CURL issue ACYMailing/Chronoforms

Hi GreyHead

I'm having an issue with Chronoforms and ACYMailing

I have set up my form as per the instructions here for Chronoforms 4

http://www.acyba.com/en/support/documentation/107-acymailing-chronoform.html#chronoformv4

My subscription URL works fine

When i register however the user is created in ACYMailing but is not subscribed to any lists.

I added in the debug action and it returns this...

$curl_values: user[name]=&user[email]=&ctrl=&task=&option=&hiddenlists=

my values in CURL are as such...

user[name]={name}
user[email]={email}
ctrl=sub
task=optin
option=com_acymailing
hiddenlists=1

Any idea why this may be happening?

Thanks in advance!

evano

righto after reading another post it seems the { } brackets shouldn't be used...
so i've removed them but still am not having any luck

the curl debug output is now

$curl_values: user[name]=fake&user[email]=test%40test.com&ctrl=&task=&option=&hiddenlists=

bump! any ideas on this? I'd really appreciate the help!

Cheers

evano

Hi evano,

I've had this working on several sites - but I can't get it to work on my test site today :-(

I'll take a break and try again later.

Bob

Hi evano,

Here's a little tutorial in cURL with AcyMailing. This one is updated to use ChonoForms v4 and AcyMailing 3.5.0 on Joomla! 2.5 I know that you have done some of this already but it may be helpful to other readers to see the whole example.

NOTE: I found some bugs in one version of the cURL [GH] action when writing this so please download the current version and use that.

We'll start with the HTML from the AcyMailing module as this tells us what needs to be submitted. Here is is with all the non-essential code removed:

<form name="formAcymailing1" method="post" action="/Joomla2.5a/index.php" >
<input type="checkbox" value="1" name="subscription[]" >
<input type="checkbox" value="3" name="subscription[]" >
<input type="text" value="Name" name="user[name]" >
<input type="text" value="E-mail" name="user[email]"  >
<input type="submit"  name="Submit" value="Subscribe" >
<input type="hidden" value="0" name="ajax">
<input type="hidden" value="sub" name="ctrl">
<input type="hidden" value="notask" name="task">
<input type="hidden" value="http%3A%2F%2Fmy_site.com" name="redirect">
<input type="hidden" value="http%3A%2F%2Fmy_site.com" name="redirectunsub">
<input type="hidden" value="com_acymailing" name="option">
<input type="hidden" value="2,4" name="hiddenlists">
<input type="hidden" value="formAcymailing1" name="acyformname">
</form>

We can strip this down even further to a series of name/value pairs that we may need to pass to AcyMailing:

subscription[]=1,3
user[name]=Name
user[email]=E-mail
Submit=Subscribe
ajax=0
ctrl=sub
task=notask
redirect=http%3A%2F%2Fmy_site.com
redirectunsub=http%3A%2F%2Fmy_site.com
option=com_acymailing
hiddenlists=2,4
acyformname=formAcymailing1

We probably don't need to send Submit, ajax, redirect, redirectunsub and acyformname so we'll leave those out for the moment. The subscription[] and user[name] + user[email] parameters will come from user inputs and the remaining values will have static values that are the same every time the form is submitted.

One last piece of information from the module is that the url to submit the information to is just 'index.php' (the rest is included in the parameters).

We want to send the just the data to AcyMailing without sending the user there. There are several ways to so this* but we'll use cURL after the form is submitted.

We could use the standard CURL action but it has doesn't accept static values** so it's simpler to use the cURL [GH] custom action (get it here and use the Action Installer icon in the ChronoForms toolbar to install it.)

Open the Action to configure it.

The Target URL is just index.php or http://example.com/index.php if you prefer.

