no mods - spamfest | Warrior Forum - The #1 Digital Marketing Forum & Marketplace

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Kay King

The question is - why are spambot threads in the main forum and OT being left active for 5 hrs or more.

And - why aren't the spambots getting through in the WSO and other monetized sections?

I'm sure there's a reason but don't know what it is.

I was wondering the same thing Kay! I wonder why most of the spam is down here!

I hope they are working on this, so many folks, like me, just don't bother hanging out down here anymore.

~ Theresa

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9277598].message }}

Kay King 12 years ago

I see in other threads people are requesting a "joining fee" to "stop the spam". Cynical me - but could that be the point? Get people to REQUEST a fee so you are accomodating members by adding a fee?

I think several of our regular (and excellent) mods have give up their positions here as their loyalty was to Allen. Clearly, if the new 'hired' mods are working, they aren't working out well.

With the post quality and posturing in the threads upstairs - this is about the only place I still hang out on the WF.
- [ 4 ] Thanks
Signature

Saving one dog will not change the world - but the world changes forever for that one dog
***
One secret to happiness is to let every situation be
what it is instead of what you think it should be.
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9277610].message }}

Khemosabi

12 years ago

I must be cynical as well!

ICSM, but since most of us down here don't spend any money on this forum (WSO) and we have already paid our lifetime membership, now a yearly fee?, why not chase us all out?

I love the discussions in the OT, now, it's just frustrating to even scroll through to find any. I have also noticed a lot of people missing. Sadddddddd.

~ Theresa

[ 2 ] Thanks
1 reply

Signature

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9277675].message }}

Paul Myers

12 years ago

Omnibus reply...

And - why aren't the spambots getting through in the WSO and other monetized sections?

Some of them are, but the ones that start threads can't. They'd never get past the approval queue. Since those are the majority of the spam flood, it looks as though they're more selective than they really are.

I was wondering the same thing Kay! I wonder why most of the spam is down here!

Keyword choices, most likely.

It changes. Once a spammer gets a section in their list, they tend to stick with it for a while. And there are really only 3 of them making up most of this flood. The shoe spammer, the guy from Poland, and the Russian spammer.

I see in other threads people are requesting a "joining fee" to "stop the spam". Cynical me - but could that be the point? Get people to REQUEST a fee so you are accomodating members by adding a fee?

I doubt that.

Still, a lot depends on the goals and long-term vision of the forum that drives the decision-making process. Priorities come into play, and can give rise to appearances that aren't necessarily accurate. If they're widely enough believed, though, they can become self-fulfilling prophecies.

Clearly, if the new 'hired' mods are working, they aren't working out well.

I've only seen one of them doing anything here or in main discussion, and that's been hit and miss so far.

I cleaned out 80-some spam threads from this section when I dropped in earlier. Almost none of those would have gotten past the filters Scott had in place.

Paul

[ 14 ] Thanks
2 replies

Signature

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

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9278030].message }}

Kay King

12 years ago

I've only seen one of them doing anything here or in main discussion, and that's been hit and miss so far.

I cleaned out 80-some spam threads from this section when I dropped in earlier. Almost none of those would have gotten past the filters Scott had in place.

It was clear someone who knew what to do jumped in to clean up in aisle OT. Thanks! I have to wonder after this many weeks why those filters have not been put back in place.

If that was from only a few spammers - I'd hate to see this place get popular with spambots.

Thanks

Signature

Saving one dog will not change the world - but the world changes forever for that one dog

***

One secret to happiness is to let every situation be

what it is instead of what you think it should be.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9278170].message }}

sbucciarel

Banned 12 years ago

Originally Posted by Paul Myers

I cleaned out 80-some spam threads from this section when I dropped in earlier. Almost none of those would have gotten past the filters Scott had in place.

Paul

This is what I don't understand. I remember very well when Scott put those in place and what a relief it was, as the forum was deluged with this kind of spam and it is taxing on moderators and member moderators and the people who just read and respond.

What would possess them to leave that filter off? I have stopped reporting, for the most part, this particular kind of spam and have just been reporting the usual, non bot type found daily throughout the threads. I feel that new owners have brought this on themselves and by not reinstating a filter that clearly worked well, it's their baby.

I've always been willing to spend time to help keep WF clean of spam, but I feel now like the new admins are disrespecting the time we spend on helping out by allowing this kind of continual attack to happen.

It really does make me feel bad not reporting it and seeing the forum in that condition. Perhaps they think OT is not that important, but I guarantee you that the geniuses behind the bots can change their focus in an instant. I've seen this kind of spam at different times in Social Media, Offline and there used to be a lot of it appended to the end of the WSOs and sales threads.

[ 9 ] Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9278690].message }}

MissTerraK 12 years ago

I'm normally not a quitter. I actually have the tenacity of a bulldog and am known to be quite stubborn when I want to be.

