Posted by Tyrone Slothrop on 12/15/06 04:21

On 14 Dec 2006 18:42:13 -0800, crescent_au@yahoo.com wrote:

>Hi all,
>
>I'm doing some research online on creating php-based multi-level
>marketing (MLM) system. It seems like a complicated system to build as
>I need to create one from scratch. I'd like to know if there are
>open-source CMS tools or MLM tools available that helps me to customize
>or even upgrade to the kind of system I'd like to have.
>
>I'd like to know how should I start building one from scratch- just the
>logics or algorithms that I should be familiar with.
>
>I'd also like to know what do we mean by re-cycling matrix and forced
>matrix. I've seen these mentioned in some websites of software
>developers who build MLM systems.
>
>I have created PHP-based dynamic websites but I haven't done any work
>with building this sort of systems. So I'd just like to hear from
>people who are familiar with system developement and hopefully push me
>in the right direction.
>
>If you know of some relevant websites or tutorials, please post them
>too.
>
>Cheers!
>Ben

I have coded a couple of these sites and I can assure you that it will
be a challenge. The specs that were required by the client were
completely different than any existing system, including a couple
features that noone had coded successfully before. I managed to do it
but, to this day, I do not understand why it works.

I will give you a hint or two to make it easier. Every matrix has
levels and positions. They can be multi dimensional, that is to say,
they exist in three dimensions like a pyramid. However, unlike a
pyramid, they start at the top and work down and definately not
symetrically. One of the systems I designed actually branched out in
three more dimensions -- once a member filled his matrix, a new matrix
was created.

Consider that you need to be able to define each member's position in
three dimensions. The three dimensions are level, position in that
level and the leg. The level is the level of the member relative to
the top level. The position is the order in which the member was
added. The leg is the complex relationship between members working
towards the top of the pyramid, based on who referred whom.

A forced matrix (I believe) is where, when a member drops out, other
members move over and up to fill the positions within their own leg
based upon the order they were added to the matrix. I repeat since
this is very important: within their leg.

Because the code is technically owned by my client, I cannot share it
with you. However, if you get stuck feel free to ask me questions.
Just post a message to this group with the subject:
Attn: Tyrone Slothrop
(not my real name ;-) )

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