Autoposting to Facebook
By Nick Cumber on Thursday, 10 April 2014
Posted in Technical Issues
Replies 20
Likes 0
Views 0.9K
Votes 0
HI Guys,

OK I have been using EasyBLOG on many of my sites for a couple of years and use the latest versions (3.8+) in every case, it is my blogging platform of choice! I have read and re-read the set up for EasyBLOG to enable auto posting to Facebook (a Facebook page in particular) - the requirements are pretty straight forward, however the results are far from straight forward!

Basically this function has been working in the past but has now ceased to work due (presumably?) to the expiry of the authorisation code from Facebook. However, the apparently straight forward resetting of this has failed to resolve the issue - fundamentally at this stage cant auto post to facebook

Having read a few of the forum entries it appears that the set up may complicated by the inclusion of MijoSEF, a SEF compontent like 404SEF, in that some functions may well not work from the backend but only from the front?

Doubtless due to the power of EasyBLOG there appears to be a myriad of settings that need to be in place to get this to work (unlike the Twitter set up, and unlike the set up for EasyDiscuss?) but I have to admit that frustration is gaining on me!

My questions are therefore:

Could you please provide me with a comprehensive check list of how to set up easyBLOG for autoposting to facebook - this may well exist already but there a so many versions found on a search that I am not sure which are still relevant so if you would point me in the right direction I would appreciate it!
Why do I not seem to have the same issues with EasyDiscuss - what the fundamental difference here?
How do you advise me to arrange the interface between my SEF component and EasyBLOG or is this a not an issue?


My thanks in advance - looking for clarity...
Hello Nick,

Example : If you're using the SH404SEF component and publish a blos post from backend, thus the URL generated did not go through sh404SEF, but you need to publish your blog post in frontend if not the URL won't be correct, the reason for this is because sh404SEF plugin does not run in backend and the URLs are not processed.

The latest version of Easyblog was already fixed Facebook autopost problem Since the Facebook New API had changed something before,
After you update to latest version of Easyblog, then you need to fill in your Facebook Apps ID and Admin ID from your backend > Easyblog > Setting > Social integration > Facebook LIKE > http://screencast.com/t/wq62q0uDHhEP

Also Is it possible provide us with your Joomla backend and Facebook access so we can help you check on this if you're still facing the this issues?
Arlex Wong
·
Thursday, 10 April 2014 23:06
·
0 Likes
·
0 Votes
·
0 Comments
·
Hi Arlex,

Thanks for the swift response...

OK I believe I have done all that you are suggesting - and more!

As I mentioned I am not using 404SEF but something very similar (MijoSEF) so I guess the comments are still valid. Also

I have provided the details you requested below (which I am assuming are secure?)
Nick Cumber
·
Friday, 11 April 2014 00:13
·
0 Likes
·
0 Votes
·
0 Comments
·
Hello Nick,

You're welcome. Yes, you provided your information under the site details only our support team can view it.

I have tried to access in your Facebook, but i getting this Facebook security part : http://screencast.com/t/NPb6VCpXRe

Could you mind help me this? Please advise.
Arlex Wong
·
Friday, 11 April 2014 00:53
·
0 Likes
·
0 Votes
·
0 Comments
·
Hi Arlex,

good to know the security stuff is on the ball!

OK I have approved the access - can you now try again?
Nick Cumber
·
Friday, 11 April 2014 01:41
·
0 Likes
·
0 Votes
·
0 Comments
·
Hello Nick Cumber,

Yes, can access your facebook now.
Can i have the permission to help you update to latest version of Easyblog?
Also, provide us with your FTP access as well.
Arlex Wong
·
Friday, 11 April 2014 02:09
·
0 Likes
·
0 Votes
·
0 Comments
·
HI Arlex,

OK I have in fact just updated to the latest version of EasyBlog - version 3.9.15370 - This was probably easier as my FTP access is locked to my IP address

I assume you don't need that access any more?

BTW Could I just ask that if you find anything wrong in the set up could you be prepared to explain to me, in detail what you had to do to fix it? I only ask as I have about 50 sites currently using EasyBLOG and many have the same issue!!!
Nick Cumber
·
Friday, 11 April 2014 02:29
·
0 Likes
·
0 Votes
·
0 Comments
·
Hello Nick,

I've fixed it for you: http://screencast.com/t/KkcvSBd4X . What I did was, creating a new facebook app and before re-authenticate it, make sure to change this option to use as your account. http://screencast.com/t/SvwtS7uBZhAV . Hope this helps.
Nik Faris
·
Friday, 11 April 2014 12:41
·
0 Likes
·
0 Votes
·
0 Comments
·
HI Nick,

Thanks for the update - I note there are a number of additional APPS running on my Facebook account and the one currently in place is EASYBLOG. I assume I can delete all the others that were directing content to the Broadleaf Facebook page?

Also in your response you sent the link KkcvSBd4X twice - what was the second one supposed to be?

I understand from your comment that this was fixed by effectively creating a new app - are you saying that this will need to be done every time the token runs out or was it just this time (I am concerned as I can see myself having to do this every 60 days for c. 50 sites!!)
Nick Cumber
·
Friday, 11 April 2014 17:10
·
0 Likes
·
0 Votes
·
0 Comments
·
HI Nick,

Another question occurs to me - typically these posts are created as Private - only registered users can see them - does that inhibit posting on Facebook? (I notice a test post from you was put into a public category)...

What are ALL the settings that need to be in place to allow a post to FACEBOOK?
Nick Cumber
·
Friday, 11 April 2014 17:16
·
0 Likes
·
0 Votes
·
0 Comments
·
Hello Nick,

I believe you need to do this every time the token expired. I am very sorry for the inconvenience caused.

