Hidden Catagory

[Kevan King]

Name: Hidden Catagory
Files Need Editing: Unknown
Catagory: I think it would be Forum View.

Function Of Mod/Package

I could say this is a simple request, but if it was simple I could do it. I don't know much about SMF except how to install it and use it.

The function of this Mod would be like the function it has in IPB forums. If you have ever used it you know that you can choose to Hide a catagory and have it only accessed by the URL. So lets say I make a Catagory and Name it: "Staff Center." Instead of it taking up place on the forum I set the catagory it is in to: "Hide Catagory --Access If URL Is Known." So the forum is no where to be seen on the forum, but if you click the link that says: "Staff Center" in the navigation it takes you to the catagories and/or forums in catagory. If you need further details simply ask.

---Kevan King, CEO of Writer's Tower

[forfun]

How about add a board with password protected, and only those know the pw can access.
This function is already available.
Just a suggestion!

[Kevan King]

I know that, but I am talking about Hidding a catagory and making it usable by a link. The idea is to not show the forums in the catagory because to manyforums look....well ya....

Not to mention the the section/forums I want created need to be hidden, but can still be visted by members with out the worry of a password. This includes them giving it out and telling them of a password change.

[karlbenson]

I would say its a bit of a security risk.  I'm surprised IPB have it.
I would fear users relying on it (without understanding the risk)

Eg for a staff center.
All it would take it ONE stray link to it somewhere that gets picked up by Google. Then anyone can find it.

And thats not uncommon.  Google somehow finds out Social security numbers and loads of other sensitive info.
Also you have to be able aware that since smf urls are numeric eg
board=1.0
board=2.0
it doesnt take a genius to go find the missing numbers.

I do it on here all the time with the customise section to see which mods are awaiting approval.

Also some search engines seem to understand the software the site uses eg phpbb/smf.
And actually try to spider 'expected' pages.  So they may realise that the board/cat ids are numeric and just keep trying
board+1 in a loop.

[Kevan King]

No it is not, I said hidden catagory, plus the forums would be hidden to all guests; unless your telling me SMF is so low level that even this feature you already have would not work. How can hidding a catagory and ADDING a link to the navigation so people can access it (what I have been trying to say) des not sound like a security risk. I mean I have never had a problam with this feature on IPB or vBulliten.

[karlbenson]

Oh I thought you were going somewhere else with it.

i thought you were trying to use it as staff forums, instead of using permissions/password etc to make the category/board/forum private. eg so anyone could theoretically enter it, guest, regular member or staff.