Max is Testing

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: Max
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 11:59 AM

I am testing a temporary measure that tags any messages posts by non-members (no cookie) to prevent from using others' names.

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: GUEST,Max
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 12:05 PM

I hope it will work

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: GUEST,max
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 12:05 PM

indeed it does! well done

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: GUEST,Joe Offer
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 12:07 PM

Pretty snifty, Max.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: GUEST,Auxiris
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 12:09 PM

It's very sad that such a thing is necessary. I wouldn't even think of using someone else's name.

cheers, Auxiris

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: GUEST, Joe Offer
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 12:10 PM

Say, Max, Just for the sake of appearance, can you put a nonbreaking space in after the comma, like I've done? (I hope it works)
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: catspaw49
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 12:14 PM

Looks cool Max....I want to see if I come up as a memeber....Here goes

Spaw

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: GUEST,Martin Ryan
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 12:15 PM

This will probably pick me up as imitating myself! I sometimes log in from another computer without registering my membership and cookie! Ah Well....

Regards

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: catspaw49
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 12:15 PM

HEY!!!! Far out!!!

Excellent job Wiz.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: GUEST,Tony Burns
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 12:17 PM

I don't have my cookie set on this machine yet today.

Max, How about stealing an idea from mail and suffix "(may be forged)"?

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: Margo
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 12:20 PM

Can't someone just change their cookie and post under another name? I'm sorry about being a technical dum-dum, but If I'm a member on my own machine, can't I just change my name and post? (what a bother that would be) Margo

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: sophocleese
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 12:20 PM

Well I'll jump on the bandwagon and test this too.

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: Áine
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 12:21 PM

We always knew you were a wiz kid, Max! This is brilliant!

-- Áine

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: GUEST,Áine
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 12:24 PM

Here's my part of the test . . . Is it me or is it memorex?

-- Áine

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: Joe Offer
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 12:26 PM

I think Max has that one already taken care of, Margo. The registration does not allow you to register under a name that's already being used. If you change your name on your registration, it changes your name on all the messages you've posted as a registered member. Max is a pretty smart cookie.
I'll be more impressed if he can get my esthetic nonbreaking space in....
-Joe-

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 12:26 PM

Margo, if you post as a member but have changed your cookie to a new nickname, all your past posts will follow that change of name. You can't do a one off posting that way.

Jon

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 12:28 PM

That's wonderful, Max. Thanks.

This is for real!:-)

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: GUEST,T in Oklahoma (Okiemockbird)
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 12:30 PM

Can one register more than one name under the same return email address ?

It's a shame that after such a long stretch of self-regulation and mutual respect, someone had to try the trick of impostature.

T.

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 12:30 PM

Margo, you can log out, and post under another name, like Spaw does for Cletus, sometimes, but with this new wonderthing Max is testing, you couldn't use a nickname already used here, withtout being tagged as an imposter.

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: clare_s
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 12:32 PM

soory - going on from what Margo said - does that mean two people can't use the same computer for mudcat?

Clare

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: fulurum
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 12:37 PM

testing 123 testing 123

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: GUEST,momnopp
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 12:40 PM

I'm at work and I thought I had a cookie on this machine, but I could be mistooken. . .we shall see!

JudyO (the real me)

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: JedMarum
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 12:42 PM

testing, one, two, three ...

check, 1, 2, 3

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: JedMarum
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 12:43 PM

hmmm, how do ya drop yer cookie???

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: GUEST,cookielessLiamDevlin
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 12:46 PM

testing

check, check<><>ahem.

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: GUEST,CLETUS
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 12:46 PM

Ise jez checkin heer....aint no big deal liken when Paw flares one off or sumpin.

CLETUS

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: MK
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 12:47 PM

Max, there is also something else you could do, and I'm assuming you know a little about programming and CGI scripts already.

You know how on CGI input forms (ie: Feedback Forms sent via Recipient's email, etc.) that are on many business related websites, there is a statement you can add (which is invisible to the sender, but not to the recipient or the recipient's log) that gives you the sender's IP address as well as the browser they're using and other info.

