Likes Fieldtype (Single)

The "Likes" Fieldtype enables you to have a LIKE button that anonymous users can click on to endorse a particular page and have that be remembered. The Fieldtype stores a single integer representing the number of likes each page has in total. As a result, the field can be used for the purpose of sorting and displaying "most likes pages", for example.

The Likes Fieldtype is available in 3 editions:
Single (1-site) for $39 - you are here Developer (unlimited sites made by a single developer) for $69 Agency (unlimited sites made by your company) for $179
This is the product page for the Single edition. If you want the Developer or Agency edition, click one of the links above. However, read on, as this page contains the full description of the Likes Fieldtype.

Live Examples

The ProcessWire modules directory uses this module to keep track of "recommendations" for each module. You will see this as a plus sign followed by a number (i.e. "+29"), shown with each module. Users can recommend any module by going to any module page and clicking "Recommend This" on that page. The quantity of recommendations is then used for sorting modules. For instance, on the homepage, you will see the most liked modules.

The ProcessWire sites directory uses this module to keep track of Likes for each site posted to the directory. Users can click "Like this site" for any site, and the value is remembered with the site. That quantity of likes is then used to provide the Most Liked Sites sorted view.


More about the Likes Fieldtype

The terminology of "Likes" is only used as a way to describe what the module does in the most common terms. There are no dependencies on that terminology, and you may decide to refer to them as Recommendations, Votes, Endorsements, or whatever makes sense in your context.

FieldtypeLikes also adds a $session->getLikedPages(); that returns a PageArray of pages that the current session has clicked Like on. The liked pages are remembered with a cookie for up to 30 days (or however long you configure it to last). This enables you to have a separate page (or perhaps a sidebar on every page) that [for example] shows the user bookmarks of pages they liked.

Before deciding whether this Fieldtype is suitable for your particular application, be sure to read the section below on how we prevent duplicate likes.


How we prevent duplicate likes

FieldtypeLikes is not connected with the user system, and may be used anonymously via any page on your site. The benefit is that anyone visiting can like things and generate a list of likes, without having to login or create an account. That makes it much more likely that users will participate in liking pages and make use of what this module provides.

The drawback to this approach is that it may be difficult to prevent one user from trying to manipulate the quantity of likes, perhaps trying to boost the rank of a page they have some interest in. In order to limit the potential for duplication, FieldtypeLikes connects likes with IP addresses and remembers them for a week. As a result, there is a limit of 1-like, per page, per IP address, per week. In addition, a 30-day cookie set set to remember which pages the user liked. These are necessary compromises in order to have some protection for the data.

Note that a very determined person could still use proxy servers or other methods of obtaining unique IP addresses. Ultimately you should always remember that if someone is determined enough, its impossible to prevent them from finding some way to manipulate the quantities of likes. As a result: Do not use likes data for making decisions on hiring/firing, awards, grants or anything to be taken too seriously.

That being said, I do feel the solutions we have implemented here are stronger than other anonymous rating systems I have come across, thus far.


Requirements
Your site must be running ProcessWire 2.4 or newer. Your site must have jQuery 1.8 or newer on the front-end. The user on the site must have both Javascript and cookies enabled (If they do not, then they will only be able to see the current like quantity).
What’s Included with the Likes Fieldtype?
Two ProcessWire modules: FieldtypeLikes and ProcessLikes. FieldtypeLikes provides all the capabilities described on this page, while ProcessLikes is an extra bonus module that adds a tool for tracking most liked pages in your admin Setup menu. Likes Edition–Single (1-site) $39: Use of the Likes Fieldtype on a single website (and any related development/staging sites) for as long as you'd like. Likes Edition–Developer (Unlimited sites) $69: Use of the Likes Fieldtype on any sites that you personally develop and/or maintain, for as long as you want. Likes Edition–Agency (Unlimited sites) $179: Use of the Likes Fieldtype on any sites that your company develops and/or maintains, for as long as you want. 1-year of free upgrades* 1-year of VIP support* 1-year of membership to the ProcessWire Likes support board and knowledge base, with VIP access.* Instant electronic delivery of the Likes Fieldtype and product support key (start using it right away).
*Can I get support and upgrades after 1-year?
Yes! While the support and upgrades period lasts for 1-year, you can continue using the Likes Fieldtype for as long as you'd like. Your product key does not expire. After 1-year, you can optionally renew your access to the support/upgrades board for a nominal fee (currently $14/year). If you'd like to be renewed automatically, choose the automatic renewal option at checkout (available with credit card purchases).

Satisfaction guarantee
If you find the Likes Fieldtype does not meet your needs and that you won't be able to use it, let us know within 7 days of purchase and we will refund your money in full.

Have any questions about the Likes Fieldtype? Please contact us.