A Suggestion, Greetings & News

[Aaryanna_Mom]

If you don?t already know about it, recently both Shy and I were given an assignment. One from the [B]OtakuBoards Survivor 4[/B] RPG that is currently being hosted by Sandy. Basically as you can see here: [QUOTE=Sandy][font=Century Gothic][center][size=5][color=Red]Josh, the Timid Prince[/color]
VS
[color=Gold]Kathy, the All-Mother[/color][/size]
[b]Mission:[/b] Start a [I]new thread[/i] in the Suggestions & Feedback section with the best of this community in mind.
[size=5]DUEL!!![/size][/center][/font][/QUOTE]We are supposed to come up with something that would have the best of the community in mind. A suggestion if you will. And to that effect I am starting this thread since there are couple of things I?ve been thinking about that could make a difference. I have three things to mention so I?ll get started.

[B]The Suggestion:[/B]

Now I?m sure that all of you are aware of the occasional problem with what is known as spam bots. Automated programs that sign up at a forum for the sole purpose of posting a thread to either advertise or to post links to porn. In every case that I have seen, they have always followed the same pattern, one thread is posted and nothing more.

Now I?m not really too worried about it since I?ve also noticed that the staff takes care of them quickly. But the thought has occurred to me, what if it was possible to keep most of them from happening in the first place?

Which brings me to the suggestion, is it possible to limit people from being able to start a thread when they join? Now since I am not familiar with how the program for this forum works I honestly don?t know if this is even possible. But if it was, it seems like a very tiny restriction of requiring a new member to post in an existing thread so many times would get rid of the problem or at least help curb it. To throw out a number, say requiring five posts before one can start a new thread. Something that would help end the spam bots and yet not truly restrict the true members.

[B]Greetings:[/B]

This is my next suggestion, one that has to do with the e-mail system. Something that I thought about before it was made known that the system seems to be broken, basically it has to do with Birthday e-mails. Before the system had problems members were getting a very simple e-mail like this: (which is exactly what she got since she still had the e-mail)
[INDENT]Hello Aaryanna,

We at OtakuBoards would like to wish you a happy birthday today![/INDENT]
Forgetting about the issue with the e-mail system, my suggestion was to do something a little nicer. To actually send an e-card instead of just a simple text message. Now again, I don?t know how feasible it would be to have something like this happen, or if it would require using a different service all together to make it possible. But it still seems like a nice idea.

Even if it could be done by someone who was willing to take the time each day to simply send a pm to each member on the list of Today?s Birthday?s at the bottom of the forum. Since things like that are what makes a place stand out, that little extra touch that makes a site seem more like a community.

[B]News:[/B]

Now for my final suggestion I thought it would be nice to have a type of newspaper for OtakuBoards. I did some hunting around and found that this is an idea that has come up in the past and then died down. Not from lack of interest, but more from a having a clear direction to take. So my suggestion is to make having a newspaper more official in the same way that Otakupedia is. Not necessarily with a link but perhaps a permanent sticky in one of the sections, like OB Anthology for example.

And to realize this suggestion I already have a clear idea on how to go about it. For starters it would need to have a set format, one that would make it easy to do a publication and yet not require so much that it would never be done. The first format would be that instead of trying to do it weekly or even every two weeks, a monthly deal seems like it would be the most flexible. A report on interesting threads and things that have happened in the past month, to give an example it could be done in sections. Something like this:
[CENTER]
[SIZE=3][B]OtakuBoards Communiqué[/B][/SIZE][/CENTER]

[B]Entertainment[/B][INDENT][information here on interesting threads, etc.][/INDENT][B]Community [/B][INDENT][information here on interesting threads, etc.][/INDENT][B]Creative Works. [/B][INDENT][information here on interesting threads, etc.][/INDENT]
It could even have a section for say featured members who have either made contributions to the site recently or in the past, or one that fills requests from members for articles. Other than the basic idea, the possibilities are endless. I?d really like to see what people think since it?s something I can see becoming a permanent feature instead of an occasional one. One that I know I would enjoy being a part of.

Anyway, that wraps up what I wanted to present. Hopefully at least one if not all of these ideas could be helpful for the community. And I thank you for taking the time to read it.

[Nomurah!]

[QUOTE=Aaryanna_Mom]If you don?t already know about it, recently both Shy and I were given an assignment. One from the [B]OtakuBoards Survivor 4[/B] RPG that is currently being hosted by Sandy. Basically as you can see here: We are supposed to come up with something that would have the best of the community in mind. A suggestion if you will. And to that effect I am starting this thread since there are couple of things I?ve been thinking about that could make a difference. I have three things to mention so I?ll get started.