The cURL [GH] action takes both 'dynamic' data from the form as name={input_name} and 'static' data as name=value so we can add ur name value pairs like this:

subscription={subscription}
user[name]={name}
user[email]={email}
ctrl=sub
task=optin
option=com_acymailing
hiddenlists=2,4

Important: Although the AcyMailing module shows task=notask this will not work for the ChronoForm, it needs to be changed to task=optin

Save the Form and test

Bob

* Others are to build Ajax into the form or to use an HTTP request just before the form is submitted. I prefer cURL as the simplest way to do the job.

** You can get round this by setting the values in hidden inputs, or in a Custom Code action before the cURL action - just a bit messy.

Hi Bob

Firstly thank you so much for taking the time out for compiling such a comprehensive reply. It really helps to have such an in depth step by step guide as although I have used Chronoforms before it has just been for pretty basic forms and on earlier, simpler versions of Chronoforms. I just have to say how amazing Chronoforms 4 is as well, I currently have a 5 domain subscription to Chronoforms and will be upgrading this to unlimited domains as I intend to use it on every site I create due to its increased functionality and flexibility.

Ok gushing aside, I have a quick question about what you've posted.

You say...

it's simpler to use the cURL [GH] custom action (get it here and use the Action Installer icon in the ChronoForms toolbar to install it.)

I don't seem to have the Action Installer listed as part of my Form Management in Chronoforms?

I've attached a screenshot of what I do have...Any idea why the action installer isn't there?

Cheers again

evano

Hi evenao,

Thank you, on behalf of Max as well.

Max introduced the Action Installer icon from CFv4 RC 3.0 I think so you may need to upgrade. You can also install actions manually by copying the action folder and files into the administrator/components/com_chronoforms/form_actions folder - but the installer makes it simple.

Bob

Hi Bob

I have gone through and followed the instructions in your post. I seem to be still having an issue with the user being subscribed to the ACYMailing list though...

My CURL output is still

CURL OK : the CURL function was found on this server.
$curl_values: subscription=&user[name]=&user[email]=&ctrl=&task=&option=&hiddenlists=
curl_target_url: index.php

The user is created successfully in Joomla and in ACYMailing, it's just not added to the mailing list...

I will PM you the form location and Joomla admin details if you wouldn't mind having a look as it's got me stumped...

Cheers

Evan

Hi Evan,

Yes do send me the admin.

I can see that there are no values in here

subscription=&user[name]=&user[email]=&ctrl=&task=&option=&hiddenlists=

which is clearly wrong, that should look like

subscription[0]=&7user[name]=john&user[email]=john@example.com&ctrl=xxx&task=optin&option=com_acymailing&hiddenlists=1,2

It looks as though the action may be misplaced and id not seeing any of the form data.

Bob

the weird thing is, it still adds the user to ACYMailing...just not to an actual mailing list!

I have PM'ed you the details...

Cheers

evano

Hi evano,

I've set up the cURL for you and it's sending the correct variables but being blocked by your server:

[curl] => HTTP/1.1 403 Forbidden
Date: Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:39:31 GMT
Server: Apache/2.2.16 (Ubuntu)
X-Powered-By: PHP/5.3.3-1ubuntu9.10
Set-Cookie: 1c9dabca0c9dc2fc4fd264f7982b5cce=t1s1fsl1pgb8feoe9vq8vno590; path=/
Vary: Accept-Encoding
Content-Length: 78
Content-Type: text/html

403: Access Forbidden

DoS Protection

)

You'll need to find a way round that.

Bob

Hi,

I'm creating a form for register user to my Joomla 2.5 site with ChronoForms 4.
I am using cURL action [GH] to automatically subscribe a user to multiple newsletter's lists.
This is the code in Params/Map:

option=com_acymailing
ctrl=sub
task=optin
hiddenlists=21,22,{fieldx}
user[email]={email}

The user is successfully created and automatically inserted in the lists 21 and 22 but not in the {fieldx} that is a number (1 to 20) that depends on the select of the region.
The value of fieldx appears correctly in the debug, but not in curl.

It's possible that in hiddenlist I can not insert the value of a field?
How I can do to submit a newsletter based on that field?

