Basics

I just received access to the source code by connecting via SFTP, but I'm unsure of how to proceed. Can I download the php code and run it locally on my own server? The reason I requested the source code was to be able to change the navigation bar using my own custom rollovers, add intersticial ads, and have finer control over the html, and add new sections. What is the best way to proceed?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Phil McT on January 10, 2008 at 3:17am

The basic routine is:

- Download the source code to your local computer

- Edit the files you want to change (or add new files)

- Upload those file back to the Ning server

- Check to see whether your changes worked

- Repeat...

I have a development network where I do my coding, then move thing en-masse to my production network.

Randy - I can't think of a reason why it wouldn't be possible to completely remove the 3rd column (after you had the 'run your own ads' premium service). Sure, it would be major surgery, but it's possible.

The Ning bar (at the top of the page) is harder to control, but more of the functions there are being moved to the main network pages over time (starting with invites and messaging).

Permalink Reply by Paul on January 10, 2008 at 2:30pm

Thanks guys, I'm starting to think that modifying the source code might not be to my advantage. I wanted to change the location of the My Profile/View Messages bar from the top to another location, is that possible without touching the source code? How about creating my own navigation menu using custom roll-overs? The FAQ mentions a document describing Ning's overall architecture, but I can't find it anywhere.

Paul

Permalink Reply by Phil McT on January 10, 2008 at 5:32pm

Yes, the "Run your own ads" allows you to remove the third column - but it doesn't make it happen very easily.

The reason I say 'allows' is because without the premium service, you're not allowed to - leaving those ads in place is mandatory.

So once you can dispense with the ads, you're free to get the source code, or change the CSS, and remove that 3rd column.

Permalink Reply by Phil McT on January 10, 2008 at 5:38pm

Hi Paul,

I can't locate that diagram either. It used to be on the old documentation site and I can't find it here. I'll ask the Ning guys.

You could change the location of the sign-in by giving it an absolute position using CSS.

Custom roll-over navigation - probably a little more tricky. In theory, you could use Javascript to change just about any part of the site, but it can quickly become unwieldy and slow down the rendering of the site for the user.

Permalink Reply by Deano on January 10, 2008 at 5:43pm

Does removing the third column from the CSS remove it for the entire site? Is it possible to remove it or change what appears in what box in the column on different pages. For instance I may want to have a different ad rotation run on some pages and a different rotation on other pages - can I do that in the right hand column now?

Permalink Reply by Phil McT on January 11, 2008 at 3:30am

> Does removing the third column from the CSS remove it for the entire site?

No. CSS styles the HTML being returned to the browser. If you remove the styling, you just get the default styling.

> Is it possible to remove it or change what appears in what box in the column on different pages.

With access to the source code (and by making some moderately significant changes), yes.

> For instance I may want to have a different ad rotation run on some pages and a different rotation on other pages - can I do that in the right hand column now?

Not without the source code - see above.

Permalink Reply by Paul on January 12, 2008 at 8:54am

Hi Phil,

Any luck finding the documentation ?

Permalink Reply by Phil McT on January 12, 2008 at 6:45pm

I pinged the Ning guys and they said they would add it to this site. They scrapped their original site and created this one - which is more current and better organized, but it looks like the odd document was overlooked.

I'll let you know when it's available.

Permalink Reply by IMM on January 25, 2008 at 2:10am

Have any css gurus found the wording you can use to remove the right hand column on one or more specific pages (for those who pay for premium services) i.e. so you get a full page?

I know that Spencer has done it on trikepilot but even with a firebug review of his css I don't have the skills to see what wording in the css enables it

Cheers
Pete