Spam Feature Proposal (How to catch a spammer)

[Captain Ewok 1,891]

I would like to know how this sounds...

I am considering adding a feature that would allow members (not mods) to "flag" a post or topic as SPAM. If enough unique members identify a topic as such then it will automatically be made invisible and the member in question will have their post ability disabled upon review by the admin. Obvious abuse by members would result in some serious heat by me . Regardless of some safety checks to make sure reports are valid what do you guys think. To me this would reduce the time mods are stuck doing this and allow "power to the people" to catch spammers, scams, etc before it gets bad. Thoughts?

[brnidokiegurl 0]

it would be fine if it didnt become a game for some from both directions, someone trying to (pull one over) and not get caught or someone that gets in a heated discussion and reports

[Captain Ewok 1,891]

Yeah, I would review all the "actions" by the tool that result in a "spam detection" and if people abuse it for something that is not clearly spam (malicious) then the penalty would be stiff. There may need to be a warning about that when people click the report button.

[NArocks 13]

SO under report it would have an option to also state Spam? I agree there may be some that take this to an extreme ( not me of course ) as you are stating the poster will be auto disabled from posting until review. But it is a good idea as a few weeks ago I think the Mods were not on and there were over 50 until it was caught.

[Carlawarla 1]

I think that it sounds like a wonderful idea. If it's not too hard to accomplish, I think it would be a good thing to at least try it, and see how it works!

[TayRivers 4]

I think it is a good idea and that most people will use it correctly, there will always be some people out there who will abuse it but if the penelty is stiff enough then it will make others thinks twice before they abuse it. I think once the novelty wares off it will be a welcome addition to VJ.

[Ban Hammer 13,346]

sounds good to me, as long as there is a hearty punishment in store for anyone who abuses the feature.

[Surf2Salsa 0]

Great idea.

BUT!!!!

You can create a scenario where visajourney.com opens the door to a DOS attack.

Here's how.

A user creates a series of fake accounts, then that user uses this new feature to attack legitimate users and posts.

Better idea is to invite long time users of the forum to become SUPER USERS, sort of like mini supervisors, these are users who over time have been known to the site. They would be able to temporarily report, suspend and hide users and posts until an administrator or moderator can confirm the activity.

Anyway that's my .02 for the day!

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

I agree, even with a stiff penalty that won't stop someone from creating multiple profiles and abusing it. In theory I could create 500 user profiles and not only shut down a post but probably the entire forum.

[Chica Yeyé 41]

sounds good to me, as long as there is a hearty punishment in store for anyone who abuses the feature.

WORD.

[NArocks 13]

I agree, even with a stiff penalty that won't stop someone from creating multiple profiles and abusing it. In theory I could create 500 user profiles and not only shut down a post but probably the entire forum.

Lancer they lock out IP addresses from what I understand. If this was possible Eric would be here more often. I think the Capt can prevent something like this.

CAPT???

[Nagishkaw 510]

What Charles said.

[Captain Ewok 1,891]

I can also limit this tool to being used by members with a join date of more than 90 days and say a minimum of 250 posts. I can also check to only allow people with no recent "warnings" fot TOS. Violations to use the tool.

[Captain Ewok 1,891]

I was thinking I could also limit this to be enacted on new members only with posts counts of less than say 250 (old members are rarely spammers). This will also stem potential abuse.

[mox 298]

Great idea.

BUT!!!!

You can create a scenario where visajourney.com opens the door to a DOS attack.

Here's how.

A user creates a series of fake accounts, then that user uses this new feature to attack legitimate users and posts.

Better idea is to invite long time users of the forum to become SUPER USERS, sort of like mini supervisors, these are users who over time have been known to the site. They would be able to temporarily report, suspend and hide users and posts until an administrator or moderator can confirm the activity.

Anyway that's my .02 for the day!

This is exactly what I was thinking too, very open for DOS attacks. I like the idea of only allowing members with a join date of more than 90 days, but not crazy about the 250 post minimum. We have a lot of people who post maybe once or twice a month, but would probably be valuable in catching spammers. I'd also recommend that there be some maximum number of reports allowed per week or month. This would keep a very determined abuser from doing too much damage if they could only flag, say, 10 posts with their carefully nurtured 20 accounts before losing the ability to flag.