wpDiscuz – Online Users is an addon for the wpDiscuz commenting system in WordPress. It enhances the commenting experience by displaying a list of currently active users (those who are online) in real-time within your WordPress website. This feature can be particularly useful for community-driven sites, social networks, or any site where user interaction plays a key role.

Key Features of wpDiscuz – Online Users Addon:

1. Real-Time Online User Display:
   • The Online Users addon shows a list of users who are currently active on your website. This provides a dynamic interaction by displaying who is online, encouraging users to engage with others in real time.
2. User Interaction:
   • By showing who’s online, users can see which other visitors are currently commenting or browsing the site. This fosters a more interactive environment where users can feel more engaged with the community.
3. Displays User Avatars:
   • The addon typically displays the user's avatar (profile picture), making it easier to identify who is online. This helps users recognize familiar faces or members who are actively commenting or interacting.
4. Customizable Display Locations:
   • Site administrators have the ability to choose where to display the online user list. Common locations include:
     • The comment section (next to or below comments)
     • In the sidebar or any custom widget area
     • In a floating notification bar
     • In a dedicated online users section
5. User Count:
   • The addon often shows the total number of online users, providing a sense of the community's activity and helping to boost interaction by showing that the site is actively being used.
6. Privacy Options:
   • The addon usually offers privacy options to control who can see the list of online users. You may limit the visibility to logged-in users only, admins, or make it visible to everyone.
7. Real-Time Updates:
   • The online users list is updated in real-time, meaning the list reflects users who are currently active on your site without requiring a page refresh. This gives a dynamic and live feel to your comment system and site.
8. Customizable Time Limit:
   • Administrators can configure the time duration for which a user is considered "online" after their last activity. This ensures that users who are actively browsing but not commenting are still listed as online for an appropriate period.
9. Supports Guests and Logged-In Users:
   • Both logged-in users and guests (those not logged into the site) can be shown in the list, based on the settings chosen by the administrator. This flexibility ensures that everyone engaging with the site is accounted for.
10. No Additional Page Loads:
    • The wpDiscuz – Online Users addon works without needing to reload the page constantly. It uses AJAX technology, which ensures that the online user list updates automatically without slowing down the site’s performance.
11. Widgets and Shortcodes:
    • The addon allows you to display the online users in any widget area or use shortcodes to place it where you see fit within your site. This makes it easy to integrate into various parts of your website.
12. Customizable User Display:
    • You can customize how the users are displayed, such as adjusting the avatar size, whether the username is shown, or which specific user details are displayed in the list. This helps to match the look and feel of your site.

Benefits of Using wpDiscuz – Online Users Addon:

• Enhanced Community Engagement: Displaying a list of online users encourages visitors to interact more actively, knowing who else is online and possibly available for conversation.
• Real-Time Interaction: The addon fosters a real-time dynamic on your site, which is especially beneficial for sites with active communities or forums where engagement is a key part of the user experience.
• Encourages Participation: When users see others online, it can motivate them to participate more in comments, discussions, or forum threads. They may feel like they are part of a live, active community.
• Boosts User Experience: By allowing users to see who is online, it enhances the overall user experience, especially for social or community-driven websites. It can create a more connected and interactive atmosphere on your site.
• Flexibility for Site Administrators: The addon provides several customization options, allowing site owners to control visibility, time duration for online status, and where the list is displayed. This ensures it fits into your website’s design and functionality.
• Privacy Control: With the option to restrict visibility, you can ensure that the feature aligns with your site's privacy policy and user preferences.

How to Use wpDiscuz – Online Users Addon:

1. Install wpDiscuz Plugin:
   • Ensure you have wpDiscuz installed and activated on your WordPress site as the base plugin. The Online Users addon is an extension of the wpDiscuz commenting system.
2. Install the Online Users Addon:
   • Download the wpDiscuz – Online Users addon from the wpDiscuz website. Install it via Plugins > Add New > Upload Plugin and activate it.
3. Configure the Settings:
   • After activation, you can configure the addon settings under the wpDiscuz settings section in the WordPress dashboard. Some common settings include:
     • Choosing where to display the online user list
     • Setting the online time duration before a user is considered inactive
     • Configuring the visibility options for guests, logged-in users, or admins
4. Choose Display Location:
   • You can choose whether to display the list of online users in the comment section, sidebar, or even a custom widget area on your site.
5. Monitor and Adjust:
   • After configuring the addon, you can monitor the live list of users who are online and adjust the settings as needed. You may also check if the feature is working smoothly and update it for new users as necessary.

Pricing:

The wpDiscuz – Online Users addon is typically a premium extension. The pricing varies depending on whether you purchase it as part of the wpDiscuz Pro Addons package or as a standalone addon. Prices generally range from $19 to $30 for a single-site license.

Conclusion:

The wpDiscuz – Online Users addon is a powerful tool to enhance the interactivity and engagement of your WordPress site. By displaying a list of active users in real-time, it fosters a more dynamic, community-driven environment. Whether you are running a blog, forum, or social site, this addon allows users to see who is online and encourages more participation. With its real-time updates, customizable display options, and flexible settings, the Online Users addon can greatly enhance the commenting experience on your site, helping create a more engaging community atmosphere.