Restricting new topic creation based on reading time

Customization Theme component

AI-generated summary

This thread introduces a Discourse theme component called Read Before New Topic by nickdb. The plugin is designed to encourage new users to read existing content before creating new topics. It restricts the ability to start new threads for users below a configurable trust level until they have accumulated a specific amount of recorded reading time. Until this threshold is met, the “New Topic” button is disabled and displays a tooltip with guidelines; clicking it directs users to the community guidelines page. Users can still reply to existing topics, edit posts, and send private messages.

The component is available via the Discourse topic read timer repository. Note that API requests bypass this restriction, so administrators may need to limit API access to higher trust levels to enforce the rule fully. Community members responded positively, with Heliosurge suggesting it could help mitigate bot accounts, and eisammy praising the feature as something suitable for core integration.

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:information_source: Summary Prevents users from creating new topics unless they have spent time reading existing topics.
:hammer_and_wrench: Repository Discourse topic read timer
:question: Install Guide How to install a theme or theme component

Install this theme component

A standalone Discourse theme component that requires recorded reading time before eligible users can create new topics. Replies, editing and private messages remain available.

settings
settings1210×1380 52.9 KB

topic2
topic2710×936 22.4 KB

topic1
topic1888×1024 56.6 KB

In an effort to encourage new users to read and search before jumping straight into a new topic, this component limits the trust level (configurable in the max restricted trust level) to having to read for the required number of minutes. Until this threshold is reached, the new topic button is locked and greyed out and receives a tool tip constructed from the reading requirement explanation and guidelines prompt. If the topic button is pressed it will open the community guidelines link (topic ID configurable). Eligible users can still add posts to existing topics.

API’s can bypass this so it is only effective in the browser, in our case we restrict API (thus discourse hub) access to trust level 1 and above.

11 Likes
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This could be an added protection against bot accounts maybe. Awesome add!

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Amazing, something that could be included in the core. Thanks for sharing.

1 Like