Show Thread Enhancements - Limited Guest Viewing -- Motivate Guests to Register

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 [or membership upgrades] by limiting the number of threads guests [or certain membergroups] 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.

Install Instructions: Read the install file. Customize via admin settings & templates.

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): Anything that changes your forum viewing can impact how search engines treat it. The cookie approach used by this modification is bypassed by many bots and, since people can still view posts, cloaking should not apply. Users with IP logging may face more restrictions although a filtering system lets defined spiders pass. This plugin is intended to limit repetitive viewing and not restrict people from single views.

For a full explanation of the impact on bots read the install file before asking questions.

Usergroup Limitations:
Version 2.1 introduces basic usergroup limiting with the same rules & messages guests get. Based on demand this may be extended to a per-usergroup level restriction and messaging in the future.

Change Log:
- 7.21.2012 - Update to 2.1.0 which adds usergroup limiting, fixes mySQL 5.5 support, removes the need for template editing, cleans up install guide. Upgrading is optional.

Mod Philosophy -- Drive Your Own Success:
All of my mods are inspired by my work in the digital industry and are designed to drive registrations, interaction or other engagement activities the core platform does not address. Each is designed to fit a general need by providing a starting point but it's on you to decide how to make things work to their best possible outcome. Don't stay in the box.

[ForceHSS]

Had it on 4.2.2 worked for me but removed it when it stopped google crawl bots

[pityocamptes]

How would I trouble shoot this? Where to begin? Thanks.

[ForceHSS]

Originally Posted by pityocamptes

How would I trouble shoot this? Where to begin? Thanks.

If you use Google Adsense best not to use this

[pityocamptes]

I do, what is the issue?

[ForceHSS]

Originally Posted by pityocamptes

I do, what is the issue?

With google bot it will block it from checking your site

[pityocamptes]

ok. Doesnt work anyways. Anyone have a different type of guest force registration?

[ForceHSS]

It does work, but if you don't explain what settings you have or what way you have config it its hard to help

[pityocamptes]

Well, should I try it again? Or do you know without a doubt that it will tank google from looking at my site? If it does prohibit google, do you have any other options or mods that may encourage guests to register? Thanks.

[ForceHSS]

Unless you get a mod made this one will stop google and other bots crawling your site. If you want to use it up to you

[Ted S]

Originally Posted by ForceHSS

Unless you get a mod made this one will stop google and other bots crawling your site. If you want to use it up to you

What makes you believe Google is not crawling your site due to the modification? What had you set it to?