zCommunity 0.8.1 Beta Now available! (supports SMF 2.0 RC1 and 1.1.8)

[jkrlvgn]

Why is it now that when "Don't show forum template layers" it defaults to the SMF default template and not my own like in the past?

I don't want SMF's default template showing up in my forum in any form or fashion.
Why aren't other installed templates not an option?

*blinks*  If you don't have forum layers activated, it shows the theme that your forum has on it, with the header and anything that's layered in with it.

I think that you're getting a bit confused on what everything is and what the options are, Elijah, and I think that some of this is getting blown a bit out of proportion.

I don't have your "modified" themes installed on my little dummy forum, but I can install those bases and have them work just fine with zC.  The only difference is that if you want to have separate themes per blog, you have the option to.  To use a separate theme for zC (granted, there are only two choices right now, but both are easily modified), you disable the forum layers, and then choose a theme.  At the moment, there's two:  Clean - One, and "SMF Default".  These are NOT the same themes that are installed on your SMF board, regardless of what you might think.  If you look in the package, you'll notice that you'll have a "THEMES" folder in the zCommunity directory.  In this directory, there are currently two themes.

You can easily disallow people from using custom themes on their blogs, so that they don't suffer the same confusion.  I can take screenshots for you and then walk you through it step by step if you'd like, or even do it for you if you want me to.

Except for a few minor cosmetic issues (in AA New Damage, the copyright info was placed funny), and with this being an -Alpha- release on zCommunity, everything is fine.

I'm assuming that you don't want your header/footer to show, though, on the blogs, or that you don't want the template layers to be shown, which is fine....but I still see no issues using other custom themes with the forum template layers enabled.  I've installed AA New Damage, Computer Stuff (christmas theme), SlickPro Graphite, Android...  As I said...only minor problems, and cosmetic ones at that.



As far as permissions go, I'm sure that he's going to be working on future releases, and he might very well get post count permissions as well.  There are a few different things out there that are being considered besides this, but I'm sure that it wouldn't be too much trouble to include the post count groups.

Lightbox should be easier.  Just go through your source files and comment out the instances, I'd think.  Once again, i'm not a coder, but this would be the solution I'd go with.

You're welcome to use Blog Community as well, though, until you're ready to switch, though...no one is forcing you to change, nor are we asking you to.  You make that choice.  This is still an "ALPHA" release, though, so there are obviously things that are going to be changed and filtered through.

[Smoky "Rider" Blue]

if you need any help at all and want someone to look at it for you, i would suggest to pm them a test admin acct along with ftp..

if you dont know who to ask, then pm Charles Hill and either he can do this or he can find someone to help you with it..

its really not that hard, but i do understand your confusion.. the next move if yours..

should you need someone to customize a theme for you, it wont be that hard to find someone to do that.. 

[Elijah Bliss]

Why is it now that when "Don't show forum template layers" it defaults to the SMF default template and not my own like in the past?

I don't want SMF's default template showing up in my forum in any form or fashion.
Why aren't other installed templates not an option?

*blinks*  If you don't have forum layers activated, it shows the theme that your forum has on it, with the header and anything that's layered in with it.

I think that you're getting a bit confused on what everything is and what the options are, Elijah, and I think that some of this is getting blown a bit out of proportion.

I don't have your "modified" themes installed on my little dummy forum, but I can install those bases and have them work just fine with zC.  The only difference is that if you want to have separate themes per blog, you have the option to.  To use a separate theme for zC (granted, there are only two choices right now, but both are easily modified), you disable the forum layers, and then choose a theme.  At the moment, there's two:  Clean - One, and "SMF Default".  These are NOT the same themes that are installed on your SMF board, regardless of what you might think.  If you look in the package, you'll notice that you'll have a "THEMES" folder in the zCommunity directory.  In this directory, there are currently two themes.

You can easily disallow people from using custom themes on their blogs, so that they don't suffer the same confusion.  I can take screenshots for you and then walk you through it step by step if you'd like, or even do it for you if you want me to.

Except for a few minor cosmetic issues (in AA New Damage, the copyright info was placed funny), and with this being an -Alpha- release on zCommunity, everything is fine.

