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

[Ted S]

Originally Posted by desmomax

Ok.. i understand.. but so a guest is free to see all the threads..

This addon works with front-end pages and stops people from viewing them or shows a message while they continue to view them depending on your settings. It does not affect the archive.

[effeff70]

i did it.... THX

[Ted S]

I am looking for ideas for the next upgrade of this addon.

The most common request I've received so far is to store access in the database making it harder for people to get around the block attempts (i.e. they can not just clear cookies). If this is something you would like please post to this thread indicating that. Based on feedback I will decide if this should be added (as an option of course).

Please let me know if you have any other suggestions as well.

[Megatr0n]

Originally Posted by Ted S

I am looking for ideas for the next upgrade of this addon.

The most common request I've received so far is to store access in the database making it harder for people to get around the block attempts (i.e. they can not just clear cookies). If this is something you would like please post to this thread indicating that. Based on feedback I will decide if this should be added (as an option of course).

Please let me know if you have any other suggestions as well.

So, there isn't any updates for this hack?

[eglyntine]

Originally Posted by Ted S

I am looking for ideas for the next upgrade of this addon.

The most common request I've received so far is to store access in the database making it harder for people to get around the block attempts (i.e. they can not just clear cookies). If this is something you would like please post to this thread indicating that. Based on feedback I will decide if this should be added (as an option of course).

Please let me know if you have any other suggestions as well.

This would be extremely helpful. I have a Parenting Board and they like their privacy but I don't want to drive away new members just because they can't see the forums. This add-on was a great compromise for me but I have had the issue that ppl can just clear cookies and start all over again so I've had to limit the open forums greatly. With this kind of update I could open up more forums and possibly attract more members.

Thanks for all of the work you've done on this btw, it's a wonderful add-on!

[AdrianH]

Originally Posted by Ted S

I am looking for ideas for the next upgrade of this addon.

The most common request I've received so far is to store access in the database making it harder for people to get around the block attempts (i.e. they can not just clear cookies). If this is something you would like please post to this thread indicating that. Based on feedback I will decide if this should be added (as an option of course).

Please let me know if you have any other suggestions as well.

This is what I would like to see Ted.

[nakedzero]

Originally Posted by CareyCrew

The most common request I've received so far is to store access in the database making it harder for people to get around the block attempts (i.e. they can not just clear cookies). If this is something you would like please post to this thread indicating that. Based on feedback I will decide if this should be added (as an option of course).

This should be really gr8. Please add this option and update as soon as possible

[Rene Kriest]

store access in the database making it harder for people to get around the block attempts

I second that.

Your add-on really is the best compromise for keeping a certain standard of privacy in public forums. You did an outstandig job regarding this add-on.

As once the awesome Warriors of Time in a breathtaking demo on the legendary C64 stated: Membership has privileges. This is also true for forums.

[RedDevil]

nice add on installed.

[Martell]

Hi Ted S, and if to disconnect cookies it is possible to go on a forum under the pretext of search engine bots