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

[mariocaz]

Let me try it

Thanx Ted.

[mariocaz]

Ted,

I can´t update it because when I want to do the update in the ACP I am seeing a DB error.

How could I do the update ??

[mariocaz]

this is what I am talking about because I can?t do the upgrade with the xml file:



I disabled the mod while I am fixing it but I am still receiving a lot of DB errors in my email, very desperate!!!

Help!!!

[Ted S]

Originally Posted by mariocaz

Ted,

I can?t update it because when I want to do the update in the ACP I am seeing a DB error.

How could I do the update ??

Just uninstall & reinstall then.

[mariocaz]

Ok and uninstalling it do I loose the template changes that I did with this mod ?

[Ted S]

You shouldn't but I would suggest backing up your templates to be sure.

[mariocaz]

Ted,

I uninstalled it and then re-installed it but I am having this error in the ACP:

Database error in vBulletin 3.7.6:

Invalid SQL:
ALTER TABLE vb lgv SET id id int(7) unsigned NOT NULL auto_increment;

MySQL Error : You have an error in your SQL syntax; check the manual that corresponds to your MySQL server version for the right syntax to use near 'lgv SET id id int(7) unsigned NOT NULL auto_increment' at line 1
Error Number : 1064
Request Date : Tuesday, September 29th 2009 @ 01:21:09 PM
Error Date : Tuesday, September 29th 2009 @ 01:21:09 PM
Script : http://www.all-reefs.com/inicio/admi...=productimport
Referrer : http://www.all-reefs.com/inicio/admi...?do=productadd
IP Address : 189.142.218.197
Username : mariocaz
Classname : vB_Database
MySQL Version : 5.0.81-community

I think its because my correct table is "vblgv", but you tell me.

Thank you again.

[Ted S]

Looks like there's a bug in the installer, I will have to update the code on this. Look for an update shortly.

[mariocaz]

Ok I will looking for it!!! thank you.

[Ted S]

Originally Posted by mariocaz

Ok I will looking for it!!! thank you.

My appologies, I am working remotely. Please let me know if this file works for you.