[Seth]

Hi Steven,

Connections looks really promising and hoping you can answer these questions to see if it will work for me. From reading through other threads it looks like Forms or Links is what I need. But I also think some other functionality I need may not yet be available so wanted to run them by you.

1. This will be a membership site so I need visitors to be on different “levels/roles”. And depending on what role/level they are on, that is what they will be able to submit into the directory. For instance a level 1 role can only enter in their name, address and phone number. They will see no other fields. A level 2 role can enter the same as a level 1 role but they can also enter their email address, website url. A level 3 member can enter in all of the same things as a 1 and 2 role plus more like google map, social links, and a description of their business, etc.. So hope that makes sense. I may have to use another plugin like members or s2member for the role capabilities. But can Connections and its extensions like Links or Forms give me the ability to restrict which fields a role can submit?

2. I will need a payment gateway so that visitors can purchase packages that will allow them to submit directory listings. So for instance a level 1 role would pay 5 dollars to submit a listing. Level 2 10 dollars and so on. Could this be achieved with Connections if I used a plugin that had membership and payment gateway capabilities?

3. Ability to add more than just one image or logo. So for instance if the user could create a gallery. BUT I am wondering, does Connections have a single listings page? For instance, I know you can see a list of of listings, but can you click on the title of the listing and then be taken to it’s full page?

4. I think I read there is not a rating or comment/review option?

Thank you for your time. Looks like you have put some really exhaustive and great work into your plugins.. I am currently working with a directory plugin now that I purchased and it is a nightmare. The support is horrible and the advertising for it is completely misleading, so I am really hoping for a greater alternative.

[Steven Zahm]

@ Seth

The short answer is; I don’t think Connections is going to meet your project requirements, sorry. Here’s the long answer…

1. Sorry, this is not possible with Connections or any of its extensions. I’ve had a few other request this as well so it is on my feature request list.

2. Connections does not have a payment gateway feature. Again, this is on my feature request list. Although, I think it might be better to offer extensions for Connections that integrate with the more popular member plugins rather than create one for scratch that users would end up have to make separate purchases. I say this because this request usually comes from those wanting to run member site. Honestly though, at this point, I do not know if integrating with any of the member plugin is possible.

3. Yes. The core templates just use the same layout. The premium templates do have a single view.

4. Correct, no reviews or comments. This is definitely something that will come as an extension. The past 5 months of development of Connections has been very focused on cleaning up is code and making it more extensible so I can add features like this.

I’ve been working on Connections for about 6 years now, starting with knowing nothing. Over the course of that time I’ve become fairly proficient. Future-wise; I will be continuing its development for as long as I can foresee so maybe in the future Connections would be better suited to meet you needs and more.

[Seth]

Hi Steven,

Thanks so much for your thoughtful and honest answer. I only wish the current plugin I am using would be as attentive and honest as you.

WELL if I can get the one I’m using now to work, I hope I can hold out until your solutions are in full effect. It seems like you contribute more rather than just worry about money.

Well thank you for answering my questions. I will definitely be checking in on Connections from time to time :)

[Jennifer]

Hi Steven,

I have installed the free Connections Directory Plugin in our initial website and I am happy with the initial setup.

With that, hope it is ok to inquire the following:
1. What is the maximum no. of businesses can be listed using the free version?
2. Are you accepting affiliates to offer your premium version?

Thank you so much for whatever further assistance you could extend. And thank you for helping us to start through your free version.

Cheers!

[Author]

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