I'm assuming that you don't want your header/footer to show, though, on the blogs, or that you don't want the template layers to be shown, which is fine....but I still see no issues using other custom themes with the forum template layers enabled.  I've installed AA New Damage, Computer Stuff (christmas theme), SlickPro Graphite, Android...  As I said...only minor problems, and cosmetic ones at that.



As far as permissions go, I'm sure that he's going to be working on future releases, and he might very well get post count permissions as well.  There are a few different things out there that are being considered besides this, but I'm sure that it wouldn't be too much trouble to include the post count groups.

Lightbox should be easier.  Just go through your source files and comment out the instances, I'd think.  Once again, i'm not a coder, but this would be the solution I'd go with.

You're welcome to use Blog Community as well, though, until you're ready to switch, though...no one is forcing you to change, nor are we asking you to.  You make that choice.  This is still an "ALPHA" release, though, so there are obviously things that are going to be changed and filtered through.

I understand the way the themes on zCommuntiy work.
I just don't like the way they work.
Everything was simple and easy.

And what you have said still doesn't address the posting form.

I've been here long enough to know not to waste time hacking and modding away at mods, ESPECIALLY IF THEY DIDN'T NEED HACKING AND MODDING to integrate in to my forum in the first place.

The only fix I ever applied to blog community was getting the social bookmarks to work in IE, and that was what, a 5 minute fix?

Now you tell me I have to create new themes when I didn't have too before?

I think not.

I know I'm not being forced to use anything.
But I will criticize where criticism is due. And my criticism to Charles Hill was 1. Why he was fixing things that were not broken?
2. How do you go from Beta to Alpha?
3. Why are things being over complicated?
4. Why take away the permissions?

What IMO needed just a slight tweak here and there has been nearly ruined.

I'm still standing by what I said, and I did tell Charles that Blog Community was an excellent mod, but until zcommunity displays the same ease of use and "plug, play and go" as blog community I won't install it.

[Smoky "Rider" Blue]

Elijah Bliss, all this is on you, the end user.. it is just a mod to make users of smf have an option for differences with their blogs, if everyone's blogs were alike, then its just going to the same forum etc., blah blah..

its your option, again, to use, or not use, that is your choice..

I know I'm not being forced to use anything.
But I will criticize where criticism is due. And my criticism to Charles Hill was 1. Why he was fixing things that were not broken?
2. How do you go from Beta to Alpha?
3. Why are things being over complicated?
4. Why take away the permissions?

What IMO needed just a slight tweak here and there has been nearly ruined.

#1, have you made any mods that anyone can "criticize"?

#2 this is a move up from the blog community and to get it ready for the beta or didnt you read that??

#3. complicated is only how you are making it.. the instructions are plain, should you choose to read them..

#4., if you ask nice, and remember, it is the holidays, this could be fixed for you..

so here is my #5, relax, ok?? nothing in life is worth getting upset on.. 

[Mick.]

Im using Blog Community now.   Do you believe that it installed super easy?  Oh yeah! without difficulties.  Im tinkering with it now.

zCommunity 0.7.0,0.71 & 0.7.2 gave me nothing but headaches.  It didnt install right for me in any way,shape or form after several different tries.

[Smoky "Rider" Blue]

ok the thing is, it is Christmas and New Years time right now..

you know people are busy.. and i know, installing mods can be easy or hard.. thing is you have to follow directions, and if you get an error, say something, post what error you get, and wait..

the other is, always use a test site first..

i dont see anyone here that is perfect, so best thing is have patience.. if i wasnt so busy i would help out..

maybe after next week, as my clients come first.. if anyone needs me, just tag me, either here, in pm, or on my site.. im always willing to help out.. 

[jkrlvgn]

I understand the way the themes on zCommuntiy work.
I just don't like the way they work.
Everything was simple and easy.

And what you have said still doesn't address the posting form.

What about the posting form?  This is the first mention of the posting form in this topic.  I see nothing wrong with the posting form.

I've been here long enough to know not to waste time hacking and modding away at mods, ESPECIALLY IF THEY DIDN'T NEED HACKING AND MODDING to integrate in to my forum in the first place.

