More options for: front page blocks - OR - "Show for this action"

[rollie]

Hi there,

This is my first post, so first of all: congratulations and thank you to Bloc and all responsible for TinyPortal.  I'm very excited about this SMF package although the title "package" doesn't really do TP justice.  Great work!

Okay, the prompt for this post:

Unless I'm mistaken, there is one thing I would like to achieve with TP that doesn't seem to be catered for.  I'd like the ability to have most of my left, right and center blocks only appear on the front page. 

I realise that this is the opposite to what most people would want but the reasons relate to accessibility.  Some of my users are older (eldest is 76) and due to low screen resolution (800x600) and general lack of tech-savvyness cannot cope with too much information on a single page.  I'd like therefore to set up my home/front page with a single welcome article as well as the User/Stats/Recent topic blocks and leave almost all of the other pages showing only their regular SMF content.

I've tried several ways to achieve this but have come up short each time.  The front page blocks don't allow for left or right positioning.  The option to restrict a block to a certain action is perfect except there is no action associated with the front page.  I've tried restricting the blocks to a single article and then having only that article appear on the front page but it doesn't show the blocks this way (the blocks only show if you navigate to the article.)

So my suggestion is that somehow "front page" be added as an option in the "show for this action" list or alternatively the front page blocks customisation be given an option to position them (ie left, right or center.)

Apologies for the longish post but I thought it best to explain the problem clearly.

Either way, thanks again for TP - I really see this as becoming a hugely popular portal and further adding to the success of SMF.

[Maya]

  Welcome to TP rollie...

there is actually an option for this

you want to go to admin > settings ( in the tinyportal menu on the left)

you will find these options

Use left panel:  On  Off 
Hide left panel when in forum?  Yes  No 
Use right panel:  On  Off 
Hide right panel when in forum?  Yes  No 
Use center panel:  On  Off
Hide center panel when in forum?  Yes  No 

by selecting yes to 'hide panel when in forum', only the forum will show


hope this helps

[rollie]

Hi Maya, thanks for the quick response

I just tried it and that's perfect!

Of course, I can't then show the shoutbox block on my Arcade page (not all of my users are 76  ) but I can do a small mod for that.

Thanks again!

[Maya]

  your very welcome.. :up:

[IchBin]

Hi Maya, thanks for the quick response

I just tried it and that's perfect!

Of course, I can't then show the shoutbox block on my Arcade page (not all of my users are 76  ) but I can do a small mod for that.

Thanks again!

This will be possible. Bloc has plans to allow a block to ignore the sidebar on/off setting to display them in places like the arcade and stuff.

[rollie]

This will be possible. Bloc has plans to allow a block to ignore the sidebar on/off setting to display them in places like the arcade and stuff.

Ah, very cool.  I'm already very impressed with how customisable TP is.  That would only make it stronger.  Thanks.