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

[troppodel]

hi friend nice mod
can you update your mod and add the possibility to limited other usergroups and for specified forum?

thanks

[Ted S]

Neither of those functions is on my current to do list but you could easily modify the code yourself to add them until such time as I do a major upgrade.

[troppodel]

ok thanks please let me know when you update your mod and add these features
Ivan

[Ted S]

Originally Posted by troppodel

ok thanks please let me know when you update your mod and add these features
Ivan

There is no plans for a major upgrade at this time. I expect to do a feature overhaul mid to late year depending on interest.

[titodj]

I've used this mod for a long time, and it works perfect.
But now I would like to be able to tell the users either to get registered or to come back in XX time.. but I cant figure out what is the current cookie expiration time?

[Ted S]

The system uses a default vbulletin cookie and honestly I'm not sure how long it lasts. If you want to check the cookie's expiration just view the site as a guest and open the cookie through your browser. Sorry I can't be of more help.

[titodj]

Woow, that helped, I was able to find the cookie from the website, but it was set to expire a year from today.
Could you point me as of how ti find that VB default cookie to see if the expiration can be modified?
Thanks...

[Ted S]

That's a simple enough task.
Inside the xml file for this plugin find the line:

vbsetcookie('userlgv', $lgv);

Change as follows:

vbsetcookie('userlgv', $lgv, time()+86400*5);

5 is the number of days and can be changed as you see fit.

I didn't test this so I suggest you manually check that the cookie worked right.

[titodj]

Thank you VERY much.. I will try and post the results.

[Ted S]

Please do as I'll be using your experience to make a little update so this is easier for others in the future.