.....you don't have to hack and anything to make it integrate with your forum.  This one happens to have a lightbox functionality with it that doesn't have an option for disabling.  Once again, this is an ALPHA release, so not every single function is going to be there.  SMF doesn't have options for every single option either on it's alphas or even sometimes it's betas.  Those are things that are implemented in later, usually after someone bring attention to it.  Which you've already done.  Beating the horse isn't going to make it go any faster.

Now you tell me I have to create new themes when I didn't have too before?

I think not.

Umm.  Clearly, you're not reading anything that I wrote and taking it as a personal attack.  I'm not sure why you're so pissed off or angry at what I've said...you don't have to make themes for zC UNLESS YOU'RE GIVING MEMBERS THE OPTION TO HAVE THEIR OWN THEMES PER BLOG.  Granted, I haven't used the old version for a little bit, but I'm fairly certain that the blog themes wasn't really working at the time...they still used the theme that was set on your forum, which zC still does.  Make sure that the option to disable forum layers is unchecked, and you've got yourself all set....it'll use whatever you see on the forum.  The only thing is that there are a couple of minor cosmetic issues, which are more than likely easily fixed.

I said all this before, in my previous post, which you obviously didn't read, or took completely out of context.

I know I'm not being forced to use anything.
But I will criticize where criticism is due. And my criticism to Charles Hill was 1. Why he was fixing things that were not broken?
2. How do you go from Beta to Alpha?
3. Why are things being over complicated?
4. Why take away the permissions?

You can criticize all you want to, but (once again) it's an Alpha release.  It's not a final release.  You can't expect something to have everything that you want and then some, because things don't work that way.  It would take FOREVER to make something that has every feature that everyone wants that is completely flawless.  That borders on impossible.  You CAN criticize, but you should think about what parts you're fighting for, and the particular reason why you're fighting for them.  So far, one of your issues isn't an issue, and the second one isn't something that will be completely ignored, unless you decide to make a huge issue out of something.  This is a molehill, not a mountain, and it's certainly not something that you need to have an aneurysm about.

SO....in order of your questions:

1.  He's not fixing things that aren't broken, he's modifying his modification in the way that he's chosen.  This is his right and complaining to him about it is doing nothing to further your cause.  He can do what he wants to his mod.  You're not paying him for a custom mod, nor have you hired his services to implement any functionality that doesn't exist in it.  Not only is it free, but it's an ALPHA release that still has a way to go before being complete.
2.  This isn't "Blog Community" anymore.  The code has changed significantly.  There is more complications and more functionality than before.  This prompted him to call it a new mod, since it's so different.  SMF was based off of another forum software...they don't call it YABB SMF Version, they call it SMF, because after all the changes, it's something completely different.
3.  Things aren't overcomplicated.  Things are actually very simple.  You're overcomplicating things by going out of your way to find them and criticize about them.  Once again, one of your issues isn't an issue, if you'd just take the time to look at it and go with it.
4.  zCommunity is on the verge of using it's own permissions system.  Once again, if you looked at the packages at all, you'd see that there are number of files that are independent from SMF.  This means that there is less changes to your forum itself or the files in it, which means that there will be less conflicts with installation and less issues with upgrades.  While it pulls the groups from your Membergroups of SMF, it doesn't currently pull anything from the post-based.  I'm sure that this is something that Charles is looking into, however it hasn't been implemented yet.  Personally, I could care less about post-based permissions as I tend to have multiple accounts in different places, as do many other people.  Their post count means little to nothing to me, so I delete all the post based membergroups I can and then blank out the options for the one that's left.  I certainly don't complain about having to do that, because it's easy to deal with.

I'm with SmokyBlue, though, on this one.  Take a deep breath, and relax.  No one is saying you're an idiot for asking about these things.  You're getting really upset over an alpha mod.

Would you go and install SMF 2.1.7 Alpha and then go on the board and complain that some things are different?  Hell, on the SMF 2.0b4, themes are very different...there are over 10 CSS files to play with, and it's not compatible with some older themes, and ones that I personally enjoyed very much.  Some were ones that I modified myself.

SMF 2.0b4 is also not compatible with some modifications that I really like from 1.1.7.  Nor is it compatible with some mods from SMF2.0b3.  This is why there are alpha and beta releases...and (surprise!) none of them should be used on a production site unless you're aware of the issues and can work around them.