But, I have waved the white flag of surrender and quit the fight of reporting spam.

Why? Well, it is said that the definition of insanity is to keep doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

So being of sound mind, I quit reporting them as when I do, nothing seems to happen like it used to. Alas...

Terra
- [ 1 ] Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9278770].message }}

waterotter

12 years ago

If that was from only a few spammers - I'd hate to see this place get popular with spambots.

When I got to the OT this morning, there were seven active threads on page one - the rest were spambots.

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9278225].message }}

Dennis Gaskill

12 years ago

Originally Posted by waterotter

When I got to the OT this morning, there were seven active threads on page one - the rest were spambots.

When I left after I last visited here after finishing some work, probably about 2-3 AM (I wasn't paying attention to the time) there were no spam posts.

That's how fast this place can be taken over.

[ 1 ] Thanks
2 replies

Signature

Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9278356].message }}

waterotter

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill

When I left after I last visited here after finishing some work, probably about 2-3 AM (I wasn't paying attention to the time) there were no spam posts.

That's how fast this place can be taken over.

Would you consider working the morning shift, also?! Us regulars really do appreciate all your hard work in keeping this place cleaned up.

You could maybe sleep with one eye opened?!!

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9278438].message }}

Dennis Gaskill

12 years ago

Originally Posted by waterotter

Would you consider working the morning shift, also?! Us regulars really do appreciate all your hard work in keeping this place cleaned up.

You could maybe sleep with one eye opened?!!

I'd need a pay raise for that.

Sleeping with one eye open at the computer gives me the same stiff neck that sleeping with both eyes closed does. I know, because I dozed off the night before and slept over 2 hours at the computer. My neck doth protest such occurrences.

[ 3 ] Thanks
1 reply

Signature

Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9278538].message }}

Karen Blundell 12 years ago

Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill

I know, because I dozed off the night before and slept over 2 hours at the computer. My neck doth protest such occurrences.

lol, do you know how many times I have done just that, Dennis? You made me chuckle because I can so relate
- [ 1 ] Thanks
Signature
---------------
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9280640].message }}

BigFrank Banned 12 years ago

Personally, I have never understood the reluctance to paying a small fee for membership. Not a 'fee,' actually. More like a deposit.

I understand it from a 'principle' point of view, but not from one of practicality. I'd be happy to fork over $5 to find nothing but the ridiculous musings of those that I have come to know and love here, as opposed to a ridiculous amount of spam postings. On the day I decide to leave I can ask for my $5 back and if I get permanently banned they can donate it to charity or anything else they would like.

When I think of the hundreds of dollars I have spent on WSO's before learning my way around, I just don't see where asking for $5 either as a deposit or a entrance fee is really worth getting freaked-out over. I don't know. Maybe it's just me, but I put a high price on annoyance and aggravation (that's why I'm so damn good at both) and would find $5 a small price to pay.

Of course there are probably those that would pay $25 just to see me get booted. lol

So - where do I send my $5 and when can I expect the spamming to be eliminated???

Cheers. - Frank
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9278448].message }}

Paul Myers

12 years ago

Kay,

I have to wonder after this many weeks why those filters have not been put back in place.

Dog only knows.

It's possible that Scott doesn't want to deal with it, or that they don't want to deal with Scott, or that they have something in the works they can't test with his systems in place, or any number of things I haven't even thought of. I couldn't say.

I do know there are off-the-shelf systems that could cut the problem by a lot. StopForumSpam.com is probably the easiest. Worked pretty well when we had it in here.

Paul

Thanks

Signature

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

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9278457].message }}

Mark Singletary

12 years ago

For me, I always knew that Allen was raking it in and haven't always agreed with the decisions he made for the forum. But I respected the man because of things he did for me personally years ago and as a result I always tried to help out when I could.

There is a whole new feel now. I think the "family" feeling is fast fading away. It's all business now.

I hate to say and it makes me sad that I'm expecting Dan to pop in here at any time and say "This isn't going to end well."

Mark

[ 4 ] Thanks
2 replies

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9278779].message }}

Alexa Smith Banned 12 years ago

I have no idea what the traffic figures are (and I know that the numbers shown online are measured over a period, though I don't know how long the period is), but it seems to me, judging by the number of (real, non-spam) posts made per hour/day, that the forum's quieter now than I've ever seen it at any point over the last 5 years.
- [ 6 ] Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9278785].message }}
Dan Riffle 12 years ago

Originally Posted by Mark Singletary

I hate to say and it makes me sad that I'm expecting Dan to pop in here at any time and say "This isn't going to end well."

Mark

The writing's on the wall, Mark.
- [ 1 ] Thanks
Signature

Raising a child is akin to knowing you're getting fired in 18 years and having to train your replacement without actively sabotaging them.
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9278897].message }}

HeySal

12 years ago

I've not only stopped reporting spam, but when I come in and this place is loaded down with it - I leave and go to Ken Micheal's forum. It's new so nut much going on yet, but I think that what is needed for all concerned is an alternative hangout when things get ridiculous. I'm hoping that there is one that everyone else in the OT will ditch out to in unison, but if not.......I'm going to miss people here.

