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

[mindhunter77]

I love this man, thank you!

[mariocaz]

Hi Ted,

After update your awesome mod, I am receiving this error by email, please help me friend.

Database error in vBulletin 3.7.6:

Invalid SQL:

                        SELECT id,views
                        FROM vblgv AS lgv
                        WHERE lgv.ipaddress = '75.107.208.5';

MySQL Error  : Table 'allreef_inicio.vblgv' doesn't exist
Error Number  : 1146
Request Date  : Sunday, April 19th 2009 @ 12:41:49 AM
Error Date    : Sunday, April 19th 2009 @ 12:41:49 AM
Script        : http://www.all-reefs.com/inicio/showthread.php?t=6157
Referrer      : http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1622230
IP Address    : 75.107.208.5
Username      : No Registrado
Classname    : vB_Database
MySQL Version :

Thank you in advance!!

[Ted S]

Looks like the table requested isn't using your prefix properly. You'll need to remove the addon and manually create the table.

[mariocaz]

Mmmm sorry!!

But how could I do that dear Ted ?

[mariocaz]

So only to confirm...

I have to remove the mod, right ?? then install it again the mod and then manually creat the table ????

Is not an easy way to remove the actual table that is not working because the prefix and then add the other one with the correct prefix ??? to don´t uninstall the mod.

If yes only tell me the instruction to remove the actual SQL table and then to add the correct one (I will put the correct prefix).

Thanx!!

[Ted S]

The table you should have is prefix_lgv where prefix_ is your forum's prefix.

[mariocaz]

Ok but could you tell me Ted the SQL instructions ?? one exactly to manually remove the table that your mod installed and is not working for me and the other one to manually add the correct table. My prefix is this one "vb" without the "_", exaplame: vbaccess

[Ted S]

The install script will create the table. Just be sure the mysql user in vb has access and run it after uninstalling.

[zorton]

Great plugin!

Just one question. How can I change the box color that surrounds the text?

I would like to use a different color (like the Sitepoint Sponsors box @ forum index) but don't know how to do it.

Thanks

[mariocaz]

Mmmm ok I will uninstall it and add the table manually, could you help me giving me the SQL instruction to add the table in MyphpAdmin ?? my prefix is "vb" without the _ only is vb

So the correct table of your forum have to be vblgv I think so.