I just don't seem to understand the passion behind your "critiques".  It's not as if he promised that this is the final release and that it's fully working with everything and will give you a million dollars with a new sports car complete with a dream house, 40 strippers and a Lear jet.  He's not even saying that you can't use BC anymore...you certainly can...obviously, there are no issues with it that you've had (as it's perfect in every way), so you don't even have any reason to upgrade or even LOOK at this mod.  If BC does everything that you want/need, then stick with it...I've got old mods myself that I haven't upgraded, and they work fine!  I doubt very much that I'd upgrade unless there was a serious issue that I had a problem with.

What IMO needed just a slight tweak here and there has been nearly ruined.

I'm still standing by what I said, and I did tell Charles that Blog Community was an excellent mod, but until zcommunity displays the same ease of use and "plug, play and go" as blog community I won't install it.

....just use what you've got until this meets your needs.  BLAM!  Problem solved.

I still stand by what I say too.  zC is pretty much Plug, Play, Go.  You have more options now, but...you don't have to use them all.  You don't have to install it, and if you're not going to, then why worry about it?  Wait until it has the features that you need, and then install it.  It's what I do (and what nearly everyone else does).

---

BlueDevil:

zC has a lot more implemented in.  Yes, I agree that it should have the install package as just one file, but there's an issue with making SMF move everything correctly.  This is something that's being looked at.  For now, though, there are two files to download (one to upload after uncompressing, and the other to use the package manager on).

There really isn't anything that hard about installing it as it is at the moment.  Once again, I'd be happy to help you with it or do it for you if you'd like.  That stands for anyone that's having troubles with it.  I don't have a large site set up, but I've installed/uninstalled this many times already, and with 0.7.2, I'm still not having any issues.

--edit--

Just to ask, is there anyone that's done a mod that moves files around like zC should?  It would be great to get a few pointers on how this is supposed to be done, because obviously something is being missed.

[Smoky "Rider" Blue]

jkrlvgn,

i would love to play with this on my main site, however, i am using the beta on it, and as far as themes, havent met one yet i cant "play with" that wont make me upset... but i know where you are coming from..

on the mod issue for the 1.1.7, we are all now, at a stage in the game where everyone is either upgrading the mods for more compatibility for the beta, or they are going down the drain..

(reminds me to do mine )

thing is, if you dont say something, and say it nice (cuz no one likes to do anything for someone that will bwitch.. right?? or pay for a custom mod, and i do believe we have people that can do that as well..

so.... until things are straight, relax.. now back to my coding.. 

no biggie jkrlvgn

[jkrlvgn]

*LOL* ******!!  Not smokyblue....i'm sorry!!!!!!!  Wrong person completely...edited to show: BlueDevil


I'm so sorry!!!

[Smoky "Rider" Blue]

lol.. not me?? 

hmm good thing eh jkrlvgn

[Elijah Bliss]

To Smokey Blue and jkrlvgn

Charles Hill is a big boy and I'm pretty sure he doesn't need his fans speaking on his behalf.

Besides, I'm not attacking Charles Hill, but he, nor any other mod maker is above criticism.
How else will they improve on their mods?

I've been here for a very long time, have a 900,000+ posts forum, been there and done that with the mods.

Have I made mods for my own forum?
Yes.

Will I release them for SMF?
No.

Why?
I don't want people like me on my case about my mods being buggy.

Now I'll be happy to give those mods to someone who's interested and has the time to develop them properly.

Again, I'm not making personal attacks on Charles Hill. Blog Community had way more than I ever expected. It's a top notch mod. Charles makes great stuff, but sometimes one needs to know when to leave well enough alone.

[Smoky "Rider" Blue]

To Smokey Blue and jkrlvgn

Charles Hill is a big boy and I'm pretty sure he doesn't need his fans speaking on his behalf.

Besides, I'm not attacking Charles Hill, but he, nor any other mod maker is above criticism.
How else will they improve on their mods?

I've been here for a very long time, have a 900,000+ posts forum, been there and done that with the mods.

Have I made mods for my own forum?
Yes.

Will I release them for SMF?
No.

Why?
I don't want people like me on my case about my mods being buggy.

Now I'll be happy to give those mods to someone who's interested and has the time to develop them properly.

