Hello Mr. Fortin,
I'm not sure if this would help or not, but I found a link you might want to check out.


http://www.unknowngenius.com/wp-plugins/index.php

Hi Michel,

Here are two such tools.

I haven't tested either of them
myself. They came highly recommended
by a hosting company who deals
extensively in scripts.

The appear to do what you are looking for - they include every shopping cart I know of.

I am creating an inner circle for a site,
and was going to do it with one of these
systems.

http://www.amember.com/
and
http://www.membershipclientpro.com/

Cheers,

Glenn Coleman
www.soaring-internet-sales.com

Hey Michel, check out this site:

http://www.membergate.com

From what I can tell, it's the best CMS program out there. It's quite expensive, but it's worth the cost, IMO.

Jason
http://www.PersuasiveCopywriting.com

I would second what Glenn Coleman suggested -

Get Amember, which will manage subscriptions/members, and put your WP blog into a directory that is protected by Amember.

Another advantage of going that route is that Amember can protect other directories too. If you wanted to start a second paid blog, or offer paid downloads for example.

Jeff Hope

Hi Michel,

I've tested aMember.com together with Paypal and 2CheckOut.com - both for 1-time lifetime subscriptions, and monthly recurring subscriptions.

The process is:

1. They signup for a subscription, checking the boxes for type of subscription & payment processor.

2. aMember sends them a verification email.

3. They click on the verification email to be directed to an order page - whichever payment processor they chose.

4. They pay for it, and get access details via email. They login and are happy-happy!

5. aMember sends you details of the subscriber and payment details are sent to you via your payment processor, in this case Paypal.

Michel, if you love WordPress, which I do too - I can give you a complimentary pass to check out my WordpressTutorials.com backstage area - as I'm using Wordpress as the platform.

I couldn't find a Wordpress plugin to do the job effectively, so I chose to piecemeal it to aMember + Wordpress + Paypal + 2CO.

Note: When someone cancels their subscription, aMember halts their access. They still have their subscription details intact, unless you choose to delete them.
They can get access again once they re-subscribe.

RE: roles/levels for basic and premium members - I would setup different "Product Groups" in aMember so one is for Basic and the other is for Premium subscribers.

Cheers!

Sherman Hu
sherman@wordpresstutorials.com
360-635-5578
www.wordpresstutorials.com
www.wordpresstutorials.com/blog

Sherman,

I've been talking back and forth with Alex from amember. I think I/we found the solution. WordPress has an "access levels" plugin, which restricts certain posts based on levels given to members. amember is going to customize a plugin for me, where it streamlines the login (one login process), and promotes/demotes levels when users subscribe/cancel/upgrade to higher levels, etc.

But, this is NOT the solution ... yet. We're still analyzing this.

Thanks for all your support folks! Please, keep me posted on anything you come accross.

Michel, I wouldn't recommend that option. Here are my personal reasons.

1. In this situation, you're offering subscribers an immediate addition as a 'User' in Wordpress. So depending on which level they are, they can write posts and pages. If you're only giving them level 0 or 1, I guess its ok. Unless you're wanting subscribers creating and writing posts/pages, like a group blog, then I wouldn't go this route - giving away alot of control.

2. I prefer to have my subscribers creating topics in a forum platform, ie. PHPBB or SMF. A lot of subscribers are used to that platform for back and forth dialogue.

3. My WP blog is dedicated to only my post/page writing, and my subscribers can comment if they want, or a simple dialogue can take place too - but not a thread like a forum.

Just my thoughts on how I would structure it ;-)

The reason I want WP is because I visited Armand Morin last weekend (with Sylvie), and he said a lot of things that made sense to me -- especially with regards to WP.

I don't want forums. I don't want people to create posts -- just comment. WP is used as a CMS. A content delivery system for my critique videos at http://TheCopyDoctor.com/ ... that's all.

But I have Deluxe members, who get additional content and one-on-one coaching in addition to content.

The WP plugin that I'm referrnig to is a post-level pluging which works independantly from the user level within WP. It's separate.

Here it is:

http://fortes.com/2005/01/22/introducingpostlevels

Thanks for the call. We can talk later, if you wish :) (And Sylvie says "Hi!")

I'm using http://amember.com/ on two membership sites ... it works great, easy to manage and allows membership levels.

To require a password for members-only content in Wordpress, just protect the /archives/ director. And, you can still use .htaccess to allow the index page so show.