I just went to see if my War room membership is still valid and so far it is, but the main menu on that section is horrible looking.

Thanks

Signature

Sal
When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
Beyond the Path

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9278918].message }}

Mark Hess

12 years ago

Spam or no spam (because the quality of people/threads has gone down the toilet)

Maybe they will buy DigitalPoint next and just forward this domain...

[ 5 ] Thanks
2 replies

Signature

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9279006].message }}

waterotter

12 years ago

Mark,

Originally Posted by Mark Hess

Spam or no spam (because the quality of people/threads has gone down the toilet)

Maybe they will buy DigitalPoint next and just forward this domain...

You read my mind.

~Jody

[ 1 ] Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9279113].message }}

AprilCT

12 years ago

Mark,

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark Hess

Spam or no spam (because the quality of people/threads has gone down the toilet)

Maybe they will buy DigitalPoint next and just forward this domain...

You read my mind.

~Jody

I suppose we can always hope they will see reinventing the wheel doesn't work as well as what was originally in place. I've also noticed just before posting this we have some more spam again. I've taken to resting the cursor on the post before bothering to open it.

[ 1 ] Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9279134].message }}

waterotter

12 years ago

April,

Originally Posted by AprilCT

Mark,

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark Hess

Spam or no spam (because the quality of people/threads has gone down the toilet)

Maybe they will buy DigitalPoint next and just forward this domain...

You read my mind.

~Jody

I suppose we can always hope they will see reinventing the wheel doesn't work as well as what was originally in place. I've also noticed just before posting this we have some more spam again. I've taken to resting the cursor on the post before bothering to open it.

A post from the new Admin. about dealing with spam would be encouraging.

Spam isn't the only issue. The forum functionality is now poor at best.

Admin. was quick to respond after taking over, but lately, no response to any of the issues being raised.

I understand they want to improve the forum, but at what cost??? Members are starting to jump ship.

I say, reinstate the original mods and pay them accordingly. Without them, this ship may sink.

MOO!

ETA: My business model doesn't require WF nor Google, so I have no problems jumping ship!

[ 2 ] Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9279186].message }}

sbucciarel Banned 12 years ago

Originally Posted by Mark Hess

Spam or no spam (because the quality of people/threads has gone down the toilet)

Maybe they will buy DigitalPoint next and just forward this domain...

I'm not seeing neither an improvement in the quality of threads or a degradation of the quality of threads since the sale, and I have no idea why anyone would think there would be... yet WF has not all of a sudden attracted a new uppercrust sort of poster. I see the same questions and the same answers being asked and answered.

If people decide to leave, it will be because freelancer has built in a system that nickel and dimes everyone with fees, much like Freelancer itself or because they have neglected their user base and neglected the forum by allowing it to overrun with spam. I've seen busy forums go completely to the spammers with the regular posters just leaving in droves.

The users have been given a design that they didn't ask for and have lost some important, convenient forum functions in the process. The complaints about those have fallen on deaf ears so far.

What I see as a possible consequence of the buy is a loss of membership without a corresponding increase in the members that they want to attract, resulting in an overall decline in good conversations and traffic.

I propose a new forum section. Retention Hacking, to mean retention of the existing customer base irregardless of growth numbers. I just made that up (I think), so I'd appreciate the credit for it.
- [ 1 ] Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9280166].message }}

Mark Hess

12 years ago

Look at the numbers:

WAMA: Warrior Ask Me Anything (WAMA)

It should be: Why Ask Me Anything? the views keep going down because no one can relate.

Growth hacking?: Growth Hacking

The #1 most viewed thread in here is: "What to do if you're desperate?"

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9279363].message }}

AprilCT

12 years ago

Kimosabe a/k/a Therese, did you say our lifetime memberships would now have to be paid again every year? I'm paid for two private forums, and would have to see if I have any records on whether I paid to join WF itself. I'm confused.

[ 1 ] Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9279386].message }}

Dennis Gaskill

12 years ago

Originally Posted by AprilCT

Kimosabe a/k/a Therese, did you say our lifetime memberships would now have to be paid again every year? I'm paid for two private forums, and would have to see if I have any records on whether I paid to join WF itself. I'm confused.

April,

The yearly fee is for new sign-ups. Those of us who were War Room members when the forum was bought do not have the yearly fee.

[ 2 ] Thanks

Signature

Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9279394].message }}

Paul Myers

12 years ago

Mark,

The #1 most viewed thread in here is: "What to do if you're desperate?"

You have to be careful with those numbers. If one person managed to read all the way through that thread, they'd add 20 or more views to the total. And it's so keyword-rich on so many topics, it probably gets a lot of SE traffic.

