Can anyone tell me if this is possible? (forum related)

[Fracture]

Is it possible to create a forum where you can only sign up if you joined a completely seperate websites forum before a certain date?

I would say this isnt possible but I would like some peoples opinions.

 

[johndoejohndoe]

Sure. One website would have to pass off data to the other, or better yet, have access to the same database.

 

[rockong]

Just off the top of my head...if you can get the database information for all of the users for Forum 1, which includes user IDs and dates registered..take that and use it as a check for Forum 2..if the user claims to be a member from specific dates, then it'll allow them to continue. If not, then it'll deny them.

 

[Zapdos]

Yes, it's possible.

You have several options of verification:
1) Forum A (your new one) would have access to forum Xs' (the other forum) database and can check their date there.
2) Forum A requires input of the username on forum X which your forum would then scrape for the register date. (problem is there is no verification its that actual person)
3) Forum A has an requires input of username and password of forum X which will then log in and check the date (fixes the above problem)


#1 is easiest and most secure, #2 is lazy and #3 is secure

 

[johndoejohndoe]

If for some reason you're restricted and can't gain access to the external databse, you could spit out an xml feed from the one forum's database with the username and join date, then have the other access, parse, and check the xml. You would probably need to IP restrict access to the xml.

 

[Fracture]

Thanks for the suggestions!

HOWEVER I don't own Forum 'A' and they would certainly not be giving me any access to their database or any information I could use whatsoever, as I would basically be looking to poach their members.