For example, at my site /columns/ is protected, but /columns/index.shtml is viewable as a tease. Write me by e-mail for details.

Sincerely,

Justin Hitt
+1 (757) 282-7779

Michael,

I did a lot of research into CMS. After trying Amember, we were very dissatisfied. We use VisionGatePortal.com for our membership site. Love it. Private loggins. You set access to either user or member of various pages. It has a Wysiwig editing system that is easy for anyone to use.

And the support there is phenominal.

Most importantly, we use PayPal as our payment acceptance system with it and it works great.

Here's the link
http://www.visiongateportal.com/

I know that Laurie Morgan Ferrero uses this too for her membership site.

By the way, I loved your interview with Alice Seba for MM. Very insightful!

I'm not sure but have you tried http://drupal.org/.

Hi Michael.

Greeting from Spain. I have just found this wordpress plugin I think it can be useful for your purposes.

"This WordPress plugin (tested on 1.5.x & 2.0) will make your blog accessible only to logged in users.

A must-have for paid-content publishers and privacy concerned bloggers.

This is a simple zero configuration plugin. It allows you to view any content, if and only if you are logged in."

http://blog.taragana.com/index.php/archive/angsumans-authenticated-wordpress-plugin-password-protection-for-your-wordpress-blog/

Hello, Mr. Fortin -
I'm a big fan of the XOOPS CMS, which has a seamless integration of WordPress along with a PayPal subscription module... better still, it's Open Source. You can find the information you require at http://www.xoops.org and if you require any further information on this product I'd be happy to provide it.

Warmest regards,
Lisa Preston

A little late to the party Michel but I just wanted to say I am creating a plugin like that for WordPress :-)

Aloha Michel,

Why didn't you send me an email with this question?

Here is your answer...

http://www.yaga.com/solutions/

It works with BitPass the micropayment processor. No messy WP plug-in is required.

I use BitPass to secure all my premium content and it has been VERY luctrative and easy to use.

If you have any more questions, email me.

Aloha,

Jason Cain

Hi, Mike!

Not sure if this will be helpful, as I have yet to buy it, but it was recommended recently, by one of your fellow marketers, and we are considering it:

www.Post-Master.com has something that looks very interesting. Includes autoresponders in series, an electronic secretary which answers your mail, etc. It's $397. with a six-month payment plan if needed.

We are having a disappointing lack of response from them, however, in wanting to ask some questions about how it works with regard to such as SPAM, with PayPal, etc. If I can't get that resolved, will be looking for an alternative.

Anyone else have experience with this? Please write to jrmurray@icehouse.net.
Thank you.

Hope this is helpful.

Jannette

Just so you know, I'm now using amember, who has customized a plugin to work directly with WordPress. It works like a charm! When people subscribe with amember, they are automatically added (and logged in!) into WordPress. (And when they cancel, their WordPress profile is deactivated.

Woohoo! Thanks, amember.com.

I noticed that Michel :-) aMember is one of the best software for this job.

Hi Michael,

In case I also decide to go the same route, how much was it for amember to customize the WP plugin?

Thanks.

It's $40 for the wordpress plugin. Thanks for the article as I think I'll be utilizing aMember's services. :)

Soon our team will release wordpress membership plugin with payment options "PayPal" check it here http://wpboard.com/blog/index.php/2006/05/16/th...

You don't need to pay anymore 180$ to get the amember script and wordpress plugin for it !
Stay tuned guys for mroe updates :)

Problem with aMember - its a single domain license "thingy" (hate those, especially if you have several sites like most of us). So, I will await the wpboard.com $30-$40 plugin. HOPE its' not a single domain license crap!

Michel...

The fact is, there are some really good password protection and user-management softwares out there but as you've noted only too well, finding a conscience to go with them is practically impossible. I'll just tell you that if you can find a better software or more responsive support group than Omni (www.omni-secure.com), buy it. These guys are sensational and no, I don't get a kickback.

Hey Michel,

Do you think it's possible to buy the customized amember software/plugin from amember ? (the one they made for you)

Yup:

http://www.linkora.com/semiologic

Here's a new one...

http://wp-plugins.net/plugin/WPB-PAYPAL

great links.

Hi, I just wanted to say I used the wordpress paybox and although it did work alright after installing, I had a problem with the domain, after requesting support several times I finally requested a refund, which only took them a week to get to me. All in all I would say great plugin, horrible support, and I need something a lot more reliable.

