Steven Zahm@ Louise
re: How do I add a form to a page?
Go to the Connections : Settings admin page and click the Display tab. Scroll to the List Actions section.
re: I tried to redirect individuals to login to site before accessing the form. When I click the checkbox to force individuals to log in, it takes me back to the home page and not the login screen. I also uploaded the login extension to see if it would fix the problem, but I don’t see where to use the login extension.
Sorry, not sure I can answer this question because it sounds like you are using another plugin to handle redirecting a user to login since this is not a feature in Connections. You may have to ask that plugin developer why it is doing that instead of doing whatever it is supposed to.
As for the Login extension, that simply displays the login form builtin into WordPress wherever you insert the shortcode. It also adds a login widget that can be placed into the theme’s sidebar. This widget will only display if on a single entry page (detail/profile view) and if the visitor is not logged in.
Form can take submissions from anyone regardless if logged in or only allow a logged in user to add an entry. It sounds as if you want only the latter. You should only enable this option in the List Actions:
“When this option is enabled a “View My Directory Entry” or “Add My Directory Entry” link will be displayed.”
and not this option:
“When this option is enabled a “Submit New Entry” link will be displayed. When a user clicks this link they will be taken to a page where they can submit their entry to the directory.“.
Now a user will only see a link when logged in to add their entry. You should also make sure you logged in users, the role that they have should have the correct permissions. They can be set on the Connections : Roles admin page. I suggest only adding Add/Edit Moderated capabilities.
re: When I initially tested the form, I sent a submission and an email was sent to me stating that “We will review and approve your submission soon.” However, I did not receive an email as an administrator as set up in settings.
If you are testing as a logged in user, ensure that the user role you are testing in only has the Add/Edit Moderated capabilities. If you are testing while logged in as an admin, you are adding entries as an admin which will require no moderation. In that case no email notification will be sent.
As for email not sending in general… Any email sent by Connections thru WordPress is logged. You can view this log on the Connections : Tools admin page. If the email is logged as sent successfully that means the command was successfully relayed to the WordPress mailer. If there is failure after that point it can be for many reasons, none of which no plugin can resolve. It could be that the web host block it or simply failed to send it. It could be that the receiving host blocked it or could be as simple as the email client filtered it to the junk/spam folder. If the cause is any of these often the solution is to use SMTP or an email host to process email from WordPress.
re: I soon discovered that the form was automatically approved without being approved manually by the administrator. I would like to be able to manually approve submissions.
My best guess is that you are testing while logged in as an admin. You have admin privileges. Any submissions you make will be as an admin and will not require approval and no email notifications will be sent. When testing, make sure to log in as a user that only has the Add/Edit Moderated capabilities. Those capabilities Connections : Roles admin page.
re: How do I add custom fields as an administrator? For example:
-I would like for applicants to be able to choose one or more roles: instructor, tutor, curator, developer, and the information be connected to the roles and their capabilities within the website. a LMS.
Currently custom fields require a developer to custom develop for you as there is no point and click interface to add them. I do provide custom development solution and can provide you with a quote. Please contact me using the Contact link at the bottom of the page.
re: I would like for applicants to add more categories on the front end or a skills textbox.
Sorry, but it is not possible to allow a user to add categories via the frontend. A custom field text box is very doable though.
re: I would like for applicants to add schools they attended (a textbox).
Same as previously mentioned.
re: How do I add an additional filter to the display from the tile plus template? I would like for viewers to be able to filter staff based on categories and roles.
I answered this question here.
I think I addressed all the questions. Please let me know if I missed one or if you need any of the responses clarified.