Advice please on Tech Two

[nozzmoking]

I've just purchased vBulletin and am in talks with a programmer to set it up for me, as I've no php knowledge whatsoever. I'm also asking for some hacks for the homepage and public profile. It's been suggested by the programmer that he install a CMS plug-in, and use this facility to make the hacks to the homepage.

I like the look and feel of Tech Two, but do you think, with the limited information I've given above, that the template would cause any problems for the programmer?

By the way, in the vBStyles list, theres a couple of templates that don't have a preview button. For instance, is there any way I can see a working demo of Synapse?

Thanks for any help.

Paul

[Devices]

I use tech two as my default style. I use vBadvanced CMPS and this works very well. You just need to edit your image paths a little in the style settings.

I think Miko did have some posts here before expalaining what to do.

Hope this helps.

[nozzmoking]

Hi Justin,

Thanks for your reply.

I han't realised Tech Two could be shown full-screen. I've only seen the demo version, and that's a fixed width.

My worry with vbAdvanced is, as I'm not familar with the technical side of php, I have to employ a programmer, just to make all the installs, skinning, updates etc., so I'm worried about reaching too deep a point, where it's costing loads just to maintain the forum, especially as it's a non-profit site for the near future.

As a newbie forum owner, it's tough to know what stuff I really need to get implimented.

You've done a great job on your site, with a really impressive membership level! Is the 'global announcement' feature in the basic vBulletin, or is that part of the 'advanced' version you use?

Cheers

Paul

[Guisti]

Hi Paul,

All our styles come in fixed width and full screen. The styles that don't have a preview button haven't been updated to the latest version yet. We do have section explaining how to use vbAdvanced with our styles and we will give support if you run into problems.

To run vBulletin or vbAdvanced you don't really need to know about the technical side of php or about programming. It does help a little if your going install hacks or plugins that involve editing templates but even these usually come with simple to follow instructions on how to install them.

If your not in a hurry to get started i'd setup a basic test forum and spend awhile messing with the vbulletin options, try installing a skin or a few hacks that you think you might like. You may find that that it's easier than you think and can do it yourself.

-Guisti.

[Devices]

Hi Justin,

Thanks for your reply.

I han't realised Tech Two could be shown full-screen. I've only seen the demo version, and that's a fixed width.

My worry with vbAdvanced is, as I'm not familar with the technical side of php, I have to employ a programmer, just to make all the installs, skinning, updates etc., so I'm worried about reaching too deep a point, where it's costing loads just to maintain the forum, especially as it's a non-profit site for the near future.

As a newbie forum owner, it's tough to know what stuff I really need to get implimented.

You've done a great job on your site, with a really impressive membership level! Is the 'global announcement' feature in the basic vBulletin, or is that part of the 'advanced' version you use?

Cheers

Paul

I am not quite sure which "Global Announcement" you mean. vBulletin 3.7 does have an announcement feature built in. I also have a custom template that shows at the top of the forums to non activated members to remind them to activate and give them the correct link.

I also then have the shoutbox which is an addon.

Yes you can use tech two full screen, I do that then add 2 custom side columns for links and adverts.

As Guisti pointed out you do not need to know php to get vbadvancd going and use it. I would however recomend the same as Guisti and to start with a basic forum first or at least with the basic options of vbavanced if you want to get your guy to do it all in one go.

You can get help here and at vbulletin.org when you feal your ready to move along.

[nozzmoking]

Guisti & Justin

Many thanks for your help & advice.

There is so much to learn!

Cheers

Paul