I'm using PayBox on my site at http://www.BlogProfitMachine.com/blog/ and it works fine for me.

I also use Joomla and AEC to handle payments from all kinds of payment providers, and it's all free to use. I really like Joomla.

Lewis Poteet
http://www.CheapMembershipSite.com/Mall

Hi, Lewis, I'd just like to ask...I'm using this PayBox plugin, but no-one can access any post or page when not logged in, even though I've opted for public access to most of the content. I've been trying to access their support but their site is offline (again) and I'd just like to know how you got this to work?
Angela

Hello Angela,

Right now I just don't know what to tell you about the PayBox plugin.

I have had it for about a year now, and it works fine, but ever since the guy upgraded it, it seems that he can't keep his sales site online.

I sent him an email yesterday and requested that he let me know when he was going to get his act together and get the site online and working.

My video series on building wordpress membership sites recommends his plugin, but I am not going to continue to do so until he gets everything in working order.

I have their support URL, so if you own the product and need to contact support, go to my web site and send me an email through the "Contact Us" link and I'll send you the URL. So far, he has always given me good support on the product even when the sales site is down.

Lewis Poteet

hello there Michael. Hey cool marketing blog.

Came across this WP developer that has made a PayPal subscription plugin. Pretty simple setup. Haven't tested this latest one just yet but the earlier one worked fine. Worth a look. Heres the link. http://www.voiceoftech.com/swhitley/?p=244 - ok then, take care and keep a rockin'

Herrin

Hi Michel -

We are in the process of building a membership site plugin for Word Press that will setup subscriber accounts on the back end. There entire membership will be controled by their transaction stats.

So if they cancel, refund or do a chargeback their account will automatiaclly get suspened. We are building it for Click Bank first and then will add other merchants to it.

-Chris Koehl

I come back to this topic every few months as I get a new client who wants a (paid) membership site. I search, I research, I test, I get frustrated and often give up and sometimes even give the client to another web developer or service (last one I sent over to memberclicks.com). It's working OK for them, although I find it not as easy to manage content as WordPress. I'm also rather biased.

So I'm at it again and I hope that this will eventually work with a WordPress plugin, but I just haven't found it yet. Here are some notes, partly for myself, partly for this thread and hopefully there are more comments with more ideas and solutions.

-- gootix.com seems to be off and on for months.

-- amember.com seems like a viable option but it sounds like I'm embedding WP into aMember when I'd rather have it the other way around. But at least from the comments above, it sounds like it works.

-- WP Members has always been intriguing, but the integrated payment system is still under development.

-- EasyPayPal seemed to work OK, but it was buttons per post and I'm looking for a bit more automation (ideally per category).

That's all for today.

I just came across Paybox ( http://www.getpaybox.com/ ) and it looks very interesting for this.

Thanks for a very interesting discussion. I've been Googling for a couple of days trying to find solutions! (I'm also looking at Drupal CMS, but again there doesn't seem to be a definitive solution for paid membership)

Just a note for the people who mentioned EasyPayPal. It now has a new site, and a recent release (22nd May 08) that may address some of the earlier problems - http://www.codeplex.com/easypaypal

Cheers, Jon

Hello all - I've been using a nice script called iSubscribe - I've created a method to integrate into WordPress. It has page security, ipn, etc., but what I really like about this method is that I can seamlessly put my 'premium' posts on my main blog - I don't have to send my readers to a 'membership' site. Visit my blog for details.

Blatent plug, but with Paybox being bug ridden to the point of non usable I had to resort to getting the team to develop our own Membership Plugin, Your Members the Wordpress Membership Plugin was the result

Note to Michael your welcome to grab one of the review copies just drop me a line and I will hook you up a copy.

If you want to see a demonstration of a multi-level wordpress membership site (using amember) check out http://www.wordpressamember.com

You can do it either as a "magazine model" with teaser text, or placing the blog in a "walled garden" depending on your design preferences.

David
http://www.MembershipAcademy.com

Michel,

I'm almost ready to launch a very powerful "access control" software that quietly sits in one corner of any site (including a WordPress blog) and provides varying levels of access to different members ("free", "admin added", "paid").

It is tightly integrated with WordPress, a breeze to install and use, and uses some groundbreaking (at least for our industry) new concepts in access management.

I've created a short humorous video that gives you more details.

