Invitation Footer with Search Engine terms

[Coder1]

Instructions

This is a PRODUCT, so you go to "Manage Products" and upload it.

Screen Shot

http://www.tgreer.com/invite_screenie.gif


Template

This product creates 1 new template, called invite_forumrules. This template was designed for my site, where I don't use a Forum Jump menu. Thus, by default the table is center-aligned, and full-width.

You may need to adjust this for YOUR site. Just edit the template, as you would any other. If it's too wide, try changing align="center" to "align=left". Also, the width by default is equal to $stylevar[formwidth]. You can change that, for example to "180px" to alter the size of the "You're Invited" panel/table.

When you edit this template, note the variable $GLOBALS[orig_forumrules]. This variable contains the original Posting Rules. If the user is not a guest, they'll see the normal Posting Rules. If you DELETE THIS VARIABLE, then members won't see the Posting Rules. So keep it in the template, inside the condtional.

Phrases

You must edit the phrases, because the default message uses the term "generic". You want a more inviting message than that.

There are three phrases:

TGREER_invite_title

TGREER_invite_default

This is what is displayed if the user reaches your site from a link somewhere, rather than a search engine.

TGREER_invite_search_engine

This is what is displayed if the user reaches your site from a search engine. MSN, Yahoo, Google, and a couple more are supported.

These use phrase variables: {1} = your forum title, {2} = the search engine {3} = the search terms. When you edit the templates, use these variables.

If you use this plugin, please consider a modest donation. You can use my PayPal tip jar found on my site (http://www.tgreer.com/cmps_index.php#TipJar).

[John]

As I mentioned to you before somewhere, excellent plugin, superb.

Qn: before I install I need to know what you consider an acceptable 'modest donation'...? Most plugins/hacks that are available for vb are free and carry no such donation so to ask people to consider a modest amount comes with it a certain expectation - which we need to know.

So... ??

[John]

Additional Note: Under what conditions would someone see this after searching an online engine?

[Peggy]

As I mentioned to you before somewhere, excellent plugin, superb.

Qn: before I install I need to know what you consider an acceptable 'modest donation'...? Most plugins/hacks that are available for vb are free and carry no such donation so to ask people to consider a modest amount comes with it a certain expectation - which we need to know.

So... ??

actually sweetheart, quite a few of the hack creators on vb.org do have a paypal donation button in their
first post. It's not mandatory, but the hint it there nonetheless ;)

[Coder1]

"Modest" in my opinion means: whatever anyone is moved to donate, including "nothing at all". The code is here, so anyone can download and use it with no further strings attached. Have at it, and only donate if you're "that type of person", or if it performs phenomenally for you.

So I have no expectations. Anything is better than nothing, and you never know until you ask, are my theories. I'd be happy with a dollar. I'd be five times happier with 5 dollars... you get the picture.

When Will These Invite Footers Appear?

If an unregistered guest reaches your FORUMDISPLAY or SHOWTHREAD pages due to a search on MSN, Google, Yahoo, AllTheWeb, or LookSmart, the "TGREER_invite_search_engine" phrase/message will appear INSTEAD OF the normal "Posting Rules" box.

If an unregistered guest reaches FORUMDISPLAY or SHOWTHREAD by any other means (clicking your signature line, for example), they will see the "TGREER_invite_default" phrase/message.

Registered Members never see it. They don't need an invitation, they've already joined, and will see the normal Posting Rules.

P.S. And if no one donates, I'll know you're all stingy and never write another plugin here.

[John]

Hmmm... I guess I am perhaps not coming across as I intend in my parlence this evening folks... sincere apologies about this.

Honestly, there is absolutely no ill intent meant in my post, I was simply asking a question that's all.

I like to help people out where and when I can, and I like to donate where and when I can. I was simply clarifying expectations... no offense meant...:(

*best if tMM goes off elsewhere this evening me thinks....;)

[Coder1]

None taken! It's a good question, and I tried to answer with a sense of humor humour, as you'll see by reading my response closely.

Trust me, I have no problems with continued discussion about what a good idea it is to DONATE lots of money to me (http://www.tgreer.com/cmps_index.php#TipJar) in a thread containing my plugin. :)

[Peggy]

Hmmm... I guess I am perhaps not coming across as I intend in my parlence this evening folks... sincere apologies about this.

Honestly, there is absolutely no ill intent meant in my post, I was simply asking a question that's all.

I like to help people out where and when I can, and I like to donate where and when I can. I was simply clarifying expectations... no offense meant...:(

*best if tMM goes off elsewhere this evening me thinks....;)

don't you dare sweetheart! I knowed what you was doing (like my grammar there? lol)

[contactsonia]

Just installed the hack on my forums.
It's too cool man!

Thanks for sharing :)

[Coder1]

You're welcome.

[Noppid]

This looks pretty cool. I may give it a read later.

[Coder1]

It's pretty basic. Does some RegEx on the $REFERER to glom the search terms. Some phrases and a template swap. Bake at 350.

[Peggy]

uhh, yeah.......... ok ;)