Don't know if this is possible...stupid spammers

[Tweak155]

We have another instance of someone joining just to spam their site (dead giveaway when they fake a signature line & signature)...

Just how we have a 25 post minimum to do FS/FT (I think it is 25)... maybe we should have a 25 post minimum before we can start putting hyperlinks in our posts. Even better would be 100

 

[007ELmO]

I have reproted several spam accounts myself, I like Tweak's idea for resolution.

 

[taq8ojh]

I have to bump this. Over the past several days I noticed some new account posting either flat out spam crap or just completely retarded meaningless posts (I assume there is a # posts requirement before you can post links).

 

[ViRGE]

(I assume there is a # posts requirement before you can post links).

There is not a requirement to post links, nor will there be. The AT Forums are primarily help forums, so preventing users from using links is antithetical to that mission (even if it means we get more spam).

 

[taq8ojh]

But when you think about it, there is not much need for a new member to post any links at all. Problem->question->answer is all that's needed.

 

[alkemyst]

But when you think about it, there is not much need for a new member to post any links at all. Problem->question->answer is all that's needed.

Except our members will often throw links at even a seasoned poster and add in a Google it first comment.

Most of the spam here is limited to a post or few before shut down.

This is not an elitist type of forum IMHO. People are pushing it that way though and often they don't really contribute much.

 

[ViRGE]

But when you think about it, there is not much need for a new member to post any links at all. Problem->question->answer is all that's needed.

It depends on the forum. The generally accepted protocol for GH, for example, is for foreigners to link to the items they're considering so that other posters get some idea of the relative price and the price of competitive items.

Ultimately we'd rather run down a bit of extra spam than to make this place less friendly to people seeking help.

 

[taq8ojh]

You have a point there. I am just a bit afraid because of what I have seen on other forums over all the years.

 

[007ELmO]

this is an elitist forum!!! its like AVS. I'm not going to say more. This forum is a nice community but it definitely has an elitist side almost as bad as AVS.

 

[Sheep221]

this is an elitist forum!!! its like AVS. I'm not going to say more. This forum is a nice community but it definitely has an elitist side almost as bad as AVS.

This forum is quite friendly and well moderated so I don't think it's an issue.

btw, I don't notice much spam, if any, it will probably happens through the day and gets cleaned by the evening which is the only time in day I visit forums. If you see too much spam threads you are probably also spend too much time here.

 

[alkemyst]

Sadly, I think it's not so much elitism as rampant trolling or "I am going to find you" type stuff.

IMHO as a trading forum everyone should have had to register the same way/keep the same credentials on tap.

AVS does have some elitists, many from there I met in real life. Quite a few think nothing of dropping $10k in a weekend on some upgrade maybe 1 in 1000 would notice in their already epic systems.

My Klipsch Quartet/Academy setup (with a Yamaha receiver and PSB surrounds originally) came from an AVS member. He had that in his 'least used' guest room and was updating them all. He pushed all his stuff down. In his 'most used' guest room he was spending over $10k (this was in 1995, I didn't realize later he was a member) on just the turntable. I don't know the rest of the details, he is secretive. Even the shop owner wouldn't share what he buys. All I know is he much younger than me and at that time I was 26 and I think he may have been 18-21. He arrived via a driver and had an addition cargo vehicle to take his toys home. Sadly, the guy that owned that shop died way to young from a crippling disease. Literally, within 5 years he went from his prime to a guy wheelchair bound and losing function. We ran into each other (me with a g/f not the wife I bought from him with, but his pretty wife was still by his side), he told me the details and how he probably won't be around longer. It was sad.

 

[taq8ojh]

I fail to see how this terribly sad realy shocking story has anything to do with spammers on Anandtech.

 

[alkemyst]

I fail to see how this terribly sad realy shocking story has anything to do with spammers on Anandtech.

It was about elitist types, not spammers.

However; the OP's post is not really about spammers either in this.

 

[taq8ojh]

I just had another thought. How about making the registration process a bit more "complicated" in such way it requires some intellect (normal people should have that) and basic english skills (everyone who comes to forums most definitely has that as well) to get through?
Those spammers as of late are no bots, most probably some chinese people who are able to do click click copy/paste.

 

[007ELmO]

....chinese?

 

[taq8ojh]

Of course. These are all chinese (or whatever else in the East Asia region).

 

[Tweak155]

Surprised there was discussion on this ~2mos after I posted it.

If the link just appears as text, I think this would defeat the spammers purpose. Once the post count for that user reaches 10 let's say, they become hyperlinks. Therefor new members can still post a link, but we have to copy paste (or highlight and right click depending on your browser) only until they reach 10. Or even 5 posts would help over nothing.

Ultimately you are encouraging membership rather than discouraging, but I think anyone actually interested in continual participation will make the effort to reach 10 posts.

Another side of this view is to consider those that WANT to see the forum thrive - ultimately the more ideal member who will continue to add to the forum and provides more content value to Anandtech. If your goal is only to appeal to new members, you may eventually start losing those who really help add the content which lands hits for google searches.

Not that I see anyone leaving over spam (at least at the current rate), it's just something to consider.

Alternatively, let me delete spam when I see it