I've been following you for a long time now, and have read your ebooks. If this is something you may be interested in helping me promote as an affiliate, please do let me know, and I will gladly provide you with a free copy of the software when it launches shortly.

Here's the intro video (first draft - not ready for prime time yet):

-> http://ScrewYourCustomers.com

- Ravi

@Bradley Charbonneau -

Bradley,

The software I am launching shortly (DAP), will do exactly what you want: Embed DAP into WordPress (or just about any existing site).

It will site in a sub-folder of your root folder (public_html/dap) so you will basically be accessing dap as:

http://YourSite.com/dap/

So basically, it doesn't touch anything on your site. Sits quietly in one folder, and manages access to your entire web site or WordPress blog).

And if you want to get rid of all protection, just delete the "dap" folder from your root folder - that's it!

Let me know if you're interested in getting on the notification list.

Ravi Jayagopal
RavisRants.com

Hey TIM NASH. What do you mean paybox was bug ridden? I used it and saw your coding. Its identical.
You are paybox aren't you? You use the same code. You have either stolen the code or you are paybox.

@Michel Fortin - Pls see http://www.DigitalAccessPass.com . Please let me know if you would be interested in a free copy.

- Ravi

@Bradley Charbonneau - Check out http://www.DigitalAccessPass.com (DAP).

With DAP, you won't be embedding WP into anything. DAP sits in a folder quietly, and monitors and restricts and protects access to your web site.

So, DAP is pretty much a "plugin" for WordPress (and your regular web site).

If you want a f`ree copy, let me know.

- Ravi Jayagopal

@anonymous. Sigh. Really now that is pathetic ;) but go on I will play along as the injured party, but given that the developers were Greek and reasonably well known it's unlikely I was the original developer of the code.

Nor is Your Members the same code a cursory look at the source code would reveal that they are not the same ;)

Now if your looking for an identical copy to Paybox might I suggest wp-members as a possible alternative. The main developer is a nice greek chap and it looks identical to paybox hopefully minus the bugs but I suspect you already knew that.

I side with Tim here.

I used Paybox for a long time until the site and support disappeared.

I now use YourMember, it works great, and it is nothing like Paybox, in the way it works or the way it is configured.

Lewis Poteet

I have modified iSubscribe's IPN script to accept payments for PayDotCom - now I have affiliates promoting my WordPress based E-Courses. I like this solution, because it does not depend on WordPress' security and can be used with any php-based site.

@Tim Nash
Why do you feel the need to keep attacking my plugin?
I am the main developer and I am british.

You actually told me that you were using pieces from paybox as you had stripped it.

Plus, you are Cambridge New Medias, but Cambridge New Medias Ltd has no idea of you.

Please, stop attacking my project to better yourself.

@Dave Attacking? If your Dave Watkins then I'm really sorry and I will go on record as saying a huge apology my understanding was wp-members lead developer was one of the paybox developers calling himself Hitec and he is clearly from Greece ;) If you hook up with me via gtalk, I will send you some snags you may still have we certainly spent a lot of time with the original code so if your plugin is based on it then might be worth comparing notes.

As for the CNMs vs CNMS ltd we quite clearly state we are not Cambridge New Media Limited there are 4 companies trading on that name or similar I would say we been trading under that name for nearly 9 years though we only recently acquired our shiny domain. But it's interesting to note a similar comment was left on Wordpress.org after I pointed out that someone was promoting your product by pretending to be a customer which of course would breach the unfair trading practices laws if the company was British not Greek ;) but it was meant to be a friendly jab at what was a bit to obvious sales tactic which seems to have esculated.

But anyway if the owner of wp-members is Dave Watkins I apologise I made an unfair remark to insinuate that Paybox and wp-member were the same people. I also have not bought wp-member so made the assumption it was the same product based on the excellent demo (you put my screencast to shame) they have and on the error message produced when looking at one of their testimonials (So no one misunderstands the error was not serious and only happened because I knew where to look and would not effect most membership sites). It was wrong of me to jump to conclusions but given the recent spats on wordpress.org it's easier to see where I might have misunderstood there is certainly room for multiple membership management software in Wordpress and the two plugins and certainly no need for either plugin to interfere with the other. So as I say happy to offer our notes regarding paybox problems.

