The Announcements module is one of the original DotNetNuke modules which on the surface appears to offer much the same functionality as when it was originally created. However the latest versions have a new settings that provide great control over the history of items displayed, the length of search and RSS description as well as the layout of each record through the use of templates. This blog post looks at customizing your Announcements using these templates and provides access to download four different templates.

The FCKeditor is used extensively throughout DNN enabling Module and Page Editors and Administrators to create, format and manage content for modules such as the Text/HTML and Announcements module, as well as compose newsletters, notification messages and more. Whilst the standard layout and functionality of the FCKeditor (pictured below) will suit most needs, Administrators have the ability customize one or more instances of the FCKeditor.

I am currently documenting DNN 5.1 - both Professional and Community editions. If you would like to follow my progress and discoveries - you can follow me on Twitter. My username is DNNANGEL.

For anyone would is wondering where I have been hiding... I have been enjoying some maternity leave following the birth of my beautiful daughter Allegra Rose in October last year.

The blog module version 04.00.00 has been released and has a stack of great new features. Here’s an overview of what to expect:

New Modules

• Blog_Categories: Enables the creation and management of blog categories. By clicking on a category users can view associated entries in the View_Blog module. Tags can be displaying as a tag cloud or tag list.
• Blog_Tags: Displays the tags which bloggers have created when adding blog entries. By clicking on a tag users can view associated entries in the View_Blog module. Tags can be displaying as a tag cloud or tag list.
• Recent_Comments: Displays recent comments for the selected blog. Comment layout can be modified.
• Recent_Entries: Displays the recent entries for the selected blog. Recent Entries layout can be modified.