Page views can be odd. For example, the majority of the spams I deleted from OT yesterday morning had between 40 and 50 views each. (Might be a clue to their strategy there, but that's a whole other point.) I've seen WSOs that were manipulated by paying someone to reload the page automatically a bunch of times.

As far as the growth hacking section... Buzzwords take time to settle in. Not to mention that it's generic, and crosses almost all the big topical categories here. The email marketing section, on the other hand, has 83 threads and almost 900 posts in its first 6 days. That's a winning choice.

Some things are working. Some will take time to catch on. Some just don't fit, and won't until/unless the forum's traffic profile changes. And that may be part of the goal.

Judging whether something is a success depends on the perspective you adopt. The long-term members may have different goals from the new owners. If so, we aren't in a position to know if the strategy is working unless we're told more about what the desired end result is.

If they're looking to attract a different group of visitors, there will almost have to be a drop in traffic during the adjustment. If they want to keep the current membership, though, it's safe to say the recent moves aren't helping.

I think the biggest mistake (if you want to use that word) is not enlisting the members in the vision they have for the place. I see a lot of things that hint at it, but they're too vague to rely on for interpretations. Get people involved in a big vision and they'll help. Chase it without telling them anything but "Stuff will change for the good," and you'd better make the good happen fast or you'll lose them.

The tech stuff is an issue, but it's small compared to the confusion about where things are going.

Well, except for the spam flood. That's a major problem.

Paul

[ 5 ] Thanks
1 reply

Signature

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

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9279683].message }}

David Maschke 12 years ago

Originally Posted by Paul Myers

I think the biggest mistake (if you want to use that word) is not enlisting the members in the vision they have for the place

What I found intriguing about the WF years ago is new people came in with a sense of belonging, and somewhere got the idea there was a warrior code around here. People would then come in and inform them being a warrior doesn't mean shit.

I always thought if this place could tap into the sociological need to belong and participate in something larger and greater than themselves, this place could do almost anything.
- [ 1 ] Thanks
Signature

I
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9279724].message }}

Paul Myers

12 years ago

David,

What I found intriguing about the WF years ago, new people came in with a sense of belonging, and somewhere got the idea there was a warrior code around here. People would then come in and inform them being a warrior doesn't mean shit.

I don't recall that last part ever being common. I have said myself, though, more than once, that just creating an account doesn't make you a Warrior.

It often irked me when someone's first post started with "Fellow Warriors." I suspect that's because those posts also tended to convey a sense of entitlement in their tone.

That sense of being part of something has always been there, but it's not the general perception it once was. It's hard to maintain that when you have people posting questions like "Is it okay to copy someone else's content," and idiots replying that it's perfectly fine to do that. When a significant chunk of the other members pose an active threat to your business, you don't feel quite as much a "part of the group."

That's a result of getting big, more than anything else.

Still, as you say, a huge amount of progress could be made if enough of the active members could be enlisted in a single direction with a worthwhile vision.

Paul

[ 2 ] Thanks
1 reply

Signature

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

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9279754].message }}

David Maschke 12 years ago

Originally Posted by Paul Myers

When a significant chunk of the other members pose an active threat to your business, you don't feel quite as much a "part of the group."

The "team mentality" would seem to be in opposition with the individual's desire for personal gain, but an overall strategy can formed by tapping into the team and individual mentalities.

I'm not really an active member here in the WF, so this idea is just an example...

If this place wanted more members and growth, it might want to start a membership drive. When a member refers say 15 or 20 new members, they receive a credit to post a WSO. That credit has a real monetary value.

Voluntary membership participation, warrior forum growth, and personal gain. All the bases would be covered.

Like I said, that's just a strategy off the top of my head.

But like you said, it can't happen without enlisting members to participate.
- Thanks
- 1 reply
Signature

I
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9279783].message }}
- Paul Myers 12 years ago
  
  David,
  
  The "team mentality" would seem to be in opposition with the individual's desire for personal gain
  
  Depends on the individuals. When this happens, the odds are good some people simply aren't part of the team.
  
  In this case, there are significant numbers of people who actively exploit the "team," with a clearly stated lack of concern for the effect of their behavior on those around them.
  
  I've always felt that people who endorse activities that are destructive to the property of others in a group should simply be removed from the group. No attacks or interference, just exclude them. Let them do their thing somewhere else.
  
  That will never happen in any forum in this industry that has aspirations of becoming a "player." Destructive tactics make up too big a part of the strategy of too many people in the business.
  
  Developing a broadly accepted feeling of belonging beyond what you get for filling out the form is difficult under those circumstances.
  
  As far as getting more members, I don't think that's a great goal for the existing folks. Leave that to the new owners. We should be focusing on changing the level of dialogue, and getting more of the current members to up their game, so to speak. And, without clear signals from the management about what direction they intend to go, that's not going to happen.
  
