Curbing trolls and spammers - suggestion.

fermi

iwanttosave wrote: »

Actually, you can set this up so that staff and admin can still be sent and send PMs to people under the threshold very easily.

I don't think there are enough staff and admin to go around on a forum this size.

And personally, restrictions on newbies would seem to go "against the grain" for MSE. Just my view though.

Former_MSE_Forum_Manager

iwanttosave wrote: »

As for spammers, since I upgraded my place to the new version of VB, I've found I have had no automated spammers, the safeguards in place are alot better than the previous ones. But I can imagine the job upgrading this place! :rotfl:

That's interesting to know; i'll ruin the techies weekend by telling them

*MF*

fermi wrote: »

I don't think there are enough staff and admin to go around on a forum this size.

May have this wrong - but I think iwanttosave was trying to address Rex_Mundi's point about still allowing guides (other guides - admin etc) to receive PM's as they have in the past - that in itself would not increase the number of PM's per se - but is maybe one way of resolving that issue - those needing help still getting it - those with more experience than me here - will have an overview that will allow them to make a better judgement call on that.

@ iwant to save - the vB version, and any need for any update was very much in my mind when I opened this thread - an update issue here? :eek:

heatherw_01

iwanttosave wrote: »

Actually, you can set this up so that staff and admin can still be sent and send PMs to people under the threshold very easily.

As for spammers, since I upgraded my place to the new version of VB, I've found I have had no automated spammers, the safeguards in place are alot better than the previous ones. But I can imagine the job upgrading this place! :rotfl:

Yes the latest version on vbulletin has new features to stop spammers. It could be useful here.

Edinburghlass_2

fermi wrote: »

I don't think there are enough staff and admin to go around on a forum this size.

And personally, restrictions on newbies would seem to go "against the grain" for MSE. Just my view though.

Not just your view fermi, but Martin's view too, the last thing he wants is any restriction put on all newbies seeking advice by pm or post from anyone, be they user or Board Guides and just for the record its my view too

fermi

*MF* wrote: »

May have this wrong - but I think iwanttosave was trying to address Rex_Mundi's point about still allowing guides (other guides - admin etc) to receive PM's as they have in the past

I was thinking of the Board Guides as well, although I didn't include them in my wording.

You can't make all the regular posters and people who might be able to provide valuable help "Board Guides".

Good or bad, it's my view that the PM system has to remain open.

EDIT: Edinburghlass got there first while I was typing.

Rex_Mundi

iwanttosave wrote: »

Actually, you can set this up so that staff and admin can still be sent and send PMs to people under the threshold very easily.

Although that may sound a good idea, it doesn't take into account that the site is full of very helpful people and some normal (non staff/BG) members get asked for help via PM.

fermi wrote: »

I frequently get PMs from genuine newbies who are too nervous to post on the main boards.

Tozer

Just an observation (not a criticism). Yesterday by way of example, somebody posted a phishing attempt - a "Paypal hack" - in several places. I know that a number of people reported it as abuse.

I was disappointed that, over 6 hours later, it was still there. That isn't really acceptable as it was a deliberate attempt to steal from Moneysavers.

Can there be some sort of system so that if a set number of MSE's report abuse on a particular thread, it is suspended until an admin reviews it?

mountainchrisriver

Tozer wrote: »

Just an observation (not a criticism). Yesterday by way of example, somebody posted a phishing attempt - a "Paypal hack" - in several places. I know that a number of people reported it as abuse.

I was disappointed that, over 6 hours later, it was still there. That isn't really acceptable as it was a deliberate attempt to steal from Moneysavers.

Can there be some sort of system so that if a set number of MSE's report abuse on a particular thread, it is suspended until an admin reviews it?

In fairness MSE regulars usually spot this sort of spam immediately and post accordingly, warning other users... unless folk are a bit daft there is no reason why they should fall for scams such as the one you mention...

It sounds like the v bulletin update might be the answer here... or at least worth a shot... what do the MSE techies think?! :eek:

Do have to say to those doubters out there MSE do listen (or perhaps that should be look?) !! :cool:

fermi

mountainchrisriver wrote: »

It sounds like the v bulletin update might be the answer here... or at least worth a shot... what do the MSE techies think?! :eek:

It won't be a complete answer to any of this, although it may give the Admins extra "tools" to help.

Also this board is enormous for a vBulletin installation. Upgrading would not be simple.

Plus I suspect the install is quite customised for MSE, and there are likely to be custom mods/hacks to the software (the "thanks" system is one) here on MSE that could further complicate the upgrading process.

The difficulty of the task on a board like MSE is probably why we are still on version 3.6.5 which was outdated even before the latest vBulletin release of version 3.7.