Spam Magnet

[Old Ranger]

Is it just me, or is this site sorta like a Spam Magnet? I've been on a few other sites and never observed such a large amount of odd ball, weird, twisted, or just downright stupid spam being posted at one place. Now call me stupid, as I'm not a gifted or talented internet or computer type of guy, but there has to be a way to filter them out kinda like a bad hum in a guitar right? Or am I all wet? Is this being done by people or some sort of automated bot thing? Well, whatever it is, it pisses me off to see it all the time.

[Alex_SG]

I don't know if you remember, Wade, but about 1 1/2 years back we had some spammers with TRX on the end of their names trying to sell Viagra, Cialis etc.
We managed to get rid of them, but not without a few people getting hot under the collar.
On vBulletin forums like this one, I just click on their names, and when their profile page comes up, click "Add --- to your ignore list". (Which is on the right hand side of the page). Click confirm (make sure there is a check mark next to their name) and then you don't see their posts, and no one gets upset!

[S. Cane]

Problem is: this site was about to be shut down by the time we joined, and not only the platform needs an update, but also there ain't much moderation nowadays.

The forum was like a derelict ship when I found it and registered, there were but three or four members still posting and there is even a facebook group in honor of the late (?!) The Fender Forum, in which are old members... Who won't come back even knowing that the site is not gonna be closed anymore...


These bots register and spam until an admin passes by and notices.

Let's just not take them serious...

I think we're trying to do cardiac massage here, but it's worth it. It's the best guitar forum I've seen so far and new members are coming.

[Old Ranger]

Well if it's bots that are getting in here then we need a bot terminator to take 'em out! Like a .44Mag in cyber-land that will destroy the bots before they ever reach our fine site. You know, drop 'em like a bad habit!


I don't wanna click an ignore button. I wanna destroy 'em in place!

[smitty_p]

Problem is: this site was about to be shut down by the time we joined, and not only the platform needs an update, but also there ain't much moderation nowadays.

The forum was like a derelict ship when I found it and registered, there were but three or four members still posting and there is even a facebook group in honor of the late (?!) The Fender Forum, in which are old members... Who won't come back even knowing that the site is not gonna be closed anymore...


These bots register and spam until an admin passes by and notices.

Let's just not take them serious...

I think we're trying to do cardiac massage here, but it's worth it. It's the best guitar forum I've seen so far and new members are coming.

Very good points. I am glad to have found this little cyber-hideaway. I hope this forum keeps going. The folks here seem like good people and I'm glad to be here.

Besides, Phantomman throws in little Spanish phrases from time to time and I like the multilingual exposure!

[S. Cane]

I can always throw in some Spanish (and Portuguese) too, amigo.

Latino here

[smitty_p]

I can always throw in some Spanish (and Portuguese) too, amigo.

Latino here

Do it!

Perdóneme...

¡Hazlo!

[dirtdog]

The forum was like a derelict ship when I found it and registered...Who won't come back even knowing that the site is not gonna be closed anymore...

Yeah, so what happened between mid December and now? Last word we got was that demise was imminent...

Not only has the demise not happened, there's been a dramatic increase in activity compared to the last year or so and a bunch of new members?

[smitty_p]

Yeah, so what happened between mid December and now? Last word we got was that demise was imminent...

Not only has the demise not happened, there's been a dramatic increase in activity compared to the last year or so and a bunch of new members?

I can't speak for everyone, but there was a major change at another forum where some of us already knew one another. Personally, I'm cool with the change there and I'm still active there, but some members were dissatisfied. A bit of discontent ensued and some of us just looked for a forum to chill out at. Word spread and here we are.

Some of us newcomers have been (and may still be) predominantly Gibson SG people. We've found this place and like the cool, relaxed atmosphere. You may be surprised at how many SG players also love Strats and Teles. I personally would feel like I had lost a musical limb if I was ever without a Stratocaster. As much as I like my SG and Les Paul, I think my Strat excels beyond either of them in versatility.

I'm not here to compare or judge between forums. I just like to hang out in cyberspace with other guitar guys and gals. I endure drama for 8 to 10 hours a day at work. My forum time is just for relaxation and kicking back, and to maybe learn something from others. Maybe I can impart a tidbit or two of knowledge, myself.

But, for those of us who have migrated from the other forum, we tend to be rather prolific posters, so don't be surprised at a pronounced uptick in activity!

[phantomman]

Well if it's bots that are getting in here then we need a bot terminator to take 'em out! Like a .44Mag in cyber-land that will destroy the bots before they ever reach our fine site. You know, drop 'em like a bad habit!


I don't wanna click an ignore button. I wanna destroy 'em in place!

That's a pretty tepid response, Ranger.

I subscribe to the "one belt, one kill" doctrine......

[FrankJohnson]

I used to use a '60
good lil 7.62 system to reach out and touch someone!

[Old Ranger]

Ah yes, the "spray and pray" method of engagement. That's a good weapon from rotocraft to be sure. Had a bud in the 1st Air Cav that was a crew chief/door gunner on an old Charlie model that was a real virtuoso with a 60. Flew me in and out of some interesting places. Mine was done one round at a time from a distance. A dulled out and dirtied up Winchester Mod. 70 in .30'06 was my baby. I hated refinishing it to a parkerized finish and to sand down and dull that stock, but.... My specialty was "visiting" NVA Oscar-6's with a message. I always thought of myself as an intensive for their officer recruitment program. Helping advancement in the ranks by creating management positions so to speak.

But, I still don't like these long and stupid looking spam thingies popping up here and there messing up the threads just the same.

[Cogs]

Problem is: this site was about to be shut down by the time we joined, and not only the platform needs an update, but also there ain't much moderation nowadays.

The forum was like a derelict ship when I found it and registered, there were but three or four members still posting and there is even a facebook group in honor of the late (?!) The Fender Forum, in which are old members... Who won't come back even knowing that the site is not gonna be closed anymore...


These bots register and spam until an admin passes by and notices.

Let's just not take them serious...

I think we're trying to do cardiac massage here, but it's worth it. It's the best guitar forum I've seen so far and new members are coming.

I try to get on the boards at least once a day. When I do, most of the time is spent banning spambots.

[smitty_p]

I try to get on the boards at least once a day. When I do, most of the time is spent banning spambots.

Would using a CAPTCHA prevent the bots from registering?

[blackonblack]

FYI - this forum is not the only one to see a large amount of increase in spam. It all started around the same time (and for the same things) across 4 of the 10 some odd forums that I frequent regularly.

[Cogs]

Would using a CAPTCHA prevent the bots from registering?

Yes, it would. Undfortunately, that would require a software update.

[Old Ranger]

Well at least we're not alone with this issue.

Glad that our Mods are after 'em too! Thanks ever so much, as I know this has to a pain in the neck to deal with, huh? They keep popping up with new names and such. Must be difficult to spot 'em at times... Pesky little bots!

[phantomman]

Damn right, Ranger!

Worse than sappers in the wire.

We should rig up some phou-gas with a couple of claymores on the log-in page and let the bonafide forum members know where the tripwires are hidden to prevent any "friendly fire" incidents.

[Old Ranger]

That'll do nicely I think.

Sorta like.... ....

[Volumeknob]

That's a pretty tepid response, Ranger.

I subscribe to the "one belt, one kill" doctrine......

I.ll take 2 please.

[phantomman]

C'mon, VK!

Even John J. couldn't handle two pigs......

[Volumeknob]

I was thinking of mounting them on the hood of my Subaru with a big sign that reads FOOKING PULL OUT IN FRONT OF ME NOW BITCH!