Distinguishing different user types...
Our organization is working to offer online memberships in which the public can enroll using the USRP to register their information and create a user account. However, our memberships will offer privileged access to certain pages and resources for members only through our website for a monthly fee.
However, I would like to offer the public another option...a free account (hereafter, visitor account) in which they can access certain pages, like our online store, registering for workshops, courses, etc., but not have access to privilege web resources specifically for members. My dilemma is how to distinguish the members from the visitors when initially logging in and/or registering.
It appears the USRP allows for a unilateral insertion of data into a single user sql database. I have created in my user database a column referred to as userLevel to setup different user authority levels, but how do I get the USRP registration form to insert the appropriate user authentication for members vs. visitors or visa-versa?
I have used SecurityAssist to set up user authentication capability and assigned distinct user level authority for members and visitors. However, it appears that this only addresses what members and visitors will see or not see.
I have been considering the creation of a web page in which registered users (both members and visitors) would have to select between two (2) separate login pages (i.e.: visitors login and member login). Without knowing another way to approach this, I am assuming that I cannot use the original USRP files to accomplish this. I may have to copy the original USRP files and modify file names to reflect visitors_ in place of users_.
In your opinion and experience, what is the best way to approach this?
If I have to create two distinct log in options, could you assist me in coaching me how to modify the original USRP files for visitor access and registration? If you feel that I can accomplish my goal by using the current USRP files, I would appreciate any coaching and direction on how to make this happen, such as how to modify the user_registration.php file to record member users and visitor users distinctively.
Thank you so much for your help in advance. Please let me know if you require any additional information.
