V-Flyer

Before they dissappear just note the links from the above are ALL SPAM

Yep I am on it, thanks.

Usually it has just been one spam post by each user, but they really went to town with 5!

All now removed off the site.

No worries, you can delete this afterwards as well..
maybe an option to use this format if we spot any others

obviously wanting to warn people before they click on some dubious links

If you can just keep using the report button it highlights it for the mods, which means we can get them removed straight off the site.

We are trying really hard to stop them before they post, but it isn't always possible as they are posting within minutes of joining.

Thanks,
Neil

We really are being plagued at the moment - some new posts, some adding comments to old threads. I think in the past three days, we have deleted over 30 accounts. n(

As soon as any mod sees one, or sees a report by a member, they are gone.

I really can't understand what the people / bots who take the time to register with the site, then post random, poorly written, ads for things no one wants hope to achieve.

The vain hope is that they will realise that any posts are swiftly deleted, and take V-Flyer off their list of attackable forums! v(


Nick

Nick, it is just another form of vandalism. Anyway, congrats because you guys are dealing with it very promptly y)

I've been reporting them when I see them too.

Thanks Mods for being so swift at getting rid of them.

We're using a Re-Captcha so these people are physically doing it as opposed to a spam bot! It's just frustrating that there are people out there that do this!

enyce085 wrote:We're using a Re-Captcha so these people are physically doing it as opposed to a spam bot!

I was going to say that. ):

HWVlover wrote:

enyce085 wrote:We're using a Re-Captcha so these people are physically doing it as opposed to a spam bot!

I was going to say that. ):

enyce085 wrote:I've been reporting them when I see them too.

Thanks Mods for being so swift at getting rid of them.

We're using a Re-Captcha so these people are physically doing it as opposed to a spam bot! It's just frustrating that there are people out there that do this!

Ditto and usually posting a response of 'SPAM'

Went to report those posts earlier but someone had already done it - so congrats to whomever that was that will keep this site clean.

Thaks to the mods for swift action.

By the end of this, I think we'll all need new mice with the amount of clicking.

I would add, please continue to report spam posts but don't reply to them, even with "Spam" as that just shows a response and encourages them.

how about a delay in being able to post/ comment after joining..
or needs moderation before publishing for a while??

Not sure how/ what work load this could create..

many will probably give up and try elsewhere..

northernhenry wrote:how about a delay in being able to post/ comment after joining..
or needs moderation before publishing for a while??

Not sure how/ what work load this could create..

many will probably give up and try elsewhere..

That is currently being discussed by the Mods as I post this...

Darren Wheeler wrote:That is currently being discussed by the Mods as I post this...

I hope we don't do that. OK spam is a threat, but people post in real time and this could create nightmarish circular conversations.

Also, I think the whole moderation thing is so last century.

slinky09 wrote:

Darren Wheeler wrote:That is currently being discussed by the Mods as I post this...

I hope we don't do that. OK spam is a threat, but people post in real time and this could create nightmarish circular conversations.

Also, I think the whole moderation thing is so last century.

My suggestion was only for immediate new joiners, say a week, or few days (like a delay before full acceptance), to do this for all etc I agree would be a nightmare..

We are just looking at a few options, nothing has been decided.

The number and frequency of spam sign ups has been immense, especially in the last few days. Whilst we are very hopeful they will stop, we might have to do something however if they don't, as not only is it potentially bad for the site and our users, but it becoming very time consuming removing spam posts and blocking the user accounts.

My advice would be:

1. Email verification for new users (I don't remember having to do this for VF? Basically the standard, user completes registration form, then submits, email received, link in email activates account.

2. As NH has suggested - perhaps 24 hour wait before new users can post?

Point 1 will probably have the greatest impact in preventing this happening as the spammers will give up with the hassle of having to email verify - potentially meaning there would be no need for point 2.

Point 1 is clearly a development piece, but only needs to be completed once - it's automated after that so no additional mod time.

Point 2 - again potentially easy, could be automated to simply apply a rule of "Sign up time + 24 hours = ability to post".

Luke

The BBC Points of View Board pre mods all posts by new users for a short period of time. However this also causes problems (and complaints usually about 'censorship').

These boards are also moderated by users and there is a 'red triangle' that another user can report a post for breaking the house rules, the thread remains but the post is immediatly replaced with a message that the post has been reported and looked at and the title as 'hidden'. If cleared by a mod the post is restored.

However these boards don't get the spam that we have been getting though it is suspected that certain 'newspapers' sometime creats a post to try and generate a controversy and anti BBC feeling.

People who post on the 'Have your Say' and the editors Blogs are either pre moderated or reactivly moderated. The post shows in thw thread but with the words (para phrased) 'this post is awaiting moderation'. For some of the more specialist blogs you can be pre cleared and your posts appear instantly.

However, BBC runs a lot more threads and has a lot more posters and has a (small) staff to look after it all.!

I also think it uses a response email in the registration process.

Something I have done on another forum is that new members must have their first five posts approved my a mod, this of course stops the spam dead in it's tracks...Unless the mod accidentally okays one ii)

Scrooge wrote:Something I have done on another forum is that new members must have their first five posts approved my a mod, this of course stops the spam dead in it's tracks...Unless the mod accidentally okays one ii)

Well the odd G&T induced mistake will always happen!

As long as the new member is made aware of this then I can't see any objection. Its what I had to go through with the BBC process.

tontybear wrote:Well the odd G&T induced mistake will always happen!

v( v( v(

honey lamb wrote:

tontybear wrote:Well the odd G&T induced mistake will always happen!

v( v( v(

G&T yes, Mistakes never |:)

As we speak another arrives
the-community/my-profile/7745-cialissoubrodypsuby

northernhenry wrote:As we speak another arrives
the-community/my-profile/7745-cialissoubrodypsuby

And gets removed

Bit like swatting flies, only your aim is better!

Regards
R3dV