Confused about WordPress configuration

I’m a little confused about which way to do this. I’ve set-up a WP install with a landing page and payment options using s2member Pro as the payment gateway. Then, in a subdirectory of this first WP install, I installed WP again to host the entire membership site (this was required b/c we needed different layout, header, etc.) My question is, if I install s2member Pro on the subdirectory install as well to allow membership modification there, will the two installs “talk” to each other. i.e. when a member registers and pays at the top level, is it possible for them to then have access to their account when they are actually in the membership area (or subdirectory)? Maybe I’m making this more complicated then it has to be. if so, please point me in the right direction in terms of best practices for setting up a membership site with landing page(s), etc.

I’ll be happy to provide links to the site(s), login and ftp info if required.

Thank you in advance for your help. Great product! Tons of options…I just want to be sure I’m using it properly.

Hi Barry,

The two WordPress installations will not talk to each other. WordPress will treat the users separately, not allowing someone logged into one installation to gain access to the other.

If you’re simply trying to change the look and feel of pages, you should be using Page Templates. You can assign pages specific Page Templates that you’ve designed, so each page can have its own header, footer, etc. Please see Page Templates on the WordPress Codex for more information.