Tech: Empty threads

Subject: Tech: Empty threads
From: Cluin
Date: 08 Aug 07 - 01:53 PM

In the past couple of days, I've noticed a couple of threads that are completely blank: one called simply "Spam" and another one today, on "Green tea...".

Were these threads that had their single post removed but with the shell of the thread left behind like some kind of cyber-ghost? Or was no post submitted when they were created?

And is this a new thing or has it been happening all along and I've missed it up till now?

Subject: RE: Tech: Empty threads
From: rehab11
Date: 08 Aug 07 - 02:00 PM

I have lost one pm that did not get there another to forum. Maybe me maybe not, hope others report on this issue.

Subject: RE: Tech: Empty threads
From: Joe Offer
Date: 08 Aug 07 - 02:04 PM

Most astute, Cluin. It's a little tech glitch we have. If we delete the last post in a thread, the thread remains - but cannot be opened. Usually, this isn't a problem because most Spam messages are posted to existing threads - but we've had some Spammers starting new threads lately, and that throws a stick in our spokes.
We usually deal with Spam by reviewing all Guest messages from the Messages Since Last Visit list, deleting the problem ones. If the Spammers change their ways and Spam us with new threads, then we'll have to come up with another solution. So far, it's relatively rare - and we catch up with most of those blank threads and delete them sooner or later.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: Tech: Empty threads
From: Cluin
Date: 08 Aug 07 - 02:06 PM

That's what I figured, Joe. Thanks.

Subject: RE: Tech: Empty threads
From: Jeri
Date: 08 Aug 07 - 02:10 PM

One was a spam thread and the other, about a Science Daily article whose link was labeled as 'enjoy' was mistakenly believed to be a spam thread. The latter is open now, 'cause I just looked at it.

Subject: RE: Tech: Empty threads
From: Cluin
Date: 08 Aug 07 - 02:33 PM

Yes, I see the Green Tea revenant is fleshed out.

Subject: RE: Tech: Empty threads
From: Mr Happy
Date: 08 Aug 07 - 02:49 PM

The spammers have started hitting threads in the BS section lately

Subject: RE: Tech: Empty threads
From: Peace
Date: 08 Aug 07 - 02:49 PM

Thanks for using that word, Cluin. Never heard it before. Learned something new today because of you.

Subject: RE: Tech: Empty threads
From: Big Mick
Date: 08 Aug 07 - 02:52 PM

Yeah, Jeri, I started following the links on questionable (that is ones without obvious references) posts as well, so as not to delete legitimate stuff.

The spammers have been hitting the BS, and other threads very heavily for quite a while now.

Mick, headed back up to the Badlands

Subject: RE: Tech: Empty threads
From: Cluin
Date: 08 Aug 07 - 02:52 PM

What, "fleshed"?   ;)

Subject: RE: Tech: Empty threads
From: Jeri
Date: 08 Aug 07 - 03:01 PM

Mick, if you click on the links the spammers post, you need to copy and paste them. Spammers track 'referral' pages and then come back because the know someone responded to their previously posted link.

Subject: RE: Tech: Empty threads
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Aug 07 - 03:04 PM

I deleted a spam posting the other day that was in Greek script...took it to Babelfish to translate. It was a spam employment thing!

Subject: RE: Tech: Empty threads
From: Big Mick
Date: 08 Aug 07 - 03:05 PM

Yes, Jeri, I knew that.

Subject: RE: Tech: Empty threads
From: Jeri
Date: 08 Aug 07 - 03:10 PM

Kat, just hold your mouse over the links and you can usually see that it's spam.

Subject: RE: Tech: Empty threads
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Aug 07 - 03:53 PM

Yeah, I know, Jeri, thanks. This one wasn't obviously spam, lnk-wise. I should have copied it and done some searching. Wonder what they hope to accomplish posting in Greek to a predominately English language site. Oh, wait...those programs don't *think* do they?**bg**

Subject: RE: Tech: Empty threads
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 09 Aug 07 - 08:25 AM

"those programs don't *think* do they"

Perhaps George can tell us... :-P