Would it not be possible to create a small script that logs all IP addresses, and then when you have spammers on here, you can block their IP addresses...thus preventing them from posting? While it won't deter someone who is determined to post here (using an IP masking program or other hacking program) it might be worth a thought.....or is this too radical as far as censorship goes.....?

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: GUEST,cookielessLiamDevlin
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 12:48 PM

Hey wow - Max, cool stuff dude! this appears to be a simple, elegant solution!

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: Dani
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 12:48 PM

OK, but what if someone wants to post but isn't sure about becoming a member (like me the first, oh, 2 or 3 years). Can you give them a more welcoming moniker, perhaps GUEST or VISITOR?

Dani

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 12:48 PM

Liam, go to Quick Links and log out, then come back in

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: GUEST,Skipjack
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 12:50 PM

Whilst I don't have an earthly what Max has done, it seems to have lanced the boil.

Well done

Skipjack (non alias user)

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: JedMarum
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 12:51 PM

yep, Kat. That worked thanks!


thepreviouslyuncookiedLiamwhoisnowrestoredtothecokkiedLiam

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: GUEST,Mbo
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 12:51 PM

This is cool, I'll probably keep showing up as a non-member. You see, I clear out my Temporary Internet Files everyday...so out goes my cookie! Does anyone know if there is a way to make your cookie read only so it doesn't get chucked out with the trash?

--Mbo (really the real Mbo)

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: Max
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 12:53 PM

We do track IP addresses, and a few other things as well. Its not so easy to block them though, cause many IP's are dynamically generated each time one connects.

The Login (reset cookie) and Logout feature lets you share a computer with another user.

I like guest, let me change that.

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: GUEST,Okiemockbird
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 12:58 PM

testing GUEST. T.

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: Blackcat2
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 12:58 PM

Sounds Great Max!

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: annamill
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 01:02 PM

Thank you Max! Another near tragedy avoided. Sorry you had to do it.

Love, annap

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: GUEST,Skipjack
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 01:04 PM

Eaten up all the biscuits, am I still a guest?

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: GUEST,Skipjack
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 01:06 PM

Guess I am

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: Skipjack K8
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 01:19 PM

That fixed it. A new identity. By way of explaination, Skipjack is my boat, and K8 is her sail number. See you out there!

Skipjack (RESIDENT)

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: GUEST,  Joe Offer
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 01:32 PM

Aw, Max, if you can change "nonmember to "guest," how 'bout an eye for esthetics and make it Guest, &nbsp;&nbsp; - wouldn't that make it prettier? Or is there a reason why that won't work?
-Joe, who has much to learn about HTML and wants to know if his idea would work-

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 01:43 PM

Now even anonymous posters are guests!!!! ;-)

Jon

Subject: Max is Getting Frustrated
From: Max
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 01:53 PM

Joe and everyone, this is just a temp solution till I can do it right. Did you read my first post or just jump down here and started posting? TEMPORARY! Don't get used to this and don't bother making recommendations. I'd sure rather be spending my time doing my real job and maybe something like, say... discussing music? I spent 2 hours this morning dealing with this and the NMPA. This is not at all what I want to be doing with my time. Yada, yada, yada, I just deleted the last few lines of this post which really may have caused a fear of the future of the mudcat. See what your doing to me? What the hell is going on around here lately? Everyone just chill and talk about music for christ sakes.

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: Test
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 02:15 PM

Curiosity has got the better of me

Jon

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: Joe Offer
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 02:21 PM

Well, Max, it may be a temporary solution, but it approaches elegance. I think you done good.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: Margo
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 02:22 PM

Skipjack, that's gross. The boil has been lanced. The mind recoils! Margo :o)

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 02:25 PM

Yep, it worked and maybe illustrates a point. It doesn't matter what you do, there is always some asshole (in this case me) who will find a way (and I know this is only a temporary solution given by Max). Isn't it sad though that things have reached such a pitch that friendly places like Mudcat have to look for methods to stop imposters etc.