[B]The Suggestion:[/B]

Now I?m sure that all of you are aware of the occasional problem with what is known as spam bots. Automated programs that sign up at a forum for the sole purpose of posting a thread to either advertise or to post links to porn. In every case that I have seen, they have always followed the same pattern, one thread is posted and nothing more.

Now I?m not really too worried about it since I?ve also noticed that the staff takes care of them quickly. But the thought has occurred to me, what if it was possible to keep most of them from happening in the first place?

Which brings me to the suggestion, is it possible to limit people from being able to start a thread when they join? Now since I am not familiar with how the program for this forum works I honestly don?t know if this is even possible. But if it was, it seems like a very tiny restriction of requiring a new member to post in an existing thread so many times would get rid of the problem or at least help curb it. To throw out a number, say requiring five posts before one can start a new thread. Something that would help end the spam bots and yet not truly restrict the true members. [/QUOTE]

[COLOR=HotPink][B]
Hmmm...I think it would be a good idea for a system like...a member can't make a thread until they get a certain amount of posts (like three or five posts) or.. let's say...for new members, to make a thread/ post they'd have to type in one of those things that prevent automated signups, "text in the box" I think is what they call it.[/B][/COLOR]

[QUOTE=Aaryanna_Mom][B]Greetings:[/B]

This is my next suggestion, one that has to do with the e-mail system. Something that I thought about before it was made known that the system seems to be broken, basically it has to do with Birthday e-mails. Before the system had problems members were getting a very simple e-mail like this: (which is exactly what she got since she still had the e-mail)
[INDENT]Hello Aaryanna,

We at OtakuBoards would like to wish you a happy birthday today![/INDENT]
Forgetting about the issue with the e-mail system, my suggestion was to do something a little nicer. To actually send an e-card instead of just a simple text message. Now again, I don?t know how feasible it would be to have something like this happen, or if it would require using a different service all together to make it possible. But it still seems like a nice idea.

Even if it could be done by someone who was willing to take the time each day to simply send a pm to each member on the list of Today?s Birthday?s at the bottom of the forum. Since things like that are what makes a place stand out, that little extra touch that makes a site seem more like a community. [/QUOTE]

[COLOR=HotPink][B]I think that is a good idea, while it may take alot of effort to send such messages to every person with a birthday on the OB, it can happen. My Birthday was on the 18th lol, So, I think I can relate. I also think that...having other members send you messages/e-cards/icons just for your Birthday is great. Like on Facebook, people can give other members little icons of birthday cakes and such. I think that a system like that could work out here. [/B] [/COLOR]



[QUOTE=Aaryanna_Mom][B]News:[/B]

Now for my final suggestion I thought it would be nice to have a type of newspaper for OtakuBoards. I did some hunting around and found that this is an idea that has come up in the past and then died down. Not from lack of interest, but more from a having a clear direction to take. So my suggestion is to make having a newspaper more official in the same way that Otakupedia is. Not necessarily with a link but perhaps a permanent sticky in one of the sections, like OB Anthology for example.

And to realize this suggestion I already have a clear idea on how to go about it. For starters it would need to have a set format, one that would make it easy to do a publication and yet not require so much that it would never be done. The first format would be that instead of trying to do it weekly or even every two weeks, a monthly deal seems like it would be the most flexible. A report on interesting threads and things that have happened in the past month, to give an example it could be done in sections. Something like this:
[CENTER]
[SIZE=3][B]OtakuBoards Communiqué[/B][/SIZE][/CENTER]

[B]Entertainment[/B][INDENT][information here on interesting threads, etc.][/INDENT][B]Community [/B][INDENT][information here on interesting threads, etc.][/INDENT][B]Creative Works. [/B][INDENT][information here on interesting threads, etc.][/INDENT]
It could even have a section for say featured members who have either made contributions to the site recently or in the past, or one that fills requests from members for articles. Other than the basic idea, the possibilities are endless. I?d really like to see what people think since it?s something I can see becoming a permanent feature instead of an occasional one. One that I know I would enjoy being a part of.

Anyway, that wraps up what I wanted to present. Hopefully at least one if not all of these ideas could be helpful for the community. And I thank you for taking the time to read it.[/QUOTE]

[COLOR=HotPink][B]I like the idea. Back in the old days, the newspaper I tried working on failed miserably, probably just for the fact that all the members working on were too busy to contribute. It was weekly, and a pain in the butt, and ultimately just a bad idea. But a monthly issue would work out quite nicely, focusing directly on news about the OB. Having it be like a sticky, or over there with Otakupedia would seem to be the smartest idea, and having a mod just for that idea, like Otakupedia, would be great. [/B] [/COLOR]


[I]P.S! Speaking of Birthdays, today just so happens to be DW's b-day! [/I]

[Darren]

Well, I definately like the newspaper idea the most just because it's more developed. All three suggestions are great ones, but there are a few things with some that wouldn't help in my opinion:

1) On the requirement for new members: I understand that this is meant to prevent spammers from creating it, but let's think about this. If it were just a small amount of posts, what's to keep the spammers from posting 3 to 5 simple posts and then go onto create the thread? Sure, they'll get warnings from the mods, the second they find that the posts aren't up to par, but if they work quick enough, they can have the requirement taken care of and have the thread up in under 20 minutes. Also, if you limit them on thread-making, what's to stop them from just spamming a previously-created thread. Of course, the post would get delted and more than likely, they would get banned, but if their intentions were to simply spam and then move on, then why would they care?

