Spam/porn reminder notice

[Captain Ewok 1,891]

I just wanted to remind everyone that if you see an obvious spam post - like the porn messages that came through today - not only can you report them to the mod team, you can push the 'Spam" button right next to the Report Button. If a number of members push the spam button, it will immediately close that account and I believe, remove the spam messages. That way you don't have to wait until a moderator is on line to address the matter.

We have a determined spammer who tries a number of times a week to spam this site. We often get him before he gets us, but sometimes he gets through. We keep banning his IP address, but as I mentioned - he is determined. With VJ members now using the Spam button, he will be even more limited on the times he does make it through.

Right now this is just about correct. What happens is:

enough people (need to be members that have been at VJ a few months) report the member as a spammer (or a mod reports it)

we make sure the person labeled as a spammer fits the profile of a spam account (newer account, etc)

the account is closed

Right now we do not remove the posts automatically because I wanted to make sure I had this working as "step one" correctly. It seems to be ok with a few little bumps I need to smooth out based on feedback. I will update those items and once it is solid have it remove posts too. It is still a benefit though to close spam accounts if mods / admins are not online thus preventing them from posting more spam.