This is the cURL debug:

cURL OK : the cURL function was found on this server.
cURL Target URL: http://www.mysite.com/index.php
cURL Values: option=com_acymailing&ctrl=sub&task=optin&hiddenlists=%7Bfieldx%7D%2C21%2C22&user[email]=myemail%40hosting.it

Hi cinghie,

The cURL [GH] action will accept either (a) a plain text string or (b) an input name in curly brackets - but not a combination of the two :-(

I think that AcyMailing intends for the hiddenlists entries to be fixed and the alternative subscription entry to be used for variable list selections.

Please try this version (mostly from my earlier post)

subscription={fieldx}
user[email]={email}
ctrl=sub
task=optin
option=com_acymailing
hiddenlists=21,22

Bob

Hi cinghie,

I've updated the cURL [GH] action and it will now accept mixed text and curly brackets in the Params/Fields map box. You'll need to get the updated version from here

Bob

Hi GreyHead,

thank you for your work.

I have do a little guide for old version of cURL[GH] that work correctly:

http://www.chronoengine.com/forums.html?cont=posts&f=26&t=66846#p268574

Hi cinghie ,

Thank you for the helpful guide - sorry that I made it out of date :-(

Bob

PS Just to let you know, you don't need the hidden input, you can just 'create' the new $form->data entry in the On Submit event.

Hi Greyhead!
Again I have to say, that CF is a great tool!
I have two questions:

1)
I use your custom curl action with this code:

user[nachname]={Nachname}
user[anrede]={Anrede}
user[name]={Name}
user[email]={Email}
user[vorname]={Vorname}
ctrl=sub
task=optin
option=com_acymailing
hiddenlists=2

I also do the Joomla registration with the same form, but when I put the curl Action in the Registration "on success" event, the user is registered and subscribed to the newsletter but only the AcyMail Corefields Name, Email and the Newsletter list is transfered. The custom fields are not transfered to Acymail.
When I put the curl action out of the Registration Event, it works like charm.
But I want to create the newsletter user only after successful Joomla registration. Is this possible?

2)
As I use the form along with the Joomla registration the user should check a box whether she/he should recieve the newsletter or not.
So I created a checkbox (Name= "Newsletter") with the value 1 if checked.
I would like to know if its possible to only create the newsletter user, when the "Newsletter" Box is checked.

Thanks in advance and keep up the great support!
Kind regards and happy weekend!
Malte

Hi Malte,

I'm not sure why the action doesn't work in the On Success event :-( (Putting a Debugger in there might help.

You can use a Show Stopper in the Registration ON Fail event to stop any further processing and then put the On Success actions after the Registration action.

And/or you can try the Event Switcher [GH] action - which is also probably the answer to your opt-in question.

Bob

Thank you Bob!
The Show Stopper event works like a charm, but I have a problem with the even switcher.
I have this element in the form:

<div class="ccms_form_element cfdiv_checkbox" id="ich_m_chten_den_newsletter_erhalten_container_div"><input type="hidden" name="Newsletter" value="" alt="ghost" />
<input value="1" id="newsletter" label_over="0" hide_label="0" title="" type="checkbox" name="Newsletter" class="label_right" />
<label for="newsletter" class="full_label">Ich möchten den Newsletter erhalten</label><div class="clear"></div><div id="error-message-Newsletter"></div></div>

The Debugger says this when I check the box and submit:

   [chronoform_data] => Array
        (
...
            [Newsletter] => 1
...
         )

and when I do not check the box:

   [chronoform_data] => Array
        (
...
            [Newsletter] => 
...
         )

In the Event Switcher Event I use this code:

<?php
if ( $form->data['Newsletter'] == "1" ) {
return 'event_a';
}
?>

I put the cURL Action in the Code for Event A.

It doesn´t matter If I check the box or not, the cURL Event for the Newsletter subscription is called and the new user is subscribed to the newsletter.

