private function getIsDirectLinkEnabled() {
        // check if it is supported in general
        $support = Gpf_Settings::get(Pap_Settings::SUPPORT_DIRECT_LINKING);
        if($support <> Gpf::YES) {
            return Gpf::NO;
        }

        // check if this user has at least one direct link approved
        $directLinks = new Pap_Db_DirectLinkUrl();
        if($directLinks->checkUserApprovedDirectLinks($this->user->getId())) {
            return Gpf::YES;
        } else {
            return Gpf::NO;
        }
    }