Question regarding 'Emailing Users' from AdminCP in vB 3.5?

[biggjoe]

Hello Everyone!

I've read the vB 3.5 manual and experimented with the options in the AdminCP regarding the option 'Users -> Send Email to Users'.

I want to make sure that I'm not missing anything and if certain functions aren't available, maybe there are some hacks/mods that can do this?

It looks like I can easily send out a broadcast message/announcement from the 'Email Users' option in the AdminCP.

[Q1]

Is there some kind of textbox/field where I can easily copy/past in various email addresses?

As you can probably tell, I would like to use the 'Email Users' function as a way to send out an email, simulating a Mailing List...to email addresses that are not only existing for registered members...but even email addresses that are totally outside of vB.

Is this possible?

[Q2]

Is there some type of existing hack/mod that can do this, or maybe add this functionality to the vB AdminCP?

Thanks,

Joe

[Steve Machol]

Q1. There is no function to do this. This requires modifying the code. We cannot officially support code modifications or forums running modified code, however can try searching or asking for help with this over at www.vbulletin.org.

Q2. I've never heard of a hack to do this. Check over at www.vbulletin.org.

[biggjoe]

Hey Steve!

Thanks for responding! I will do as you suggest and checkout www.vbulletin.org.

One other question;

Right now, the way I have vB installed, the directory is actually called 'forums' so people can access it this way:

https://www.mydomain.com/forums

If I want to change the directory name to lets say 'myforums' as in:

https://www.mydomain.com/myforums

Is it as simple as just changing the name in the directory installed on our server? Or do I need to make other mods as in the config file?

Thanks,

Joe

[Steve Machol]

Just rename the directory and update the URL to your forums in the Admin CP and Members Area.

[biggjoe]

Steve;

I saw where I need to make the change in the AdminCP, but I'm not quite sure about the Members area.

Also, don't I need to change the actual path in the config.php file as well?

Joe

[Steve Machol]

If you didn't set this line in config.php, then you don't need to change anything:

$config['Misc']['forumpath'] = '';

In the Members Area, click on 'Edit License'.

[biggjoe]

Steve, thank you very much!

Joe

[biggjoe]

Thanks again Steve!

J.

[Steve Machol]

You're welcome.

[vakvak]

If you didn't set this line in config.php, then you don't need to change anything:

$config['Misc']['forumpath'] = '';

In the Members Area, click on 'Edit License'.

example:

$config['Misc']['forumpath'] = 'Licence Number <removed>'; ok?

[Steve Machol]

No, not ok.

[David Copeland]

[Q1]
As you can probably tell, I would like to use the 'Email Users' function as a way to send out an email, simulating a Mailing List...to email addresses that are not only existing for registered members...but even email addresses that are totally outside of vB.

Is this possible?

Yes, you can use the CP as a custom broadcast email program.

Do this:

1) Create a New User Group, and title it such (perhaps "Big List 1"

2) Then go to the User tab, and choose Add New User

3) Then copy and paste the email address in the following three (3) boxes:

User Name
Password
Email

Example:
User Name: john @yahoo.com
Password: john @yahoo.com
Email: john @yahoo.com

4) Then choose for the new user the User Group "Big List 1', and Save.

5) After you have a good amount of off-forum email addresses saved as new users, then go back to the Send Email to Users tab and email your broadcast message ONLY to that specific User Group.

Tip: In the Send Email to Users , type in a different From email address than your forum email address. It is best to have another domain name and email set up for returning emails and bounces.

Tip 2: Monitor the bounces and remove them from your Forum User Group if they turn out to be dead.

Tip 3: Make sure you have a disclaimer at the bottom of your email message on how the person can remove their emails from future emails. This will insure the integrity of your name.server so as not to get on a banned list.

Tip 4: I understand that you can export all of your forum emails to a standalone email program if you choose to do so later.

David