June 25, 2008
Here is the first of MANY BANS templates for WordPress that will be released over the coming months. This template has been tested pretty in-depth with BANS 3.0 EPN and version 2.5.1 of WordPress. To learn more about the template click on the BANS WordPress Template post from a couple days ago.Note: This template package is designed to work on NEW SITES hosted at HostGator for now. While it is still an easy process to modify an existing site to work with this, I prefer to skip over that process for now and focus on new stores only. At some point in the coming weeks, I will be providing direction on using this and other templates on an existing site.
The installation directions are located here (Directions edited 06/29/08 to reflect includes error) if you prefer to see the challenge ahead of you before getting started with this, but overall, it is fairly quick and easy to do. Please note that more than half of the instructions are explaining how to upload to the right folders etc, so if you are somewhat aware of that process already, this should take less than 1 hour from start to finish… on a brand new site!
I will also be posting a video of the start<->finish process before the end of the day!
There are 2 Options for this theme package:
$29.00 - The theme package, which includes all files for the WordPress Theme and BANS WordPress Template.
(Clicking the buy now button will take you directly to paypal)
$60.00 - Everything above, plus installation. If you choose installation, after payment is completed, you will be directed to a form to submit your site details. I can usually get the site installed within 1-2 business days.
Please note that I will need to verify you already own the Build a Niche Store software before installing on your account. The template pack does NOT include the BANS affiliate software. The form page after purchase will have the required field of information to validate your purchase. If you already have BANS sites installed on the hosting account, I will be able to see them in the cPanel as well.
Once you have the template installed, I would love to see links to it from this post.
Edit: 06/29/08
I have made a few minor changes to the code of the files to correct the include issues some of you were experiencing. If you would prefer a fresh download, please email me using the contact form above, along with the email address you used for purchase. The current download files are already updated.
Mark
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49 Responses to “BANS - Blog Template Pack! BANS Flex Theme”
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Thank you Mark.
I’ve been waiting for you to let me send you some $. Its about time you charged for something for your work.
@ Bill -
I appreciate it! I actually hate putting a price on anything… I like free myself!
I still plan on building a series on how to convert a WP template into a BANS template and with the new methods used on these templates, it should be easy for someone with basic html skill.
Mark
Hey Mark, Nice work!
This is definately the next step to getting more traffic, fresh content, many SEO friendly plug-ins available, and just a good way to content that counts. One question, is this template the only one color you have available for now? I know you mentioned making a few more in the future so this purchase includes one custom made templete in green, right?
Keep up the great work!
Dan
@ Dan -
Yes, this is the only one available right now. I am in the middle of putting together a simple css template as well. I should have it done within a day or two. With that template, you will be able to change colors at will.
Mark
Mark,
What a great template! Installation is pretty straight forward and I love how easy it is to integrate a blog and BANS site with this template pack. Very well done!!!
Rochelle
It looks great, Mark.
I have a question I haven’t seen answered yet on this template: can we easily configure it to show more than just 5 auction items per page?
Thanks.
Thanks Mark!
I have a few new sites to set up with this!! bought and downloaded and it is going up soon!
Way to go Mark! This is awesome. I’m going to wait for the new one so I can play with the colors, but this is exactly what I’ve been looking for! And offering installation is great - I haven’t had much luck installing WP so it’s good to have an option of letting an expert do it. :-)
I was wondering, Hostgator has lotz of templates and is it possible to convert the hostgator templates to BANS templates for use with the store?
Well that was a lot quicker than I expected.
I have been wanting a blog/BANS mix since BANS started and now I have my first. Awesome
Thanks Mark
Mark, in your post you mentioned “This template package is designed to work on NEW SITES hosted at HostGator for now.”
I’m not on HostGator. I know how to install Wordpress though. How tough would it be for me to integrate these templates on another host?
Not possible or Doable?
Is there something specific about the templates that will make them only work on Hostgator?
Thanks
Greg,
I didn’t even notice that Mark wrote it was for accounts hosted with HostGator and I installed this on a site I have hosted with WebHostingPad. The template/blog/bans is working perfectly so far.
Rochelle
@ Dean -
The auctions are controlled by BANS… and can be set to X amount per page, as you wish. BANS still has to built just like you would normally do…
@ Joe -
Absolutely! I have three accounts at places with templates and often use them for different ideas. ANY (yes ANY) Template or design can be converted to both WP and BANS… of course, there are some exceptions when it come to the use of flash etc.
@ Greg -
I have only used it in Hostgator right now, although it should work fine on any apache host that runs BANS. The only tricky part are the include references. Some hosts require absolute or relative include references. Overall, it would be a quick fix if it did not work.
Mark
Hey Mark, its Russ listen I just set my newest site on Saturday past and I was wondering if I can use this site?For this process?
Mark, I bought this template last night and I have been working all day getting a brand new BANS site up. This template is beautiful and works like a charm! I wish I had a tenth of your skill. It takes BANS to a whole new level for me…
Thank you!
I’ve played with a code quite a bit tonight and figured out that the include sections you need to edit don’t work with php5.
Orginal code:
Replacement code:
I would recommend that you replace all the include code which are in the instructions on this website if you get errors!
If you don’t get errors then don’t worry about it :)
Jason
Some reason it wouldn’t let me repost the code so i’ll email mark
@ Jason -
Some hosting providers turn off the f_open_url function in php.ii, Hostgator allows it.
All you need to do is email support and ask them to enable allow_url_include=On
Most HG accounts already have this enabled by default, however some dont.
