[RESOLVED] A better option than cookies?

[Square1]

Hi all:

I run a site where there is a free version and a paid version with more features. I would like to limit the amount of searches a free user can use before they need to pay a nominal fee (like 99 cents a year).

Cookies are the logical choice but as soon as someone deletes their cookies they can start the free service all over. I don't want to make free users sign up and login as I would lose way too many users that way.

I know the NY Times is doing something like this and I cannot believe they are relying on simple cookies to do this.

What is the secret????😕

Thanks!

[laserlight]

There is no foolproof way that does not require registration. What you can do is to track IP addresses, but there are ways around that, and it penalises honest users who share IP address.

[Square1]

Hmmmm.....not too many good options.

Are there any ways other than registration, IP or cookies (I think I am grasping for answers)?

If not what would you guys do?

[johanafm]

laserlight;10986909 wrote:

There is no foolproof way that does not require registration.

Square1;10986933 wrote:

If not what would you guys do?

Require registration. Or let user's get away with searching again by deleting a cookie.

[Square1]

Thank you. I guess it is what it is.