For a client site I didn't want users to search due to privacy concerns but there needed to be a way of connecting with their friends.

So I came up with this little bit of code to share with you.

It needs a custom code module. I used the one from Joomlaspan.com called mod_customcode.

Assuming your SEF url to the profile is:

www.domain.com/my-profile/username

Place the following code in the module:

[code:1]<form id="form1" name="openlocation" action="www.domain.com/my-profile/" method="post" onSubmit="document.openlocation.action='www.domain.com/my-profile/'+ document.openlocation.href.value;" >
<p>
<input type="text" id="edit2" name="href" size="20" width="100px;" value="">
<input type="submit" id="butn1" name="button" value="Find" ></p>
</form>[/code:1]
When a username is entered it will direct the user to the profile without searching.

Post edited by: wintercorn, at: 2010/05/05 23:12

It wouldn't allow me to post a new thread in any other area. So I put it here before I forgot all about it

If you want to move, it would be most appreciated.

If they put in a username which doesn't exist, it shows the normal CB screen with the message:

"This profile does not exist or is no longer available "

Post edited by: wintercorn, at: 2010/05/06 10:50

If you want users to be able to connect but don't want them to be able to free text search, then you have a problem.

There's no way to connect to someone without knowing their username and navigating directly to their profile.

This code allows you to place an input box which when configured will allow a user to enter a username and then be directed to a profile without searching.

It prevents users from searching for other users but allows profile viewing and connecting for friends.

The actual SEF URL is not important, just whatever is set up on your system.

It's a solution to a very specific problem.