Also, considering new users, I do believe that it would be good for some. However, it would turn out to be a double-edged sword no matter how small or large the posting requirement was for new members. Some new members would benefit from it, but there are those that aren't new to forums and would actually be offended if they were required to make a minimum amount of posts. Many would either be hasty to post a thread, which could result in less than acceptable posts, or they would simply delete their account and move along to the next forum they come across.

I am also unfamiliar with how the boards work and that it would be complicated to add what you are trying to say, but even if it did happen, it would ultimately cut down on newer members joining, the mods would have to be working overtime on crappy post warnings, and in the end we would still get spam. It may sound like a benefit to the boards, but I just can't see how it would actually help the community as a whole

2) I agree that it would be nice to send an ECard to every person who has a birthday, but to be quite honest, I've never been on a site that even recognizes birthdays besides Myspace and OB. And Myspace doesn't send you anything; it just tells all of your friends that it's your b-day so they can go and wish you a happy b-day. Now I haven't been on OB long enough to have a birthday during my membership, so I can't tell you how I would feel if I did receive a card, but even just getting something siginifies that unique touch that you were talking about. Once again, if we were to have something that sent an ECard, that would be way too much work on the part of whoever did it. I think OB is already going above and beyond with birthdays than any website that I've ever been on and so I'm already greatful for that.

But even if they decided to do ECards, who would really know? I mean how would it help pull the community together since you would get the cards in private, and unless you publicized it in the forums, no one would know what it said? I don't know, it just seems like it would be way too much work when it's not really needed.

3) I love the newspaper idea. I tend to spend most of my time in the Arena so I never really get to catch up on all the news that has happened on OB. (For example: Naps the Cat) And I certainly am out of the loop when it comes to most of the suggestions for the Otakupedia. I know Des made that gag newspaper some time ago, but that lost steam. I think it would be a great idea if we could get a staff of willing journalists to make one. I even think that a bi-weekly update wouldn't be asking too much. And instead of making it in OB Anthology, it could have it's own special page, where people could discuss articles or requests that they would like...

Over-all, I think you did a great job A_M and I hope that some of your ideas are carried through. Of course, like you, I don't know how difficult some of your ideas would be, but if they were relatively easy, then I would be all for No. 1 & 2 as well.

[Sakura]

[COLOR=Purple][SIZE=1]Hm, some interesting suggestions you have here, A_M. Sorry I don't have the time to post more, but I'll just quickly have my say.

1) I do remember this being brought up before, yes? There have been previous suggestions about stopping new members from creating threads until an amount of posts had been reached or a certain time period had lapsed, something along those lines. If I remember correctly it was voted against in the end but I can't seem to remember the arguments against it off the top of my head. I'm sure James and the like will be able to remember or at least find the details that I can't ><;;

But yeah, while it is an interesting suggestion I think I'd still have to vote against it. I believe one of the reasons against only allowing New Members to create new threads after reaching an amount of posts is that there could/would be an increase in spamming, with New Members just posting for the sake of upping their count to be able to create threads.

Darren covered strong points in his post, and I mostly follow with his idea. That it may also put people off by having restrictions to overcome. But then again, those who would be offended would most likely be those spammer type people. If people really cared and genuinely wanted to join the community I'm not so sure that they wouldn't patiently wait it through. But I admit I wouldn't have liked to have found that when I first joined OB. Not the best first impression as becoming a member?

2) Hm, about the Birthday E-Cards. I'm not quite sure where I stand on this topic. While the idea would be nice and warm, I'm not sure how many people actually have that much time, because I have noticed that some days have a lot of birthdays, and it would take quite a while to write and send e-cards to all of them.

Maybe an easier option would be to change the message every year or something along the lines, because the same message every year does get a little mundane. And of course nothing stops just regular members like you and me sending the birthday people e-cards on our own, whether you choose to just send them to your personal friends, or to people you may have never talked to before. I think it's all about what you want to do about it. But I like the idea of changing the message.

