I have been displaying related content in a block for a few product node types (I'm using Ubercart). As user/1, the block shows up with the correct contents on the proper product pages. ( I'm only showing node titles as links in the RelatedContent block.)However, an anonymous user will see no RelatedContent block anywhere, even if it's on a page that should show it.

An authenticated user, not user/1, will show a RelatedContent block with static contents regardless of the page being viewed (the content in the block remains the same) IE8 (Win) and Chrome (Mac). Clearing the browser cache does not change the behavior (IE8 Win). Using Chrome (Mac) and Firefox (Win), clearing the browser cache removes the RelatedContent blocks from every page.

If this sounds confusing, it really is! I've been running around in circles on this problem and haven't a clue what's going on. There are no visibility rules set for the relatedcontent block. And, actually, it's not really as predictable as this description may imply. I tried to find some consistency, and for the moment, it's behaving as I've explained. But tomorrow? Who knows?

Has anybody got any clues?

Comments

joeebel’s picture

joeebel CreditAttribution: joeebel commented

I found the culprit! If you have block caching enabled, the results will be totally wacky (in technical terms). Turn off block caching and all is well. Is this a feature? ;-)

joeebel’s picture

joeebel CreditAttribution: joeebel commented
Title: Block Visibility Uncontrolled for Anonymous Users » Block Caching Incompatible with RelatedContent Block
Component: Miscellaneous » Code
Category: support » bug

If block caching is turned on, a RelatedContent block will behave erratically for all users except user/1. Turning off block caching resolves the issue.

Should this be looked into? If this is the way it works, reference should be made in the manual.