Mark
Is the blogroll widget hardcoded somewhere in this theme? I’m not seeing any widgets enabled in the admin section, but I’m seeing it on the site and would like it removed.
I’ve searched the code and couldn’t find anything unfortunately…
Jason
OK I just got my 1st one up and running. Took awhile but I got it. One problem I ran into was I named Auction site with CAPS. When you go to place your first permalink the SLUG/Page address turns off caps. So Everytime I entered the EXACT FOLDER name the slug= (text that shows in address bar) kept changing back to small text, So figured it out. Had to back and make a couple changes and walla.
Dont name your bans folder with caps. They dont stick in WP! Atleast not mine.
Very brain stimulating
Mark-
I am having the same issue as Jason. The include code comes back and tells me that Warning: include() [function.include]: URL file-access is disabled in the server configuration.
Hostgator support sent back this to my request to enable the url include
We do not allow url includes for security reasons. You will have to include files locally
Suggestions?
@ Jason -
The three areas of the footer (blogroll is in middle) are controlled in the footer.php file of the theme. The center section asks:
if dynamic sidebar 3 is active, show it. if not, show the blogroll…
This is in the sidebar3.php file of the include file.
@ Terry -
If you want to send me the cPanel info for your site via the contact page above, I will jump in and see about getting absolute variable working on the site.
Mark
Mark, Is there a link to the installation video ?
Joette
Hi Mark,
Have you made any progress with the template that will allow you to change the colors easily?
Randy
@ Joette
I did not get the video done yet… It is still on my list of “To-Do’s” and I hope to get it in tomorrow morning.
@ Randy -
I am about 3/4 done with the simple css template… I have been working on several at the same time to get the “best” of each into one template.
Mark
Mark,
I am new to the wp themes and blogging all together, but I am working on learning. With your help this transformation of BANS stores shoulld be easier than doing it alone. Thanks for all your hard work.
ps. where do you find the time to eat and sleep : )
Otis
@ Otis -
Who sleeps?
LOL
Please take your time . We all know how many things you have on your plate. I only asked because I thought it was a case of me not being able to find what I am looking for again! Happens a lot lately.
Many Thanks
Joette
Is it just me or does anyone else notice if you enable a widget for the right footer. There is no title showing? Sidebar 4
Jason
@ Jason -
By default, the calendar has no title on it. When inside your widget #4 area, click on the “edit” link for the calendar (right side, inside widget) and you can add a title.
Mark
Mark,
The template looks great and I’m anxious to use it, as well as other new templates you unveil (can’t wait to be able to change colors at will).
One question - can the placeholders for the banner ads be easily removed without throwing the template out of wack? Or would it be absolutely necessary to add some images in those places?
Thanks,
Susan
Is there a forum category about this Yet. I’ll be posting my 1st site there. Hope to get some Feedback and help with some ideas I have. This is Fun, Fun, Fun!
@ Susan -
The images can be removed easily… and the areas can be left blank, or anything else that will fit within the div can be put in place.
Mark
Hi Mark,
The template that will allow you to change colors, will it be the one your selling on this page or a completely new template?
Thanks,
Randy
@ Randy -
It will be different… 100% css driven.
Mark
Can this theme by used on a site thats has been up but not indexed ?
Hey Mark
So if I want to get creative and change the colours (note that I’m in Canada and I’m English - we have old-fashioned spelling here) then I need to wait to buy the new template?
Cheers
Hi Mark,
My son is very ancious for the theme that will allow you to change colors easily. To the point of driving me crazy. He created a new site and would like to change it to this format before we start to promote it.
I was wondering on the theme you currently offer are the colors easy to change?
I might just buy the first one and try to change the colors to get him
moving.
Thanks for all you great work and tips along the way.
@ Randy -
I wish I could say I had a productive week… truth be known, I was laid up most of the week with a darn flu, still working on getting it gone now!
The themes CAN be color changed to match any site, but there are a few images that drive the theme currently available and they would have to be remade to change the full site colors.
I do anticipate having the straight css theme ready before the next week though…
Mark
Thanks Mark.
We’ll just have to wait. I sure it will be worth it.
I hope you have a nice holiday and feel better.
Having the flu is one the worst feelings there is.
Randy
I purchased the BANS-Blog template and had a good bit of trouble getting it started. Mark jumped in and took care of the problems. I was a manager of service for IBM and do not tolerate poor service. Mark provides some of the best service I have seen in a long time. I have purchased 2 templates from him and he is a pleasure to deal with. I will be back for more.
Ditto to Rick’s comment. I set up my first site using the new BANS-Blog template this weekend and had a bit to trouble. Mark responded instantly to my request for help. In fact, I sent an email on Saturday night, then went to bed. When I checked Sunday morning I had several responses from Mark regarding things he had been working on it as I slept!
Thanks Mark. I’ll post my link to the site as soon as I have it finished.
Sherrin
Hi Mark
Will this template work with a bans 2.0 epn ?
or will I have to upgrade?
Thanks
I bought Marks Flex-Bans WP-Bans Template and I love It.
I still have a lot to do like put 39 more content articles and other stuff I don’t know about yet ..
I’ll need Marks help on where and how to put them on the site.
I’m a newbie when It comes to WP…
Here a link.
http://www.watchesknowledge.com/
Rick
@ John -
It should work fine!
The menu system is the only portion of BANS that is used on the WP side.
just let me know if you run into any problems and I will gladly help out.
Mark