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"Drive By Spammers Almost Dead"

by admin Administrator
15 replies
Most spammers really are dumb...

Ever since we installed the mod that makes you have 15 posts before you can post links in your messages, spam here has almost entirely vanished.

They are too dumb to even figure out that they could still put a sig file in if they wanted to, WITH links...

I really don't like the system, but it most certainly works.

The reason I don't like it is because if you are an honest new member, it's almost like getting punished before you even get started.

That's not a nice a way to welcome someone is it?

The main reason for posting this is that I hope a few new members will reply and let me know how it made them feel, or whether they cared one way or the other.
  • Profile picture of the author trafficwave
    I'm relatively new to WF and while it's not a fun way to go, I see the motivation and logic behind this move. I think the fact that the drive by spammers have virtually disappeared speaks to the effectiveness of this approach.

    I say stick with the policy.
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    Brian Rooney, CEO
    TrafficWave.net Email Marketing AutoResponders
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    • Profile picture of the author ShayB
      I have been on many forums with the same type of rule. It is not a big deal. It is the price that people pay to cut down on spammers, unfortunately.
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      "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
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      • Profile picture of the author ic7
        You know, I didn't even notice it. I posted my first links on my 18th post. Sounds like it's effective against spam, so keep it rolling. :-)

        Paul
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        Bookpumper.com - The Kindle Revolution
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Ellis
    Originally Posted by admin View Post

    They are too dumb to even figure out that they could still...
    Shhh... they may be watching.
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    • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
      Shhh... they may be watching.
      Probably. Just saw one that listed the domain in the format site:domain.name


      Paul
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      Stop by Paul's Pub - my little hangout on Facebook.

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  • Profile picture of the author anymato
    I think it is a small price to pay.
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  • Profile picture of the author Josh Fulfer
    you can also just go and edit your post after you've made it and put a live link in. The site doesn't check for 15 posts on an edit.....
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  • Profile picture of the author George Wright
    Hi Allen,

    Your efforts are super and I hope you/we succeed in controlling spammers however...

    Sorry Allen, The Spammers are alive and well on the front page right now. They are like changelings or shape shifters in a space movie. Once they are found out they change to somethings else. I get the distinct impression a couple are "working the forum" together.

    George Wright
    Signature
    "The first chapter sells the book; the last chapter sells the next book." Mickey Spillane
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    • Profile picture of the author lgibbon
      Banned
      Originally Posted by George Wright View Post

      Hi Allen,

      Your efforts are super and I hope you/we succeed in controlling spammers however...

      Sorry Allen, The Spammers are alive and well on the front page right now. They are like changelings or shape shifters in a space movie. Once they are found out they change to somethings else. I get the distinct impression a couple are "working the forum" together.

      George Wright
      I think you're right George.
      Just noticed another junk poster just getting up their post count.
      Trouble is a lot of them are just being paid to come here and post.
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      • Profile picture of the author rosetrees
        Did it make me feel unwelcome? Definitely not. It made me feel this was a serious forum. Did I care? Yes - for the same reason. If you want to get something out of a forum (or anything in life) then it's only fair that you should be prepared to contribute too.
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        • Profile picture of the author JazzOscar
          Originally Posted by admin View Post


          -----

          The reason I don't like it is because if you are an honest new member, it's almost like getting punished before you even get started.

          -----
          I don't know when that mod was applied. I've been here for about a year now and don't think I tried to post a link in any of my first 15 posts.

          Anyway, when first coming here, with honest intentions, I think we're all overwhelmed by all the great content. That's a big welcome in itself, and far outweighs the small inconvenience of not being able to post links in your first few posts. So, just keep it like it is.

          Originally Posted by rosetrees View Post

          Did it make me feel unwelcome? Definitely not. It made me feel this was a serious forum. Did I care? Yes - for the same reason. If you want to get something out of a forum (or anything in life) then it's only fair that you should be prepared to contribute too.
          Totally agree!
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          Oscar Toft

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  • Profile picture of the author psresearch
    Originally Posted by admin View Post

    Most spammers really are dumb...

    Ever since we installed the mod that makes you have 15 posts before you can post links in your messages, spam here has almost entirely vanished.

    They are too dumb to even figure out that they could still put a sig file in if they wanted to, WITH links...

    I really don't like the system, but it most certainly works.

    The reason I don't like it is because if you are an honest new member, it's almost like getting punished before you even get started.

    That's not a nice a way to welcome someone is it?

    The main reason for posting this is that I hope a few new members will reply and let me know how it made them feel, or whether they cared one way or the other.
    Well, there are some forums that don't even open up the sig file option until x number of posts. Personally, I think it's a great solution to a real problem.
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    Work At Home Truth - Extra Income Edition | Swindles.org
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  • Profile picture of the author adamv
    Just being able to flag the post has been working really well. The spam doesn't stay up for very long and while it does the Warriors have some fun with them.

    I usually get a good laugh when the Warriors really lay into some dumbass with 2 posts putting their sales letter on the forum.
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    Get a professional voice over for your next audio or video project at an affordable price -- I will record 150 words of text for just $5.

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  • Profile picture of the author tommygadget
    Most forums with this in place start at 30 posts, so you are very generous Allen. Having said that, I don't think I even had a sig until over 50 posts at least, so I would not have been offended one bit.

    TomG.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dana_W
    I have noticed significantly less sneay-spam posters since this change took effect. Of course some spammers will sneak by but most of them will go off in search of easier targets .
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