Author Topic: NOTICE TO MEMBERS: SPAM POSTINGS (Read 1790 times)

Preacherman · « **on:** June 18, 2006, 05:45:14 AM »

Thanks to all of you who reported the spam postings for online casinos in some threads. I've banned the IP address and e-mail concerned.

Unfortunately, PunBB software, as used on APS, does not allow us to prohibit postings by non-members without making APS a registration-only board: in other words, you'd have to log in every time to read it, instead of being able to browse without logging in. If we went this route, we'd force spammers to register, and could then ban them: but it would make casual access to the board more laborious.

So, over to you. There are a couple of things we can do.

1. Leave things as they are, and put up with some spam traffic.

2. Convert APS to a login-only forum, which would mean it could not be read without registering.

Which would you prefer? Please post in this thread, and I'll discuss it with Oleg.

Many thanks.

Ben · « **Reply #1 on:** June 18, 2006, 05:52:33 AM »

I have no problem with login only access for APS. As it is now, I just have it remember me at home, and take the 15 seconds to type in my username / password at work. I never login anonymously, because I want to use the "new posts" feature.

Were this THR, I might have a problem with it, since one of the cornerstones of that forum is allowing non-gunnies to see what we're all about. Registration there could keep a lot of people from "trying before they buy". I look at APS as something more of a club -- everyone is welcome, but we keep a "registration bouncer" at the front door to sort out (some

) of the rabble.

Nightfall · « **Reply #2 on:** June 18, 2006, 05:59:44 AM »

I've no problem with login only either. I'm auto-logged in on this PC anyhow.

cosine · « **Reply #3 on:** June 18, 2006, 06:09:34 AM »

I browse a lot without logging in, but if I had to log in it's no big deal. A couple other boards I belong to make you log in to read them. On the other hand, a couple of spam posts don't really bother me.

Well, spam is annoying...

Make the board login-only if you have to to keep the spam off of it.

K Frame · « **Reply #4 on:** June 18, 2006, 06:11:14 AM »

For now, maintain status quo.

This is what, only the second or third spam attack since the board fired up?

If it becomes an ongoing issue, then it will be time to act.

Guest · « **Reply #5 on:** June 18, 2006, 06:47:29 AM »

Either way suits me. As a longtime Annonymember, it will just force me to be less lazy and create a real account.

Headless Thompson Gunner · « **Reply #6 on:** June 18, 2006, 07:42:14 AM »

Another vote for status quo. The spam isn't bothersome. Let's wait until it becomes a real problem before doing anything different.

Please tell me the software isn't really called "PunBB"...

Ex-MA Hole · « **Reply #7 on:** June 18, 2006, 07:46:35 AM »

Makes no nevermind.

Chuck Dye · « **Reply #8 on:** June 18, 2006, 07:59:13 AM »

Groan! I, for one, had no idea that this hasnt always been a required registration board.

You tempt me, sir. You tempt me!

Iain · « **Reply #9 on:** June 18, 2006, 08:04:27 AM »

Agree with Mike, leave as it is for now if non-registered members cannot read the board as stated in option 2.

I always get a little irritated when trying to find information from a forum if I have to register to read anything there.

Werewolf · « **Reply #10 on:** June 18, 2006, 08:24:24 AM »

Another vote for machts nichts...

I'm auto-logged in anyway and didn't know that one could post without logging in.

What ever you guys decide is fine by me.

Felonious Monk/Fignozzle · « **Reply #11 on:** June 18, 2006, 08:41:29 AM »

Quote from: Iain

Agree with Mike, leave as it is for now if non-registered members cannot read the board as stated in option 2.

I always get a little irritated when trying to find information from a forum if I have to register to read anything there.

My vote, too.

HForrest · « **Reply #12 on:** June 18, 2006, 09:29:45 AM »

I'll vote to leave as is if/until the spam problem becomes worse. I'm usually logged in anyway, but it just seems unnecessary at this point to make the posting login-only.

280plus · « **Reply #13 on:** June 18, 2006, 01:19:09 PM »

Yea, what mike said...

RadioFreeSeaLab · « **Reply #14 on:** June 18, 2006, 07:55:45 PM »

Either way works for me.

m1911owner · « **Reply #15 on:** June 18, 2006, 10:24:23 PM »

I think that is is a good thing for people to be able to browse without becoming members of the board. So I too would like the status quo to remain, unless the spammers become a serious problem.

Antibubba · « **Reply #16 on:** June 19, 2006, 03:04:43 AM »

Truthfully, Ive never seen the spam.

And I'm not sure what a format change would look like. But I'd have no problem with a "login to read it" site. This isn't the High Road, although the civility level is still pretty high. I just feel less need here to set an example for posters and curious alike.

roo_ster · « **Reply #17 on:** June 19, 2006, 05:38:15 AM »

I would suggest status quo unless the spamming becomes a big nuisance.

Also, I would support legislation calling for the tarring & feathering of spammers, wherever they might be. A bounty might help.

Nathaniel Firethorn · « **Reply #18 on:** June 19, 2006, 11:03:05 AM »

I don't see how logging in to read would help the problem unless posting was protected by captchas.

I hate captchas.

- NF

Mabs2 · « **Reply #19 on:** June 20, 2006, 02:44:12 PM »

I generally hate having to login to read a forum (I browse away from home occasionally), but if it'll stop spammers then it's justifiable.
<3

jefnvk · « **Reply #20 on:** June 20, 2006, 05:33:06 PM »

Haven't seen the spam, but am always logged in anyways.

Phyphor · « **Reply #21 on:** June 25, 2006, 03:14:06 PM »

I'm always logged in, too.

I vote that you mods post the IP addresses of those who spam.... and then when something happens.... uh oops?

(hehehe)

Third_Rail · « **Reply #22 on:** June 25, 2006, 04:00:09 PM »

Install phpBB - it can be read-only, until you log in. That's what I figured out for my forums, anyway!

AmbulanceDriver · « **Reply #23 on:** June 25, 2006, 11:01:48 PM »

I'm gonna go with option 3, install phpBB as well. (Thanks Third_Rail)

Seriously though, I think that if things get way out of hand with the spam, then we need to make it login only (if changing software isn't an option, that is). Otherwise, leave the status quo.

News:

Author Topic: NOTICE TO MEMBERS: SPAM POSTINGS (Read 1790 times)

Guest

Chuck Dye

Felonious Monk/Fignozzle

HForrest