STOP THE SPAM POSTS

Subject: STOP THE SPAM POSTS
From: GUEST,a very concerned mudcatter
Date: 05 Jul 05 - 09:32 AM

The time has come IMHO for Mudcat to take responsibility for filtering some of the content on its boards. For a long time now there has been a problem with Guest posters disrupting genuine debate but even that was tollerable to a point. Now we are getting spam posts for poker rooms etc. in huge type. The solution is a painful shift I'm afraid but one that needs to be taken. Posts have to be moderated and only available to registered users with confirmed email addresses. I don't think I am alone in this sentiment. It is further testimony that I am having to post this message anonymously because of the ferocity of some of the flaming that comes from Guest 'trolls'. Can we get an official respoonse from the webmasters at Mudcat on their position in relation to this problem.

With sincerest intentions
(regretfully)Anon

Subject: RE: STOP THE SPAM POSTS
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Jul 05 - 09:47 AM

Being unable to post as a guest will make the Secret Santa a problem.

Subject: RE: STOP THE SPAM POSTS
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Jul 05 - 09:49 AM

being unable to post as a guest will also make it extremely difficult to answer questions posed by anyone other then a registered user - in fact - it will make it impossible.

Subject: RE: STOP THE SPAM POSTS
From: GUEST,sandra in sydney walking thru the backdoor
Date: 05 Jul 05 - 09:52 AM

It would also would make it difficult for folks enquiring about songs or tunes etc. I guess non-members could post a message to Joe or a clone, who could post the request, then wait for any clarification or comments etc etc (wot an increase to their workload)

If this list becomes a members only list, how do we post if/when Mudcat is down?

sandra

Subject: RE: STOP THE SPAM POSTS
From: GUEST,JennyO
Date: 05 Jul 05 - 09:54 AM

Joe and the clones are aware of the problem and are deleting the posts as fast as they can. I expect the spammers will give up soon.

I think it would be a shame to not let guests post just because of this. There are a lot of people looking for song lyrics, and anyway I think guests add a bit of interest - even the ones who like arguing. Then there is the Secret Santa thing.

Bottom line anyway is that this is how Max wants it.

Subject: RE: STOP THE SPAM POSTS
From: GUEST,jacqui.c
Date: 05 Jul 05 - 10:04 AM

I first lurked on this site as a guest, before joining. If I'd had to join I might not have bothered with the site straight off.

IMO the best way to deal with this problem is simply to ignore it.

Subject: RE: STOP THE SPAM POSTS
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Jul 05 - 10:16 AM

We've had periodic Spam hits since forever, and they are usually caught before most of us see them. Don't get your panties in a wad-- this is not a big deal.

~S~

Subject: RE: STOP THE SPAM POSTS
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 05 Jul 05 - 10:21 AM

Don't click on any of the links in the "Poker" spam postings. I may be wrong but I have a sneaking suspicion that user's PCs might be getting contaminated and generating postings on threads when they post. I refreshed an old thread at home this morning and a spam posting appeared immediately on it - I then "sanitised" my PC and it didn't happen again.

Subject: RE: STOP THE SPAM POSTS
From: mack/misophist
Date: 05 Jul 05 - 10:33 AM

I've only seen one, so far. They seem to be doing a good job of editing them out.

Subject: RE: STOP THE SPAM POSTS
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 05 Jul 05 - 10:43 AM

IMHO cutting out guests would be a very bad move. Part of the charm of this forum is that the DT is universally available, and I would not want to see that change.

Given that we have coped with the most obnoxious trolls attacking us personally, it would be a pity if we were unable simply to ignore these spammers.

Don T.

Subject: RE: STOP THE SPAM POSTS
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 05 Jul 05 - 10:57 AM

Gosh...just been into the Sidmouth Attenders thread and there they are!! In HUGE writing bold as brass.....they're even more scary than 'The Guests'!!!

As if poor Max didn't have enough to cope with!

Lizzie :0)

Subject: RE: STOP THE SPAM POSTS
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 05 Jul 05 - 11:01 AM

GUEST of 9:49 a.m. said:


being unable to post as a guest will also make it extremely difficult to answer questions posed by anyone other then a registered user - in fact - it will make it impossible.

I fail to see how being unable to post as a guest would make any problems with answering a request.

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: STOP THE SPAM POSTS
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 05 Jul 05 - 11:03 AM

Dave - they will be unable to MAKE the request - which makes it pretty well impossible to answer them

Subject: RE: STOP THE SPAM POSTS
From: GUEST,Uncle DaveO
Date: 05 Jul 05 - 11:04 AM

That's not what that GUEST said.

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: STOP THE SPAM POSTS
From: MaineDog
Date: 05 Jul 05 - 11:12 AM

I agree that spam posts of the automated type, or that are clearly commercial, and unrelated to anything the goes on in Mudcat, should be
prevented or deleted. Another of my usual on-line haunts has been all but destroyed by spam posts, and this should not happen here. Is there no way to detect these things on the way in, and eliminate them, perhaps some sort of sophisticated firewall?

