Does vBulletin have "auto tools"?

[Jeremy8]

Hey, I currently use ZetaBoards. They have what are called "auto tools" ...not sure if that's what they are called with every forum software. But they are basically these mod/admin actions that can be set up in the ACP. They show up like a mod option shows up (such as closing a thread). There are auto tools for topics and auto tools for members. For example, a member auto tool could send a message a member and then remove his/her signature. A topic auto tool could move a topic to a board and leave a message in it, etc. These were extremely useful, so I'm wondering if vB has this or some version of this.

[hitmancode47]

I believe the function you are talking about is called pruning, i could be wrong though.

[Jeremy8]

I don't think it is that.

[BacTalan]

No, pruning is a different feature from autotools.

[kontagio.us]

Hey, I currently use ZetaBoards. They have what are called "auto tools" ...not sure if that's what they are called with every forum software. But they are basically these mod/admin actions that can be set up in the ACP. They show up like a mod option shows up (such as closing a thread). There are auto tools for topics and auto tools for members. For example, a member auto tool could send a message a member and then remove his/her signature. A topic auto tool could move a topic to a board and leave a message in it, etc. These were extremely useful, so I'm wondering if vB has this or some version of this.

Autotools defined

vBulletin shows you options from the thread view page for closing, copy, move etc... You can move a thread and leave a redirect link.

I think you'll be happy with vBulletin's moderating options

[Jeremy8]

Autotools defined

vBulletin shows you options from the thread view page for closing, copy, move etc... You can move a thread and leave a redirect link.

I think you'll be happy with vBulletin's moderating options

You don't quite know what an auto tool is. I'm pretty sure vB doesn't have them... which is sad since even ZetaBoards does.

[kontagio.us]

You don't quite know what an auto tool is.

Autotools defined

[tercede]

You don't quite know what an auto tool is. I'm pretty sure vB doesn't have them... which is sad since even ZetaBoards does.

You answered your own question.

Also, I find it a bit odd you're trying to compare ZB to vbulletin. ZB owns you, your forum, your users, and your data. You can't export the forum database nor can you install mods as you see fit like vbulletin.

I would be cautious going with free forum hosting like that..

[kontagio.us]

Not to mention you don't see a penny from the advertising.

[Jeremy8]

I am simply pointing out that software thought to be weaker than vB has this very useful feature and vB, which people pay for, apparently does not have it. I believe IPB also has it.

[mccollin]

I am simply pointing out that software thought to be weaker than vB has this very useful feature and vB, which people pay for, apparently does not have it. I believe IPB also has it.

All of the stuff in that list can easily be done as a moderator or admin with vBulletin, and has been possible for years. Its in the thread and post tools drop down menu, and dependent on what your authority level is. The only thing there that is not "out of the box" is replying with a pre-canned response to many threads. While I'm sure that's useful, its kind of a nit in the grand scheme of what vBulletin can do, and I'd bet that something like it is probably available in the hundreds and hundreds of available enhancements available at vbulletin.org. This is kind of an apples and oranges comparison.

[Darkimmortal]

You can't export the forum database

You could always scrape and parse the posts as a last resort. Perhaps the admin CP would give you enough data to grab users too.

[Alteran Ancient]

What the OP actually means about "Autotools" as seen on ZetaBoard's Documentation is the process of automating frequent multi-tasks into one-click actions; I remember IPB2 boasted such a feature, called "Multi-moderation" (NOT to be confused with in-line moderation!) or something silly, that would allow an admin to create/define/design a function in the ACP that Admins & Mods could use on threads, e.g. Autotool "Lock this off" would create a pre-determined post in the user's name "This thread is off topic, and is being locked." and would lock it at the same time. Or "Hot Thread" could be set-up to produce a response "This is a very important thread! Stickying this..." and the thread would be stuck at the same time; all in one click.

Now are you starting to understand? The feature itself in vB is relatively non-existent, unless there's a mod on vB.org I'm unaware of, but the actual moderation actions are already there to use.

[Neo_obs]

What the OP actually means about "Autotools" as seen on ZetaBoard's Documentation is the process of automating frequent multi-tasks into one-click actions; I remember IPB2 boasted such a feature, called "Multi-moderation" (NOT to be confused with in-line moderation!) or something silly, that would allow an admin to create/define/design a function in the ACP that Admins & Mods could use on threads, e.g. Autotool "Lock this off" would create a pre-determined post in the user's name "This thread is off topic, and is being locked." and would lock it at the same time. Or "Hot Thread" could be set-up to produce a response "This is a very important thread! Stickying this..." and the thread would be stuck at the same time; all in one click.

Now are you starting to understand? The feature itself in vB is relatively non-existent, unless there's a mod on vB.org I'm unaware of, but the actual moderation actions are already there to use.

In other words, it can't be done out of the box but is completely plausible that it can be made into an add-on. Maybe someone should do that, doesn't sound like a half bad feature.

[Jeremy8]

What the OP actually means about "Autotools" as seen on ZetaBoard's Documentation is the process of automating frequent multi-tasks into one-click actions; I remember IPB2 boasted such a feature, called "Multi-moderation" (NOT to be confused with in-line moderation!) or something silly, that would allow an admin to create/define/design a function in the ACP that Admins & Mods could use on threads, e.g. Autotool "Lock this off" would create a pre-determined post in the user's name "This thread is off topic, and is being locked." and would lock it at the same time. Or "Hot Thread" could be set-up to produce a response "This is a very important thread! Stickying this..." and the thread would be stuck at the same time; all in one click.

Now are you starting to understand? The feature itself in vB is relatively non-existent, unless there's a mod on vB.org I'm unaware of, but the actual moderation actions are already there to use.

Thank you. This is what I am talking about. It is very useful, so I hope someone makes an addon.