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

[okhissabigfish]

Idea:

When the message appears the backgound fades and the notice is on top. Then the visitor has to clear the message to bring the site back up or can bring it back up by hitting the Register Now link in the body of the message.

[Ted S]

Originally Posted by okhissabigfish

Idea:

When the message appears the backgound fades and the notice is on top. Then the visitor has to clear the message to bring the site back up or can bring it back up by hitting the Register Now link in the body of the message.

Nice idea but not really the intent of this hack. You could probably do that with a little javascript and a basic template change.

[vitrag24]

if i keep 5 threads, then will it cause any problem to search engine spiders or bots?

[Ted S]

Originally Posted by vitrag24

if i keep 5 threads, then will it cause any problem to search engine spiders or bots?

Please read the main thread for information about how bots are treated with this addon.

[vitrag24]

Originally Posted by Ted S

Please read the main thread for information about how bots are treated with this addon.

i've read. just wanna be sure.Sorry for trouble.
i hope it won't be problem to keep it 5 threads.

[Ted S]

Originally Posted by vitrag24

i've read. just wanna be sure.Sorry for trouble.
i hope it won't be problem to keep it 5 threads.

I've explained it as best I can in the main post and install file and would simply be citing them to answer you again. Unless you have a specific question, please refer to those two sources.

[dreck]

Sorry wrong thread!

[maikju]

Installed and nominated! Thank You!

[vividbreeze]

is this considered cloaking and unsafewith Google??? I need to know....cause if it is I will stop using this mod...thanks!

[Ted S]

Originally Posted by vividbreeze

is this considered cloaking and unsafewith Google??? I need to know....cause if it is I will stop using this mod...thanks!

Please read the main post and the install file which explains the official stance on how this addon relates to bots. With that information in hand you can make your determination as to whether or not you'd like to use it.