Member Avatar for cosi

I am looking for bulletin software preferably that I don't have to modify much to fit my needs. I just taught a robot camp for kids and would like to have a forum/bulletin for the kids to post on.

I would like this bulletin software that can be easily customizable for a private list of members. Members should join by invitation only. I'd prefer for an open sourced solution in PHP.

I have phpbb2, and it seems I'll need to add a mod to get it working as I'd want.


Thanks!
Ed

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Dani AI

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A short practical summary for (and follow-up for and ): phpBB can be run as a strictly private, invite-only board either by using built-in account-activation controls (admin-created or admin-activated accounts) or by adding an invite/registration mod. If staying with phpBB2, prefer the “admin activation / by admin” route so new users cannot self-register; if possible, move to a maintained release (phpBB3 or another modern forum) so security and extension support are current. (kavoir.com)

How to proceed, practically: set user-registration options in the ACP so new registrations are not allowed or require admin activation, then create accounts for campers (or deliver invite codes). That removes most of the need for hacks. For a slightly different workflow, install an invite-only extension/mod that issues single-use tokens so parents/organizers add accounts without exposing an open registration page. Test any mod on a staging copy before production. (kavoir.com)

Privacy and legal checklist (important for a kids’ group): if the forum is directed at, or you knowingly collect personal information from, children under 13, U.S. COPPA rules apply — you must post a COPPA-compliant privacy policy, provide direct notice to parents, and obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting personally identifiable information (names, emails, photos, persistent identifiers, geolocation, etc.). Minimize data collected (avoid photos with full names), and keep signup fields to an absolute minimum. For authoritative guidance see the FTC’s COPPA materials. (ftc.gov)

Quick technical note for hiding the member list: that can be done with ACL/permission changes or a tiny check in memberlist.php (the core checks already gate memberlist/profile views). A minimal approach is to redirect non-logged-in users away from memberlist.php; test and backup before editing core files:

if (!defined('IN_PHPBB') || !$userdata['session_logged_in']) {
    header('Location: ' . append_sid('login.php'));
    exit;
}

If unsure about code edits, use permissions first or ask (who offered help) to avoid introducing security holes. (indvd00m.com)

Recommended Answers

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Member Avatar for Dani

I haven't used phpBB2 in awhile but I'm pretty sure it can be setup in the ACP to work via invitation only. Is there also an option to make the memberlist private? If not, this can be edited via a simple one line mod to the memberlist.php file that I could help you with.

Member Avatar for jayzee

cosi,
you are right. You need to get additional hack to get phpbb2 work as u want.
Anyway, phpbb2 is free. I think it is worth spending some time to integrate the hack. Or you can hire someone to install the hack for you for a small fee.

Member Avatar for cosi

Thanks very much dani. I think I'll manage :).

I have to read up on what modifications I have to make to the system so that it complies with the children privacy act. I assume the rules just mean I don't take any personal information down. Though I wonder if it is fine if they post messages/projects? :) Maybe this is another question I should ask the forum...


I haven't used phpBB2 in awhile but I'm pretty sure it can be setup in the ACP to work via invitation only. Is there also an option to make the memberlist private? If not, this can be edited via a simple one line mod to the memberlist.php file that I could help you with.

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