3) Haha, OB Newspapers. There was a time where there were a couple of newspapers for OB in the Anthology area, but they all died out for some reason. I think it may have been too much work to balance with their real lives and duty to update it regularly. But I think it could happen if you had a bunch of dedicated people that were willing to keep it fairly active, not necessarily weekly or whatever. This option could definitely happen as I imagine it as long as there's a strong team working together like a real news team would.

Sorry if it seems like I'm rambling or it doesn't make sense. It's late and I'm tired but have to do work so, yes. But the ideas in all aren't bad at all, A_M. [/SIZE][/COLOR]

[2010DigitalBoy]

[COLOR=DarkOrange]Oi. Well...

[B]1[/B]. I like this idea. Not only would it cure the spambot thing, even though it's not much of an issue, but it would also get rid of 'I'm new here!' threads entirely, lol. People would [i]have[/i] to lurk and learn.

[B]2[/B]. I'm not so sure about that. It's not really special, since it's not like they're personalized, and when you consider that most days have at least 6 b-days...

[B]3[/B]. Can it outdo the past masterpieces I wonder?[/COLOR]

[SunfallE]

[COLOR=goldenrod][QUOTE=Darren]1) On the requirement for new members: I understand that this is meant to prevent spammers from creating it, but let's think about this. If it were just a small amount of posts, what's to keep the spammers from posting 3 to 5 simple posts and then go onto create the thread? Sure, they'll get warnings from the mods, the second they find that the posts aren't up to par, but if they work quick enough, they can have the requirement taken care of and have the thread up in under 20 minutes. Also, if you limit them on thread-making, what's to stop them from just spamming a previously-created thread. Of course, the post would get delted and more than likely, they would get banned, but if their intentions were to simply spam and then move on, then why would they care?

Also, considering new users, I do believe that it would be good for some. However, it would turn out to be a double-edged sword no matter how small or large the posting requirement was for new members. Some new members would benefit from it, but there are those that aren't new to forums and would actually be offended if they were required to make a minimum amount of posts. Many would either be hasty to post a thread, which could result in less than acceptable posts, or they would simply delete their account and move along to the next forum they come across.

I am also unfamiliar with how the boards work and that it would be complicated to add what you are trying to say, but even if it did happen, it would ultimately cut down on newer members joining, the mods would have to be working overtime on crappy post warnings, and in the end we would still get spam. It may sound like a benefit to the boards, but I just can't see how it would actually help the community as a whole.[/QUOTE]Aaryanna_Mom isn't talking about new members, she's talking about combating automated software. Spambots are automated programs designed to register on forums, post spam, and then leave. It's not the same as a person who who would take the time to post a measly three posts in order to be able to do more. I think that's why she was suggesting such a low restriction, since it's not designed to catch live spammers. Merely to help deflect the automated ones that flood the internet.

It's an excellent suggestion since programs like that are designed to post threads not just a post in an existing thread. Someone would have to rewrite the program for it to post elsewhere first. It's true that this won't affect other people who spam in the same nature, but automated ones?

You can argue that it would discourage people from joining, but I don't agree. Even though the current system of being required to do an e-mail verification is not working, most people expect to have to go through a few things before they can be more active on a forum. It's pretty standard.

2 - I rather like this one, but then I like getting little cards on special days. It's fun and if someone doesn't mind doing it or if there's a program besides the one that's broken that can do it, why not? And even if it's the same card for everyone, that's no biggie either since before the e-mail system went kaput, everyone got the same text message other than it had your user name to personalize it a bit.

3 - I definitely like this one the most, if only because I love reading what goes into Otakupedia. Having a regular newspaper that looked back on interesting threads and happenings each month is something I know I would enjoy reading. And making it a monthly deal would be far more feasible in my opinion, since activity varies quite a bit. Plus that would be less demanding than something that was done more often, it would give you more time to collect information for the actual post in question.

All in all, I think all of these suggestions are excellent.[/COLOR]

[Desbreko]

[color=#4B0082]There's actually a modification for vB that I've been wanting to install to stop the spam bots, but I'm not able to until we upgrade to vB 3.5. (We're running 3.0 currently.) What it does is keep track of the amount of time it takes a new member to register. Real people will take a couple minutes to fill in their username, password, e-mail address, etc., but a bot will do it in less than a second. So if the mod sees that the registration form has been submitted too quickly it blocks that member from registering.

There's also another mod that's basically a compilation of a bunch of IP and e-mail addresses from known spammers that it blocks. But, again, I can't install it until we upgrade to vB 3.5.

Those two should provide good protection from spam bots without limiting real members at all. So, while the suggestion here is possible, I'd want to see they do the trick before resorting to methods that would affect real people as well.

