commbull (Community Bulletin Newsletter)

[Sonnie]

I'm wondering can we get this hack worked out for vB 3.6

I've got commbull_3.5e.zip extracted and installed on my version 3.6 at the Shack, but have several issues.

Of course installing it per the instructions was fairly painless, although it didn't install everything properly.

Here are the instructions:


*** NEW INSTALL:
Upload commbull.php and commbull_phrases.php to your forums/admincp folder.
Upload cpnav_commbull.xml to the forums/includes/xml folder.
Install the commbull product XML file in your ACP under "Plugin System".

Edit template "modify user option templates -> modifyoptions"
LOCATE:
<tr>
<td><label for="cb_adminemail"><input type="checkbox" name="options[adminemail]" value="1" id="cb_adminemail"
$checked[adminemail] />$vbphrase[receive_email_from_bulletin_board_staff]</label>
<input type="hidden" name="set_options[adminemail]" value="1" />
</td>
</tr>

ADD BELOW:
<tr>
<td><label for="commbull"><input type="checkbox" name="commbull" value="1" id="commbull" $checked[receivebulletin] />$vbphrase[receive_email_from_commbull]</label>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><br />$vbphrase[newsletterformat]<br /><label for="commbull_type"><input type="checkbox" name="commbull_type" value="1" id="commbull_type" $checked[receivebulletin_type] />$vbphrase[type_email_from_commbull]</label>
</td>
</tr>

Run /forums/admincp/commbull.php and follow the instructions.

*** UPGRADE FROM COMMBULL FOR vB 3.0.x:
Upload commbull.php and commbull_phrases.php to your forums/admincp folder.
Upload cpnav_commbull.xml to the forums/includes/xml folder.
Install the commbull product XML file in your ACP under "Plugin System".
Run /forums/admincp/commbull.php and click [Show Installation Instructions]
or [Perform Installation] to install updated phrases.

*** UPGRADE FROM COMMBULL 3.5, 3.5a, 3.5b, or 3.5c to 3.5e:
Replace /forums/admincp/commbull.php.
Replace /forums/admincp/commbull_phrases.php.
Uninstall any commbull plugin hooks or products under "Plugin System" in your ACP.
Install the commbull product XML file in your ACP under "Plugin System".

*** UPGRADE FROM COMMBULL 3.5d to 3.5e
Replace commbull.php in your admincp folder.




I noticed it did not install the 4 phrases. I did the template modifications to modifyoptions and added two of the phrases for the User CP/Edit Options page, but it doesn't check the blocks automatically. This would obviously cause all members not to receive the newsletter.

I figured I'd try to send out a test newsletter to the Administrators and I got this error when trying to preview the mailout:


Database error in vBulletin 3.6.0:

Invalid SQL:
INSERT INTO datastore VALUES ('commbull','$includedate = 1; $numtopics1 = 5; $topicorder1 = "dateline"; $hotonly1 = 0; $reuse1 = 0; $numtopics2 = 0; $topicorder2 = "replies"; $hotonly2 = 0; $reuse2 = 0; $numtopics3 = 0; $topicorder3 = "views"; $hotonly3 = 0; $reuse3 = 0; $numtopics4 = 0; $topicorder4 = "virg"; $hotonly4 = 0; $numpolls = 0; $numevents = 0; $numbirthdays = 0; $dostats = 0; $newlines = 1; $douserinfo = 1; $mail_subject = "Testing"; $calendarid = "0"; $sc = "-"; $rsc = 75; $lic = "o"; $fixcss = "1"; $extramaterial = \'Hello \\$username...

This is a test newsletter bulleting being sent to staff only. A copy should be posted in the Private Testing forum.

