Need a bit of info please

I had to switch to version 5.6.5 due to webhost not accepting ffmpeg. what I need to know is how Can I set it so when somebody joins they do not receive an email confirmation but are automatically approved and activated? also need this for Photos, blog, profiles, galley and polls. I do not want to have to go in and approve every little thing. I have set the post moderation to automatic but it does not seem to have worked. any help would be great

thanks in advance

Ah, another 5.6.5 user! Also, why in the world are you using Dolphin 5.6.5 beyond for testing purposes? If you cannot run ffmpeg.exe, you can always just set the permission for the file anyways, and never use video uploading.

Also, I'll look around and see what I can find.

I actually started out with version 6.1 but I had to reinstall and the host would not allow ffmpeg to even be uploaded to the server anymore. I am using a free host as I am broke and that is why I switched.  As far as setting the permissions Not really sure how. also I don't plan on video  or audio intil I can afford a paid host and will then upgrade.

Wow - that is pretty old.  How many users?  Is it heavily modified?   I used to manage to trash my database from the control panel in 6.0 - I assumed you had to be a coder for anything prior to that.  You can't scrape together $20 bucks or so for a few months hosting to get you going on this?  I'm not sure it is worth the extra effort to deal with an obsolete version of the software just to get free hosting.

Good luck

Rob

It is actually very difficult for me to scrape up $20. as I am getting a divorce and am on a fixed income as well. As far a being a coder. can't say that I am. I really just got sick of dating sites that said free and then you had to pay. So i figured I would set up a Real free one and eventually move it to a paid server and then start charging but only like a small fee such as $1 to $5 a year. No users as yet as I am just trying to get it set up first. If possible

Well, I suppose you can always upload a modified version of Dolphin 7/6 without ffmpeg.exe and with an edited installation script to not check for the file.

That would be a good idea, any ideas where to get a modified version with an edited install script?

I did like the 6.1 and 7 versions

I'd have to find where the file checks for the permissions, or unless someone else here can contribute.

any and all help is greatly appreciated. I have been working on getting things done for a few weeks now and am getting a bit flustered

thanks again

I really think I would hold off until you can scrape some money together - Dolphin is a pretty complex script and I think you will just be wasting time and fighting it if you try to make it work on a free server.   Even though things are tight for you now, your time is worth something too - in fact more so when you are in a difficult situation.  There is one host here that charges $7 per month and has an automatic installation - meaning you could get started quickly and use the time you save in a more productive way.

Rob

there's always localhost (your own box)

(free)
doesn't get any cheaper than that :)

You do realize the following:

1.  The free host will put ads on the site you have no control over, either content or placement. 

2.  Being on Disability, you will need to inform them you are starting a site and provide regular financials to them to demonstrate if it is making money or not and if it does make any money, they will deduct that from your disability in most instances (with the exception of VA Disability provided you are less than 90% disabled).  SSI Disability will make a direct adjustment to your disability until you begin to make more than they pay, then they just quit paying you.

3.  It is a felony to make money while on disability (SSI or over 90% VA) and NOT report that income to them.

I applaud your efforts to try and improve your situation, just be careful and make sure you follow the rules.  Your in a different position than most of us here due to your disabilty.

Want to also point out another thing too:  In your business model you said you wanted to create a true free site, but then you state once it gets members you will charge them $1 - $5 to use it.  That's not a true free site, as a true free site has NO fees ever and no plans of any type to charge them ever.

Also, take note and do your research.  Not trying to rain on your parade, however there is significant cost to operating a dating site.  The web is filled with them, probably more of them than any other type of site (excluding the porn guys) and it takes considerable work to create a membership base on them that is active.  Dating sites are the one type of site out there that people come to with a true expectation in mind and you must be able to generate traffic to the site and keep them on the site (low bounce rate) along with a high % of return visitors for it to be successful.  Study sites such as plentyoffish.com, okcupid.com and so on, as they are free dating sites and see what is making them work and then try to copy the best parts while improving in the areas they lack in.

Good luck in your endeavor.

Do you know about Mechanical Turk: www.mturk.com - it is online "piece work" - i.e. tiny little jobs that only a human can do - they pay as low as a few cents to as high as a dollar or two.    I decided to check it out the other night just to see what it was about, and it was easier to get going than I thought.  I spent about 45 minutes and made three bucks.  No one is going to get rich that way - it is way less than even the minimum wage, but if you already have some income it may help get you the little you need for hosting.

Good luck

Rob