  That's why I've been mostly staying out of the whole thing. It would do no-one any good for me to start espousing specific directions and later find out they were at odds with whatever new philosophy was being put in place.
  
  I'll help if I like the direction. If not, I'd rather just stay out of the way and let them do what they want with their property.
  
  Paul
  
  Thanks
  
  Signature
  
  .
  Stop by Paul's Pub - my little hangout on Facebook.
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9280050].message }}

Mark Singletary

12 years ago

I think one big difference in the feeling is this. Even though Allen was mostly hands off we always could turn to Paul. We could get to know him, sign up for his newsletter, argue with him about whether the pink ones or the purple ones are prettiest, PM him, etc. He has been the public face of the forum for many years.

To be fair Allen didn't do surveys about changes before hand that I recall. He just did it. But because we had a relationship with someone we could better deal with it perhaps and we knew that even if Paul said his hands were tied - he would say it not ignore it.

Here they do the surveys then do what they want anyway. Note that I'm not saying the design or other changes is better or worse only that in my opinion the survey was a thinly disguised attempt to do what they were going to do anyway but at the same time to appear to be listening.

Now there is a void and a disconnect. We don't know what they are doing or why. And it's not our money or our company or our forum so we don't get a lot of say because they answer to shareholders not the users.

A good example of disconnect is the new War Room Special Deal. I bring this up not to complain or to say it's a bad idea. I bring it up because it changes the entire thinking and feeling about the War Room. Before we could say that all the stuff in there was free - you didn't even have to put in an email address anywhere. That was a big selling point. Now for some "gifts" in the WR you have to enter a CC#. Can't say it's all free any more.

And even if we could accept this special deal (which isn't really free or all that special when you can get 30 days free of the current deal on the public site) it also brings in someone from the outside that has never contributed here before. Why not have a special deal, if you must, with current members?

But then if you let current members run their special WR free trial with a CC#, then why not let others?

That one little decision may make them a bunch of affiliate/partner commissions but entirely changed the WR forever. It's now just another place to run advertisements. Yes I know that WR members could always see the banner at the top but this deal is part of the WR - you have to PAY to see this deal/ad.

I hope they can figure it out before running everyone off. Of course maybe the response to any of us would be "don't let the door...." because there are plenty of others to take your place.

Mark

Thanks
2 replies

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9280219].message }}

sbucciarel

Banned 12 years ago

Originally Posted by Mark Singletary

A good example of disconnect is the new War Room Special Deal. I bring this up not to complain or to say it's a bad idea. I bring it up because it changes the entire thinking and feeling about the War Room. Before we could say that all the stuff in there was free - you didn't even have to put in an email address anywhere. That was a big selling point. Now for some "gifts" in the WR you have to enter a CC#. Can't say it's all free any more.
Mark

I don't visit the War Room much so didn't know about that change, but you're right. It changes a lot and not necessarily in a good way.

Per my previous post about the geniuses behind the bots changing focus in an instant ...
Main Forum just got hit with 3 simultaneous bot posts like the ones that OT has been getting. Ironically, they were deleted within a minute (and I didn't report them).

I remember pre-Scott filter one day looking over the Main Forum index, and it was ALL BOT posts, and probably into the 2nd page as well.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9280239].message }}

Kay King

12 years ago

I agree with everything you both said there.

I'd click on "thanks" but it seems thanks either still aren't working right or the number has been reduced per day. I've only used a couple this morning and I seem to be "out" again.

[ 1 ] Thanks
2 replies

Signature

Saving one dog will not change the world - but the world changes forever for that one dog

***

One secret to happiness is to let every situation be

what it is instead of what you think it should be.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9280244].message }}

Paul Myers

12 years ago

Mark,

I actually like the idea of special deals for War Room members. As long as they really are specials for WR members, and not just recycled offers made to everyone, everywhere, who's got enough Google Fu to find them.

Haven't looked at the current ones, so that's not a comment on them. Just my view of that particular change.

It's an addition, not something that's removed. But, if the perception is negative, the effect will be. And I think there's a developing tendency among the old-timers to view these changes in a suspicious light. I'm not sure that's warranted yet, but it seems to be there.

As far as the past... Allen didn't make a whole lot of changes in any given year, and they were always based on the good of the forum as a whole. Other than significant policy decisions and acting on recommendations for mods, he pretty much left us to our own discretion. The mods had worked out a system that kept things running, we didn't step on each other's roles, and we had each other's backs.

The members pretty much knew what we'd do in a specific circumstance. It's rarely 100% certain and clear-cut, but most members would make the same call as the mods on any given situation, so it worked.

It didn't hurt that we picked mods who had been members for a long time. The current crop includes two "newbies," meaning they've only been members for 4 years.

None of that is true any more. That's not a bad thing, it's just the new reality. And that leaves people wondering about things they haven't had to wonder about much for 17 years.

