Add-On Releases - Limited Guest Viewing -- Motivate Guests to Register

Version 2.0 of this addon which allows for IP tracking using a mySQL database has been released. This is an optional feature which is disabled by default.


With vBulletin, forum guests are able to view endless amounts of content without being directly asked or forced to register no matter how many times they come back. The purpose of the Limited Guest Viewing System is to drive in registrations by limiting the number of threads guests are able to view without interruption.

This plugin offers two options which can be used to drive in more registrations. The first option allows you to show a reminder message or advertisement after a guest has viewed a certain number of threads. The second option puts up a roadblock stopping guests from viewing threads altogether after reaching a certain number of views. Both options work together to encourage and ultimately force anonymous visitors to either register or login but can also be used separately based on your individual needs.


Modifications/ Instructions:
Template edits: 1
Plugins: 1 (adds 1 template and several settings)
SQL Queries: 2 [1 insert/update] (optional)

This template hack should take under 5 minutes to implement and customize.

Customizing the content / messages:
To customize which messages appear or what they say, go to vBulletin options, select the ?Limited Guest Viewing System? group and configure the options as desired. Each phase can be modified by adding translation text.

Through the ACP you can enable or disable each option, specify the number of threads that can be viewed before the option is enabled and input any forums you wish to exclude from being blocked.

Search Engine Bots (Spiders):

This plugin is intended to use cookies as a result few if any bots will be impacted when it comes to spidering your site [bots do not generally use cookies]. Users with IP logging enabled face more potential impact from spiders. For a full explanation of the impact on bots please read the install file. Questions about this issue should be asked after the install file will be read otherwise responses will direct you to read the file.

IP/ Database Logging:
As of version 2.0 this addon now allows for IP logging via mySQL instead of just using cookies. IP logging tracks visitors by IP address stopping issues associated with cookie clearing making the system more secure. This is optional and is turned off by default.




There are 3 possible downsides of this option you should be aware of.

1. The system adds an additional query and update every time a guest views a thread which adds to your server load.
2. Some users on ISPs like AOL share IPs and could be forced to register without being able to access any threads.
3. While spiders often change IPs and are specifically excluded (by hostmask) from the addon this is not absolute and it is possible they could be blocked. See the install file for more on this.

Welcome headers compatibility:
The Limited Guest Viewing is designed to work with the Welcome Headers System version 3.6 without any conflict. If you are using the notices system in 3.7 there is the possibility of duplicating messages.

Updates
- 12/10/2008 - Bug update to fix issue #2-01
-10/30/2008 - Release of version 2.0 beta
-05/04/2008 - Release of 3.7.0 version

[Ted S]

Glad you figured it out!

[cosy]

can anyone make a add-on(option) for PhotoPlog ?

[Ted S]

Originally Posted by cosy

can anyone make a add-on(option) for PhotoPlog ?

It sounds like you want a new hack... I would suggest posting to the Mod Request Forum.

[juliannova]

This mod is the bomb! It has doubled my sign ups. I am now trying to figure what # is the tipping point for sign ups? I have it set at 3 it working good. I am not sure about the bots I will post later.

[NetRover]

Originally Posted by Lombardo

This isn't working for me, i've changed the settings many times but whenever i log out and try and view things i can view as much as i want :S

Edit: The only way i can get it to work is by turning everything on.

Hi there, i've got this same problem as a couple of posters on here.

I just want to block thread views on 3.7.2 and I have also done the template edit.

If I have thread view block only it does not seem to work.

If I turn on the page block as well then it does work and I get the page block generic error message.

I don't seem to be able to get the thread views error message on it's own.

any ideas from anyone?

[Ted S]

Originally Posted by NetRover

Hi there, i've got this same problem as a couple of posters on here.

I just want to block thread views on 3.7.2 and I have also done the template edit.

If I have thread view block only it does not seem to work.

If I turn on the page block as well then it does work and I get the page block generic error message.

I don't seem to be able to get the thread views error message on it's own.

any ideas from anyone?

You've lost me... this addon stops people from viewing threads in specific forums after a certain number of views, what are you trying to do/ not being able to do with pages?

[TimberFloorAu]

Great little mod, mate.

Havent read every single page, and noticed your readme, mentioned google slurp etc..

Are you aware of any issues regarding spiders?

This is just what we have been looking for !

Good work

Ste

[Ted S]

Originally Posted by TimberFloorAu

Great little mod, mate.

Havent read every single page, and noticed your readme, mentioned google slurp etc..

Are you aware of any issues regarding spiders?

This is just what we have been looking for !

Good work

Ste

Thanks for the feedback. All of my comments on spiders are containing in the install file... If there's something specific in that document you'd like clarification on I'd be glad to try and explain but I think that about sums things up.

[RobbieZ]

Hi Ted

Installed but this does not work for me.

it does not show any message after viewing 5 threads and does not block views after 10, both are turned on, and there are no forum variables in the last entry on adminCp

why would it have conflicts with visitor messages 3.7 when these are really only notices.

should i uninstall the 3.7 visitor messages(notices) and re-install the 3.6 visitor messages version?

[NetRover]

Originally Posted by Ted S

You've lost me... this addon stops people from viewing threads in specific forums after a certain number of views, what are you trying to do/ not being able to do with pages?

Hi there Ted, maybe I have got confused but I considered it to have two blocking types.

one with error message when viewing threads which I wanted or another method if a user just views the amount of pages in a forum and not actually viewing the thread details. i must be confused about page block and need to have both options enabled?

I am refering to these two descriptions:-

Register Take-Over Message Count
This option allows you to set the number of threads/ posts a guest may view before receiving seeing the Register Take-Over Message.


Enable Register Block Page
This option allows you to enable or disable the Register Block Page. When enabled, guests will see a message above the posts prompting them to register after they have viewed as many threads as you specify.