MD

Subject: RE: STOP THE SPAM POSTS
From: Rapparee
Date: 05 Jul 05 - 11:16 AM

Why is this above the salt? If it's Tech, say so.

Subject: RE: STOP THE SPAM POSTS
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 05 Jul 05 - 08:57 PM

Why does everyone always complain about Spam, but never about Cheez-Whiz?

Subject: RE: STOP THE SPAM POSTS
From: artbrooks
Date: 05 Jul 05 - 09:14 PM

Spam is ok, especially fried and served with hot mustard.

Subject: RE: STOP THE SPAM POSTS
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 05 Jul 05 - 09:17 PM

"Being unable to post as a guest will make the Secret Santa a problem."

I've run or participated in several SS's on other MBs where posting as Guests is not allowed, and we've never had any problmes...

"difficult to answer questions posed by anyone other then a registered user"
Most decent message boards these days make one register in order to acces them at all... and they require a legitimate, ISP provided internet addy as well... Mudcat could do LOTS worse to follow suit...

" Bottom line anyway is that this is how Max wants it."
There you are correct... though concerned Mudcatters might prefer it if he changed it... it can't hurt to suggest...

Subject: RE: STOP THE SPAM POSTS
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 05 Jul 05 - 10:24 PM

I quite like the Barbeque flavour Spam.

Subject: RE: STOP THE SPAM POSTS
From: LilyFestre
Date: 05 Jul 05 - 10:47 PM

Spam...mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm good with mac and cheese...some stewed tomatoes....even better over a camp fire or for breakfast.....

damn....I just gave away my culinary secrets

Subject: RE: STOP THE SPAM POSTS
From: Ferrara
Date: 05 Jul 05 - 11:40 PM

I think we would lose a lot by restricting access to registered users. You never know who will drop in as a guest to provide some specific bit of expertise on a topic they know very well -- sometimes it's quite wonderful to see who has been lurking out there and is willing to contribute from time to time.

But every silver lining has its cloud. IMO it's not too bad a problem; just don't click on any spam links, PM Joe or a clone about the threads where spam appears, they will delete it, and it seems to me the problem is solved. The Spam can be reduced to just being irritating, not particularly dangerous or important, just "down in the noise" as the engineers used to say (maybe they still do).

Rita F

Subject: RE: STOP THE SPAM POSTS
From: Peace
Date: 06 Jul 05 - 12:23 AM

What would happen if song info requests were put in a separate room? People who enjoy responding to such requests would be able to access the room from 'inside' the 'cat. That would allow the legitimate requests of GUESTS to be attended to while preventing unnamed people from posting. Many forums require an address from those who register. It then allows everyone who's got something to say to be trackable and somewhat accountable for what they have to say.

Subject: RE: STOP THE SPAM POSTS
From: Joe Offer
Date: 06 Jul 05 - 01:57 AM

I talked with Jeff about the Spam attack. He's working on some new ideas for dealing with Spam, but I think the tools he's developed alread did a pretty good job. I had to figure out the pattern of posting, and then select the tools that would locate the Spam messages fastest. The messages had to be deleted one at a time, and my rural Internet connection has been slow lately - so that part was a bit of a drag. Still, we cleaned it up fairly quickly, I think.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: STOP THE SPAM POSTS
From: rangeroger
Date: 06 Jul 05 - 02:09 AM

I use cheese whiz on my spam sandwiches.

rr

Subject: RE: STOP THE SPAM POSTS
From: MBSLynne
Date: 06 Jul 05 - 02:57 AM

I don't think restricting to members is a good idea either and I agree with most of what the others say on the subject. And I can't stand Spam...it tastes disgusting.

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: STOP THE SPAM POSTS
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 06 Jul 05 - 03:07 AM

Congratulations Joe on a job well done. The fact that you answered my e-mail at about 8am BST yesterday morning seems to indicate that you were up half of the night doing it.

Subject: RE: STOP THE SPAM POSTS
From: GUEST,Mrs Miggins
Date: 06 Jul 05 - 04:25 AM

Spam spam spam spam,
Spam spam spam spam.

whats on the menu ? SPAM

Subject: RE: STOP THE SPAM POSTS
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 06 Jul 05 - 04:45 AM

I had a spam fritter for my dinner last Friday.. it was delicious....

LTS

Subject: RE: STOP THE SPAM POSTS
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 06 Jul 05 - 06:54 AM

Well trying dipping some of these Poker Game posings in batter and frying them Liz - I reckon even you would find them indigestible.

Subject: RE: STOP THE SPAM POSTS
From: Big Mick
Date: 06 Jul 05 - 08:07 AM

I used one of the tools we have at our disposal and got about 10 or 12 as they were happening. This is nothing new. It has always been the policy of the Mudcat not to allow spam attacks. Once it was cigarettes, and there have been several others.

All the best,

Mick