The folks who stopped to consider the implications of ownership by a publicly traded company saw this stuff coming immediately. The only real question is, are they thinking next quarter, next year, or long term?

If they take the view some have put out there, that the discussion sections are ancillary expenses and unimportant to the for sale sections, the place won't last. Including the "for sale" sections. It's long been a "market with a forum attached," but that doesn't mean it's a market that will survive without that attachment.

Thriving communities always depend on the loyalty of a core group. Let that erode too much and the community flounders. Getting it right again is never an easy task, and doing it from a corporate perspective is even harder.

Paul

[ 1 ] Thanks
1 reply

Signature

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

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9280308].message }}

sbucciarel

Banned 12 years ago

Originally Posted by Paul Myers

I actually like the idea of special deals for War Room members. As long as they really are specials for WR members, and not just recycled offers made to everyone, everywhere, who's got enough Google Fu to find them.

Haven't looked at the current ones, so that's not a comment on them. Just my view of that particular change.

It's an addition, not something that's removed. But, if the perception is negative, the effect will be. And I think there's a developing tendency among the old-timers to view these changes in a suspicious light. I'm not sure that's warranted yet, but it seems to be there.

...

If they take the view some have put out there, that the discussion sections are ancillary expenses and unimportant to the for sale sections, the place won't last. Including the "for sale" sections. It's long been a "market with a forum attached," but that doesn't mean it's a market that will survive without that attachment.

Thriving communities always depend on the loyalty of a core group. Let that erode too much and the community flounders. Getting it right again is never an easy task, and doing it from a corporate perspective is even harder.

Paul

I don't like it or dislike it, but to me, as an overall impression of it, it's just commercialization of a thread that was traditionally not commercial after you paid the fee to get in. Not only is it commercialization, the new owners and their partners are the only beneficiaries of that commercialization and their "partners" so far have been taken from the WAMA bunch. Nothing wrong with that, other than they don't interest me. Maybe others will be interested. I don't know.

Before it was sort of part of the WF culture ... a way to "give back." Now I'm not so stupid as to believe that there was absolutely no benefit to the thread starters, but it wasn't real obvious and it always stirred up good will and sense of community.

This new feature is a chip in that culture. It's the beginning of a change from non-commercial to commercial ... basically just a new and different form of sales thread.

I wasn't for or against the design. I was resigned to the fact that, in spite of a poll indicating that the majority didn't want or care about the WF design, they were going to do it anyway. I thought... well, I hope they do minimal damage to the feel of the WF, and for the most part, they did ... until those enormous butt ugly pics showed up on the front page. They are smaller now so they are less obtrusive, but don't hold up a pic of the new design as an offering of all the wonderful changes that have been made. Yeah, moving to the cloud ... good move, but the re-design ... that's something freelancer wanted, not us. We're here for years in a forum that has now been sold and there's a new boss in town. So we're the ones that have to just get used to it and hope for the long term continued health of a forum that we love.

Rearranging and changing names of forums and other small changes ... didn't bother me. Overall, I haven't been too negative about the changes. I think that many of us are going with the flow for the most part, but being who we are, we're not shy about voicing our opinions on the changes, and honestly, freelancer should expect that.

I'm just about resigned to the fact that a multi-million dollar corporation can't seem to come up with one single icon to represent participation in a hot thread and make it work. I'm resigned to the fact that search may never be quite the same ... that there will be missing little chunks or it just doesn't feel like finding any posts at all on a particular user.

I'm resigned to the fact that the bots that were effectively filtered are now back with a vengeance. I'm resigned to the fact that the crappy smilies and the goober cartoon are probably here to stay. [sigh]

[ 6 ] Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9280949].message }}

Alexa Smith Banned 12 years ago

I agree with all you say, Suzanne.

After all, it wasn't my $3Mill+ that was spent on the forum, and they get to do whatever they want. They were good to me over an issue that was important to me, and I'm instictively disposed to be friendly and supportive toward them.

I do think that it looks like there's a wealth of knowledge and experience and directly WF-related wisdom at their disposal to which they could, perhaps, pay more attention; and that in the long run that would probably even make things both easier and more profitable for them. But I don't promise that I'd do so much better, in their position (and I see that it isn't an easy position, for an "outsider", perhaps?). Very difficult to say much more than that, knowing nothing of their longer-term plans.
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9281173].message }}

Paul Myers

12 years ago

Kay,

I'd click on "thanks" but it seems thanks either still aren't working right or the number has been reduced per day. I've only used a couple this morning and I seem to be "out" again.

It appears to be working.

I can't imagine why they'd reduce the maximum number per day. It's been fine at the previous level for years. Taking away an interactive group feature like that wouldn't serve any useful purpose I can think of.