As for the birthday greetings, I don't think it's possible to customize them without a mod. (I couldn't find anything in the admin control panel to change them beyond turning them on and off.) I'd have to look around and see if there are any available to do that sort of thing, but it's not a bad idea. We could select a new e-card from theOtaku each month to be sent out in the e-mails, or something like that.[/color]

[Horendithas]

[COLOR=Indigo]1) I'm cautiously in favor of this, if what Des is talking about isn't enough since having to wait for a post or two to create a new thread wouldn't really affect new members all that much. Most places that you join require running through a through things so adding a little more to combat automated spam seems like a good idea. Though since Des mentioned there are solutions once we upgrade to vB 3.5. then it's an idea that I would rather wait on to see if it's even necessary after the update.

2) I like this one since it would be a nice touch and like Des mentioned it's not like we don't have access to lots of birthday e-cards over at theOtaku to choose from. The text is nice, but getting a little card would be more fun in my opinion. As for having someone actually do it. I suppose if someone wanted to it would be alright, but that seems like it would be more trouble than it's worth. Still I like the idea of doing cards instead of a simple e-mail. Or at least including a card with the simple e-mail.

3) Personally I like this idea the best. Otakupedia is great fun and having a monthly newspaper is something that I think would be fun to read. It's something that I would be willing to help with since once a month is something that I'm sure I could do, or even help with gathering the information during the month to hand over to who ever is managing it. A good way to start on this would be to open a thread in OB Anthology and start collecting ideas from the members, to see just what people would like to read in a monthly newspaper so to speak and then go from there.[/COLOR]

[Aaryanna_Mom]

Well I don't know much about how the site works, but what you've suggested Desbreko sounds like a much better solution for stopping automated spamming. And I certainly have no problem with waiting to see if something like that fixes the problem. [quote name='Darren]But even if they decided to do ECards, who would really know? I mean how would it help pull the community together since you would get the cards in private, and unless you publicized it in the forums, no one would know what it said? I don't know, it just seems like it would be way too much work when it's not really needed.[/QUOTE]Making it public isn't what I'm aiming for. It's something that people would encounter once they've been a member for a bit. Usually what makes a place great, whether it's a school or your favorite place to eat, is the little touches. Things that make the place stick out to you. You don't need to say to people, hey join OB since they send real cards on birthdays! It's more of a member getting one and realizing, hey they actually cared enough to try and do something a little nicer. And as any company can tell you, people talk about places that they like or standout. I'm sure that's true online as well. I didn't say it would help pull the community together. ;) Only that it helps to make a place seem more like one since not everything that makes a place great is visible. [QUOTE=indifference][COLOR=Indigo'] A good way to start on this would be to open a thread in OB Anthology and start collecting ideas from the members, to see just what people would like to read in a monthly newspaper so to speak and then go from there.[/COLOR][/quote]Ah, you're right, I should go ahead and start a thread to gather ideas. I'll do that immediately since I am quite serious about this and intend to offer my time in helping run it. Thanks for mentioning that. ;)

[Aaryanna]

[COLOR=goldenrod][B]ONE:[/B] Obviously this has already been addressed, but I'll add my thoughts on it just the same. If what Des has suggested isn't enough then adding this is something I think is a good idea, especially if it could be set to only two or three posts. A restriction that is clearly meant to stop automatic programs since they aren't capable of realizing that they have to post in an existing thread first.

I can understand the concern towards new members, but how many of them join and immediately create a thread? It would be interesting to know if that percentage is high or not. Since it's possible that most of them would never even run into that restriction and even then a message telling them they have to post in a regular thread first a few times doesn't seem all that upsetting to me. Especially if it's explained in the message.

Plenty of places have requirements on stuff when you first join. It's not like it's being suggested that they have to wait as long as say 50 posts, and the message telling them they can't post a new thread immediately due to fighting automatic spammers would make it clear that being a new member had nothing to do with it.

So in the end, if what Des suggested isn't enough I definitely say we give this idea a try. If anything it would give the impression that OB cares about stopping spam and other nasty stuff being posted.

[B]TWO: [/B] Now I like this one, but then I love getting e-cards. :catgirl: Especially on my birthday, it's nice to be remembered. I like what Des suggested since having a card included in the e-mail would be fun. And with the system being broken I know I wouldn't mind helping out with sending them to members. It would be simple to select a card and use it in a pm to members wishing them a Happy Birthday, that's something I've already done on several occasions to send to people here.

[B]THREE[/B] I would love to see this one. With it's own link like Otakupedia, something like OB Newspaper or something like that. I love reading all the new articles put into Otakupedia so I know I'd love seeing a monthly update on interesting threads, members, art, etc. It would be even more fun if the newspaper included links to everything that was talked about, making it possible for members to go and check out the stuff for themselves.

