Bot Deterrent suggestions thread

Exerias · #1 (**permalink**) 07-30-2009, 12:12 PM

Ad-bot posts to existing and otherwise worthwhile threads have become a common occurrence within our little community. And while the allure of Prada handbags and bootlegged Nikes at foreign wholesaler prices cannot be denied, I posit that they are neither appreciated nor integral to the success and function of these forums.

Given that I have never maintained a web-based forum, I am not sure what tools are at hand to deter or eliminate the presence of these ad-bots. Nevertheless, this is the internet, and my lack of experience will in no way keep me from submitting baseless and retarded ideas. So post your suggestions; here's mine:

Phase 1: Password protect each forum.

Phase 2: Post the password on the main page, or within the title of each forum. For example, "General Discussion" would become "General Discussion (pw: WTFMAN)"

Phase 3: Profit

ImaBovine · #2 (**permalink**) 07-31-2009, 06:47 AM

I think that NH has it set to send en email to verify correct email address and Captcha turned on the register.. But I think I agree with the password for the forums or either make it to where each member has to be verified by NH in order to start posting via an email or a PM on the forums. You could pretty much not grant any privs to users that have names like 23048723407 and asdkfjwer032ur.

Even though we don't really see a whole lot of gold or other useless spam, it does seem to come in pretty heavy spurts. There are days that go by and you don't even see any spammers being born (ie registered). But then there are days where you see 4 or 5 new ones register and get ready for their spamming activities.

At least everyone on this site is smart enough not to click on the links (or at least I hope so) and get your PC infected with all sorts of Spyware.

I report all the posts that I see, but NH is usually on top of it.

I especially love the bots that post in my Chinese bot post in the Anger Management forum. Just proves it is just some program posting to every thread it can to drop it's payload of virus/spyware infected links.

For example: 0704570676 was born at 2:57AM this morning. I am sure we would see spam from this "user" tomorrow or the next day. They usually register and then don't come back for a day or 2.

Exerias · #3 (**permalink**) 07-31-2009, 10:06 AM

I like the verification by Nighthawk idea. There are probably more bots registering for accounts than there are actual new members, so it should cut down on the amount of work he'd have to do in terms of deleting posts vs. reading PM's and granting privileges.

ziggeh · #4 (**permalink**) 07-31-2009, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Exerias

I like the verification by Nighthawk idea. There are probably more bots registering for accounts than there are actual new members, so it should cut down on the amount of work he'd have to do in terms of deleting posts vs. reading PM's and granting privileges.

While I think that something should be done, I dont think that we should limit peoples ability to access the forums or make it ridiculously inconvenient to do so. Since IPY and GTA more recently there is a steady decline in posting which Ive noticed through the years. Everytime theres something to talk about everyone comes out of the woodwork. So yeah dont limit access but perhaps do something to prevent bots, or atleast remove their posts. Maybe give someone limited power to remove certain posts (someone who is here consistently and has some maturity :P)

P.S. you got the phase 1,2,3 from southpark right?
Phase 1: collect underpants
Phase 2:
Phase 3: profit

lol.