Awards (Featuring Content)

These FAQs briefly summarise different ways which staff can feature content on Composr, including the awards system.

For more information, check out these tutorials:
Question What are the benefits of featuring content on my Composr website?
Answer Featuring content provides several advantages:
  • Freshness and Activity: It gives your site a dynamic feel, showcasing updates and encouraging return visits.
  • Effortless Variety: Featuring content introduces diversity without extensive effort.
  • User Engagement: It draws users in and motivates them to check back for new featured items.
  • Prominent Placement: Featured content receives prime visibility, highlighting its importance or rewarding its creator.

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Question How do I feature specific content items on my Composr site?
Answer You can feature content using various methods:
  • Blocks: The main_content block allows you to display specific items by content type and ID or randomize content from selected categories.
  • Awards: Create awards for different content types and assign them to specific items. You can then use the main_awards block to display current award holders. Awards also integrate with points to credit points to award holders. And you can be reminded on the staff checklist to assign a new award every configurable amount of time.
  • Advanced Embedding: For greater control, use the main_include_module block to embed entire module screens within other content.

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Question What is the Composr Award system, and how do I use it?
Answer The Award system is a powerful tool for highlighting and promoting specific content. Here's how it works:
  • Award Types: Define awards associated with specific content types (e.g., "Download of the Week" for downloads).
  • Award Assignment: When editing content, designate it as the current holder of a relevant award.
  • Display: Use the main_awards block to showcase current award holders on your site.
  • Archive: Awarded content is automatically archived for easy access and historical reference.
  • Points: If you use points, recipients of awards can also receive points as a reward.

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Question What is the difference between using the main_awards block and directly selecting content with the main_content block?
Answer Both blocks can feature content, but they offer different approaches:
  • main_awards: Provides a structured system for managing featured content through award assignment, archives, and optional point rewards. Requires active management to update award holders.
  • main_content: Offers direct control over specific content or allows random selection from chosen categories. May require manual updates or adjustments.

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Question Can I display forum content in a prominent way on my Composr site?
Answer Absolutely! Composr provides several blocks designed for featuring forum content:
  • News-Style Blocks: side_forum_news, main_forum_news, and bottom_forum_news display forum topics in a news format, ideal for forums used for news posting.
  • Topic-Focused Block: main_forum_topics showcases recent topics from specific forums, allowing you to highlight active discussions or important announcements.

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Question How can I create countdowns or display hit counters on my Composr website?
Answer Composr offers blocks for both functionalities:
  • Countdowns: Use the main_countdown block to add countdowns to specific dates and times.
  • Hit Counters: While generally considered outdated, you can use the main_count block to display hit counters for specific content.

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Question What other methods exist for featuring content in Composr?
Answer
  • Random Quotes: The quotes feature allows you to display a rotating selection of quotes on your site.
  • Community Billboard (Requires Addon): The Community Billboard addon provides a dedicated space for displaying important announcements or community messages.

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