Spam: Its whats for dinner

[Mr T]

Can someone remind me again why we have open access for unregistered users?

Does this board system offer a feature to require unregistered users to have thier posts approved first? I think i have heard of this feature on other BBS's.

It wouldnt totally block unregistered users. However it would be wise to then enact a simple email validation on registrations. (since a email is required anyways).

As we get more popular, and larger boards and email servers crack down more on spam....I dont see the spamming going away on its own.

[dkerr]

I have been trying to stay away from forced registration.

Give me the link to the threads (spam) you are refering to..

Some people may have the fear that we may send an inspector there way if the leave any tracks such as registration info and be afraid to ask for help for that reason. Although we would not be doing that, that may not help the fear to someone. IP addresses are left regardless if the post was made by a guest or registered user. People may also fear being put on a mailing list or spamed.

Not asking a question may end up putting someone in danger by not having the correct info.

I prefer keeping the forums open as much as possible at least for now this may also actually help put us ahead of our competing sites.

Don

[Mr T]

Theres been about 6 "news headlines" posted in various rooms over the last 2 days. (sorry dont have links as they aren showin up on my new list anymore). THere are a few that are titled about GM, and one titled about a shark attack.

That makes good sense on your reasons. I dont know if it is available on your board system (seems to have every other "feature" known to man :o ). But if you had a way to approve unregistered posts. It wouldnt stop anyone from posting (who should be). THe "important" people seem to be on here daily, so there wouldnt me that much delay in their posts. (I"d even be willing to help out).

I'm not beeing doomsday or anything, but I'm predicting that this spam probablem wont be going away, but will be increasing. Email spam is getting to be wortless due to filters. So they are going to be looking for other ways to pass their junk around. Next stops, Instant messages (including text messages on cell phones that WE pay for), and public bulletin boards.

(If anyone ever gets a chance to voice opinion on this cell phone phonebook they wanna publish.. make sure you say NO! Text messages are becoming a standard feature that you cant disable...and guess who's dime its on...ours....)

[flickit]

I have been trying to stay away from forced registration.

Give me the link to the threads (spam) you are refering to..

Some people may have the fear that we may send an inspector there way if the leave any tracks such as registration info and be afraid to ask for help for that reason. Although we would not be doing that, that may not help the fear to someone. IP addresses are left regardless if the post was made by a guest or registered user. People may also fear being put on a mailing list or spamed.

Not asking a question may end up putting someone in danger by not having the correct info.

I prefer keeping the forums open as much as possible at least for now this may also actually help put us ahead of our competing sites.

Don
...the moderators the power to delete such postings as:
http://www.selfhelpforums.com/showthread.php?t=3974