The Arcive of Official vBulletin Modifications Site.

Handy Themed Search Links · **Released**: 07-25-2005

Users too lazy to use post icons? Don't want a bunch of inactive subfora to divide up your themed threads?

Look no further!

(Scroll down to see the lovely images)

There are many optional steps, it all depends on the effect you want.

Here's the basics.

* Play around with the search functions on vb's forums. Like me, I'm sure most people rarely use them.

* Brainstorm topics (with your staff or members if necessary) that come up very often within your board or a forum. Work out complicated search strings that will return relevent threads.

EXAMPLES:

Code:

/search.php?query=anime+or+hentai+or+comic+or+manga&forumchoice=14&do=process
/search.php?query=star%20trek&forumchoice=14&do=process
/search.php?query=%22dr+who%22&forumchoice=14&do=process
/search.php?query=firefly+or+serenity&forumchoice=14&do=process
/search.php?query=star%20wars&forumchoice=14&do=process
/search.php?query=harry%20potter&forumchoice=14&do=process
/search.php?query=BattleStar%20Galactica&forumchoice=14&do=process
/search.php?query=buffy+or+angel&forumchoice=14&do=process
/search.php?query=film&forumchoice=14&do=process

Note the exceptional strings surrounding dr and who for example, 'dr' will normally be ommitted by the search programme.

The forumchoice=14 in those cases means to only search in my media forum

The do=process means to head straight for the results, not to just fill in a search form.

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Next you need to use the built-in 'forum link' feature vb has.

Make subfora of the forum your search links will be in or wherever you want them to appear.

Then when it says

"Forum Link (Entering a URL here will cause anyone clicking the forum link to be redirected to that URL)"

Place your search string. Be sure to give an appropriate forum name that will hint at what's being searched for.

=====

That COULD be all you want now, however it looks untidy and pushes your forum's threads downt the page rather a lot.

=====

Optional Step 1

Arrange Sub-Forums in columns hack or similar

You can configure your search links to appear side by side now. They still look ugly though with the

link repeated lots.

=====
Optional Step 2

Livewire's vB Category Icons or similar

This is a great add on. However it will effect you board-wide. Be sure to find great images that reflect your search links and install them as the 'forum icon's for the search link forums

=====
Optional Step 3

For my board, I took the Forumhome Mouseover Effect mod and tweaked if for forum viewing and the subforum links.

=====

Live Demo... uh my board actually

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Borgs8472 · #2 08-10-2005, 09:36 AM

I'm sure it's bad form to bump this up, but if anyone's confused, say how and I'll clarify my instructions appropriately.

yoyoyoyo · #3 09-02-2005, 05:31 PM

very interesting idea. thanks for sharing.

Borgs8472 · #4 10-22-2005, 12:10 AM

[high]* Borgs8472 feels no guilt for bumping thread as he knows it to be good

[/high]

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