Hi StingerMKO,

Please try adding an extra '=' in this line

if ( $form->data['Newsletter'] === "1" ) {

There are some technical problems in PHP with testing for 1, 0, true, false and 'empty' and that may be the problem here.

Bob

Great! This did the trick. Your Custom Actions are amazing, keep on this great work.

Hello,

I have have been reading through, and am experiencing a similar problem. I am trying to create a Joomla registration form with the ability to opt into certain acymailing lists. I have a thread going on with Acymailing, which can be found here:

http://www.acyba.com/en/forum/5-how-to/35548-allowing-users-to-select-lists-when-signing-up-with-chronoforms.html#35974

But have been advised to contact you guys as well.

Basically, here is my situation. I am using Joomla 1.5.26, I was using chronoforms v3, and can get the joomla registration to work, and can get the form to register to predetermined acymailing lists using newsletter=2,3 (the 2 and 3 being the acymailing lists that a user would be signed up for), but I want to give users the option as to what lists they are showing up for. After failing with chronoforms v3, I am now trying it with v4 (which I am new to), and am basically at the same spot. However, now with the following params:

user[name]=name
user[email]=email
ctrl=sub
task=optin
option=com_acymailing
hiddenlists[]=hiddenlists

upon submit, I am receiving the following:

Notice: Undefined index: sub in /home/seabirdadventure/public_html/administrator/components/com_chronoforms/form_actions/curl/curl.php on line 30 Notice: Undefined index: optin in /home/seabirdadventure/public_html/administrator/components/com_chronoforms/form_actions/curl/curl.php on line 30 Notice: Undefined index: com_acymailing in /home/seabirdadventure/public_html/administrator/components/com_chronoforms/form_actions/curl/curl.php on line 30

Hi cconant ,

The standard cURL action can't handle static values. It's looking in your form results for the values of the inputs named sub and optin and they don't exist.

The fix for this is to add them to the form results. Drag a Custom Code action into the On Submit event and move it up before the cURL action and add this code:

<?php
$form->data['sub'] = 'sub';
$form->data['optin'] = 'optin';
?>

Bob

If you use my custom cURL [GH] action then you can use both static sub=sub and dynamic email={email} values and avoid this extra step.

Hi Bob,

Thank you for the reply. I did what you requested and upon submit encountered:

Notice: Undefined index: com_acymailing in /home/seabirdadventure/public_html/administrator/components/com_chronoforms/form_actions/curl/curl.php on line 30

I was not added to the Acymailing lists.

Hi cconant,

It looks as though option=com_acymailing is also a static value.

Bob

Hi Bob,

Thank you for the reply. I now have no errors showing up. However, I am still not being added to the acymailing list. Thank you very much for all of the help so far.

Cheers,
Chris

Hi Chris,

What do you see if you turn Debug on in the cURL action?

Bob

Hi Bob,

I turned on the 'Header in response?' option and tested the form, and no debug code was present.

Cheers,
Chris

HI Bob,

I was wondering if you may have any other ideas as to why this may not be working for me. Please let me know if you need to see any other settings, etc.

Thank you,
Chris

Hello, I am also having no luck at all with integrating acymailing with chronoforms and could sure use some help at this point!

I have followed all instructions over and over and over again? I tried all methods and none work?

The very first thing I did was test the subscription URL that is like this http://clientsdomain.com/index.php?option=com_acymailing&ctrl=sub&task=optin&hiddenlists=10&user[email]=whatever@gmail.com&user[name]=Test User

and it worked great!

But as soon as I tried to use the CURL method or the Redirect URL method I get nothing but the thank you message screen after clicking submit and no data is passed to acymailing to add a name and email to a list? I even tried downloading the custom cURL (GH) action but still nothing? the url just looks like this http://clientsdomain.com/pagealias.html?chronoform=SummerDiscussion&event=submit

I even double checked to make sure CURL was enabled on my server which it is, and just doing the redirect URL method should work yet nothing?