Jon

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: Áine
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 02:47 PM

Andy G. posted this link over on the BS: Who Do You Want To Be Today? thread. It explains, in my opinion, what has happened to us here. Apparently, there are organized groups of people who perpetrate the kind of things like what happened to Mudcat last night as a *hobby* . . . go figure. Please go and read this information and let's follow the advice for dealing with these 'trolls' when and if they show up again.

-- Áine

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: Night Owl
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 03:11 PM

Max.....BREATHE!!!! You done good...well worth your efforts....with apologies...two hours of hell/angst seems worth the LIFETIME of music and friends you provide us here, please be patient with our "foibles". For me, its done, THANKS!. Now, mom says....go listen to Musicman's cd for a bit....helps with personal regrouping! For sure we'll all repay our debt to you with another good song!

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: bob schwarer
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 03:15 PM

test???

Bob S

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: GUEST,Pete Peterson
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 03:22 PM

Max-- (Not sure how this will work; I am posting from work and not where I have registered as a member) first THANKS for what you have done-- not being home last night didn't see the need for it. Second, THANKS for your company last weekend at Annap's; I enjoy your approach to music! and life in general. Third, hope you won't let the b*** wear you down. PETE

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: Bill D
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 05:43 PM

most people don't try to carry guns on board airplanes, but we ALL have to go thru metal detectors now because of a few...most programmers don't write viruses, but we all need virus detection software because of a few...most people don't run red lights...(no, cancel that one *grin*...they do around HERE)...anyway, I guess it comes with growing and being 'open'...you always get a few who 'don't play well with others', so Max has to spend time making it more difficult to mess with folks.
...And I will be eternally grateful that he is tolerant and open in his approach, and only does what seems to be required...VERY little here ever gets censored or stopped. We have a treasure in this forum, compared to a lot of the WWW...I sure hope no one does anything to make Max reconsider his work & generosity...

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 06:15 PM

Guest sounds better than non-member. I tprefer that we should be able to vary our names from time to time, post anonymously, etc if we want. How about not allowing registered members names to be used without a cookie? When members post from another computer, they know they will have to vary their name somewhat, but they can sign their message at the bottom - and we can make up out own minds whether or not they are who they say they are.

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: Brendy
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 06:23 PM

I haven't figured out how to drop my 'cookie'. Are these things biscuits?

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: GUEST,Brendy
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 06:28 PM

Now I have!, and it's far too much trouble to do

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: Brendy
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 06:33 PM

I suppose from now on, anonymous will now be knwn as GUEST anonymous?
No, but fair play to you Max. Those episodes last night could have had far reaching consequences, and it's good to see some kind of regulatory measures. Vive le Mudcat!!!
The real and one and only Brendy.

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: sophocleese
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 06:36 PM

When you drop your cookie how mant crumbs are there?

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: GUEST,kat/katlaughing
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 06:50 PM

MEOW

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 06:56 PM

Max et al, the above Guest post with my name on it, was not posted by me.

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: Brendy
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 06:57 PM

Oh no, not again!!!!!

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: jeffp
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 07:12 PM

I think the danger to the community was less than it would have been in many other communities due to the nature of the people that make up the Mudcat. Our ability to draw together limits the amount of damage an outsider can cause (I hope). Remember, we have a channel of communication in the personal messages that is unavailable to outsiders. If you have any doubts, you might want to use that channel to contact individuals to verify anything that needs verification.

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: GUEST,Big Mick,
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 07:31 PM

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: Guy Wolff
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 10:00 PM

Thanks for the hard work Max. The hills are alive with the sound of music!!!<>><><><<> Guy

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 10:17 PM

jeff and MAX....and laughing kat

This is obviously a "challenge"

Will check back in a week.....will this be folk/blues....or will it become a new "center of spiritual healing"??????"

The decision is that of both MAX and the "community"

lets hope they chose music.....because there are lots of bogus "healers" already on the net....an none-other like the MC.