Paul

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

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

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9280314].message }}

Kay King 12 years ago

I was looking at it - and I think it's a glitch that happens if you get to a thread by less obvious path than clicking the section and then the thread title.
- Thanks
Signature

Saving one dog will not change the world - but the world changes forever for that one dog
***
One secret to happiness is to let every situation be
what it is instead of what you think it should be.
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9280430].message }}

lgibbon

Banned 12 years ago

Originally Posted by Kay King

The question is - why are spambot threads in the main forum and OT being left active for 5 hrs or more.

I think the mods are a bit too busy babysitting.

[ 2 ] Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9280641].message }}

HeySal

12 years ago

Well I don't know about anyone else - but I've come in a few times now and the spam was porn spam. The place just felt creepy and I left. We've got our own favorite community looking and acting like a very bad impersonation of digital point. I don't like it. It's not the first place I've loved to come until it was taken over by corporate interests. They see something pulling in the big bucks and want that -- but they've not one iota of a clue why it has worked the way it has, and they destroy it. The WF feeling I've had coming in here for the last decade is gone already. They need to move fast if they're going to save the place in any way that keeps the original ethos in place.

[ 1 ] Thanks
3 replies

Signature

Sal
When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
Beyond the Path

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9281214].message }}

Karen Blundell 12 years ago

you know it's always the same bs when corps take over something good -

a similar thing happened to a game I love to play - a corp acquired it and now everything about the game has become a cash grab - players leaving in droves -

and now here I already feel like many people are going - I am afraid I'll come here one day - and all the great people I've know will be gone
- Thanks
Signature
---------------
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9281244].message }}

MissTerraK

12 years ago

Originally Posted by HeySal

Well I don't know about anyone else - but I've come in a few times now and the spam was porn spam. The place just felt creepy and I left. We've got our own favorite community looking and acting like a very bad impersonation of digital point. I don't like it. It's not the first place I've loved to come until it was taken over by corporate interests. They see something pulling in the big bucks and want that -- but they've not one iota of a clue why it has worked the way it has, and they destroy it. The WF feeling I've had coming in here for the last decade is gone already. They need to move fast if they're going to save the place in any way that keeps the original ethos in place.

I agree with you, Sal.

Almost every time I come back to visit, I feel like I'm in some sci-fi movie/novel where all of the regulars at my favorite lounge have mysteriously disappeared but a few, and those that are MIA have been replaced with people that may look like people, but you just know that something is off. There is something creepy in the air, but you need an extra sense to pick up on it. You know, the extra sense that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up on end.

You slowly stroll about the place very cautiously because you somehow know something is about to happen, you just don't know exactly what or when.

I keep expecting to hear something like this at any moment...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3BPx2lt6E0&list=PL...

Lexi was right though. It is their lounge now and they can do whatever they please with it.

Anyway, we can always go to Ken's even though your footsteps echo when you walk the halls, lol!

It's a little slow right now, but we can always help fill it up.

Terra

[ 1 ] Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9281274].message }}

sbucciarel

Banned 12 years ago

Originally Posted by HeySal

Well I don't know about anyone else - but I've come in a few times now and the spam was porn spam.

There's always been porn spam, even after Scott's filter was in place, some would slip through. I've reported my fair share of porn spam. It's not as frequent as the other spam, but it does come in.

RE SPAM: Hasn't been any bot spam coming in for a few hours now. Maybe they finally got something in place, or the bots are down for repair and reload. We'll see. Maybe bot operators take Sunday night off. Who knows?

Originally Posted by Floyd Fisher

It's getting better. I just reported a couple of spam websites, and someone took them down within minutes.

My biggest beef is waiting 60 seconds between reports....why?

I noticed that too. There's someone fast and aggressive on tonight. Reported a serial ad spammer and they were gone in seconds.

As for the 60 seconds, I'm sure it's an email/server overload thing. Can't have everyone reporting every few seconds.

PS: Spoke too soon. Michael Kors just arrived back in town.

As for bailing on the WF ... not a chance. It's got a long way to go before I would consider that. At most, some changes are annoying, some are inevitable, some I'll get over quickly. The people are still here and most aren't going anywhere any time soon.

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9281303].message }}

Richard Van

12 years ago

I logged in and there was no spam, woohoo! Read this thread, went back and there are 6 fresh spam threads.

It is their ship though and they can sink it as they please.

I just wish they wouldn't.

Edit. Fair play, those 6 threads are gone again.

[ 1 ] Thanks
1 reply

Signature

Wibble, bark, my old man's a mushroom etc...

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9281933].message }}

Alaister

12 years ago

Hi everyone,

This is something we're working on right now.
I wrote an update in this thread as well.

http://www.warriorforum.com/suggesti...t-replies.html

[ 7 ] Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9282049].message }}

ThomM

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Alaister

Hi everyone,

This is something we're working on right now.
I wrote an update in this thread as well.

http://www.warriorforum.com/suggesti...t-replies.html

Thanks Alaister.
I still report spam daily. I figure you all don't like it as much as we don't and that you where probably working on a solution.

