I allow guests to view all forums (including the content within), but as of recently, have been restricting them from viewing the content within a member's profile. In order for a guest to truly get the feel of a community, allowing them to browse the actual 'discussion' is rather important. Sure - restricting access to only some categories may entice them to register (eventually), but on the contrary, it may not. I've noticed that some discussion forums now limit the amount of threads that a guest can view before having to register. This is not the greatest of ideas.
my guests can see just about everything... except the off topic section...and the for sale section... you must have 50 posts at least to sell in the f.s. section anyways..and the off topic section, well i dont really want people joining my site to stay in the OT... plus it is mainly used by all of us that already know each other...so guests arent missing anything...
Guest can see: Content of threads Images hosted off site Embedded videos Guest can not see: Members profiles Files uploaded to the site Chat Room Members Picture Galleries Social Groups
Guests can see mosts topics but cannot post in any. I have a few "members only" topics that gusets cannot view - I hope this may entice a few to register.
They can view posts. They cannot download attachments or post. They don't have access to profiles. For attachments, users need 5 contributing posts on the site in order to download.
I allow them to view topics, blogs, some profiles (I think it's user option nowadays who can view a member's profile), social groups, etc. I do not allow them to view things like a shoutbox, post in topics, upload gallery images or play arcade games, although I do allow them to view what games are available in the arcade itself.
I allow guests to view all topics but not post. However, the Suggestions/Forum Help section is available for guests to post, in case they have a problem logging in or something like that. I have enabled ReCap in that forum for guests so that I can hope to filter out any unregistered bots. (No problems so far)
