[Steven Zahm]

@ Joel

For the grid instead of the slider, try this plugin to create the grid:
https://wordpress.org/plugins/grid-columns/

Read the FAQ tab, it has the instructions.

The ide is would would put each feature advertiser logo within its own block in the grid. That way there are all shown.

I can not think of any examples off the top of my head where a user is using CSS to highlight an entry. But here’s an example:

#cn-list .food-franchises {
  background-color: yellow;
}

That would turn the background of all entries that are categorized as Food Franchises to yellow. So, it you had a Featured Advertiser category, you could do this:

cn-list .featured-advertiser {

background-color: yellow;

}

Of course you would use a nicer color, prolly something more subtle but still noticeable.

Adding a “badge” would be very similar, you would be adding a background image (the badge) which it position could be offset so it doesn’t cover up any of the entry info.

The new category widget coming in Widget Pack 2.0 is just like the one you have not but with many more configuration options. For example, you would have one widget configured to show just like you have it now. But you could add a second widget and configure it to show only the entries in the Featured Advertisers category with their logo.

The Custom Category Order extension would simply let you make sure the Featured Advertisers category is at the top of the category list (that you already have in your sidebar) rather down with the other categories that begin with “F”.

Hope that helps. Any way, just something to think about if you want to try to make them more prominent.

[Steven Zahm]

@ larry

Yes, this is possible. First, read this.

In the template look for this: $entry->name;

Replace it with this:
$entry->getName( array( 'format' => '%first% %last%' ) );

That should do it.

[Steven Zahm]

@ Chris

At present there is not an easy method. An export feature is coming to Connections sooner rather than later. For now though there is just this:

https://github.com/shazahm1/Connections-Export

This is not a plugin, it is a separate PHP script. The setup is a little complicated, in the instructions text file, but once setup, works well.

This script will actually be the bases of the export feature, just integrated into the plugin and minimal setup/configuration.

Hope that helps.

[Steven Zahm]

@ jaime

Actually, I’m Steven … not sure who Elliot is??? No problem though :)

Oh, I see, there is a bug in link. I used the incorrect text domain. I just uploaded the bug fix, version 2.0.3. That should fix it.

[Steven Zahm]

@ Alex

re: So the Directory is a kind of limited access blog posting.
Not really, but it is the process flow I modeled after to ensure as much uniformity as possible in user experience with core WordPress and Connections.

re: OK “They will be shown an “Add my directory entry” action link ” in the Admin upper right drop down box and also on the Directory?
Yes. The admin bar will always go to the admin. The link on the directory will depend on if Form is installed or not.

re: Since that scenario is my only enemy do you think I would be able to use the Say What plugin to replace that phrase with a blank or a dot?
Nope, what you have here should work fine:
http://connections-pro.com/support/topic/link-interupted/

[Steven Zahm]

@ Alex

Nope, I do not see any flaws … should work well. Of course you could run a quick little text by adding an incomplete entry for yourself and step thru the process yourself to see how the process flow works.

Say What? works for both Connections and Form equally well. Most text you can change by using the connections text domain. However, there are text field that are unique to Form so you would need to use the connections_form text domain. Same for Link, most text can be changed with the connections text domain but some require the connections_link domain. Sorry, the way things work that are not in my control a single text domain can not be used but I do my best to ensure as much possible can be affected by the `connections text domain.

Hope that helps!

[Steven Zahm]

@ Royale

My first suggestion, do not use the tabs. You are essentially putting three directories on one page. It’s doable … but depending on what you do, you could make the page slow to load.

So… if I understand this right, you basically want to divide the categories between three pages so you do not have 300+ on one page to search thru, right?

Since you’re using cMap, you can choose to limit the category selection to specified root parent categories. See this FAQ. I think this will get you what you’re looking for.

[Steven Zahm]

@

Please do not reply to the auto replies … generally I do not monitor those accounts at all. Thanks!

A copy of your reply here so it this makes sense when I have to refer back to it.

I want to be able to search children but have the search bar only hold
one parent at a time.

For example:

I want to rent a truck, but I don’t remember the name of the truck or
the companies that rent them.. so I go to my handy dandy website which
has three pages one says “rentals” I click on this page (or tab) and
type in truck.. and a list of all the categories with the word truck
in it drop down, I click on fire truck and all the companies that rent
fire trucks show up in the directory.

Does that make sense?

I have my categories broken up in tabs, here’s the site you can see
what I mean:

http://pesa.minervadevsites.com/membership/directory/

I only have one company fully set up with categories for now, but I
want to implement the full 300+ categories- not until i get the search
figured out though..

[Steven Zahm]

@ Joel

Well… maybe instead of a slider, which depending on which articles you read do not have high interaction rates … somthing I agree with only from a personal bias since I virtually never bother even looking at sliders…

Consider, a responsive grid instead of their logos instead … I would imagine your featured advertisers would rather not be hidden in the slider.

And maybe on the directory page where you have the newest … maybe links to your featured too would be appropriate.

I working hard to get Connections 8.2 out this weekend. With 8.2 version, I can release the Widget Pack 2.0. YOu could add all your featured entries to a Featured category and show their name and logo. More details here. As you see the new category widget is for, far more flexible.

In additional, if you opt to add your featured advertisers to a category, you could use the new Custom Category Order extension to put that category at the top of your category list in your sidebar. My goal it to get that released this weekend too.

You could also use some CSS to make both the featured entries and the featured category list item to make them “pop” do something to make them stand out a little more. Maybe for the featured category list item in the sidebar, make it the red accent color that is used on your site. For the entries themselves, maybe just a add subtle background color. You could even use CSS to add a “featured” badge.

Well, those are just a few things that jumped to mind … hope that helps give you ideas!

[Steven Zahm]

@ Dustun

Connections does not use a custom post type, its uses a custom db schema. Two reasons really, but only one is important. Connections is older than custom post types. I have considered migrating the data and may still at some point in a future version, maybe. Or may not because the current db schema is more fitting for directories whereas custom post types is better suited for, well, posts and other types than fit well within that schema.

If I may, why do you ask?

[Author]

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