It would be a great way for people to see what's been going on in a quick glance instead of going through each section to see what's up. I know I'd be willing to help with this. :catgirl:

Out of all the suggestions I'd love to see the newspaper one the most. Especially since it sounds like a monthly deal would be very flexible and I'm sure I'm not the only member who would enjoy it.[/COLOR]

[Charles]

[QUOTE=Aaryanna_Mom][B]The Suggestion:[/B]
Which brings me to the suggestion, is it possible to limit people from being able to start a thread when they join? Now since I am not familiar with how the program for this forum works I honestly don?t know if this is even possible. But if it was, it seems like a very tiny restriction of requiring a new member to post in an existing thread so many times would get rid of the problem or at least help curb it. To throw out a number, say requiring five posts before one can start a new thread. Something that would help end the spam bots and yet not truly restrict the true members.
[/QUOTE]

This should have been done a long time ago, in my opinion.

[url]http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=45153[/url]

[Aaryanna_Mom]

[QUOTE=Charles]This should have been done a long time ago, in my opinion.

[url]http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=45153[/url][/QUOTE]I can see that I need to adopt you as well as Shy. :catgirl: I swear! And here I was thinking it was a new idea! lol Though I'm more interested in stopping automatic programs and not members which is why I was throwing out the number five since I figure a program has to be rewritten in order to do something else. So it wouldn't take much to stop those designed to join and only post a thread, no matter how many times it came back it would keep hitting the restriction until whoever created the spambot rewrote the program. So I guess in that case you would only need to restrict it by one or two posts to work.

At least I think that's how it works. I'm not too computer savvy so I could be misunderstanding what I have read about them. And in the end what Desbreko explained seems like a good solution too. So I'm happy either way since my idea was addressed.

[DeadSeraphim]

[size=1][color=indigo][font=arial]Spambots can be easily configured to post a few times before creating a thread. Sorry to burst your bubble, kids.[/font][/color][/size]

[Allamorph]

[quote name='DeadSeraphim][size=1][color=indigo][font=arial]Spambots can be easily configured to post a few times before creating a thread. Sorry to burst your bubble, kids.[/font][/color'][/size][/quote]
[quote name='Kazuwa Nomura][COLOR=HotPink][B]...to make a thread/ post they'd have to type in one of those things that prevent automated signups, "text in the box" I think is what they call it.[/B'][/COLOR][/quote]
[FONT=Arial]With that in mind, why not just use the "text in the box" thingamajigger to regulate account sign-ups? [COLOR=DarkRed]indifference[/COLOR] mentioned that in passing, I believe, and it looks like her comment kind of got glossed over.

Oh, wait. I just checked, and that's being done already. In that case, is there a way to modify that barrier so that these spambots can't actually get around it? I know that it is probably doing what it is supposed to do; and there's no way for me to keep tabs on all spambots that attempt to register (though why I'd want to is beyond me...), so I can't make any judgments on the barrier's effective- ness; but we still see the occasional bot, so there must be a way for them to bypass that barrier. If they can do that at the registration step, they'll be able to do it at the posting step, so how do they get around it and how can that be stopped?
[quote name='Desbreko][color=#4B0082']There's actually a modification for vB that I've been wanting to install to stop the spam bots, but I'm not able to until we upgrade to vB 3.5. (We're running 3.0 currently.) What it does is keep track of the amount of time it takes a new member to register. Real people will take a couple minutes to fill in their username, password, e-mail address, etc., but a bot will do it in less than a second. So if the mod sees that the registration form has been submitted too quickly it blocks that member from registering.[/color][/quote]
That's works, too. And, it's kind of nifty. Still, it holds with the main point: why not keep this at the registration process?[/FONT]

[Nomurah!]

[COLOR=HotPink][B]Whatever we do, we need to do it fast, to stop threads like [url=http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=57202]these[/url] from ever seeing the face of the boards. I think that any system could work just fine for the spambots, Post count has its flaws though. Text boxes could work. A whole system is the best, like the one Des mentioned. Eventually, we'll get the OB to be a spam-safe place, thanks to the Mods, they're trying to keep spam out as much as possible.[/B][/COLOR]

[Desbreko]

[quote name='Kazuwa Nomura][COLOR=HotPink][B]Whatever we do, we need to do it fast, to stop threads like [url=http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=57202]these[/url] from ever seeing the face of the boards.[/B'][/COLOR][/quote][color=#4B0082]That's easy to say. But I can't install those two mods until we upgrade to the latest version of vB, which won't happen till OB Evolution launches, and there's no way to edit the current image-to-text thing. Even requiring a few posts before a new member can post a new thread may not work very well, since as Dead mentioned bots can easily be configured to post a couple times first, or just post in an existing thread to begin with.

