New Anti-Spam measures

[Absent Minded]

Today Mez added some new anti-spam measures that we believe will help this forum out quite a bit. Big applaud for Mez!

Thank you Mez.

We have already seen a large reduction in the spam-bots making posts. Nothing is 100% effective but I believe this anti-spam measure will go a long way in helping eliminate our current spam problem.

[vbrummond]

Awesome. Thanks a lot!

[Randicus]

Finally! Three cheers. Hip, hip, horray!
Full speed ahead and leave the spam bots in the dust!

[rivenathos]

This is excellent news. Thanks, Mez!

[Bulkley]

Today Mez added some new anti-spam measures that we believe will help this forum out quite a bit. Big applaud for Mez!

Excellent!

Nothing is 100% effective but I believe this anti-spam measure will go a long way in helping eliminate our current spam problem.

Anti-spam mods will reduce the problem to a level that is easily handled by moderators.

Thank you Mez.

[nadir]

I would have seen a reason for a thanks 1 and half a year ago.
In other words: When the spam problem first got out of hand, was mentioned in a thread, where possible solutions were proposed (and ignored, for said time).

[cynwulf]

I would have seen a reason for a thanks 1 and half a year ago.
In other words: When the spam problem first got out of hand, was mentioned in a thread, where possible solutions were proposed (and ignored, for said time).

Unfortunately this is true.

[Absent Minded]

I would have seen a reason for a thanks 1 and half a year ago.
In other words: When the spam problem first got out of hand, was mentioned in a thread, where possible solutions were proposed (and ignored, for said time).

Unfortunately this is true.

While it is long over due and I understand some of our members are resentful about how long, still, now is much better than not at all.

[vbrummond]

Late is better than never. I can't bring myself to worry about what is past.

[dasein]

Just out of curiosity, I looked to see what these new anti-spam measures looked like.

On the initial signup screen at least, there is a second "anti-spam" question. Unfortunately, it looks like it'll prove to be just exactly as easy to spoof via script as the old "what is the middle number?" doodad (which is still in place).

I fear that the current respite may prove to be at best a temporary lull until the bot writers update their automated signup script(s).

[Mez]

Just out of curiosity, I looked to see what these new anti-spam measures looked like.

On the initial signup screen at least, there is a second "anti-spam" question. Unfortunately, it looks like it'll prove to be just exactly as easy to spoof via script as the old "what is the middle number?" doodad (which is still in place).

I fear that the current respite may prove to be at best a temporary lull until the bot writers update their automated signup script(s).

That second question was added a while ago - and before the anti-spam measures.

Have a look @ the timezone selection - and/or try registering with a known spammers details (stopforumspam.com)

[4D696B65]

Just out of curiosity, I looked to see what these new anti-spam measures looked like.

On the initial signup screen at least, there is a second "anti-spam" question. Unfortunately, it looks like it'll prove to be just exactly as easy to spoof via script as the old "what is the middle number?" doodad (which is still in place).

I fear that the current respite may prove to be at best a temporary lull until the bot writers update their automated signup script(s).

It's more than that. We now use a blacklist compiled by forums around the world.

[Absent Minded]

Just out of curiosity, I looked to see what these new anti-spam measures looked like.

On the initial signup screen at least, there is a second "anti-spam" question. Unfortunately, it is just exactly as easy to spoof via script as the old "what is the middle number?" doodad (which is still in place).

I fear that the current respite may prove to be at best a temporary lull until the bot writers update their automated signup script(s).

While the signup stuff has not changed much, there is now a database of known spammers (not sure if that is IP or URL or both really) that is dynamically updated by this board as well as others that use this plugin across the internet. For example each time we use our new counter measures on a previously unknown spammer, that database is updated so other boards can benifit from our efforts as we also benifit from their efforts.

[thanatos_incarnate]

I've seen a thing recently where users have to play a simple game in order to start a download.
It was as simple as "put the banana in the basket" and there were other items to choose from.

Could something like that be implemented here?

[dasein]

... there is now a database of known spammers ...that is dynamically updated by this board as well as others ...

Ah, so the new anti-spam measure(s) is/are something akin to a distributed blacklist. That's a hopeful sign.