Author Topic: HOW TO CREATE A FORUM USING CSB4  (Read 4316 times)

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HOW TO CREATE A FORUM USING CSB4
« on: April 08, 2011, 07:43:54 AM »
Hi there, I would like to know how to create a forum using CSB 4. I would like a forum just as this one where I am posting this message. It looks great.  I using a "temporary" forum but I want to get rid of it because after 7 days of trial they will charge me. Here is the URL page where I want the new forum to go http://paralegalservices.websitetoolbox.com/ my website is: http://paralegalservicesnow.com/  thanks.

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  • Sami
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Re: HOW TO CREATE A FORUM USING CSB4
« Reply #1 on: April 08, 2011, 10:36:36 AM »
First let me suggest you check with your hosting options.   Your host may offer easy to install, pre-made packages of forums.  For example, if your host offers FANTASTICO, it has quick install options for a couple forums. Some hosts offer other "packages" that are just a matter of turning on options. This is the fastest easiest way to put 3rd party options on your site like forums, blogs, etc.

Depending on your hosting arrangements, you may or may not be allowed to install software packages like this on your web space!   If you can not install it on your space, you might be able to make arrangements with another site to host your forum and use a container page to pull the forum into your site (like you are doing now on a temporary basis). OR consider a host that DOES allow these options!  I do recommend my host, TotalChoiceHosting. The hosting plans are reasonable and have TONS of options built-in to the cost! Not like Go-Daddy and other hosts that nickel and dime for each thing you do separately and it adds up VERY fast!

The samisite.com forum is made with SMF (Simple Machines Forum) software, is free, and easy to maintain with automatic packages that you apply periodically. (Most forums are maintained in the same way). Never regretted using this software for the forum.  Full of features, free and customizable. Your host must support 3rd party scripts, must allow you to have sql databases... The install package asks you questions, you answer and those answers are used to unpack and install the forum on your site.  Some of the info comes from your host (where is this file found...what version are you running, etc), some comes from you (what is the name of your forum, where do you want to install it, your user name/password, etc)

The CSB website is located at samisite.com in the main directory of the site.  I installed the SMF forum software into a folder called forum inside that main part of the site. This creates a subdirectory.  So you can reach this forum at this address:  samisite.com/forum    I also made this forum folder a SUBDOMAIN so you can reach the forum from this better address:  forum.samisite.com  (Read here about subdirectoy/subdomains)  You can use a container page (like your sample) to point to the subdirectory and keep a consistent header if you choose. Tests with SMF do allow this forum type to stay in the container.

Quote
SUBDOMAIN VS SUBDIRECTORY!
A subdomain is also known as a "third-level" domain, and is a great way to create memorable web addresses for various areas of your site. Example:
http:// subdomain . domain . com
subdomain=3rd level, domain=2nd level, com=1st level

Say your web address is www.assortedstuff.com, and you created a subdomain for your catalog. After you set it up, the web address would be http://catalog.assortedstuff.com. This would go to a different area of your site than just http://assortedstuff.com

Technically, a subdomain is a subdirectory inside your main website- you would publish the same way!
The visitors could reach the area using either method:
Preferred: http://catalog.assortedstuff.com or
Like a sub: http://assortedstuff.com/catalog

But a subdirectory is not treated the same as a subdomain. It can only be reached by this method. http://assortedstuff.com/catalog.

If you want to use multiple DOMAIN names to point to different areas of your storage area with most hosts, including TCH, you have to use a reseller account. You can not have a DOMAIN name point to a subdomain or subdirectory. Example: If you build a site for bakery.com and you want to store it in your area, it must be a reseller account so you can point the domain name bakery.com to your storage area and still host your assorteddtuff.com, etc.  
« Last Edit: April 08, 2011, 10:46:55 AM by Samrc »
-Samantha
TNG: "Sometimes, you can make no mistakes, do everything right, and still lose" - Capt Picard to Data
(:turtle: In memory of Turtle: May 22, 1944 - Nov 24, 2007  GURU, mentor, and really nice guy! :turtleleft: )

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Re: HOW TO CREATE A FORUM USING CSB4
« Reply #2 on: April 11, 2011, 04:31:41 AM »
Thank you very much for the info. I will definitely download the free SMF software.