I just finished developemnt of free wordpress membership plugin for one of the volunteer projects. It supports 4 levels of membership (bronze, silver, gold and platinum), works with wordpress 2.5, 2.6 and higher and works for new sites as well as already existing blogs/portals.

I built it specifically for SEO-concerned webmasters, letting each "protected" article ability to expose free teasers (to get them indexed and ranked by search engines + to have potential members get excited to join to read more).

Here's download place:
http://www.memberwing.com

GE

I looked high and low for a Wordpress plugin that would do what you described. I evaluated most of the ones mentioned above and couldn't find one which really integrated well with Wordpress. Hence I developed one from the ground up specifically for Wordpress and specifically for PayPal. Its called Suma and it lives at www.camacit.com/suma.

I've just finished beta-testing it and am now making it available for others to use. (Hence some of the documentation is still being written for it). However I think you'll find it fairly simple to use.

A free evaluation (demonstration) version is available and can be downloaded from my site: www.camacit.com/orders.

I welcome other's feedback and suggestions for improvements.

rgds,
Brenton

The Suma plugin now has its own website - http://www.sumaplugin.com.

- Brenton

Michel-

I'm considering a similar WP setup but noticed the links you have are dead. Where can I find the plug-in? I thought it was something Amember did for you. Why does it go to a 'getseismic' for $295 site? Is this what you bought?

I use Yourmember and DigitalAccessPass and have found both are able to do what I need a membership plugin to do. They work in different ways and have different features, so I just use the one that best suits the needs of the web site I am building.

Lewis Poteet

check are-paypal plugin on http://arepaypal.ehibou.com this plugin as a nice way to integrate wordpress and paypal

...how about Tracy Childers new Wordpress membership plugin: http://wpwishlist.net

Michel,

How's the amember/Wordpress working for you? I ask because I was looking at it, and apparently it STILL doesn't handle recurring payments. http://www.amember.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9075 (Posted 12/30/08) shows they're planning to rewrite the Paypal API.

I merely want something that works with the paypal API to cancel a membership if the subscription is cancelled.

Burton

@Burton Kent - Burton,

We have a script at http://www.Digital-Access-Pass.com (lovingly called as DAP :-), and it supports recurring payments, and very flexible terms too (like you can do offbeat subscriptions like: 7 day free trial, followed by a 60 day 2nd trial, and then all recurring will be every 30 days - just an example).

In fact, DAP supports Paypal IPN really great, and works like a *dream* with WordPress. And we have implemented a very unique and powerful payments-only concept, where you don't need to worry about cancellations at all! It is a very unique twist on payment processing, and any site owner will absolutely love what it means to their bottom-line. Feel free to email me and ask about the details.

Check it out when you get a chance.

Ravi Jayagopal
http://www.Digital-Access-Pass.com

Although this subject started some time ago, I see that it is still an active discussion.

I came across this today, http://weblogtoolscollection.com/pluginblog/200...

Regarding Tim Nash and YourMember - If you have a few members it might be OK, but my experience with it was that it knocked the site sideways so often that we had to keep reinstalling backups. The support is awful, to the point of being completely ignored and lied to by the developer Tim Nash. We had to dump it after bringing in over 500 members, causing huge disruption to our business. NOT recommended if you are a serious player, or hope to be. Were trialling Suma at the moment, I'll report back on how it goes.

FigLeaf,

I'm considering installing a membership plugin. Can you keep us in touch ?

Hi
Did yopu find a plug in as I would love one for my site over at http://monthlywordpressthemes.com/ I do have a membership script but I find it so confusing and would rather transfer the whole thing to wordpress which I love

Del

Hey Michel just read your post, sorry you are having such problems with your plugin.

I have the answer for you though you can find it here:
http://www.squidoo.com/_membership_site_software
The support is cool they answer within a few hours and the plugin integrates with paypal, clickbank and 1 shopping cart. It also intergrates with your auto responder and does all the things you asked above.

Regards and good luck
Dave

Hello Mr. Fortin,

I actually know of a great plugin for wordpress that will allow you turn a wordpress based website in to a full blowing membership website. It will also allow you the ability to offer secure downloads of digital files. The plugins name is s2Member. It is a newer plugin. But it has all of the options that you need I my self use it on a few of my websites. Which I am currently working on. http://www.primothemes.com/post/s2member-member.... I highly recommend this solution to you. Support seems to be great and Jason is a great guy he is the one who has had a part in writing the plugin. I could help set this plugin and website for you please contact me.