I'm a new user and struggling with a structural question regarding category-specific module blocks.

For example, if I wanted to create a custom page for a specific department, say "Development". Ideally, I'd liked to have a static intro paragraph coupled with say blocks of news, events, downloads, etc. that are specific to the Development Department on this single page.

I realize that there are modules that provide the ability to generate articles that can be published as blocks within custom pages (this would work for my static copy). However, what I'm really looking for is the ability to show category-specific module blocks (i.e.: recent News, Downloads, Events. etc. that contain "Development-specific" items) within this "Development" custom page.

- Is it possible to modify a block's code to display a filtered or category-specific set of content? i.e.: on a 'Development' custom page, could I show a block of recent "Development" news and say a block of recent "Development" downloads (I have categories already set-up for both of these) as opposed to just showing the typical blocks that are available like "Recent News" and "Recent Downloads".

Any tips/suggestions on how to accomplish this would be greatly appreciated. And thanks in advance for your patience in dealing with a new user...

I'm a new user and extremely pleased with the XOOPS design and wealth of quality modules, however, I'm struggling with a fundamental structural question regarding category-specific module blocks.

For example, if I wanted to create a custom page for a specific department, say "Development". Ideally, I'd liked to have a static intro paragraph coupled with say blocks of news, events, downloads, etc. that are specific to the Development Department on this single page.

I realize that there are modules that provide the ability to generate articles that can be published as blocks within custom pages (this would work for my static copy). However, what I'm really looking for is the ability to show category-specific module blocks (i.e.: recent News, Downloads, Events. etc. that contain "Development-specific" items) within this "Development" custom page.

- Is it possible to modify a block's code to display a filtered or category-specific set of content? i.e.: on a 'Development' custom page, could I show a block of recent "Development" news and say a block of recent "Development" downloads (I have categories already set-up for both of these) as opposed to just showing the typical blocks that are available like "Recent News" and "Recent Downloads".

Any tips/suggestions on how to accomplish this would be greatly appreciated. And thanks in advance for your patience in dealing with a new user...

Am a new user and extremely pleased with the XOOPS design and wealth of quality modules.

Have a few questions regarding the Blocks Admin:

- Is the "Add a new block" section ideally suited for chunks of static copy or is it possible to modify a module's block (that's available in the top/home page) and add it here as another block that could be used on custom pages?

- Is it through a block's "Edit" link that you would enable that block to be accessible in other modules or a custom page?

- Is it possible to modify a block's code to display a filtered or category-specific set of content? i.e.: on a 'Development' custom page, could I show a block of recent "Development" news and say a block of recent "Development" downloads (I have categories already set-up for both of these) as opposed to just showing the typical blocks that are available like "Recent News" and "Recent Downloads".

Thanks for your patience in dealing with a new user.

Have read about iContent and Edito w/in the Forums. I appreciate the tips--I'll be sure to give them a try.

Thanks for the added insight into the blocks, cloning, and variable content issues, adrock. I have only a basic understanding of the poss. here, and am trying to ramp up quickly.

Have a few follow-up questions regarding the Blocks Admin:

- Is the "Add a new block" section ideally suited for chunks of static copy or is it possible to modify a module's block (that's available in the top/home page) and add it here as another block that could be used on custom pages?

- Is it through a block's "Edit" link that you would enable that block to be accessible in other modules or a custom page?

- Is it possible to modify a block's code to display a filtered or category-specific set of content? i.e.: on a 'Development' custom page, could I show a block of recent "Development" news and say a block of recent "Development" downloads (I have categories already set-up for both of these) as opposed to just showing the typical blocks that are available like "Recent News" and "Recent Downloads".

Thanks again for taking the time to respond and for your patience in dealing with a new user.

Am a new user and extremely pleased with the XOOPS design and wealth of quality modules.

The one main struggle I've had though is trying to determine to what degree custom pages are possible. By custom pages, I mean pages that have both static content (copy) as well as more dynamic content (blocks) from other modules.

For example, if I wanted to create a custom page for a department, say "Development". Ideally, I'd liked to have a static intro paragraph coupled with say blocks of news, events, downloads, etc. that are specific to the Development Department on this single page.

I understand that categories are possible within the key modules (news, downloads, etc.) and that it's easy to filter out category-specific contect within a module.

My hope is that it's somehow possible to add module-specific blocks within a custom page in a way that it's seemingly possible on a main homepage (top page within the Blocks Admin).

Thanks in advance for your patience on such a general, structural question.