Ep.21 - How to add URL restrictions to a Joomla! membership site with RSMembership! using the {?} wildcard

With RSMembership! you can impose5 types of restrictions to a Joomla! membership site : folders, articles, sections, category, URL.

URL restrictions can be imposed using 2 wildcards: {?} or {*}.

• The {?} wildcard replaces just one character
• The {*} wildcard replaces an unlimited number of characters.

Let's see how can you add URL restrictions using the {?} wildcard, following some simple steps.

 

If you want to see how the {*} wildcard can be used, watch the next episode, episode 22.

 

IMPORTANT:

1. When you want to impose an URL restriction, always use the non-SEF version of the URL.

 

Restrict content with the {?} wildcard:

In this video tutorial, we have configured a help desk component to offer paid customer support.
By default, users can submit tickets, access and read the answers to tickets without any restrictions.

We will restrict the access to staff's answer using the {?} wildcard.

 

Step 1:

1. In the backend Joomla! panel, head to Components >> RSMembership! >> Memberships

 

Step 2:

1. Select the membership for which you want to apply restrictions.

 

Step 3:

1. Choose the "Shared Content" tab (the 4th tab from the left) >> Add Content

 

Step 4:

1. In the window that just opened click on the "URL" link.

 

Step 5:

1. Copy and paste the answer's URL

 

Step 6:

1. Replace the ticket id with the {?} wildcard.

 

Step 7:

1. After applying these settings, the restricted URL (the staff's answer) can be accessed only by users with an active membership.

 

Example:

1. This is an example of a restricted URL with the {?} wildcard:
   
   • index.php?option=com_rstickets&page=ticket&id={?}&Itemid=75
2. While you are editing the membership, you can also set a redirect URL for users that don't have the appropriate membership.

 

 

Test RSMembership! in frontend

 

Test RSMembership! in backend