Finally...Forums on my site!
At some point last week in one of the threads to which I was responding, the question came up, "Is it possible to host a forum(s) on my site at WA?", or something very much like that. It was a question I had been wondering about as well. It seemed to me like an excellent way to attract more traffic to my site. I promised to look into the matter and post my findings. So I am here today to report that it is indeed possible and I have finally gotten it setup on my site. There is still a lot of tweaking to do, but it's there.
There is a plugin called bbPress which is designed for just this purpose. You can search for it in your plugins and install it just like any other plugin. It is compatible with WordPress 4.0 and is pretty easy to use. There are a couple of things to think about. You will likely want to have visitors register and login to access your forums, which means you will need to set that up (if you haven't already). There is also a plugin for that called bbPress WP Tweaks. Installing that adds a widget for a sidebar where your registration and login can take place. I have not been able to make it work; still working on it. I had to setup the login in another widget, but it works.
You may also need to access your files on the server via FTP. For many of us, that is something new and I'm not going to go into the details here. Just bringing it up as something to think about.
Anyway, I wanted to let everyone that may be interested that it is possible and invite visitors to check it out here. There is only one test forum up now, but feel free to add topics. It will all most likely be deleted soon as I put in the real deal.
Recent Comments
23
Spiffy design! Thanks for the post about the forums though.. It is something that has long been in my dream to do. I'll be referring to this blog post for more information. And of course, asking you if I get stuck.
I know the feeling, I have quite a bit...trying to do at least one blog a day on two blogs I have. Missed a day or two just in the last couple days. Had some things to clean up on my site. Great job though, keep it up! Kim
I'd wondered where you had gone to. You've been busy! I really like your site. There's so much more than when I first saw it. You sir, are well on your way!
Thanks Terry. I can always count on encouraging words from you. I'm glad you like the site.
I want you to succeed so that when you are rich and famous I can tell everyone "I knew him when...". People will come to WA and set up niches in homage to your site & woodworking skills! Your name will be shouted from the roof-tops and peace will envelope the Earth at last!!! Seriously though, I do wish the best for you! ); )
I'm not to this point yet, but it sounds like an interesting idea. I'll remember to come to you, Tom, when I need help!
I'm also interested in forums. I tried to visit your site but it says Webpage not available. I deleted forums off the end to just visit your website and it said the same thing.
Hi Kristy. Thanks for the Heads up! I fixed the link and tested it. You will go straight to the forums by clicking the link.
That is great information! I hadn't thought about adding a forum to my site but I like the idea. Thanks so much! I'm bookmarking this one!
Great info, will be saving for future use. Thanks! And, since you mentioned FTP, I have a side note. I just came across this today so I'm sure you are more knowledgeable than I :).
I was unable to do anything FTP with a siterubix site. I don't want to confuse anyone who doesn't know anything about it so I will just be brief.
I was trying to embed my aStore. I looked for tutorial on youtube and found one where I had to use FileZilla (or similar program) to do something with the file. I had to enter FTP before my address. Anyway, it didn't work. Then I read a post on here that said don't bother if you have a siterubix. So right now, my readers have to be directed to another page to go to my store.
And this long dialogue is to see f maybe you know anything about that?
I'm sorry to say, I don't know about using FTP on a siterubix site. It seems that if you have the correct FTP username and password, you should be OK. But there may be some permissions problems. I just don't know. Do you know where to find the username and password? Go to Build my website and click on details. The information should be shown there. If it isn't, then you probably can't do much about it.
Oh, I was using the ones I set up on my site. I forgot about that one. will have to go back and try it. I guess 2 heads do make better than one lol
nope, still says critical error: unable to connect to server. Oh well *shrugs* life goes on
You may have to refresh the page on which you are viewing the blog for the link to work, but I'm sure it's working now. I just tested it again. I'm sorry you are having trouble with it.
See more comments
Very cool. thanks!
You're welcome. I have to say, though, that I was completely wrong about attracting traffic for my site. It has not done that at all. In fact, to date I have NO participants at all. I've been very disappointed, but that seems to be the case with my whole site. Very disappointing...