Topic: Spammers

[brian c]

Seems they've been really busy today. Any discussion on making it a touch more difficult to sign up and post this kind of stuff? I realize there's a fine line that's being walked in order to allow new people to sign up and post away.

Just curious.

[Justin]

Yeah. The mornings seem to be the worst.

[RENOVATIONS]

True, they have been VERY heavy the last couple of days...doing the best to delete their posts; I pass their profiles along to those with the magic wands to boot them out permanently

[brian c]

Yeah I've been using the "Report to Moderator" link in the posts as well.

Was thinking that maybe another level of security could be added like a confirmation email that required a link to a webpage with a random question. Wouldn't matter if the answer was on the page or not but just a way to help defeat the bots that seem to be posting this wonderful content.

[dewcrazzy]

last few mornings have been real bad.

[Hitman]

Honestly it really doesn't matter what I use to try and keep spammers out. They have programs that circumvent just about any security measures you can do. I have to find the link to the webpage I had before about the programs that they use. The page had the programs for downloading about how to post spam and the programs they use to do it. It explained each one and showed you (the spammer) how to use it. Like take a look at this page: http://en.spambot.pl/smf.html .... So my and my admins try to do the best that we can to prevent spammers, but they have more time than we do to get around all the security measures. I know it is annoying, but we are doing our best and I thank my admins for their help.

[firebird79_00]

Can we do something like this? http://vifbody.ca/forum/

When you register your asked a simple questions regarding firebirds/trans ams. It could be as simple as what color car was used in smokey and the bandit?

[kjkjkcjkcj]

What if we require atleast 10 posts on other peoples threads before you can create your own?  That way the spammers may not go through the trouble

[Justin]

I say we do a DNA test.

[Hitman]

What if we require atleast 10 posts on other peoples threads before you can create your own?  That way the spammers may not go through the trouble

Sometimes their posts are replies to others so that won't work.

When you register your asked a simple questions regarding firebirds/trans ams. It could be as simple as what color car was used in smokey and the bandit?

They find ways around that too.

[brian c]

That's an interesting read Brett.

Q: Is there a way to filter a post based on content then? Say if it contains any kind of drug reference like "Viagara" (any possible spelling therein) that the post is automatically blocked?

Just trying to brainstorm here so that it takes a load off you guys from having to go into the posts and remove them. Trust me, I really appreciate all the effort that goes in keeping the good ship 78ta afloat

[Hitman]

I can only sensor words and such, not block a post if it contains a word.

[jjr]

 I switched to manual verification.

 I send a personal email back to new sign-ups and don't throw the switch until
they respond.

 On occasion my email goes to the spam folder, but any real hobbyist notices that
they did not get access and they investigate.

 Spammers will not reply to a personal email. If they can't do their thing they are off to
the next forum.

 Here is what I send:

-----

 Hello...

 Due to automated sign-ups and mind
numbing advertising. I have had to
switch to manual verification.

 So, if you would please reply to this
email for me, I'll then know it's a real
person.

 I am sorry for the hassle.

-----

 It's not ideal, but works...

 Joe

[kjkjkcjkcj]

 I switched to manual verification.

 I send a personal email back to new sign-ups and don't throw the switch until
they respond.

 On occasion my email goes to the spam folder, but any real hobbyist notices that
they did not get access and they investigate.

 Spammers will not reply to a personal email. If they can't do their thing they are off to
the next forum.

 Here is what I send:

-----

 Hello...

 Due to automated sign-ups and mind
numbing advertising. I have had to
switch to manual verification.

 So, if you would please reply to this
email for me, I'll then know it's a real
person.

 I am sorry for the hassle.

-----

 It's not ideal, but works...

 Joe

Thats not a bad idea.  i am sure you can automate something to so you don't have to send an individual email to everyone who wants to sign up.

[jjr]

 Anything that a human has to do would trip them up.

 True Firebird folks will jump through the extra hoop, I've
proved it.

 I doesn't take too much time to send out a canned note and to
match the reply...

 Joe