Forum Spam :(

[Ghost4]

Over the past few weeks, I've noticed rather a lot of spam advertising on the forums. Are these adverts going to continue, or are they being posted for a reason? Some of them are totally inappropriate - considering this is a paranormal discussion forum. :(
Just wondering that's all! ;)

[wonderfali]

It's a real shame Ghost - I'm trying to keep it under control, but I can't be online 24/7, so inevitably some of them get past me.

Basically people are signing up and posting adverts all over the place. As soon as I realise, the posts are deleted and the members banned, but they keep coming back!

I'm not sure what more I can do, so if anyone has any ideas I'd be happy to hear them!

Lets keep this a friendly place - NO MORE ADVERTS!!

Ali xx

[Ghost4]

It's a real shame Ghost - I'm trying to keep it under control, but I can't be online 24/7, so inevitably some of them get past me.

Basically people are signing up and posting adverts all over the place. As soon as I realise, the posts are deleted and the members banned, but they keep coming back!

I'm not sure what more I can do, so if anyone has any ideas I'd be happy to hear them!

Lets keep this a friendly place - NO MORE ADVERTS!!

Ali xx

Have you tried banning the first two letters of their IP address like this:

24.**.***.**

Or whatever the first two letters happen to be. If they use a proxy server, most proxies begin with the same number - depending on their ISP and end with random numbers. This will prevent anyone who has an IP address begginning with this number - even if the person registering is genuine - but there's not a lot you can do about that.

[wonderfali]

Already done that Ghost - but thanks anyway!

They seem to come from all over the place which is annoying to say the least!!

Ali x x

[Juptin]

I was wondering if there is any way to set up a "security key" on either signing up to the forum or for posting messages, a bit like posting comments on peoples Blogs, where you have to copy over a password.

[Ghost4]

I've attempted to clear up a few problems with it. There were 4 topics, I'm sure you'll find they were posted by me today, it's really not acceptable for a board that discusses paranormal aspects.
We will have to do something to prevent it, the question is, what?

Ah! I've just clicked: Administrator account validation. If a user registers, they have to wait until Ali accepts their account - if the username is something like it was earlier kjkfkdfd or something, you could prevent the account from being registered.
The question is, they might be a truthful honest member, but nevertheless it might work... Besides, if they were a truthful honest member, they'd post a proper username I'd of thought.

[wonderfali]

Thanks for your help Ghost!

It's a tough one, because I don't want to discourage "real" members joining.

I think I might have to thin about getting another moderator who can keep and eye on the site during the day when I'm not around.

Ali x x

[Ghost4]

Thanks for your help Ghost!

It's a tough one, because I don't want to discourage "real" members joining.

I think I might have to thin about getting another moderator who can keep and eye on the site during the day when I'm not around.

Ali x x

Yes, maybe they could check the site out regularly, Juptins not always around, we can't be here 24-7-365 days around the clock! I'm happy to check regularly and remove posts if they're inappropriate if you'd like.

The thing with phpBB is it's supposed to be the worlds most popular hosting service, but one thing it lacks in is the security for it's boards, I'm sure many other boards are recieving these messages too, we ought to discover one and see how they are dealing with the problems...

[Juptin]

I think another mod or two is a really good idea.

I've had quite a bit of work related pressure of late and have had hardly any time to come on the forum :(

[wonderfali]

Don't worry Justin - I understand, I know how you feel!

I think I am going to have to get another mod, but I'll let you all know in due course.

Ali xx