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

vB4 Users Find the vB4 Version Here.

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, with database setting used)

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 (adds a read-and insert/update query).

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.

[427mouse]

I'm getting database errors. Any ideas for a fix? They seem to only happen to unregistered users when trying to view a thread.

MySQL Error : Duplicate entry '65535' for key 1
Error Number : 1062

[Ted S]

Originally Posted by steve427

I'm getting database errors. Any ideas for a fix? They seem to only happen to unregistered users when trying to view a thread.

MySQL Error : Duplicate entry '65535' for key 1
Error Number : 1062

Update to the latest version or change the INT size on the table to a larger number, you've run out of stored views!

[dirt-2]

Stupid question time.

How do i check that its working ?

Delete my cookies and view the forum ?

Thanks in advance,

Dave

[Ted S]

Originally Posted by dirt-2

Stupid question time.

How do i check that its working ?

Delete my cookies and view the forum ?

Thanks in advance,

Dave

That or use a different browser.

[Budweiser]

Hello.

Could this product cause my site to be denied for Google Adsense? I have submitted my application several times but the adsense team keeps telling me that the site is:

- Under construction
---------------------
Further detail:
Under construction: We've found that your site's pages are incomplete or under construction. To be considered for AdSense, we require websites to be fully launched and functioning, allowing users to navigate throughout your site with a menu, sitemap, or appropriate links. Your site must also contain enough content for our specialists to review and to display relevant ads. Once the majority of your site is complete and functional, we'll be happy to reconsider your application.

Here is the site..
http://www.wv-music.com

.
.

[Ted S]

Shouldn't be the cause of it. How many views are you setting your views too?

[Budweiser]

Originally Posted by Ted S

Shouldn't be the cause of it. How many views are you setting your views too?

Register Take-Over Message Count= 5
Register Block Page Count= 10

[Ted S]

Originally Posted by Budweiser

Register Take-Over Message Count= 5
Register Block Page Count= 10

Can't see it being an issue but you could always turn off the mod and see if they let you in.

[conspirator]

hey guys. Any updates on its availability on vb4?

[Ted S]

Originally Posted by conspirator

hey guys. Any updates on its availability on vb4?

Watch the vb4 forum, when it's there, it's ready.