Extending The Drupal User Points Module: A Few Minor Tweaks
I'd intended to write an advanced article today talking about some ways you can link the Drupal User Points module into a host of other modules and create this awesome dynamic almost-fully-automated point-based incentive system for your readers. Problem is, after looking at some of the modules I wanted to talk about, it seems that a lot of things built for Drupal 5's version of User Points haven't been ported over the Drupal 6 version of User Points.
For example, there's some nifty things you can do to tie D5 Userpoints to the Ecommerce module. But the tie-in module has never been ported over from D5 to D6. There IS a D6 module to integrate D6 User Points to Ubercart, but I've never used Ubercart, so I'm not sure if it can do the same things that Ecommerce can. In other words, I'm going to have to do a bit more research before I can deliver the article I promised.
Of course, I'm not one to leave you empty-handed, so here's a pair of simple modules you can use to extend your D6 User Points module a bit. These are pretty straightforward -- just upload to your modules folder and enable them:
- Upload and enable the module
- Go to Simple Access settings, Access Groups (admin/user/simple_access) and create a new access group called Group A. Add a single role to this group (we'll call it Role A for our purposes). You'll need to create the role from the Roles settings page (admin/user/roles) first.
- Using the User Points Roles module and give Role A a point threshold. Whenever the user reaches the specified amount of points, they will be automatically awarded Role A. If you installed the User Points Contributed Module pack, you already have the User Points Roles module.
- Create a new piece of content (or edit an old one) and you'll see a new expandable option called Access. In there, select Group A, create or edit your premium content, and save.
- Now, only users with the point amount you specified in User Points Roles will be able to view the premium content.
You can create as many different roles set to different thresholds as you like. This allows you to create a tiered system of premium content where users unlock new content at, say, 10, 50, 100, and 250 points.
Technically, you can use any module that limits access to nodes by role. Simple Access is just one of many; D5 users can use Node Access Control to do the same thing.
Comments
I'd like to see an article on how to actually set up User Points in Drupal. I have found this to be a rather frustrating task so far, even with all the modules available. Currently I am running a version of Drupal 6. I'd like members to be able to purchase user points. I already have e-commerce as well.