Issue: I want the shoutbox to be members-only, but I still want it viewable throughout the message board.

[The following method will make your box viewable by members on your index page and in member forums. A big advantage of this method of installing a shoutbox is that it does not slow down the loading of your forum. If you would like a box that allows guests to view your shoutbox but prevents them from posting, see the alternate method below.]

Get a free shoutbox from http://cbox.ws, or any of the other free ones out there that you like. Once you have signed up for your shoutbox, you will have a control panel to customize it. Configure the box to dimensions of approximately 600w X 250h. (Adjust to your taste.)

Install the EMBEDDED box code (not the pop-up one) in the forum rules text box of ALL forums that are members only.

ACP > Forum Control > Manage Forums > Edit Forum rules

Display method: check "show full text"

Rules title: (whatever you want, you just have to put something)

Rules text: Insert code.

Click: "Edit forum rules."


To display the shoutbox on the forum index page, make a new forum that is members-only. Re-configure your box to approximately 350w X 250h. Install the embedded code in the Forum Description:

ACP > Forum Control > Manage Forums > Settings


If you do not want members posting in the shoutbox forum, either disable posting permissions, or (find "Root Forum Option: allow posting in this forum?" in the set-up screen and choose NO).

Alternate Method: http://saybox.co.uk
This is a free shout box that allows you to establish a universal password that you give to your registered members. They must use the password to post in the shout box. Also, you may register up to 50 user names for the box, which I believe require individual passwords. Be aware that Norton Internet Security automatically blocks SayBox. You will have to either add saybox.co.uk to the "allow" list, or disable adblocking completely.

Seems a lot of extra work for users, but some may be interested. The advantage to this box is that you can display it anywhere on your site, and that guests will be able to view it but not post if you enable the functions mentioned above.