Hey guys,

I'd like to know if it's possible to make members need to reply to the topic before they can view the download links?
I'm pretty sure I saw some forums using this method to reduce leechers..

if yes, how?

Thank you

I guess the only way to do that is to either:

1. Go to the admin panel > forum > categories and forums > advanced permissions, then you can select who can and cannot view links.

I'm pretty sure that's the only way to do it...

Hi,

Indeed it is possible, a little more complex then necessary, but here's how
1- Create a "members" group, or a group that needs 1 or more posts in the wanted forum to download;
Admin panel >> Users & Groups > Groups admin > Create new.
Auto-subscribe = no, minimal post = the wanted number, ie 1. Save.
Add members if you desire, or it'll be automatically done.

2- Fix the permissions of that forum;
Admin panel >> General > Categories & forums, then create a new forum, or click the adjacent and then hit the Advanced button, then scroll down, and to ur right there's an option called "download attachment", and then tick only the boxes of the groups you want to download it, including the group we made in the above step & Save.

But i think he means the members that reply to that post that has the download link, so if you never replied but you've made a post in another section, you will be able to access the link. Otherwise, that's the closest way you can do it.

whoaa guys, thanks for the fast responses!

hmm yeah Nikko, exactly like that..

Well, um atm I keep the subforum hidden so only members with xx posts could view it..
but I'm thinking about "you need to reply to this topic to view the download link"..

but if it's not possible I could use Darren1's method

It is technically possible to do what you want with a toggle. However, it's a long workaround for something that can be done much simpler. There are 2 methods that will work.

As Darren says you can create a group, based on post count. If you set it reasonably high 30-50ish you will get a reasonable amount of activity for someone before someone can "leech".

The next method involves a little more work, especially on these boards, but it can keep people posting more. What you use is activity points, and you trade those points for links. If you keep the number low to say 5, it's easily achievable for everyone, and people are more likely to post to get what they want. The points system can be used for other trades as well - like a forum shop, for example. It does need explained as something to keep spammers and leeches away, which they should appreciate. It does involve more work, though, and if access to download links are important, people can get upset if they aren't available 24/7 (it's always a good idea to set out when you are available).

Sorry, for the rambling post, I'm pretty tired. I hope I was of some help.

Thanks coco moco,

you're right..I've read about the activity points earlier..
yeah..I think I'll stick with the group method..

okay, thanks a lot for the explanation guys..

problem solved