I recently used a free forum I created on http://complaints.ucoz.com/forum, then I proceed to use an iframe and place it inside one of the frames on this page:http://www.paralegalservicesnow.com/id16.htm.  I went to the Cpanel of my host newbiesite and did it manually.

I opened http://www.paralegalservicesnow.com/id16.htm, right click and open view frame source, select it all, and copied it and then open CSB I tried to paste what I copied from the view source on the section that allows you to insert an HTML in CSB but I did not achieve the same results when I preview the page.

On another note, would you please also explain how can I use the Custom Fields, because I typed some text and did not show as a metatag.

how can I receive notification in my email: paralegalservicesnow.........@.......#...gmail.com that a reply has been posted?
thank you for your help
« Last Edit: April 17, 2011, 11:27:42 PM by Samrc »

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Re: HOW TO CREATE A FORUM USING CSB4
« Reply #3 on: April 17, 2011, 11:41:14 PM »
Sorrry I missed your post.  My internet connection has been a nightmare!

I adjusted your notifications in your profile to get an email, made your email private, and changed your post to make it different. Shouldn't post email in a public forum unless you are inviting spammers.

I would not use an iframe for your forum. Consider a separate subdirectory (like used on samisite.com).
Or if necessary, use a CONTAINER page to tuck the forum under a top header of your website.  Insert Container page and right click on it to choose properties. Point it to the forum location and turn on your top border.

Custom fields and other quick topics are discussed on this thread....http://samisite.com/forum/index.php?topic=557.0
I use the custome fields for copyright, and other repeating data.  Very easy.
They are NOT for meta tags!

Please visit this this info for info about meta tags:    http://www.samisite.com/publish/pageproperties.htm    and this page too:  http://www.samisite.com/publish/spidersandrobots.htm
-Samantha
TNG: "Sometimes, you can make no mistakes, do everything right, and still lose" - Capt Picard to Data
(:turtle: In memory of Turtle: May 22, 1944 - Nov 24, 2007  GURU, mentor, and really nice guy! :turtleleft: )

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Re: HOW TO CREATE A FORUM USING CSB4
« Reply #4 on: April 21, 2011, 05:38:52 AM »
Thank you very much.  You are the best.  I created a container page following your instructions for the forum, but I did not published it yet. When I tried to preview it, it would know show.  Do you know why?  Also, what's wrong with using iframe to post a forum from a different place, it appears to be working for me, is there something I'm missing that I am not aware of?  You suggested not to use iframe but did not provide the reason as to why? Would you please be so kind and let me know the reason.  Thank you.

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Re: HOW TO CREATE A FORUM USING CSB4
« Reply #5 on: April 21, 2011, 09:51:57 AM »
Personal preference on this one I guess.  
I am NOT a fan of putting forums inside frames of any sort.
Iframes are great for some things.  But I would not choose it for this topic.
Usually the iframe is limited to a smaller portion of the page.

A container page would allow for larger size screens to show your forum better
   temporary sample here  h**p://www.samisite.com/test-csb/container_forum.htm
   (don't want a permanent link in the forum so I put ** in the address)

Simple to do.  Point to map, insert container page.
On the page properties box, contents tab, change to URL and type in the URL of the forum, Apply.


You do not NEED to have one, but if you WANT one, you can flip over to the Page Area tab and click the TOP to turn on the top border or LEFT, etc and you can match them to your website.

Even if you did not use a border on the container page, the other pages could link to this url automatically if you place the page on a sequence line. It would appear in any link list you have built in the site.
-Samantha
TNG: "Sometimes, you can make no mistakes, do everything right, and still lose" - Capt Picard to Data
(:turtle: In memory of Turtle: May 22, 1944 - Nov 24, 2007  GURU, mentor, and really nice guy! :turtleleft: )

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Re: HOW TO CREATE A FORUM USING CSB4
« Reply #6 on: April 21, 2011, 04:36:10 PM »
That's so nice.  Very simple too.  I like the way you demonstrate things with samples.  Thank you very, very much.