Like John, I’ve run a “Private” family blog for friends and relatives which I secured using a less than elegant Site Password via a .htaccess file. I was never really happy with this solution since sometimes people I didn’t know had the password (plus a few people always forgot the password which resulted in a phone call.) John’s Plugin Absolute Privacy takes a normal WordPress Blog and turns it into a Password Protected Invite only Blog/Website.  All the features I’ve been waiting for have been included:

Users must Register and be Approved before viewing your site (Configurable)Force registrants to enter first and last nameGet emailed every time an approval is waiting (with a link for quick approval)Allow registrants to choose their passwordsAutomated password reset for the less than brilliant family membersPerfect for family blogs, personal sites, and private communities!

Like the features above explain, the process is VERY simple.  After installing the Plug-in and activating it, simply goto the options menu and check the Members Only Check-Box:

At this point, the site will require users to log in before accessing your site. If you want to check to see if any users are waiting to be approved (besides the point you will get an email) just Click Users –> Moderate Users

VERY clean, smooth, dead simple. If you want to run a Private Family ONLY Blog, this is the plugin for you.  Go ahead and grab a copy from the Official WordPress Download Location. repetitive comments from visitors, might be one of those you were pertaining to. good deals— Yeah the private blog plugin works great for my fam. We can upload pics, share what’s going on in the family and all keep in touch. It’s kinda like a private facebook account plus the plugin author keeps it updated so that’s been nice also. Thnx -S Comment

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