looking for opinions on integrated forums, galleries, etc

reikimaster · 09.09.2004, 16:31

I'm interested in hearing from others about whether or not to even bother integrating forums, galleries, etc into my Mambo install. I mean... I look here as an example and it's obvious that Arthur has separate forums. So does Mamboserver.

The reason I ask... and what I'm interested in hearing about from others... is because I'd like to know if it's really a big deal to have users log into your Mambo site and then if they want to use the message boards, they have to log in to those as well. Quite frankly I see my users come in and use EITHER the Mambo portion *OR* the forums, but usually not both.

If they use the same username/pass on the Mambo section and the forums, is it really such a big inconvenience? With all of the "remember me" stuff available I would think this is not a big deal any more.

I'm also looking at the fact that maintenance is easier if they are kept separate. I can upgrade the message boards and it won't break the integration with Mambo. Or I can upgrade Mambo and the web site and the message boards would still be available. Things like that.

So what are your thoughts on this. I need to make a decision soon and I am interested in other opinions. (The "do what you want" opinions aren't really helpful since I know that ultimately I will do what I want. I am honestly interested in hearing others' experience on this to help me decide what I want.

)

Thanks

mambosnake · 09.09.2004, 16:48

Quote:

If they use the same username/pass on the Mambo section and the forums, is it really such a big inconvenience? With all of the "remember me" stuff available I would think this is not a big deal any more.

Those of us who feel the need to strictly control tracking cookies/3rd party surfing surveillance widgets routinely clear cookies. With the (increasing) number of sites I'm a member of, adding each site to a 'cookies from this site are ok' list is a PITA.

With an integrated user authentication system, I can focus on maintaining the integrity of one system as opposed to watching for new exploits on two...
I agree that an integrated system doesn't inherently mean a safer system, but like I said, it's one less system to keep tabs on.

With Mambo increasing in popularity, I'd like to see an increase in discussions by those with relevant expertise regarding the vulnerabilities of the CMS. I can't use it (or pimp it) if the user:developer trust isn't reinforced...

reikimaster · 09.09.2004, 20:49

OK, I see your points. However my site is totally open to the public. It deals with teaching people about meditation and is mostly metaphysical information. I also have a friends-n-family segment where we deal with other subjects like artwork, radio controlled aircraft, etc. And the message boards have a section for friends and family where I can control access (because they've signed on to the message boards). It is totally non-commercial, has no ads, is solely maintained by me, and in looking at it again I'm seeing the only reason people would need to sign in at all would be to use the forums.

Now if I were to...say.... integrate a gallery .... I could integrate Coppermine into Simple Machines Forums so THOSE 2 segments share a common user database. Because people talking about art, r/c airplanes, or a family member telling others about their latest vacation or new puppy, could post pictures in a gallery.

So the forums and POSSIBLY a gallery would need a login. The portal itself doesn't really require one. I don't use it like that.

I think I'm actually reasoning this out.

hawkmultimedia · 10.09.2004, 06:49

FWIW, I wish more components/add-ons, etc. used or supported the option for user integration. Personally, I hate having to login more than once at a site. And, when developing sites, even though it may be more of a pain to implement, I think it's cleaner and more professional.

Plus, if your visitors are anything like some of mine (new thought, spirituality movement), they'll end up creating different usernames and passwords for each and get even MORE screwed up!

Namaste,
Patrick

reikimaster · 10.09.2004, 17:05

That's why I'll be leaving the informational section of the site (Mambo itself) open to the public. No login needed. They'll be able to READ the message boards as a guest, but they'll have to register in order to post.

If I find at some point that I want to give someone author or publisher access to the Mambo portion I can always create a login for them and give them the url to a login screen without having to put a login option on the menu for everyone else who doesn't need it.

zealus.com · 10.09.2004, 18:09

Totally second that opinion. Besides, having a forum on a separate domain attracts people as you can market both separately

reikimaster · 10.09.2004, 23:53

Ok, well I have it started anyways. Mambo is open to the public. Forums can be viewed as guest but require registration to post or reply.

This site is still kind of a mix and not complete. It's aimed at simplicity, pretty much. Home page is a css template. I've used the ability to create new menues to give me another layer of depth of content. If you look in the "Spirituality" menu and click on either of the 2 items in there you get to see assigned templates. (Neither of which are css but I might switch them over if the home page looks good in all browsers)

The forums open in a new window. I've chosen Simple Machines forums. I have just a few changes to make in the forums css, but I'll leave it pretty much alone.

yardbird.NET

f-t-b · 14.09.2004, 10:38

The problem I found, is having an integrated forum on mambo running on the same database slows things down.
I had over 500 users registered with at least 1000 posts per day. This slowed things down for users just wanting to view my mambo content.

I am currently using XMB forums which guests can view but need to register to post. (I have no content on Mambo requiring registered users)
Also, I have previously ripped components used in XMB's own Portal Front End to add Last Posts, Newest Member, etc.... to mambo so it looks integrated. You just had to call XMB's config file to gain the database connection.

I have rebuilt my site recently and will be waiting for the release of 4.5.1 to start fiddling and integrating these components again.

reikimaster · 14.09.2004, 14:34

So you're basically in the same boat as me as far as how your site is set up. Mambo open to public and login only needed for forums. I installed the forums into their own database as well and simply wrapped them in Mambo using the wrapper menu item type ( in Mambo 4.5.1 RC3 ). Took all of about 20 seconds.

This works out fine. And if I really want to I can bridge Coppermine into the forums to give users a gallery component with a single login using teh forum login.

vavroom1 · 15.09.2004, 08:50

As I am porting over http://internetbonsaiclub.org towards Mambo, I had to consider these issues. We have a relatively active forum (800++ users, ~15K posts), under phpBB.

I ended up selecting with going to an integrated simpleboard solution (and yes, porting existing posts over will be a headache). Non-registered users will be able to access every sections of the site, including the forums. Registered users only will be able to post to the forum.

As our site is a community site, and we depend on members providing articles and information, registered users will be able to submit info.

I know my users. If they need to have two usernames and passwords, they will be sunk. Particularly if they change their password in the forum, and forget to do it on the rest of the site. Plus the cookies issues. Plus pure lazyness of people (including myself) who hate to login twice to access the "same" site.

Just my 2 cents.