We aren't just sitting and twiddling our thumbs, though. As you can see, that thread you linked to is already gone. Staff are keeping on top of things and deleting spam threads and I've banned quite a few IP and e-mail addresses to help stem the flow of new bots.[/color]

[Gavin]

[SIZE=1][B]1][/B] Despite the fact there may be ways around it, I think the idea of restricting new members from posting threads would actually be a very positive thing. Sure it's only a stop-gap measure until OB:E but still it's better than nothing. OOC how many posts are needed now to get to Member status ?

[B]2][/B] To be honest AM, I'd rather get a short "Happy Birthday" PM from a friend when I log on to OB than just find a generic email sitting in my inbox. There's just something a little too impersonal about it for me. Maybe instead the "Today's Birthdays" section could be revamped a bit, removing inactive members and made to look a bit more eye-catching. Just a thought.

[b]3][/b] I'd genuinely like to see this one work, but out of prior experience I think you need a really dedicated team to get the newspaper ready with all the articles submitted on time. The big problem I found when I was writing about the Arena was that either one week things moved really slowly and I ended up only writing about two or three threads or it was really busy and it was a line about seven or eight threads.

A way to handle this might be to have rotating writers, say three for each topic that would go one after another depending on the issue time [a week, a fortnight etc] and that way if someone is busy there's someone to take over.

As well as that it needs to have more than just "These topics are teh sex, go look now." Maybe have a few articles on members, a piece of site history on an old member or topic [sort of like Otakupedia], just flesh it out a bit. [/SIZE]

[James]

[COLOR=olive][font=arial]On the first point, I just don't know. More restrictions on new members?

It's interesting that just after this issue came up recently, where we were talking about OB being too restrictive, some are calling for even more restrictions. That point is just worth bearing in mind.

In terms of my thoughts, at this stage I don't know how useful it would be to punish new members because we have a problem with bots. We should be focusing on how to eliminate the bots without restricting new members. Not producing intro threads is probably enough of a restriction.

Unfortunately it is very difficult to stop the bots at the point of registration, especially for a mid-to-large sized message board. I am investigating the possibility of upgrading our software to assist with this but at the moment we have to rely on good Moderation - which, thankfully, we have.

With the whole email thing, you know, having some email contact with members is great...but I really want to change the way we do that. Generic emails are okay for functional reasons (registration confirmation and such), but I think they are pretty useless for things like birthdays - they are too impersonal and every forum on earth uses them.

I'm more interested in sending out email newsletters or something of the like, if we are to go down that route - something written by a human being, at least.

When it comes to greetings, I [i]still[/i] want to be able to send a welcome PM to each new member with some basic info about the site and what they can expect. It's the best way to prepare new members for the way the site works rather than them tripping up by creating an intro thread by accident and then learning about it later. The alternative to this would be to include a welcoming message within the registration pages.

The newspaper is a good idea but I have yet to see anyone keep a regular newspaper running.

If you can do this, I think it would be a good service to the community. And it would be yet another unique way in which members could contribute their own work and ideas.

This newspaper, if successful, could end up being used in some sort of email format in the future. There's no reason why it has to be entirely restricted to the forums themselves. If you would like the newspaper to grow to that point, you should definitely try to build something up on OB itself first.

[/COLOR][/font]

[Sandy]

[QUOTE=James][COLOR=olive][font=arial]On the first point, I just don't know. More restrictions on new members?

It's interesting that just after this issue came up recently, where we were talking about OB being too restrictive, some are calling for even more restrictions. That point is just worth bearing in mind.

In terms of my thoughts, at this stage I don't know how useful it would be to punish new members because we have a problem with bots. We should be focusing on how to eliminate the bots without restricting new members. Not producing intro threads is probably enough of a restriction.

Unfortunately it is very difficult to stop the bots at the point of registration, especially for a mid-to-large sized message board. I am investigating the possibility of upgrading our software to assist with this but at the moment we have to rely on good Moderation - which, thankfully, we have.[/COLOR][/font][/QUOTE]

I fail to see how making new members post into existing threads a few times before they could make a new one would be punishing them?

If not else, at least it would keep those occasional intro threads at bay, since some new members just post them without thinking we might have something against that.

It's not like no other forum restricts the beginners this way - I've seen it being used in several places, and as long as the amount of required posts is kept slow (like 5), I see it as a very positive feature.

How well it would work against the bots, I don't know, but at least it would disable all those automatic spam threads that put some of us mods in a nasty position - there are things in those threads even [I]we[/I] wouldn't want to see, and [I]we[/I]'re a twisted bunch!

[Aaryanna_Mom]

[QUOTE=James][COLOR=olive][font=arial]On the first point, I just don't know. More restrictions on new members?

It's interesting that just after this issue came up recently, where we were talking about OB being too restrictive, some are calling for even more restrictions. That point is just worth bearing in mind.

