Why so much spam?

[dawnwes]

This site seems to get more than any other forum I am on and today I saw something I wish, wish, wish I hadn't seen.

Why this site?

[Koolio]

This site seems to get more than any other forum I am on and today I saw something I wish, wish, wish I hadn't seen.

Why this site?

I don't know, but it's out of control. When I logged in last night I got a message that my former account was banned. (Koolmagicguy). I never broke a rule. Sent a message to the admins but I highly doubt they will even read it. DisneySteve is also banned and he had over 1000 posts. What a joke.

[disneysteve]

I don't know, but it's out of control. When I logged in last night I got a message that my former account was banned. (Koolmagicguy). I never broke a rule. Sent a message to the admins but I highly doubt they will even read it. DisneySteve is also banned and he had over 1000 posts. What a joke.

My banning was accidental and I think I actually did it myself (I'm a site moderator). It's been fixed, obviously.

As for the spam, it is out of control. They've changed something with their software and I have no idea why they can't fix it. I'm on other forums and this is the only one that is overrun by spam. I think it is starting to turn people away from coming here unfortunately.

[Koolio]

My banning was accidental and I think I actually did it myself (I'm a site moderator). It's been fixed, obviously.

My Koolmagicguy account is still banned with all my posts deleted. Any way to reverse that?

You have been banned for the following reason:
No reason was specified.

Date the ban will be lifted: Never

This is a new account. Unfortunately it took me about 20 seconds to make a new account. If it took longer, say with email confirmation required, it might make for less spam.

[disneysteve]

My Koolmagicguy account is still banned with all my posts deleted. Any way to reverse that?

Use the Contact Us link at the bottom of every page.

Also, post a message to this blog post:

http://joanofthearch.savingadvice.com/2015/12/12/im-just-going-to-say-it_206830/

[dawnwes]

My banning was accidental and I think I actually did it myself (I'm a site moderator). It's been fixed, obviously.

As for the spam, it is out of control. They've changed something with their software and I have no idea why they can't fix it. I'm on other forums and this is the only one that is overrun by spam. I think it is starting to turn people away from coming here unfortunately.

If what I saw this morning continues to crop up, I may leave myself. I just don't want to see that.

[amastewa93]

Hi guys! I am concerned myself about the levels of spam. It seems as we are trying to fix other parts of the site (the blank screen), some of our spam filters are getting knocked down.

As far as the banning, I sincerely apologize. I am not sure what happened there - and as we are fixing the site up, the "Contact Us" tab is still going elsewhere (not to myself or the new owner of the site). I will go in and try and figure out what I can do about this. If you all have any comments, questions concerns, please feel free to email me directly: amanda@districtmediafinance.com

[amastewa93]

I don't know, but it's out of control. When I logged in last night I got a message that my former account was banned. (Koolmagicguy). I never broke a rule. Sent a message to the admins but I highly doubt they will even read it. DisneySteve is also banned and he had over 1000 posts. What a joke.

"Koolmagicguy" should be restored. Let me know if it works for you!

[ginene]

I thought the site was hacked at first and afraid to get on. I hope they fix it soon. I usually read posts without logging in but when I do log on I click new posts and it was crazy. I wonder if adding captions between posts will help temporarily until the issue is fixed or banning ip addresses from spammed so they can't create another account? Just guessing as I don't know much about fixing spam.

[amastewa93]

I thought the site was hacked at first and afraid to get on. I hope they fix it soon. I usually read posts without logging in but when I do log on I click new posts and it was crazy. I wonder if adding captions between posts will help temporarily until the issue is fixed or banning ip addresses from spammed so they can't create another account? Just guessing as I don't know much about fixing spam.

It is definitely a top-priority concern for us...much of the spam is getting posted while the team is fast asleep (overnight or early morning). We are also banning IP addresses. We are working to get it under control. I hate to see it as much as you all!

[disneysteve]

Ironically, I've already had to delete 3 spam messages from this very thread.

[Like2Plan]

I also find the the spam irritating.
It seems a lot of the spam is from first time posters. I know some boards require moderator approval before someone is allowed to post. Might that be an option here?

[Nutria]

It is definitely a top-priority concern for us...much of the spam is getting posted while the team is fast asleep (overnight or early morning). We are also banning IP addresses. We are working to get it under control. I hate to see it as much as you all!

How about requiring e-mail confirmation? And presumably you're doing some form of CAPTCHA at registration time?

Or are these Indians in sweatshops mechanically spamming away?

Requiring first post moderation would help with that.

[disneysteve]

Ironically, I've already had to delete 3 spam messages from this very thread.

Just deleted 2 more.

[disneysteve]

I also find the the spam irritating.
It seems a lot of the spam is from first time posters. I know some boards require moderator approval before someone is allowed to post. Might that be an option here?

ALL of the spam is from first-time posters. I don't think I've ever seen spam from anyone who was an established user. Clearly, something needs to change in the registration process. It can't be a 30-second process to set up an account and start posting.