This is only a test.\';$def_calendar["1"] = 0; $def_forum["1"] = 1; $def_forum["31"] = 1; $def_forum["13"] = 0; $def_forum["41"] = 0; $def_forum["45"] = 1; $def_forum["7"] = 1; $def_forum["8"] = 0; $def_forum["26"] = 0; $def_forum["42"] = 0; $def_forum["43"] = 1; $def_forum["49"] = 1; $def_forum["9"] = 1; $def_forum["11"] = 1; $def_forum["70"] = 0; $def_forum["50"] = 1; $def_forum["96"] = 1; $def_forum["103"] = 1; $def_forum["99"] = 1; $def_forum["104"] = 1; $def_forum["105"] = 1; $def_forum["106"] = 1; $def_forum["10"] = 1; $def_forum["91"] = 1; $def_forum["12"] = 1; $def_forum["107"] = 1; $def_forum["89"] = 1; $def_forum["92"] = 1; $def_forum["90"] = 1; $def_forum["93"] = 0; $def_forum["94"] = 0; $def_forum["95"] = 0; $def_forum["88"] = 0; $def_forum["39"] = 0; $def_forum["28"] = 1; $def_forum["37"] = 0; $def_forum["47"] = 0; $def_forum["24"] = 0; $def_forum["40"] = 0; $def_forum["111"] = 0; $def_forum["56"] = 1; $def_forum["78"] = 1; $def_forum["84"] = 1; $def_forum["83"] = 1; $def_forum["85"] = 1; $def_forum["86"] = 1; $def_forum["48"] = 0; $def_forum["98"] = 0; $def_forum["46"] = 0; $def_forum["19"] = 0; $def_forum["20"] = 0; $def_forum["21"] = 0; $def_forum["97"] = 0; $def_forum["76"] = 0; $def_forum["3"] = 0; $def_forum["22"] = 0; $def_forum["4"] = 1; $def_forum["5"] = 1; $def_forum["6"] = 1; $def_group["1"] = 0; $def_group["2"] = 0; $def_group["3"] = 0; $def_group["4"] = 0; $def_group["5"] = 0; $def_group["6"] = 1; $def_group["7"] = 0; $def_group["8"] = 0; $def_group["9"] = 0; $def_group["10"] = 0; $def_group["11"] = 0; $def_group["12"] = 0; $def_group["13"] = 0; $def_group["14"] = 0; $auto_nextpage = 0; $auto_timer = 1; $save_prefs = 1; $postcopy = 1; $pfid = 6; $pftype = 1; $pcu = "1"; $open = 1; ');

MySQL Error : Column count doesn't match value count at row 1
Error Number : 1136
Date : Friday, August 18th 2006 @ 01:36:30 PM
Script : http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/admincp/commbull.php?do=preview
Referrer : http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/admincp/commbull.php
IP Address : 65.82.122.150
Username : Sonnie
Classname : vB_Database



Hopefully... being that vB-FAQ has it working, we can figure out how to make it work for those who are interested in the newsletter.

Thanks!

[Peggy]

That's another of noppid's creations. :D

[Sonnie]

Actually I don't think he "created" it, he did however convert it to 3.5.

I think Kier was the creator and grandeur_69 headed up the 3.0 version... but I could be mistaken.

[Noppid]

Actually I don't think he "created" it, he did however convert it to 3.5.

I think Kier was the creator and grandeur_69 headed up the 3.0 version... but I could be mistaken.

You are correct, I meerly patched it up to kinda work. It's been half baked since it's inception. Plus, some folks pointed out thread and post selection issues that do not follow forum permissions in some cases. That is what led me to pull it.

I've given it to a few folks since I pulled it from .org with the understanding that it is not at all near perfect and that all the issues that may affect commbull and security may not be known. (ie. it may be broken )

Fix it for 3.6, that's a tall order, I have not used the 3.5e code in months. I have my own version that is from this base code, but is modified alot. I know it's short commings and don't need or use the features affected, so I'm not worried about any problems that may exist.

Let me think about your issues a bit, I have to open and read files to track down what you have reported. I have no idea if I can satisfy your needs however. I have no plans to upgrade or fix commbull. It's been a huge PITA.

[Sonnie]

You've got it looking pretty good for here at vB-FAQ... I'd take that much if I could get it.

I'm not really interested in pulling threads in as much as I'm interested in having the skin with header and being able to insert html into the body... and then email it within admincp.

If you need access to our admincp... just let me know.

[Noppid]

You've got it looking pretty good for here at vB-FAQ... I'd take that much if I could get it.

I'm not really interested in pulling threads in as much as I'm interested in having the skin with header and being able to insert html into the body... and then email it within admincp.

If you need access to our admincp... just let me know.

I'll be able to look at the files later and see why what you have is not working. The code here and on Joe's other forums was from .org, not me personally, so I expected what I gave you to work.

However, these were installed before 3.6 and I'm wondering if the install on 3.6 is what caused your installation to have issues.

I'll holler back about this later if I make it through the night without coughing up a lung.

[Sonnie]

Don't kill yourself... I ain't in that big of a hurry. Get some rest and take your time... get to it when you feel better and have the available time.

[Noppid]

Don't kill yourself... I ain't in that big of a hurry. Get some rest and take your time... get to it when you feel better and have the available time.

