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Thanks for keeping the conversation moving.
Following is a proposed features list for an integrated newsletter module for XOOPS 2.0.13.x
One minor question is whether or not to put any effort into the ability to send newsletters in both text and html format, or in multi-part mime.
My feeling is that almost all current email clients are HTML capable, so we should not bother with offering a preference or text only options. Just send HTML messages. It will simplify things a bit.
SmartFactory is working on developing an estimate to build a newsletter module based on the below features.
Subscriptions/List Options
Integrate with XOOPS membership module
Support multiple mailing lists (categories) unlimited number.
Ability for users to opt-in and opt-out of subscriptions
Ability to batch import email with a default password(?) via cvs
HTML//Text preference (optional feature. Maybe we just do HTML)
Language preference(?)
Support for hidden lists
Support for closed lists (based on subscriber count, or admin control)
Membership Module Expansions Required
Additional custom (admin defined) fields. See alternate membership module. What’s required, optional etc.
Public View of Newsletters
Auto Archive – view permissions controlled by XOOPS groups
Printer friendly format
Email to a friend
PDF creation
RSS feeds
Authoring
Templates for publishing, (header, footer)
Default template for each list
HTML editor.
Text version of content (auto generated,with manual ability)
Authoring (Submit) permissions controlled by XOOPS groups
Set date to publish/send (future issues)
Content fields: Title, date, issue, volume, summary, body, file attachment, Option to have the “read more” be a link to the full article on the XOOPS website, instead of in the email sent.
Ability to include XOOPS variables (member field info) in newsletter to personalize.
Sending
Select list to email message to
Subscription list over-ride (send to all lists)
Send in packets (admin defined) – batch quantity and pause interval, batch and throttle.
Auto resume if sending fails at one point
Ability to pause, resume, cancel mailing in progress
Open tracking
Send multipart email messages (text/html) – (Optional, maybe we just do HTML)
Bounce tracking – count, threshold to remove from subscription.
Auto-responder for automatically sending pre-defined messages at set intervals based on subscription sign up date
Admin
“Display in archive?” has (admin) control by individual newsletter issue.
Subscription list management – add, edit, delete, search, view, bounce monitoring
Archived message block display control – sort by weight, sort by date. Limit number displayed.
XOOPS Integration
Membership Module
Multi-language capable(?)
What’s New module plug in
Blocks – subscribe, recent issue, categories, etc. Need some more info here.
Opt in preferences (single or double) is controlled by XOOPS user pref. If already a XOOPS member, no need to opt-in
Andy Cleff
Ampersand Design, Inc
Doylestown, PA
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Helping our clients bring great ideas into shape through integrated marketing, creative branding, print and web strategy, online learning and e-commerce.
http://www.ampersandesign.net