I have to change the template settings and allow smilies etc....Is there any way to have a "default" template and settings. I don't want to have to click on yes yes yes and the template name every single time.

--------------- Added [DATE]1542379615[/DATE] at [TIME]1542379615[/TIME] ---------------

Should this question go in the Styles etc forum?