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: Escamillo
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 10:20 PM

Mbo, in Win98 you may go to Windows Explorer, open \Windows\Internet Temporary Files folder, then Edit/SelectALL, point to the whole blue area and click right, then Delete. You'll be asked wether you want to delete your cookies too. Simply you say No, and everything is wiped out except cookies. If Yes, you delete everything including cookies. In win95 you are asked this for EACH cookie. In other systems (Mac, Linux) I don't know.
Un abrazo - Andrés

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: Brendy
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 10:20 PM

Further to a post up there by Mbo.
Internet Explorer 5 gives you the option of clearing the Temporary Internet files on disconnection from the net. I do it automatically, and still when I come back here, I have no trouble . Maybe it is a 'smart' Temp files emptier

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: Willie-O
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 10:39 PM

Good work Max, sadly necessary. It is of course obvious that the real kat is _not_ a GUEST!

neither is
Willie-O

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: GutBucketeer
Date: 20 Jan 00 - 12:09 AM

I'm just checking to see how my post will appear. Will the search work with the new prefixes?

JAB

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: ddw
Date: 20 Jan 00 - 12:25 AM

just checking. I showed up as a GUEST in another thread, so I reset my cookie and wanted to see if that ended that.

david

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: GUEST,johnp
Date: 20 Jan 00 - 01:16 AM

I am a new kid on the block who has recieved help and advice here, from total strangers without question or cost.

When I have contributed what may be of help to others, they have said "thank you".

I enjoy the wit, widom and humanity of this site.

I am sorry that you, the regulars, have had problems. The post by Aine (how do you make an acute accent?)points to the cause...there are some sick people around.

Thank you for this site, the sad, pitiful ones will not drive me away

Viva music.... Viva humour.....et Mudcat Slante..Johnp

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: Brendy
Date: 20 Jan 00 - 02:53 AM

Yo there John.
Yes indeed, high jinks on the 'Cat last night. However If you click this, you might get an insight into the Á thing.
Why not join, and it will save the GUEST prefix popping up.
Le meás
Breandán MacÍomhair

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: Brendy
Date: 20 Jan 00 - 03:02 AM

I messed that up so click here to find out about Á's and things.
Catch you later
Breandán MacÍomhair
PS, I always forget to put the "'s in the H-link

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: johnp
Date: 20 Jan 00 - 04:39 AM

Hullo Brendy...Yes I am a member but I usually work the net with cookies disabled because I don't like the idea of my hard drive being slowly eaten away without my permission.

I fully understand if the saints who run this site decide to make cookies a condition of access...spammers and other anti socials can then be traced.

In the meantime, I reckon ignoring them is the best policy. They feed on reaction...so if they get none they will go elsewhere.

I haven't forgotten the Thackery lyrics, a friend is scanning this very night...I hope.....I will send them on as soon as he finishes.

lang may your lum reek....johnp

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: harpgirl
Date: 20 Jan 00 - 09:06 AM

dear max and all, ...one of the things I looked forward to on New Year's Eve was watching the Dali Lamai on CNN talking to Larry King... which I did, of course. I think that technology can be used to reduce suffering and should be...to the person or person's using the gargoyle persona, please stop...if you would be a real person to any of us on the forum we might be able to persuade you to join the humane of the human race...I long for the opportunity because this community means a great deal to me at this moment in my life
and I wonder what the 17th karmapa will say...with sorrow and hope...harp

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 20 Jan 00 - 09:34 AM

Hi Max!

I got a telephone message from Fergus McMucklefutch in Glasgow today. He asked me to warn you that someone's been using his voice on Mudcat Radio. Do you know anything about this?

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: GUEST,skarpi Iceland
Date: 20 Jan 00 - 10:34 AM

Max, sometimes I use the computer in my work and that computer has no cookie. But I use my name. All the best skarpi Iceland.

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)
Date: 20 Jan 00 - 01:50 PM

Max. I lurk from wurk too so you will see me on my personal computer (this one I'm on now) and one at work Kat knows which one anyway....Dave (the ancient mariner)

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: Bill D
Date: 20 Jan 00 - 02:03 PM

from the help page in my security/cookie-crunching program..(AtGuard)....I can set it to block cookies from ALL sites except those I specifically allow, such as Mudcat...there are other programs which do similar things...