Again, I'm not making personal attacks on Charles Hill. Blog Community had way more than I ever expected. It's a top notch mod. Charles makes great stuff, but sometimes one needs to know when to leave well enough alone.

hmm fan?? fans?? 

i see.. and ya know what Elijah Bliss.. it doesnt matter if you came on yesterday or was on as long as i have been, either, correct? i wont participate in a spitting contest, and that is what this is..

if he chose to make everything separate from smf on this mod, that is on him.. dont like it, then dont use it.. its simple and rather than take up space from someone that has, and needs help,  dont ya think one post on this is more than enough??

if you do not like the alpha, then stay with what you do like..

he put it here for people to enjoy and dont complain, as that is what it is.. this isnt criticizing you him or anyone else.. be gratefull for what you have, and use it well, or dont use it.. its that easy and simple. 

[Charles Hill]

I appreciate and respect everyone's opinions.  If you don't like things about something I've created and made available, that's alright, just explain what you don't like about it in a clear and succinct manner.  I might not like what you've got to say, but I'll still listen.  Everything I've done with zCommunity I've done for a reason, but I am not unwilling to make changes.

I ask you all to please keep things respectful... and keep this in mind... Sometimes less is more ........ I hate reading

[taha116]

What does the alpha mean... cuz if it means anything like beta then i know its still under testing and stuff

[Charles Hill]

Alpha is the step before a beta.  It's a warning that you shouldn't use it on a production site unless you really know what you're doing.

[Elijah Bliss]

I appreciate and respect everyone's opinions.  If you don't like things about something I've created and made available, that's alright, just explain what you don't like about it in a clear and succinct manner.  I might not like what you've got to say, but I'll still listen.  Everything I've done with zCommunity I've done for a reason, but I am not unwilling to make changes.

I ask you all to please keep things respectful... and keep this in mind... Sometimes less is more ........ I hate reading

Greetings Charles,
Again, I didn't mean to come off as disrespectful, if I did, that wasn't my intention. The children blew this all out of proportion. Again, I love your work.

Here are some of the critiques I have:
*Bring back the standard posting form with all the BBC buttons and functionality. Posters like consistency, going from a standard posting from to nothing is a shock to them.

*Have the option "display without forum layers" feature to use the SMF themes like before and to use zCommunity themes.

*Easier Installation.

*Bring back post count based permissions.


If I see anything else, I will post my concerns.

Notice how unlike the children, I'm not harassing you for toys like Aeva integration. I believe you should tighten up zCommunity before you start adding bells and whistles.

I will continue to support you and your work with zCommunity.

[Charles Hill]

1)  Yes, the posting form is different now.  The only major difference is the absence of the bbc cloud, but it will not be difficult to add it.  That's the beauty of zCommunity's posting form (extensibility).  In fact if you look at the code in zC's Sources/Post.php you will see that the bbc cloud code is there (just not fully implemented yet).  This will be added as a default feature of zCommunity soon.

2) The "display without forum layers" option IS there.  If you go to your control panel (in the main tab)... Go to "Global Blog Settings".  It's on that page.  To do it on a blog by blog basis... the without forum layers option is located in the Themes tab.

3) Yes I've been doing some testing.  I am seeing that the previous issues were caused by my server doing funky stuff with the files being unpacked by SMF's package manger.  I am going to repackage the installation stuff and refine the install_db_edits.php included in that package so that it'll be very tough to screw up

4) Post count based member groups are intentionally excluded from the permissions, but it will not be difficult to include them.  I'll have to look at it, but I think there are just a few edits required to make that happen.

[taha116]

Ok thats what i though i thout it would come before the beta

[Paracelsus]

Hi Charles,

I was considering to install your MOD to replace Felblog in my forum, but I wouldn't like to lose the current data. I remember you talking about a converter for Felblog... is there one available or not?

(I tried the search system, but it's still buggy and impossible to find more than one ocurrence for the word 'felblog' on this topic)

[Mick.]

Hi Charles,

I was considering to install your MOD to replace Felblog in my forum, but I wouldn't like to lose the current data. I remember you talking about a converter for Felblog... is there one available or not?

(I tried the search system, but it's still buggy and impossible to find more than one ocurrence for the word 'felblog' on this topic)

Not to jack this thread but ......

....wow,i love your forum setup.  Excellent color choice,layout...everything.  Nice work.