ISO: Marketplace Module Advice/Recommendations

Hi kids…

This is my first forum post (so go easy on me please) although I have spent several months reading these forums in as much detail as possible (as a non-tech guy can) because we are about to start development on a new Boonex website.  Since part of the topic includes 7.1 compatibility, I hope this is the correct forum.  

There are a bunch of modules from the marketplace we are looking at purchasing.  Some are no brainers, other less so…especially without the ability to fully demo the features of each…so I am asking here for help in identifying the actual functionality of some of these so that we end up buying what will really work best for us.  Additionally, some may not be compatible for 7.1 or the functionality may now be included in the base code.

Let me also say that, as far as I know, all of the modules and developers are quality and will work well and as described.  The intent of this thread is not to bash and module and/or developer in any way.

-          Anti spam/Security:  Obviously keeping the spammers out is a top priority so we are looking for the best method(s) and are currently looking at a few captcha options including Logical Captcha from AndrewP.  I also think the Tic Tac Toe Captcha (also from AndrewP) is cute, and will fit the theme of our site but I’m not sure how well it works or even if the games are static or change with each use.  We are also looking at ScamNet by AntonLV.  Any other security tips, mods or otherwise, are most welcome.

-          Social Networking integration: We want out site to be integrated with the other major social networks as much as possible.  First issue is the best and broadest social network connector.  Ideally we want facbebook connect as well as the ability to quickly create accounts and log in from services such as Google+, Pinterest, Twitter, LinkedIn, Yahoo, etc.   The second issue deals with cross posting abilities.  Beyond simple share buttons, we would like as much interactivity as possible, especially with facebook.  Current modules under consideration include Facebook Connect, Dolphin Facebook App and Facebook Friends, all by tboulley, FB & Twitter Combo Pack by mods4dolphin, Social SignIn by sneha, and Global Facebook Comments Int. by Adminmysite but we are sure what the best choice(s) would be, and why.

-          Referrals:  We are going to heavily push for members to recruit other new members.  We will all but certainly be purchasing Ultimate Referrals and Referral Contests from modzzz to incentivize members.  We would also buy Open Inviter by AndrewP and Facebook Inviter by AntonLV to give members as many easy tools as possible to recruit for us.  Assuming I can have them integrated so that referrers gain rewards, will that cover as much ground as possible or am I missing something?  (I know Andrew also has a Points & Gifts mod, but we are probably going to go with modzzz because with the larger number of mods we are purchasing from him integration should be easier….but feel free to enlighten me if I am mistaken about this)

-          Games:  The site will feature a game room and the 2 mods we are looking at are Ultimate Games by AndrewP and Dolphin Game Zone by Webmediaservices.  Ideally, we’d like to install one or the other so I’m look for a recommendation, but want to have the one we go with integrated with the Point and Gifts mods we will purchase from modzzz so that members can earn points by playing and also receive a one-time gift (badge) for making it onto a leaderboard.

Beyond the above, in there are any other “must haves” from the marketplace, particularly in the areas of laying out and/or administering the site, please feel free to let me know.

I thank you in advance for your time and consideration in posting helpful replies.

Hello,

As far as spam there are a few techniques you can use! I talk about them in the following thread:- http://www.boonex.com/forums/?action=goto&my_threads=1#topic/Now-with-7-1-1-timeline-got-another-bug-spam-.htm

I successfully use many of the mods from Boonex without it seeming to much and without too many bugs ... I say successfully because it's very easy to add too many modules which then cause your members to feel lost with no direction of what they are doing at your site! Also some modules can be buggy or seem buggy (not exactly how you expect) however they can usually be resolved and, or changed by the developers (I personally enjoy trying to resolve issues myself before asking for help etc).

Sometimes I think it's better to 'drip feed' modules into sites as they grow in member base and content.

I really think it depends on what you are hoping to achieve and see happen at your site as far as choosing the modules you want ..

Dolphin has a 'standard' Facebook connect which allows member to easily join your site ... it appears in the login box. The issue with this though is that it does not use geoip and puts new members locations as USA until the user updated profile and location.

Gamezone is very popular at my site and we regularly have fun gaming competitions offering real prizes or upgrades etc. Members are able to create championships etc and really get their friends and others involved. One thing is when you purchase Gamezone >> the game files come separate ... The files involved are HUGE and take hrs and hrs to upload / download as complete set which at my site is 4011 games.

If you would like to share what it is exactly you are trying to do, I will be more than happy to give you my honest advice and tell you what I think from my own experience could work for you ...

Nice tool for spam as well:

http://www.boonex.com/m/dolphin-anti-spam

Thanks Josh and Jay for the info about anti-spam/security.

What I'd really like is some feedback about the actual mods listed in my original post.  For example, with the social networking stuff, it looks to me like a lot of the actual functionality is somewhat duplicated and I certainly wouldn't need all of the mods I listed.  Any direction as to which is the best, and why, would be greatly appreciated.

Hello again ... well gamezone is awesome like I said and it can also be integrated with Modzzz points .... As far as 'badge' for leaders etc Modzzz also has 'awards' modules that will allow you to award badges to a person (for example when they hit leader board).

Modzzz referrals mod is also pretty cool and has some neat features like 'top referrers' and similar ... This is also integrated with Modzzz Points mod! You will also have the option of allowing users to be rewarded with membership upgrades and other rewards.

I use a lot of Modzzz mods ... they can indeed be / already are integrated with each other (especially with the Business listings, deals, coupons etc) ... Modzzz also have all modules I use updated to 7.1.1 and he is quick to act when requesting help with bugs and similar.

thanks again for you input Josh.  very useful.

as for the multitude of other comments, I can see why these forums have a reputation of being slightly less than helpful