This thread has already brought people looking for commbull. I can't support it. Sorry to take you down a dead end, but I really don't want to work with this hack any longer.

I can't post it here and I'm not going to hand it out on a per request basis. So, like Earl, it has to die.

[slink]

Actually, I'm just looking for the download, not specifically for this version. There are many people who are not going to upgrade their vBulletin because of some addons that are not available, like this one. I haven't upgraded to v. 3.6 yet and won't for now. Can someone with CommBull email it to me at tkdinthecity at my yahoo.com account?

Regarding the error below, it is a simple one and fairly typical and I'm sure most here understand. How much it may take to work with 3.6 is a good question and I'm willing to experiment and make the efforts with others here to try to do so...

Thanks guys.

[beduino]

It's a bad news:(

This thread has already brought people looking for commbull. I can't support it. Sorry to take you down a dead end, but I really don't want to work with this hack any longer.

I can't post it here and I'm not going to hand it out on a per request basis. So, like Earl, it has to die.
Do you think this new hack 'click here' (http://www.vbulletin.org/forum/showthread.php?t=125607&page=2) is a valid substitute of commbull?
Tks
Beduino

[Noppid]

It's a bad news:(

Do you think this new hack 'click here' (http://www.vbulletin.org/forum/showthread.php?t=125607&page=2) is a valid substitute of commbull?
Tks
Beduino

In a nutshell, no. But that does not mean it is not his goal.

[beduino]

Hello noppid,
you're right.
But you considerer turns back the development commbull if this hack are paid? See...i'm a custumer of visionscripts, and i'm intersted in commbull. Please don't misuntertand my question :rolleyes:
tks a lot
joao luis barroca
aka beduino

[Noppid]

Hello noppid,
you're right.
But you considerer turns back the development commbull if this hack are paid? See...i'm a custumer of visionscripts, and i'm intersted in commbull. Please don't misuntertand my question :rolleyes:
tks a lot
joao luis barroca
aka beduino

I meant nothing negative with my comment. I mearly speculated, based on requests to the author in the release thread, that he may in fact make the hack a commbull like script that can send emails.

Are you saying my agenda is to sell commbull? If so, that is not true if that is the case. My work with commbull is done, it's dead. I have no desire to continue.

I don't know what you think you read in my comment, but I'd sure like to clear up any misconceptions you may have garnered from my comment.

Thanks

[beduino]

Hello noppid,
my appologies if my comment is so bad writing :(
my intention [without any previous commentary] is say that your hack/mod is very interesting! and i receive the newsletter of vb-faq and always make me a strong impression.
please - i understand that your comment is a simple comment, no negative.
i just say is: if you consider develop commbull if this code is paid. And you say no.
ok. i respect that, but i'm sad - really is a great hack to newsletter.
all the best!
beduino

[Noppid]

Hello noppid,
my appologies if my comment is so bad writing :(
my intention [without any previous commentary] is say that your hack/mod is very interesting! and i receive the newsletter of vb-faq and always make me a strong impression.
please - i understand that your comment is a simple comment, no negative.
i just say is: if you consider develop commbull if this code is paid. And you say no.
ok. i respect that, but i'm sad - really is a great hack to newsletter.
all the best!
beduino

Ok, I see. I misunderstood through the language barrier. Thanks for taking the time to reply.

It will be a long time coming that I release free hacks again at .org. It's just not something I see any benefit to doing any more.

I can't release commbull anywhere else and I certainly can't sell it.

I had considered a, from scratch, newsletter emailer to replace commbull, but the vB mailer does not suite the needs of large sites. It's a compromise and I don't want the support issues.

The version I had considered writing from scratch would use PHP Pear extensions. It can send email at about 60 to 70 percent faster then commbull with php mail() or even the vB mailer in batch mode/SMTP.

However, while large site owners would benefit hugely from this, they control their servers and could install the necessary Pear extensions. Small site owners on shared servers would have to get their hosts to install the Pear extensions and they may not do it in some cases.

That would result in charge backs from people that can't install and use the code and I have absolutely no time nor desire to deal with that or try to support those folks when they are trying to commicate with their hosts.

So, that idea is dead too.

[Sonnie]

It's a bad news:(

Do you think this new hack 'click here' (http://www.vbulletin.org/forum/showthread.php?t=125607&page=2) is a valid substitute of commbull?
Tks
Beduino

It would be a pretty good idea if it was mailable... as it is, I really see no use for it. An html thread/post might actually serve better than that hack.