"Cookies are bits of information that web servers store on your computer for their later use. Web servers can use cookies to keep track of how many times you've visited and when, and what sort of information you've been surfing for on their site. They can even use cookies to pass that information on to other web servers, such as advertisement servers. On the positive side, cookies can be used to store your own web site configuration, to remember items placed in your "shopping cart" at an online shopping site, or to store account and password information for subscription sites. You may not want to block all cookies, which is why AtGuard lets you permit or block cookies on a per-site basis."

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: Mudjack
Date: 20 Jan 00 - 06:26 PM

I'm taking a test, there something going on and been gone a couple of days....THIS IS A TEST.
Mudjack

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: Brendy
Date: 20 Jan 00 - 06:59 PM

Jon. It was interesting what you did up there. Could you have written Kat's name in the same way though?
Just curious
Brendy, the computer idiot.

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 20 Jan 00 - 10:20 PM

Brendy, seeing that things have got this far, the simple answer is yes, I have the knowledge necessary to do that... I don't go in for real hacking but someone with that sort of knowledge is likely to be able to do more... Some computer companies spend fortunes in trying to defeat hackers but it is a fact that if somebody is determined enough, almost everything can be broken into.

The real point here to me it seems is the cost, time, effort... that somebody would have to put into making a site completely secure and let's face it this is a non profit organisation run by the good will of a coupe of people.

Maybe some things do/ did need fixing but overall, some of it comes down to us simply ignoring certain posts. If no attention was given, many of the "hacking types" would simply move on to somewhere esle to get thier kicks...

Jon

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: GUEST,johnp
Date: 20 Jan 00 - 10:35 PM

No, when cookies are enabled then your name auto appears,but when disabled you have to type it in the box..the prog adds the guest bit.

I changed between messages to check test the system.

I guess what is happening with the whole issue is that some person or group has their own agenda and is trying to impose it on to a virtual folk club. Sort of internet imperialism. There are plenty of other places to play such games so as I suggested earlier, ignore the rude and loony, they will get bored and look elsewhere for reaction.Boys aged between 14 and 17 often play these games, especially those without friends. A few never grow out of it. Sorry to ramble on . Time for a Guinness and a drop of Chieftans!

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: GUEST,johnp
Date: 20 Jan 00 - 10:39 PM

Sorry I got my wires crossed Brendy...comes from having the same name as many of my generation!

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: Thomas Covenant
Date: 20 Jan 00 - 10:43 PM

I read through your post quickly, John, and I had to double check. I thought you said "they will get bored and look elsewhere for Boys aged between 14 and 17" It must have been the mistook of not putting a space after "reaction".
Sound familiar?.....ssssshhhhh!!
Tomás

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: GUEST,tony
Date: 21 Jan 00 - 10:17 PM

Testing

Subject: RE: Max is Testing
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 22 Jan 00 - 06:41 PM

I haven't read all the above messages, so excuse me if I duplicate someone else's suggestion. Members with registered names could have to also have to login with a chosen secret password if they want to use the name. It could be made possible to do this from any computer, not only the one holding the member's cookie. Anybody trying to use a registered name without the login would get a message that the name was in use and that they need to choose another.

Subject: I love Mudcat
From: Test
Date: 30 Jan 00 - 01:08 AM

The problem I have had is more a matter of getting a response from Max than anything else and I wouldn't worry too much about the security issues mentioned or linked to by "thread watcher".

In case anybody is worried, I must make it clear that the issue concerning member details such as address and phone number was closed and although a hacker could probably find them, it is beyond the reach of most of us (and that includes me) and I do not have and didn't look at anyother member detials except mine and the member I asked to help when I seemed to be unable to persuade Max that there was a real problem.

There are still what I consider to be minor security (this post may demonstrate one) problems here but overall, I believe the site is secure.

Jon