I even tried turning on the header debug and nothing happens with that either? Im usually pretty quick to pick up on what may be causing issues but this has me stumped?

Please Help.

Hi CardOneConcepts ,

Just checking - you do have the CURL action in the On Submit event of your form?

Please drag a Debugger action into the On Submit event, then submit the form and post the debug results here.

Bob

Hi!
I have a small issue here with the curl Action. When a user submits the form with an email which is already in the newsletter list, the user gets an email that he is unsubscribed from the newsletter.
can i prevent this or check if the emailadress already is subscribed to the list and then prevent the email being sent out?

Hi StingerMKO,

It sounds as though there is some other (or different) parameter required by AcyMailing. What do their docs say?

Bob

Hi, I tried all config options, but I can't subscribe the user.

this is debug info:

Data Array:

Array
(
    [option] => com_chronoforms
    [tmpl] => component
    [chronoform] => form-1
    [event] => submit
    [Itemid] => 
    [input_nombre] => test 125
    [input_telefono] => 01111111111111
    [input_email] => email@clientsdomain.com
    [input_subscribe] => 1
    [input_submit_2] => Send
    [40608d62d447db8b03b7c9a48d40a44b] => 1
    [curl_gh] => 
    [chronoform_data] => Array
        (
            [cf_uid] => 4c1c2070ecaedd56a9109d3f400ff39b
            [cf_created] => 2012-10-09 00:38:50
            [cf_created_by] => 0
            [cf_ipaddress] => 2.136.116.188
            [cf_user_id] => 0
            [cf_id] => 39
        )

    [chronoform_data_cf_id] => 39
)

Validation Errors:

Array
(
)

 Debug Data

    cURL [GH]
        cURL OK : the cURL function was found on this server.
        cURL Target URL: http://www.clientsdomain.com/index.php
        Names + values (urldecoded)
            option : com_acymailing
            ctrl : sub
            task : optin
            hiddenlists : 1,3
            user[email] : email@clientsdomain.com
            user[name] : test 125
        cURL Values: option=com_acymailing&ctrl=sub&task=optin&hiddenlists=1%252C3&user[email]=email%2540clientsdomain.com&user[name]=test%2B125
        cURL:Resource id #142
        cURL info: Array ( [url] => http://www.clientsdomain.com/index.php [content_type] => [http_code] => 0 [header_size] => 0 [request_size] => 0 [filetime] => -1 [ssl_verify_result] => 0 [redirect_count] => 0 [total_time] => 0 [namelookup_time] => 0 [connect_time] => 0 [pretransfer_time] => 0 [size_upload] => 0 [size_download] => 0 [speed_download] => 0 [speed_upload] => 0 [download_content_length] => -1 [upload_content_length] => -1 [starttransfer_time] => 0 [redirect_time] => 0 [certinfo] => Array ( ) )
        Response:
    email
        10
            Result An email has been SENT successfully from (test 125)noreply@clientsdomain.com to email@clientsdomain.com
            Body test 125

            Submitted by 2.136.116.188
            Attachments array ( )

if I test URL http://www.clientsdomain.com/index.php?option=com_acymailing&ctrl=sub&task=optin&hiddenlists=1%252C3&user[email]=email%2540clientsdomain.com&user[name]=test%2B125 everything works OK.

any idea?

thanks in advance

Hi editartgroup,

The generated URLs are identical so it 'ought' to work OK :-( Really hard to say anything more from here.

Do you see anything in Response if you look at the page source there?

I'm wondering if there is some server security that is getting in the way - but that is just a guess :-(

Bob

Many thanks GH,

in "Response" at page source there is nothing, in the PHP log does not appear any error or warning.

The truth is that this issue is giving me headaches, I'll try to talk to my system administrator and see if I get any response.

thanks again.

Hi editartgroup,

OK, if that doesn't solve it by all means email or PM me the site URL and a SuperAdmin login and I'll take a quick look.

Bob