Well, a simple comment about the _README_FIRST.txt file:

The part that says

NOTE: Before upgrading SMF or installing SMF mod, 
      un-patch first the SMF files! Please be sure that 
      the upgrade will work on the current version of 
      this component.

The fact that it's sandwiched between installation and upgrade instructions makes it lose its significance, when it's clearly more geared towards the UPGRADE section. Or, perhaps it should be moved to the very top of the readme.  I for one completely missed this because I scanned right down to the 'upgrade' part and didn't see it until after.

It's hard to put emphasis on any text due to the plain txt format, so my only suggestion is to 'upgrade' the readme to a RTF or HTML file. 

Well, I am working in text mode mostly (ssh sessions to servers), and it's pretty annoying to use 'less' on a README or INSTALL file that's rtf or html.

I do think it's a good idea to put the install/upgrade URL as one of the first lines in the readme, wich then points to a well-formatted version on the website.

The installer worked fine for me, I did receive almost every error on the files not being writable, but that's a good thing, and after modifying them, it all went pefect.. :-)

Cheers.

The installation instructions I've been able to find leave a much to the imagination. You assume way too much in your writing.  I wish I could be more specific, but I'm still not having success getting this installed myself. People generally need a clear starting point, and step by step instructions that are reproducible, reliable and verifiable.

I can only guess that the people claiming easy installation of SMF must have a greater level of experience with SMF, Joomla, or your installation process than the rest of us. While I'm a new convert to Joomla and SMF, I've very experienced at troublshooting Mambo code and installation issues. And, even I'm having difficulty following your instructions.

BTW, you seem to suggest a couple of different ways of installing SMF in various threads and FAQ's. In fact, one FAQ thread even states that the procedure is outdated. This is very confusing as some of the information seems contradictory. There should be one de-facto thread for isntallting/converting the *latest* version of SMF. Even better, establish more formal documentation that details the installtion steps.

If people are committing "simple" mistakes then either your process is not as simple as you think, users'level of experience is lower than you assume, or you're not explaining the process in enough detail.

I wish I could be of more help. But I'm now on hour three trying to get this SMF up and running. 

BTW: what you mean by "[un-patch] patch" in your instuctions? This is confusing. This is one example of a process (patching/unpatching) that you assume we know how to do.

In general, here's my suggestion for installation procedures:
1. Identify version nubmers (I can't tell you how frustrating it is to attempt to install something using the procedure for a different version)
2. Define installation Method (run scripts, intallation via admin paneyl , copy files, run mysql script, combinations)
3. enumerate installation steps (sequence is critical) and use more screenshots to show what you are describing.
4. anticipate problems. You know the common simple mistakes pepole are making. Update your procedures to let them know what happens when these mistakes are made and how to correct them. If you just added that to your current threads, you may solve 80%-90% of our problems.

HOpe this helps

A step by step install process is needed for integrating Joomla and SMF.
There are so many different ways of doing it, someone has to have a FAQ explaining the pro's and cons of each method.

I DL'ed the files today and followed the tiny directions and yikes it was so easy I am still in shock, the old way with mambo and smf drove me nuts.
Thanks for such a easy bridge

I would very much like to see a manual patch process, or at least something documenting what is being done to the various php files, so that we can better troubleshoot any issues, or at minimum patch them manually if needed.

-David

hi cowboy,

my suggstion is make joomla-smf edition of installation pack. pack the two cores with installation script that in single installation installs joomla + joomla-smf component + smf.

its simililar to the virtuemart e-commerce edition if you may notice that in one package the virtuemart team made the package to install all the goodies in one installation, its cores, templates, wyswyg editor,.. etc.

2 abes.

guilliam

thanks for informing.. havent gone thru the smf lic thouroughly. HOWEVER, in my suggestion i dont think there will be alteration in the package BUT alteration in the joomla installtion pack.

- g