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This article and its associated code was updated on October 7th, 2006

Version: 1.0.6
vB Version: 3.6.x (3.5.x)
Install Time: Less than 5 minutes including customizing.
Developer: Ted Sindzinski - http://www.moderninsider.com
Discussion: Modern Insider Forums

The purpose of the Limited Guest Viewing System is to drive in registrations by limiting the number of threads guests are able to view before registering or seeing an advertisement. This system is designed to encourage and ultimately force visitors to register (or login) while limiting the amount of "browsing" guests can do.

This plugin does a basic check to identify bots (Google, Yahoo and MSN) and will allow them unrestricted access; however, you may want to consider installing the Bots as Members plugin if you are concerned about other bots. This plugin does not apply to the vBulletin archive and will not restrict views to that portion of your site.

Installation Instructions:

Step 1) Add the attached product plugin

    From your Admin Control Panel go to Plugin System --> Manage Products and click the Add/Import product link. Click the browse button and select the xml file that accompanies these instructions. This will add and update the phrases, templates and required code.

Step 2) Configuration Options

    The Limited Guest Viewing System is designed to be flexible and highly customizable to meet the specific needs of your forum. To customize which messages show up and what they say, go to your vBulletin Options, scroll to the end of the list and select "Limited Guest Viewing System".

    Through this interface you will have the ability to enable the system, set the number of posts a guest may view as well as specifying any forums that should not be effected by this system. You can also customize the error message phrase through the admin interface or by editing the phrase "lgv" directly. It is highly suggested that you customize the phrases to speak specifically about your community and the benefits of registering.

    By default the system is disabled; you must enable it through this interface before it will work!

Step 3) Template Modification

    If you plan to take advantage of the Register Take-Over Message which is used to encourage users to register before completely denying them thread viewing access, you will need to make one simple modifications to your templates.

    From your Admin Control Panel go to Styles & Templates --> Style Manager and select Edit Templates from the drop down list. Double click the Navigation/ Breadcrumb Templates option and then double click the navbar template. At the very end of the template add the code: $lgvmessage Save the template and repeat the process for each top level style you have.

To upgrade:

    To upgrade, repeat step 1 and be sure to select the "Yes" for the Allow Overwrite option. Review all configuration options.

Updates:

    2/18/2007 - Minor update to fix register link.
    11/19/2006 - Public Release 10/7/2006 - Added Register Take-Over Message, Fixed bug with empty arrays
    10/6/2006 - Initial beta release

Support:

For support, comments or to discuss this article please see this thread at The Admin Zone. It is recommended that this plugin be used in conjunction with the Welcome Headers System for maximizing guest messaging and conversions.


Copyright © ModernInsider 2007. All Rights Reserved.
This plugin may not be republished or distributed without the express written consent of the author.
  
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