The problem with 68c...

[sitewonders +]

Hi Guys,

Probably opening a can of worms here, but stick with me.

I recently bought 68c designer after a LOT of research into the top 3 players in classified ads scripts.

I am typically a Joomla user and I have a lot of experience, but 68c clearly (as discussed) works very very differently.

Right now, I am sitting here, not entirely sure what to do. I have hit something of a block.

What I am creating is a website, with two installations on separate subdomains. I am creating the first until I am completely happy and then I am copying it to the second subdomain and making the relevant changes.

I have set up openx to server banner ads to the classifieds instalations, all good.

Thats where the trouble has started.

I put the embed code for a template zone into layout.tpl and it works fine for a ottom banner.

I then put the embed code for 4 diferent ad zones into the built in ad blocks as per the instructions (to a T), but they dont display anything. I am then told that I should not use them and that I should put the code directly into the template? Thats fine, but if thats the case, why are they there?

For some unknown reason my main menu has vanished. Thats immediately attributed to being my fault. I can understand why that would be said, but all I have 'hacked' is putting the embed code in to the page.

I have used the template codes drag and drop option to move a couple of blocks up and the main menu vanished after doing that. I am now told to uninstall modules one at a time to trouleshoot. Yes I can see why I am told to do that, but its a real pain in the A and waste of time when ive not done anything to compromise the main menu.

As I have been told not to use the ad blocks, I went into the template codes sytem and deactivated the custom plugins option (not sure thats required?), now my homepage displys just the header and then

Fatal error: Smarty error: [in /home/magicfre/public_html/uk/modules/templatezones/templates/accordion.tpl line 44]: [plugin] unknown tag - 'css_listings_horizontal' (core.load_plugins.php, line 118) in /home/magicfre/public_html/uk/includes/classes/smarty/Smarty.class.php on line 1092

Why would deactivating a mod cause that? Another problem that isnt down to ME hacking anything.

So where am I going with this? Well I get the feeling that the guys on here who offer support (the STARS that you are) are getting fed up with people like myself and others asking multiple questions. However I ask you to see it from our point of view. From MY point of view I am hitting silly problems that in MY opinion, are system related. Im sure the system is good, but there are 'things' happening with mine that realy shouldnt be happening.

Be more sympathetic to us guys thatare working hard on our systems but aving issues.

Many Thanks

Gary

[sitewonders +]

SeymourJames has state that the error on my site is not right so I have to send a support ticket - Thank you.

[seymourjames +]

Gary, my instructions have been clear. If you modify files without knowing what you are doing then who is responsible for the result.

As I have said in the other post. You are responsible for the design and development of your site. There is assistance but others are not going to design your site for you or make big changes to their product because it is your requirement. You have to pay for design and customization services and there is a list of professionals on the classifiedmods site run by 68C. .

Now I have explained how to put more adspaces in. You can't just modify files in the way you have. If you wish to extend the functionality then that is fine but at least follow the instructions. Several people went through all this with you regarding multi currency requirements which is not what 68C directly support. It is a customization project to meet your goal.

In your case

1. You can place code into your adspaces as advised in the instructions supplied. There are 4 spaces already defined which can also be manipulated using 'drag and drop'. For most people this is sufficient and it is trivial to do. If a certain piece of javascript does not work when included then you can bring that to our attention and if reasonable and possible to overcome we will deal with it. However, we cannot cover every single possible piece of code someone finds and guarantee it will work inside the module. As it happens, the main ones like adsense javascript, adpeps, html blocks etc do and nobody has reported a piece of code that does not work. I don't know if open x works or not but if it doesn't then contact them and ask them to make it work. i think I can guess their reaction. It certainly will not be as helpful as the advice you get around here.

2. Four adspaces are not enough. I have written to you and explained on this forum how you can do this simply without complex modification of all the module's mechanics. The module is not designed to move 5 adpaces around nor 6 nor 7 nor 8. It is designed to move up to 4. To create more adspaces manually, you simply copy the adspace template code from the module and put it into your layout.tpl file. This is basic common sense. This will then show but you will not be able to move it around using the module. However you will be able to move it manually as you please within the layout.tpl file. You arrive at your goal.

I don't think there is much more I can say.

[sitewonders +]

Well that sorts out the problem with the adspaces, so thank you.

I have emailed you re: the smarty error as its still there.

Gary

[seymourjames +]

I just visited your site and you now successfully followed the instructions. Congrats - I am not being sarcastic. We all have to learn how to do our sites. Your smarty error comes because you did not have the modules activated. All it took was to deactivate the main module and reactivate it.

[bowers01 +]

This thread is very similar to the one from industrialpost.
You cant blame the software for not working if you have tried to change it but dont know what you are doing.
If you need help please post it on the forums but you both have made it sound like it is the scripts and the developers of the script's fault. You should be contacting their official support by the appropriate systems rather than trying to make them look bad on public forums.

When i started i didnt know what i was doing either, it was the first site i had ever made properly and that was not static pages. Everyone knows that people like us need help but in my opinion you are going about it the wrong way.

It looks like you have your site fixed now, so good luck with your new site.

Nick

[sitewonders +]

Thanks guys, I have hit some very silly hurdles. Things are looking better now!

Gary

[seymourjames +]

Apologies accepted. Your site is getting there as I visited it earlier.

[Eric Barnes]

I just wanted to add my 2 cents worth.

First off no matter how stupid or easy a question is if you have it why not ask? That is what makes forums great as others that may have the same question can search and find the answer. As long as you describe the question or problem I have no issue helping you until the problem is resolved. Here are two awesome articles about asking for and getting support:
How To Ask a Good Question in the Forums
Need Something Changed On Your Website? Treat Me Like a Six-Year-Old (Really)

Now on to Joomla. Yes we are two very different animals. I have honestly tried Joomla several times even back in the Mambo days but I never reached that "Ah Ha" moment where I felt I knew what was going on. It is possible I didn't spend enough time on it but never the less I just haven't fully grasped how it works. We have tried to make our system as easy to work as possible but it still has the same "Ah Ha" moment as probably any other script.

As far as you setting up two installs on subdomains I think what you are doing is very smart. You should always set your first site up how you want it and gain that experience for the second. I see a lot of times people start with multiple installs and then create way more confusion and complexity than taking one step at a time.

To wrap this up we appreciate all our customers and if you have any ideas on ways we can improve our ears are always open. The same for support. If you have issues let us know either through the forums or the tickets and we will do everything possible to help.

[sitewonders +]

Thanks Eric, thats good to hear.