BUG: Renewing Members with Disabled Member Types NOT SETTING New Member Type

[annaleevk]

My client changed member types between years as well as changing from fixed to rolling memberships.  I converted the data with the old member types but created new member types for the new year, HOWEVER, when a member either renews online or the admin renews them offline, the system disregards the new member type selected and automatically renews them with the old member type.  THIS is a BIG PROBLEM for reporting and members only access.

We can catch them when we key them manually but since the registration form only shows the current, enabled member types, I don't think the system should be disregarding their selection and renewing them with the old, disabled member types.

Any solutions for this?  Otherwise, I will need Hershel to figure out a workaround.  Thanks.

[annaleevk]

Does anyone have an update on this yet?  Hershel and I both think this a bug.  Should I log it as an issue?  If I do not hear back, I will do that with a reference to this posting.

[Donald Lobo]

yes, does seem like a bug.

but, this issue is also a wee bit specific to the way you/your client has done this. So would be great if you can get someone to take a look at the code and fix it. For the short term you might want to figure out a workaround

lobo

[annaleevk]

Lobo,

Unfortunately, Hershel said he does not know the code for this, so he cannot help in this situation.  This is not really an issue so specific to this client.  Anyone who converts a database which has been around for a few years is bound to have old member types that they have since disabled.

The fact is, the system is disregarding both the user (public side) and the admin (private side) when they actively choose one of the new member types.  I tested this myself on the admin side by renewing an "old" member type and changing the member type before saving the membership.  It disregarded my change and reverted to the old member type.  On the public side, the user is only presented with the new member types on the form when they select them for renewal and yet, their member type is reverting to the old member type.

In terms of troubleshooting, can anyone give us a clue as to where the programming lies for renewals?

[Donald Lobo]

most of the code should be in

CRM/Member/BAO/Membership.php

i suspect the system is confused about the old membership type which is not active and hence behaves in a wrong manner

lobo

[annaleevk]

Lobo,

Just a suggestion....If someone could teach a session (ideally for free) for power users interested in learning more about coding in order to assist with the troubleshooting that would be great.  I don't know about other folks but I'd be willing to put in the learning time if someone could teach me how to begin to figure this out.  This way, you could create more knowledgeable troubleshooters for the future.

Drupal folks in NYC have been offering free monthly playdates where experts spend an entire Saturday helping anyone who attends.  I have learned soo much in just 1 day and it has saved me a lot of frustration and valuable time and given me the incentive and confidence to help others.

Lastly, I learned a lot during this last CiviCRM conversion (from Blackbaud's Kintera) about the db backend and would love to learn more as well and would be happy to share my experience and teach others.  I am just beyond broke so I can't really offer $$ but am willing to offer whatever time I have.

Anyway, just some food for thought.  I also have an apartment in Hoboken with good wifi and can accomodate at least 10-15 people if you need a space.

- Annalee

[Donald Lobo]

Hey annalee:

a few thoughts and comments:

1.  There is a new free developer book (which just came out today):

http://en.flossmanuals.net/civicrm-developer-guide/

that should help a lot more with getting people upto speed and more effective

2. Can you please blog about your experiences with your last CiviCRM conversion from kintera to civicrm. Both a developer oriented blog post and an user oriented blog post would be great. I've given u blogging privileges on civicrm:

http://civicrm.org/blogs/annaleevk

3. You might want to consider organizing a session for power users to get upto speed in the NY area. I think father shawn did one last year and you might want to coordinate with him and try to recruit a few local developers to come and help

4. In the bay area, we are planning to do a few free sessions at
 
BADCamp: http://2011.badcamp.net/drupal-non-profit-summit
Aspiration Tech NonProfit Summit Camp: http://www.aspirationtech.org/events/devsummit11y

lobo

[annaleevk]

Thanks, Lobo!  Much appreciated.