PHP Directory Mods

While browsing through some blogs today, I came across a post from Terry which was very helpful. I noticed he too has used the PHP Directory scipt I spoke of earlier, and he had some useful modifications on his. One of the ones I was interested in, was the display of total links & categories.

After leaving a message in the blog Terry got back to me, and was kind enough to pass on the snippet of script he used to achieve this. At first the snippet didn't work, and actually created a fatal error, but having experienced this 'fatal error' occurance before while doing things, I didn't panic...lol.

I did have browse through the PHP support forums, and quickly came up with the problem.

So the snippets used were.

Open index.php
Find

echo $tpl->fetch('main.tpl', $id);

Before Add

$stats[0] = $db->GetOne("SELECT COUNT(*) FROM {$tables['link']['name']} WHERE STATUS = 2");
$stats[3] = $db->GetOne("SELECT COUNT(*) FROM {$tables['category']['name']} WHERE STATUS = 2");
$tpl->assign('stats', $stats);

Open main.tpl
Add where you want

{l}Active Links{/l} - {$stats[0]}
{l}Categories{/l} - {$stats[3]}

So.. now the only problem I have is that the category count wont show up. But atleast I am closer than I was!!

Why Can't I write PHP!!!???

Arghh... I am sending myself insane! Ok, more insane...lol.

There are times I wish I knew more about PHP coding, and there are times I wish I knew less... less only because if I knew nothing about it then I would not send myself insane trying to learn more!

I am not even sure if a PHP script is what I am after, there is probably a script out there for what I am after... but I can't find it.

I wish to build a directory/list of sorts, but not for links. I want it to be for people... similar to a fanlisting, but probably a little more complex. I have looked at, poll scripts, survey scripts, directory scripts, clique scripts, fanlisting scripts, member management scripts... and keep coming up blank. They all have qualities that I like, but none seem to do everything I want. This is why I wish I knew more... cause then maybe I could write my own.

I want to be able to build a list of people, they join up and add their own details... (possibly with some hidden fields if chosen), and then it all creates a searchable database. It is not for dating or anything like that, not even for the users to contact each other. Purely for statistics of groups of people. How many with dark hair living in postcode 2000 etc. Or even just listed categories that users can be cross listed in. As with the fanlistings, display by country or join date options.. users could be displayed by Marital Status, State, Age etc.

If anyone has any idea of a direction to point me in.. I would be forever grateful!!

PHP Link Script

Ok, so I finally worked out the reciprocal link script I mentioned. It is called PHP Link Directory, and it is fantastic!! I have managed to fix a few of the quirky problems I was having, although some things are still slightly messed up. But nothing that effects the over all way it looks. Best part about this script.. it is free!!
It allows you to add links yourself, or have people submit them. It allows for featured links, and even paid links. It has everything you could ask for in a directory script without the price tag. They have support forums, tutorials etc.
If you are looking for a free reciprocal link script, using PHP and MySQL, so that you can build a directory, or directory section in your site.. then this is for you!
Feel free to have a look how I have set it up on the site..and add your link if you wish! Visit Here


Merry Christmas!!

PHP, CSS, HTML.... arghh!!

So another day infront of the pc, and another day of pulling my hair out. But it had it's up points, and down points.

I did manage to upload the new Site Design uploaded.. but still have a loooonnggg way to go!!

Managed to find a fantastic reciprocal link script, now I just need to work out how to use it...lol. I managed to change the template to blend with my site, however there are still some quirks. For example, I don't think the category headings need to be that BIG... nor do I like the way the layout messes up when you click on a category.

But, it is a start, so that is the main thing.

Yay - I got a survey!

Ok, so yep this has nothing to do with web design, but it does have to do with the internet, so I thought it was still a valid post...lol

I got my first Email Cash survey today. Not the type that you get 3 points for immediately, but the type that is sent to you. It depends on how long it takes you to respond as to how many points you get... and I was sitting at the pc when it came through!! So I got the full 120 points...yay.

If you have no idea what I am talking about then you might want to check out Email Cash... it is a great way to earn rewards while you shop online!

First and Foremost - My Host!!

The first thing I wanted to post in here about is my hosting provider. ICD Soft are absolutely fantastic! They have always been on hand to help with any problems I have had. they have also been known to go above and beyond the call of duty, when it is me who has mucked something up.

Their online ticket system is wonderful, and I have rarely waited more than a few minutes to get a reply. If a problem is going to take a little longer to solve, well they still contact you with in a short time to let you know it is going to take a little longer.


So if you want to take a look, you wont regret it! They are wonderful.

First Entry

The whole concept of blogging is completely new to me! So please don't expect me to be an expert. What I hope to achieve through this blog is simple, help others. I am not an expert by any means, and what I know I have learnt myself through research etc etc...

I thought, if I write down my experiences as they happen, that someone else might find them useful. At the very least, it will be an online resource for myself, so I don't forget what road I have been down and what one I haven't :-)