aburgin

Thank you for everything! I’ll mark this as resolved and start a new one when I need it.

Ooooo the Extra User plugin looks really good and may be just what I need. I’ll do some research on the process for making a plugin, but I may end up using this.

I think once I can get a structure to put the tracking script into, I’ll be able to make the two work. Your advice has really helped me determine the best course to take for this project.

One last question, then I’m done for now. If I need help creating a plugin out of the tracking script, is this the best place to ask about that?

Thank you both! Pulling the WP login is actually the problem I am having, I believe. I want to take the part of the login in the tracking system and put it into the wp_login script. But I’m not exactly sure where (and which parts) should be included in wp_login.

Originally I had the custom info in a separate database, and I thought I had to have these in the wp-users table in order to make the two play nice. So, to clarify, I will still use the wp table to pull usernames/passwords, but keep all the updated tracking data in the custom db…is that right? Should I include a function that copies/writes the WP login ID to the custom db? That is the simplest way I can think of to have the tracking info stay connected to the right user when a new account is created.

Right now when a user logs in he is directed to the standard wp profile page. Would it be better to create a separate “dashboard” page that calls the data from the wp-login? This way I would not be editing a core file but can still display the tracking info.

I really appreciate your patience and help with my weak skills in this area. It is my first time working with databases this way and I’m having a hard time deciding the best way to make them work.

Well, aside from the time and effort I put into this one (and a client who is eager to have a basic working site by the end of June) it wouldn’t break my heart to go with something different as long as I can work in all the features that are needed. I was drawn to that one because I understood most of the script and it was simple enough for me to edit it. (I’m still learning as much as I can about editing/integrating WP.)

If it helps, a breakdown of what he wants is: the ability for a user to track miles that s/he has walked and have that data display in a “control panel”; a reference system where a user can invite others either via a link, code or email; a way for the user to see others who joined based on his/her link (or code or email); an area where users can see upcoming events sponsored by the organization.

There are a few more but I think I can handle those; these are the areas I am having trouble with right now. If you have any other insights or suggestions I would be so happy to hear them. I will take a look at your list after responding and see how comfortable I feel working with any of them. Thank you so very much for your help!