Hey thanks, I found this helpful. I needed something like this, and I didn't feel like coding some php for it. Saved me a bunch of time
I really did not want to jump in on this thread but am sick and tired of hearing this rubbish about coded and unencoded. Lets be absolutely honest here, most people haven't got a clue about code and would not know the difference whether it was encrypted or not and that includes me. I know phpLynx is going open code but I keep on hearing this rubbish about how people (quote you) 'hate encoded'! You may know coding (Do you?) but I bet 99% of people who use directory scripts will NEVER touch a piece of code in their lives. Its the biggest bluff certain directory script owners and mod makes have over people, they pretend it makes a difference when it really doesn't. Even before we go open, and with a few final tests almost out of the way you could still do all the templating you need without worry and the blunt truth is you already have the features that the coders of the world boast about already built in to scripts that are encoded so you wouldn't need to touch anything even if you could. Nevertheless, we ARE going to open the code (or at least most of it) for the budding coders of the world, hopefully it will be one less script people can complain about just because they can't see something they can't understand in the first place. Sorry but it had to be said and it was about time people were stopped being misled that because script like phpld are the best because they are not encoded. It ISN'T the best, in fact bare script its far from it.
With TOLRA directory script, we don't offer a free version of the script only a trial, it is this trial that is encrypted in order to stop people stealing it. The trial is the latest full version of the script with everything working but with limits applied on the allowed number of listings and categories. It is because of this that we can't just give the source out. When you purchase a license you get full source unless you want to save some money by purchasing an encrypted version. Only those developing code around the script would know the difference between encrypted and unencrypted as they wouldn't have access to the source, normal users and designers would not know the difference. Mods can be used on either version. Most good hosts either have or can enable ioncube loaders, however if your host can't support them then talk to us and we can setup a temporary hosting account on one of our servers. It's supposed to be so that it's as simple as possible for designers to work with to create custom skins while still being usable. There's little point having your new directory look like the thousands of others out there. There's some other skins at http://www.attitude-emedia.com/directories/generic-skins.html which were created for a slightly older version of the script but should still work.
there are a lots of links directory scripts, but first you have to thinks about the spammer and security, if not you are going to spent Manny hour deleting spam links 95% of links submission are Junk. for me i think the best is. Indexu at nicecoder.com
Being perfectly honest with you tolra, you shouldn't feel the need to justify yourself, I came on this forum after a lot of people from phpLynx did and all they did was try and justify why they did this and why they did that, bottom line is if people are stupid enough to buy an inferior script just because a load of kids come and along chanting its the greatest because its the most popular you or I ain't going to stop them. Good luck with your script, even though you are competition (you don't have as many features as us though) I still like to see scripts like this come along and have their say. Having all but taken over at phpLynx we're opening our code, but we'll still restrict the install to prevent thieving, if people don't like that then its only because they probably want to nick the thing anyway and are not the type of customer we'd want in the first place.
I hope by explaining why it's done that people will slowly learn why and maybe even accept it. Heck people accept Microsoft products which have no source and require activation, so it's just getting people to understand a script is still an application. Likewise and features can be added. Competition/choice is good for everyone. If it's commercial you have to have some protection in place be it install time or runtime, if you don't you may as well just give it away and go and stack shelves at the local supermarket.
Some people just aren't for educating tolra. Good luck, and yes, features can surely be added, watch this space on that one.
I know some coding altho I am no expert put I still hate ioncube and encrytion based on my experience with a article script I use I really couldn't do much with design, layout or much of anything else with it but I have also used scripts that are partial encrypted say copyright etc and been able to work with them also I have never said phpld is the best because they are not encoded I just like it as its easier to change designs or the way it looks by adding things etc............
Take a look at this list : http://www.directorytrials.com/complete-list-of-directory-scripts/ Hope you enjoyed it !
Thanks for updating, is it your site? Move phpLynx up the list though, it would look better at the top.