BMLT Minutes

FAQ

Where are the documents stored?

Uploaded files go into the standard WordPress Media Library. External links (Google Docs, Dropbox, OneDrive) are stored as URLs on the minutes post — nothing is copied or proxied.

Can I use this without BMLT?

Yes. The plugin works as a standalone document-list plugin — it makes no calls to any BMLT server.

Can I add my own committees?

Yes. The Committee taxonomy is hierarchical (like Categories). Go to Minutes → Committees to add, rename, or nest committees. The default list is just a starting point on first activation.

How do I link to a Google Doc instead of uploading?

In the Minutes Document meta box on the editor screen, leave the file field empty and paste your Google Doc / Drive URL into the External Link field.

Can I password-protect minutes that contain personal details?

Yes. Some service bodies redact PII before posting, others share unredacted minutes with members only. On the editor screen, set a value in the Password Protection field of the Minutes Document meta box (or use WordPress’s built-in Visibility → Password protected option in the Publish panel). On the public [bmlt_minutes] list, protected entries show a padlock and link to a password-prompt page rather than exposing the document URL. Members enter the shared password once per browser to unlock the document. Default behavior with no password set is fully public access.

Can I password-protect the entire page that contains [bmlt_minutes]?

Yes — use WordPress’s built-in page password. Edit the page that holds your [bmlt_minutes] shortcode, open the Publish (Block Editor: Status & visibility) panel, set Visibility → Password protected, and enter a password. Visitors will see WordPress’s standard password form before the whole page (including the minutes list) is rendered. This is independent of the per-post password on individual minutes — you can combine them if you want a members-only landing page plus an extra lock on specific minutes.

How do I let someone manage minutes without giving them full site access?

There are two ways:

1. Minutes Manager role — activating the plugin creates this role. Assign a user that role (Users → edit user → Role) and they can add, edit, and publish minutes and upload documents, but nothing else in wp-admin.
2. “Can manage minutes” checkbox — on any user’s profile (Users → edit user) there’s a Meeting Minutes section with a “Can manage minutes” checkbox. Tick it to grant an existing user (e.g. an Author) minutes access on top of their current role, without changing that role. Untick to revoke. If the user’s role already grants minutes access, the checkbox shows as locked with a note.

Administrators and Editors keep full access automatically. Under the hood the Meeting Minutes post type uses its own capabilities (edit_bmlt_minutes, publish_bmlt_minutes, etc.), so a role-editor plugin can also mix these into any existing role. Curating the committee list stays admin-only; Minutes Managers can assign existing committees but not create new ones.

Will uninstalling delete my minutes?

Yes. The uninstall.php script removes the plugin’s settings and deletes all minutes posts when you delete the plugin via the WordPress admin. Deactivate instead of uninstalling if you want to preserve them.