As you probably noticed, there is lots of spam on the forum at the moment. The best way to avoid this kind of spam is by using Image Verification when posting on the forum. I can't say I like doing this very much and would like to hear from you all what you think of this image verification thing.
I have removed hundreds of spam post from the forum in the last few weeks and I can hardly keep up.
I think that's why they're doing it Henk, probably someone you've banned from the forum...?
I'm happy to do what ever it takes to keep this forum running smothly
I don't really think this is an angry ex-forum member but rather a computerised thing. I don't really like this image verification thing very much but it does help when it is a computer that is randomly posting things.
I understand the bulk of these are automatically generated and it's usually about selling stuff..The links in these messages take you to the product...
However, they can also allow viruses in if the link is opened so think about that before opening any...
I think what's needed here is some advice from someone who fully understands the subject and all the implications...
Unless Henk wants a full time job removing this crap then I think possible solutions should be investigated...Ian
I have just added the image verification to the forum. My problem is that for some reason I have difficulties reading them and I often have to try and retry quite a few time.
We'll see what happens, I might remove it after a while.
Would it be possible to allow a 'preview' of a post without the verification, with the number just necessary for posting, or is it a take-it-or-leave-it package ?
I'd actually prefer registration but I know that goes against the grain with the old hippies on this site...
Somebody better tell me what 'image verification' is...I haven't a clue...
Cancel that...I've just realised it's those irritating fucking code letters...
As one of the old hippies myself I resent all forms of logging on and passwords....I try to avoid this most of the time to the extent that I don't partake of forums that require it generally....Ian
Must say that the current SPAM is a real pain in the arse, and even more so for Henk who has to adminster this crap...........
Not so long ago that Ian joined the "IT" world !!! But this Forum is a better place with his lordship on here in my humble opinion........Ian's experience and mechanical know-how is hugely valuable to many, so thanks me old mate for your time......hugely appreciated Still not up-graded to a telly though, although with a computer you don't really need one anymore, nor a licence !!! - lol
As we know,
The verification is there in order to make it impossible
For spasm to be added automatically, and the characters are deformed
In such a way a computer cannot identify it and insert the code automatically.
If it is a must, as annoying as it is, then it must be done in order to avoid the spam,
But there is another thing that we can try before:
You can advertize inside a message on the top of the forum messages that the current code is,
Say :”BSA2”, and this "permanent" code, (which can be changed from time to time if needed)
Will be the key for publishing anything on the forum.
Yes, the code will basically be accessible for all,
But a computerized spammer will not be able to enter this thread, read the code,
And then insert it in order to publish a message.
We can try and see if for a month, or another period of time the spam will stop,
And we will get by without identifying the codes for every message.
I think its a computer doing all this spam. Its pretty obvious when you read it that its total random garbage, what is the point. Anyway I'm happy with the letters thing if it stops all that crap.
Just noticed some new spam on the forum, which means that the verification code "doesn't work". In other words, it must be a human person, not a computer, who's posting this rubbish...
I've been quite sure of that all along. I'm also sure some of us can guess his name and location. Obviously he has a problem in his head and his posts are best ignored and deleted. Ron
I see that you managed to get this one posted, what did you do different this time?
I can't change any settings, just add or remove the verification code to the forum. I am planning to remove it after a while and see if they stay away again with their spam.
I have posed quite a few things and had no problems myself.
Not that it worries me too much.
Spam is not a problem as I use a mac running deb linux and brows all forums & lists rather than doing individual emails.
This was obviously the reply to the thread about rubbish time wasting machines in your lounge room and agreeing with Ian
Keeping the forum clean is a good idea just the same & I appreciate the effort .
It was more a case of interest as to what the s filters were objecting to.
Some rubbish from microsloth tosses out every thing that does not originate from a windows pc I have found out over the years and some microsloth email applications flag all mac emails as mal wear or containing a virus.