Now on to the really important issue.
Can we please have our old smilies back

[ 4 ] Thanks
1 reply

Signature

Life: Nature's way of keeping meat fresh
Getting old ain't for sissy's
As you are I was, as I am you will be
You can't fix stupid, but you can always out smart it.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9283666].message }}

Khemosabi

12 years ago

Originally Posted by ThomM

Thanks Alaister.
I still report spam daily. I figure you all don't like it as much as we don't and that you where probably working on a solution.

Now on to the really important issue.
Can we please have our old smilies back

And perhaps a way to turn off that damned social icon thingy? I understand why it's there, but seriously... how many times does a user actually click on it in a visit?

Oh, and my vote is for some cooler smilies too. You are now a big ol' corporate entity, no longer the little tiny Warrior Forum

and all you can come up with is something that looks like Outlook made...... wait, nevermind.

~ Theresa

[ 2 ] Thanks
1 reply

Signature

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9284472].message }}

Kay King 12 years ago

how many times does a user actually click on it in a visit?

...like....never....ever....?

I find myself using the new smilies because I feel sorry for them - they are but a shadow of their previous robust selves.
- [ 2 ] Thanks
- 1 reply
Signature

Saving one dog will not change the world - but the world changes forever for that one dog
***
One secret to happiness is to let every situation be
what it is instead of what you think it should be.
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9284553].message }}
- Khemosabi 12 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by Kay King
  
  ...like....never....ever....?
  
  I find myself using the new smilies because I feel sorry for them - they are but a shadow of their previous robust selves.
  
  Gosh Kay, now I feel all bad. I really never intended on hurting their feelings. Perhaps I will take them all out for a beer, you know, kind of like a "hey, we're here for you guys" type thing!
  
  ~ Theresa
  
  EDIT: Took all the smilies out for a beer. All were promptly kicked out for not being able to hold their alcohol.
  Embarassing!!!!
  
  ~ Theresa
  
  [ 9 ] Thanks
  
  1 reply
  
  Signature
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9284742].message }}
  
  Alexa Smith Banned 12 years ago
  
  To be honest, there are one or two them who need a bit more than just a beer, I think. The yellow one might be beyond that: I think he has hepatitis and rampant anemia, and probably needs hospital admission ...
  
  [ 5 ] Thanks
  
  1 reply
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9285524].message }}
  
  Kay King 12 years ago
  
  I've adopted the little pale blue icon. He seems shy and retiring with a crooked grin that's like "what ya gonna do"?
  
  [ 2 ] Thanks
  
  Signature
  
  Saving one dog will not change the world - but the world changes forever for that one dog
  ***
  One secret to happiness is to let every situation be
  what it is instead of what you think it should be.
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9286052].message }}

Floyd Fisher

12 years ago

It's getting better. I just reported a couple of spam websites, and someone took them down within minutes.

My biggest beef is waiting 60 seconds between reports....why?

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9281297].message }}

barbling

12 years ago

Best of skill there. 'Tis lousy that spammers would try to ruin this community but I have confidence they will not win.

Thanks

Signature

==> My Latest! <<
==> Zero Cost MMO eClass! <<

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9282343].message }}

waterotter

12 years ago

Lol Theresa, I love your sig!!!

[ 2 ] Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9284582].message }}

HeySal

12 years ago

Suzanne - the spam would have to be continual for me to actually completely bail, too. I still come in - but if the spam is outrageous, I just go elsewhere and try again later. Who knows, though - it's hard to predict what changes are coming down the pikes so I like to keep a back up place where I'm already at least a little settled into just in case. Never know when we'll need it.

[ 1 ] Thanks

Signature

Sal
When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
Beyond the Path

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9287634].message }}

Mark Singletary

12 years ago

Gotta say that the last couple days has been a lot better. I've reported 3-4 blatant spam posts but it seems to be headed the right direction for now.

Thanks.
Mark

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9294838].message }}

lgibbon Banned 12 years ago

Originally Posted by Mark Singletary

Gotta say that the last couple days has been a lot better.

You spoke too soon Mark.
The OT is full of it again.
- Thanks
- 1 reply
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9296464].message }}
- Mark Singletary 12 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by lgibbon
  
  You spoke too soon Mark.
  The OT is full of it again.
  
  Saw that. My bad. Note to self: Check back in a month and then comment about whether we are heading the right direction or not with the spam.
  
  Mark
  
  Thanks
  
  1 reply
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9296480].message }}
  
  lgibbon Banned 11 years ago
  
  Still no improvement, especially at the weekend.
  
  Thanks
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9371036].message }}

no mods - spamfest

Trending Topics

Content Relevance vs Backlinks: Which One Is Really Winning Today?

Memory training for poker players

Don't set new years resolutions

Why 2026 could be the year of anti-AI marketing

How to add Backlink ? I am under thread of losing the job