Question K 1.0.10: "Speech bubbles" for default_ex template

In an earlier discussion , someone asked how to create "speech bubbles" (see image below) in Kunena.



This same concept has also been adapted in mikledo's New Monochrome Theme . With the release of Kunena 1.0.10 there have been large-scale changes to the default_ex template that will probably negate a lot of this customising. Although the the techniques used are basically the same, I'm providing updated information here.

To create "speech bubbles" (for template default_ex):

Step 1: Edit the file ../components/com_kunena/default_ex/message.php at line 99 from Change to:
Step 2: Edit the file ../components/com_kunena/default_ex/kunena.forum.css

(a) Make these two changes as shown by the text in red):

td.fb-msgview-left {
background:#f1f1f1;
vertical-align: top;
width:170px;
min-width:170px;
border-bottom: 0px solid #BFC3C6;
border-right:1px solid #BFC3C6;
}
td.fb-msgview-right {
border-right:1px solid #BFC3C6;
padding:5px 10px 5px 10px;
vertical-align: top;
border-left:1px solid #BFC3C6;
background-color: f1f1f1;
}

(b) Add the following lines to the same file:

div.msgtext {
position: relative;
background-color: #fff;
padding: 10px 4px 25px 4px;
left: 0;
}
span.arrow {
width: 0;
height: 0;
line-height: 0;
border-bottom: 15px solid #f1f1f1;
border-left: 40px solid white;
position: absolute;
top: 15px;
right: -38px;
}

Alternatively, copy the attached file and replace the contents of your kunena.forum.css with it:


Step 3: You will also notice, from the above image, that I have disabled the "Quick Reply" button. This is because, with the speech button enabled, the "Quick Reply" button doesn't co-operate with the modified template. I haven't received any complaints. To disable the quick reply, edit the CSS file and make the change indicated below:

span.fb_qr_fire {
display:none;
}

For most small forums, the quick reply button is rarely used anyway. I haven't included this last change in the attachment.

Finally, these are only my suggestions; there is no support for them. The CSS features are also not supported in Internet Explorer V6 but they should work with all other versions of IE and other browsers.

i've done something different styling bubbles
maybe you like it;)
i'll be glad to share

sorema wrote:

maybe you like it;)
i'll be glad to share

Yes, I think it looks good with the subject in the speech bubble. Yes I'd love to see it shared - a good addition to the community - maybe if you have time do a little tutorial (just like sozzled did above) for other users so they can implement it to other templates

Thanks for your feedback and encouragement. There have been many changes introduced in K 1.5.3 (some of them obviated my need to disable the "Quick Reply" button - see my comments in "Step 3" above). I have written detailed instructions for K 1.5.3 (see K 1.5.3: "Speech bubbles" for default_ex template ) and that may be a better place to continue further discussion on this subject.