Linux Format forums

bobthebob1234 · Posted: Mon Aug 01, 2011 4:59 pm Post subject: Lack of spam

How does this forum seem to have so little spam?

I have a little forum and I get inundated with spam users and posts daily. I'm running the latest version of phpbb, with anti spam image on and email activation!

I might have to move to admin activation soon if this keeps up!
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For certain you have to be lost to find the places that can't be found. Elseways, everyone would know where it was

heiowge · Posted: Mon Aug 01, 2011 6:28 pm Post subject:

I admin one site and moderate another. My site doesn't get spammers because we restrict registration. The one I moderate on gets spam all the time, but new users have to go through a period where all posts are vetted by me. Any I don't like get disapproved and admin gets a PM off me about it.
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AMD PHENOM II X6, 14 GB DDR3, 500 GB hd, 1GB nVidia card, running Linux Mint 14 KDE / Win 7. Damn thing keeps breaking.

eeepc 1015PX, 1.66 Ghz Intel atom processor, 2 GB DDR3, 320 GB hd running Mint 14 MATE. Running great.

Rhakios · Posted: Mon Aug 01, 2011 7:59 pm Post subject: Re: Lack of spam

M-Saunders · Moderator Joined: Mon Apr 11, 2005 1:14 pm Posts: 2883

Lo,

1) Add nofollow to all links, so that spamming links is pointless for SEO (spammers are usually too stupid to understand this, but it makes their work redundant at least)

2) Stop people posting links in signatures entirely

3) When signing up, have a spam-detector question relating to the subject of the forum (eg if it's about Doctor Who, have a pic of a Dalek and ask "What is this?")

Even then, you might be the target of spam. I've seen a very sad spreadsheet used by "SEO companies" (read: spamming pieces of crap) with a list of forums, including this one, and details of how to spam it (eg "Register, wait a day, post something in Off Topic, wait a week, add link")

If an SEO company has put your forum on its spreadsheet, you're kinda doomed for now, as 10,000 people in Asia will be "working" for the SEO company, signing up for 50 Yahoo Mail accounts each to create usernames and post links.

I've uncovered a lot of SEO companies that just employ people in Asia to spam links on sites. If anyone reading this works for an SEO company, go die in a fire. You do nothing to make this world better.

M

M-Saunders · Moderator Joined: Mon Apr 11, 2005 1:14 pm Posts: 2883

Here's the spreadsheet:

http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/3313/spammerz.png

This is how "SEO consultants" etc. operate. Big lists of ways to waste everyone's time. In fact, a fiery death is too quick for them.

M

heiowge · Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2011 11:29 am Post subject:

That sucks. Is that a complete list? If not, is there a more thorough list available?
_________________
AMD PHENOM II X6, 14 GB DDR3, 500 GB hd, 1GB nVidia card, running Linux Mint 14 KDE / Win 7. Damn thing keeps breaking.

eeepc 1015PX, 1.66 Ghz Intel atom processor, 2 GB DDR3, 320 GB hd running Mint 14 MATE. Running great.

M-Saunders · Moderator Joined: Mon Apr 11, 2005 1:14 pm Posts: 2883

That's just one list from one "SEO consultant". I'm sure there are many, many more doing the rounds.

M

ollie · Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2011 12:40 pm Post subject: Re: Lack of spam

M-Saunders · Moderator Joined: Mon Apr 11, 2005 1:14 pm Posts: 2883

Yeah, I should also give credit to the busy moderators here who, during really bad times, kept on top of the spam really well. Thanks everyone! I'd buy you all a beer, but I don't know where you are, so I'll buy the beers and drink them myself.

M

ollie · Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2011 1:32 pm Post subject:

Thanks, it can be quite humorous at times of high spamming. Make sure you have an icy cold Australian beer for me!

nelz · Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2011 6:03 pm Post subject:

bobthebob1234 · Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2011 6:08 pm Post subject:

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Warrington&ll=53.392533,-2.586089&spn=0.002329,0.004823

I some how doubt that you live in the carphone warehouse, although I guess they wouldn't mind some free beer
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For certain you have to be lost to find the places that can't be found. Elseways, everyone would know where it was

Rhakios · Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2011 8:13 pm Post subject:

Well, being moderators I suppose it behoves us to be moderate when it comes to drink...
So as Mike is an Admin not a mod, he can be immoderate and get well and truly sloshed.
I tell you what, I'll buy myself a few bottles of Fuller's 1845 and send the bill to Mike, care of LXF towers. Very Happy

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Bye, Rhakios