Yes you can delete the other apps posting to Broadleaf Facebook page.

I believe my colleague have already edit the post.
http://screencast.com/t/SvwtS7uBZhAV
http://screencast.com/t/KkcvSBd4X

Hope this will help.
Thanks.
Yasser Ibrahim
·
Friday, 11 April 2014 17:18
·
0 Likes
·
0 Votes
·
0 Comments
·
Hi Mohd,

Thanks for your answer - but surely there has to be a better way! There is no way I can spare the time to schedule in recreating apps to provide Facebook integration across 50 sites every 60 days!

Also could you have a look at my previous question (timed 09:16 am) as I have just attempted a post from the front of my site and it has failed to post to facebook! It was put into a private category (registered users only) is that the issue?
Nick Cumber
·
Friday, 11 April 2014 17:36
·
0 Likes
·
0 Votes
·
0 Comments
·
Hello Nick,

I am really sorry about Facebook autoposting. We can't do anything about that because it is Facebook policies.

About this
Also could you have a look at my previous question (timed 09:16 am) as I have just attempted a post from the front of my site and it has failed to post to facebook! It was put into a private category (registered users only) is that the issue?
Yes. Your post need to be public in order Facebook to crawl to your page and autoposting it. Let say your post is private, Facebook can't access the post.

Hope this will help.
Thanks.
Yasser Ibrahim
·
Friday, 11 April 2014 17:57
·
0 Likes
·
0 Votes
·
0 Comments
·
Hi Mohd,

OK thank you for the clarification - One last question - if these posts are "crawled" by facebook, typically how long before a posted (shared) blog is shown on Facebook?
Nick Cumber
·
Friday, 11 April 2014 18:43
·
0 Likes
·
0 Votes
·
0 Comments
·
Hello Nick,

It is most likely Easyblog autoposting it immediately to facebook.
If you have anymore question, please don't hesitate to ask us.

Hope this will help.
Thanks.
Yasser Ibrahim
·
Friday, 11 April 2014 19:23
·
0 Likes
·
0 Votes
·
0 Comments
·
Hi Mohd,

OK this is driving my mad!

I have now put a post up to test this and find that it does not post to facebook!

I have NOT deleted any of the apps on my Facebook account
I have NOT amended any settings from when you posted to my account.

All I did was to create a new post, made sure it was in the category of Public, ticked the box to share with Facebook and Twitter and published it NO entry on FACEBOOK ???

To summarise what I have learnt to far:

1. Each time the token runs out I have to replace the app! (every 60 days!) What happened to the simple token renewal option?
2. Because I have an SEF component running posting from the back end will not work, only from the front end and only if the category is PUBLIC access

VERY Confused!
Nick Cumber
·
Friday, 11 April 2014 21:24
·
0 Likes
·
0 Votes
·
0 Comments
·
Hello Nick,

Sorry for the late reply. The Facebook token is actually needed and the maximum lifespan of the access token is 60 days. So you will need to renew it every 2 months.

The reason why you can't success to autopost is because your blog permission only allow registered user to access, i already help you removed the checking, so you can autopost anytime now.
JoomlaFolder\components\com_easyblog\classes\facebook\helper.php
LINE 151 -> 154
		// @rule: Ensure that only public posts are allowed

		if( $blog->private != 0 )

		{

			return false;

		}


Hope this help.

References:
1. https://developers.facebook.com/docs/facebook-login/access-tokens/
Arlex Wong
·
Saturday, 12 April 2014 00:20
·
0 Likes
·
0 Votes
·
0 Comments
·
Hi Arlex,

Thanks for the update :

Do you mean that you have modified the code within helper.php?

If so, does that mean that even when a blog category is not public I can still post to Facebook?

I ask as, even now, with a post from the front of my site, IT STILL DOES NOT APPEAR ON MY FACEBOOK PAGE

I note you did a blog called "Final Test" and that did not appear either??
Nick Cumber
·
Monday, 14 April 2014 16:20
·
0 Likes
·
0 Votes
·
0 Comments
·
Hello Nick,

You're welcome,
Yes, if your category is set to private, it still can post to facebook.
I have do a test post just now, it seems like work fine for me, please have a check https://www.facebook.com/Broadleaf
Please advise.
Arlex Wong
·
Monday, 14 April 2014 16:27
·
0 Likes
·
0 Votes
·
0 Comments
·
HI Arlex,

A big Thank you for that - I have just made my own post in a Private category and YES it does appear on the facebook page - so what changed between me trying first thing this morning and just now?

In both attempts all I did was to attempt to post from the front of the site using the General Support category (which is set for registered users only) - it is this inconsistency that worries me!

Might I also suggest that, given the amount of traffic / support requests that seem to be about on this topic there is an issue with people understanding what is possible and what is not, and how to achieve it any way we could improve the documentation?

Also, perhaps as a "future", - could the choice to be able to publish private as well as public posts be on a switch within settings?
Nick Cumber
·
Monday, 14 April 2014 17:50
·
0 Likes
·
0 Votes
·
0 Comments
·
Hello Nick Cumber,

You're welcome
Actually what i did just now is just create a new blog post, then it success to autopost to your Facebook page.

Thanks for your suggestion, we will improve the documentation in the future.

Regarding with your feature request :
Actually we have the option provided in write entry page, please have a look my screenshot here : http://screencast.com/t/aw0jrJx32
So the user have a choice, which blog post he don't like to autopost to Facebook. Hope this help.
Arlex Wong
·
Monday, 14 April 2014 20:27
·
0 Likes
·
0 Votes
·
0 Comments
·
View Full Post