Accounts <50 posts permissions changes : dealing with spam.

[nothingspecial]

Gah how annoying. I can't even PM a mod to change my distro as I turned off PMs and now I can't get into my CP options to turn them on again.

I suppose I'll have to just spam nearly 50 useless forum replies before I can update my distro to Oneiric then ...

I wouldn't do that. Try helping out a few users instead.

[apo1l]

Thanks for the heads up. I think this is a good idea so the forum won't get clogged with unwanted spam.

[moldaviax]

fair enough, though I think it will deter the participation of some new users and might encourage posting for the sake of it...to get to the magic 50

M.

[sundman]

Sigh.

Yes, it's probably a good measure for preventing spam but for (apparently not that many) lurkers that me that have been hanging around for a while I find it a bit problematic that there is some information in my profile that is shown, that I can't edit or keep up to date any more? I wouldn't bother disrupt an admin with too much work to update e.g. my distribuion. I am really happy that I didn't enter more information.

Did you ever consider just hiding the settings that a user can't edit?

For me, the forums are an invaluable resource, especially when doing updates. Practically speaking all questions are already answered and I see no point in adding 'Mee too' posts. It will be a long path towards 50 posts...

[haqking]

Sigh.

Yes, it's probably a good measure for preventing spam but for (apparently not that many) lurkers that me that have been hanging around for a while I find it a bit problematic that there is some information in my profile that is shown, that I can't edit or keep up to date any more? I wouldn't bother disrupt an admin with too much work to update e.g. my distribuion. I am really happy that I didn't enter more information.

Did you ever consider just hiding the settings that a user can't edit?

For me, the forums are an invaluable resource, especially when doing updates. Practically speaking all questions are already answered and I see no point in adding 'Mee too' posts. It will be a long path towards 50 posts...

Well you have been a member for 6 years, i am pretty sure in that time you have learnt something about Linux, so instead of saying "me too" you could perhaps answer some peoples questions and offer support.

[Iowan]

I wouldn't bother disrupt an admin with too much work to update e.g. my distribuion...

So far, it's been far less work (and much more enjoyable) to edit user information than to find the 200-300 signature/homepage spammers we used to get each day.

[rattskjelke]

I tried making useless posts to increase my count and was warned against "bean harvesting".
If they really want to fight spam why don't they disable signatures, private messaging and the ability to insert links in posts. Instead they pick on newbies and make it harder to find useful results in a search becuase of the increased number of posts you will have to go through.

[haqking]

I tried making useless posts to increase my count and was warned against "bean harvesting".
If they really want to fight spam why don't they disable signatures, private messaging and the ability to insert links in posts. Instead they pick on newbies and make it harder to find useful results in a search becuase of the increased number of posts you will have to go through.

By your own admission you made useless posts, how does that help in a support community ?

This method is working against spam so i am for it.

How does not editing your profile make it harder for you to find an answer ?

The ability to insert links in posts is important support feature, the ability to do it is prevented in less than 50 posts to help support the spam feature however.

Why not make some "useful" posts and actually help out and that way you wont be a newbie getting picked on then will you

[CharlesA]

I tried making useless posts to increase my count and was warned against "bean harvesting".
If they really want to fight spam why don't they disable signatures, private messaging and the ability to insert links in posts. Instead they pick on newbies and make it harder to find useful results in a search becuase of the increased number of posts you will have to go through.

Useless posts will be reported and removed btw.

Could also result in an infraction or ban.

[haqking]

Does this thread even need to be an ongoing discussion thread anymore ? shouldnt it be closed by now ?

It is a sticky for the people with queries to view, any issues are for resolution centre or FF&H isnt it ?

This whole thread is mainly people complaining about what seems to be a useful and welcomed feature by the majority.

It is repeat question after question, and all the answers are already in the thread anyways and no one seems to be reading them

IMHO of course