In terms of my thoughts, at this stage I don't know how useful it would be to punish new members because we have a problem with bots. We should be focusing on how to eliminate the bots without restricting new members. Not producing intro threads is probably enough of a restriction.

Unfortunately it is very difficult to stop the bots at the point of registration, especially for a mid-to-large sized message board. I am investigating the possibility of upgrading our software to assist with this but at the moment we have to rely on good Moderation - which, thankfully, we have.[/COLOR][/font][/QUOTE]Ah but it's not meant for new members. ;) Still as Desbreko already pointed out there are better solutions once you upgrade so I'm fine with that. The suggestion was based on my limited understanding of how things work. And I do agree, you have an excellent group of dedicated staff members that stay on top of problems. [QUOTE=James][COLOR=olive][font=arial]With the whole email thing, you know, having some email contact with members is great...but I really want to change the way we do that. Generic emails are okay for functional reasons (registration confirmation and such), but I think they are pretty useless for things like birthdays - they are too impersonal and every forum on earth uses them.

I'm more interested in sending out email newsletters or something of the like, if we are to go down that route - something written by a human being, at least.

When it comes to greetings, I [i]still[/i] want to be able to send a welcome PM to each new member with some basic info about the site and what they can expect. It's the best way to prepare new members for the way the site works rather than them tripping up by creating an intro thread by accident and then learning about it later. The alternative to this would be to include a welcoming message within the registration pages.

The newspaper is a good idea but I have yet to see anyone keep a regular newspaper running.

If you can do this, I think it would be a good service to the community. And it would be yet another unique way in which members could contribute their own work and ideas.

This newspaper, if successful, could end up being used in some sort of email format in the future. There's no reason why it has to be entirely restricted to the forums themselves. If you would like the newspaper to grow to that point, you should definitely try to build something up on OB itself first.

[/COLOR][/font][/QUOTE]Personally I agree, a newsletter would be much more fun to do than the simple greetings I was thinking of. And I can guarantee that I'll do my best to keep one going. It is at least something I have experience with as my religion does what is known as a monthly ward letter. I've been involved in that sort of thing for well over a decade. And that includes making sure it's delivered to each person's door. ;) Being part of a team that prepares a ward newsletter each month is where I got the idea from in the first place since it seemed like such an idea would work online as well.

[James]

[quote]Ah but it's not meant for new members. Still as Desbreko already pointed out there are better solutions once you upgrade so I'm fine with that. The suggestion was based on my limited understanding of how things work. And I do agree, you have an excellent group of dedicated staff members that stay on top of problems. [/quote]

[font=arial][color=olive]I think the main issue was that the proposed system would be relevant to [i]all[/i] new members rather than just spam bots.

There's some validity to the idea of restricting new members so that they can't post new threads until they have a certain number of posts, but I am a bit concerned that this might further discourage the activity of new users. We'll see how it goes - it's not a closed subject as yet.[/font][/color]

[quote]Personally I agree, a newsletter would be much more fun to do than the simple greetings I was thinking of. And I can guarantee that I'll do my best to keep one going. It is at least something I have experience with as my religion does what is known as a monthly ward letter. I've been involved in that sort of thing for well over a decade. And that includes making sure it's delivered to each person's door. Being part of a team that prepares a ward newsletter each month is where I got the idea from in the first place since it seemed like such an idea would work online as well.[/quote]

[font=arial][color=olive]I'm actually really excited that you decided to head-up this project. I have great confidence in your ability to produce something amazing.

At this stage we'll see how it goes but if everything goes well, I'm sure there will be lots of ways the newspaper can go in the future. ^_^[/font][/color]

[Semjaza]

I use a mod on one of my forums that changes the sign-up page. Instead of requiring people to type what's in an image, it requires them to answer simple questions. Like "What's 2+2?". Bots can't figure this out, obviously. Since then (and this was months ago), it went from a daily problem to never happening again. All of the other mods are just things that could be adjusted by a programmer to get around. If they can figure out how to get past images, they can figure out how to get past a time delay.

I don't believe it requires a newer version of vB, but I could be wrong.

[Desbreko]

[color=#4B0082]I don't suppose you remember what the mod is called? That does sound like a better way to deal with the bots.[/color]

[James]

[font=arial][color=olive]This sounds like a great mod. If Desbreko can install it as soon as possible that'd be good. I'm assuming it won't be too difficult to incorporate.[/font][/color]

[Semjaza]

I'm not sure which version you guys are running, but 3.6 and 3.5 are the only really supported ones anymore. It's called NoSpam!.

For 3.6.x: [url]http://www.vbulletin.org/forum/showthread.php?t=124828[/url]

For 3.5.x: [url]http://www.vbulletin.org/forum/showthread.php?t=133937[/url]

I supposed there's some chance the 3.5.x version might work in older vB installs.