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

[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.

[Linksystem]

I am new to Vbulletin. Where am I supposed to upload the file? Thanks

[Ted S]

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.

What are you trying to do? What are you settings? What "doesn't work"?

[jasonbh]

Nice mod,thanks.

[rigodiaz]

This isn't working...

Guests are still able to see forums

[Ted S]

Originally Posted by rigodiaz

This isn't working...

Guests are still able to see forums

It's not working isn't something I can help much with... let's diagnose more.

Are you properly excluding only the forums you don't want seen with a comma delimited list?

Have you completely logged out and viewed the site enough times in the appropriate forums?

What is the url to the site and IDs of 5 forums that aren't excluded?

[basilrath]

Nice idea........... i agree guests are purely traffic enhancement, but the bots are needed as we all know.

[rigodiaz]

Originally Posted by Ted S

It's not working isn't something I can help much with... let's diagnose more.

Are you properly excluding only the forums you don't want seen with a comma delimited list?

Have you completely logged out and viewed the site enough times in the appropriate forums?

What is the url to the site and IDs of 5 forums that aren't excluded?

Sorry man, thank you, its work great :up:

Installed!!!

[setishock]

Came back to click the installed button. Worked as advertised right out of the box. Now let's see if it does any good for my little place.

[jim6763nva]

Thanks for this addon! ** Installed **

I was thinking another addition to this that would be nice would be to allow guests to read a defined portion of posts/threads then chop it off and add the "More..." link or a link that says something like "To read more, please register."

Just a thought.

Jim