07 Aug 09
We have setup our Board before our site launch and, because of the nature of the community, we have pre-made quite a few categories and forums. We are thinking it may be good to actually separate the categories onto different pages, i.e., have more than one board, each for a specific category.
Since NinjaBoard is a component, is there any way to install it more than once?
Conversely, is it possible to have more than one instance of NB on different pages like modules?
07 Aug 09
Quick answer is no. I don't think any component allows itself to be installed more than once, or appear more than once on a page like a module.
Long answer is, it could be possible with some fancy coding.
1. You could do a global search and replace on an unzipped copy of NB and change every instances of com_ninjaboard with com_theotherboard and then zip it up and install it again, as it would become basically a different component then.
2. You could make "pretend" forums, by visiting a category page, which shows only that category, copying the url and then using that url to make a menu item. But if the user clicks the "forum index" link, they will see everything again. Luckily category links are in the breadcrumbs now (soon..) ;) so they can go back to the category page too if they like.
3. There is a module that can be used to load components inside itself, mimicking the ability to load multiple components on the same page.
4. You or your client could sponsor us putting some sort of functionality to do what you want into NB. This feature isn't really a priority, so I can't see it being done in the near, or even mid term future, but $ talks and can get you any feature you like.
07 Aug 09
Have you ever tried to do the search and replace method? I've tried this on the little suggestion box module in Joomla extensions and could not get them to work after the second one was created; some sort of conflict. NB being so much more complex I'd think that there could be other issues with doing this. Just wanted to know if you'd ever tried it and is only the one change enough.
The Category Page idea is a good down-and-dirty way of doing it (why didn't I think of that!) and we might go this route but I'd much prefer that each topic area have an independent board.
OH, that whomever suggested that you add the category to the breadcrumb... GENIUS! ;)
09 Aug 09
I haven't done the search and replace with NB no. I did it with another extension a couple of years ago and it took some massaging but eventually worked.
I have done it with templates quite a few times though.
I would also suggest the category page idea btw.
The new version of NB is being packaged right now btw. hopefully it will be on the site before you read this message.
Forum Joomla Extension Support NinjaBoard More than one NinjaBoard on a Site?