Spambots getting through

[zackmann08]

I may have found a solution. I'm looking into User Rights and there is a way to limit who can create a page. The idea is to prevent new, unconfirmed users from creating a new page while allowing them to still edit existing pages. I would say that 99% of the spam is people creating a new page with a bunch of BS... Thoughts?

[MT2008]

Although I haven't been on IMFDB much lately, I have noticed this problem, and I like Zach's suggestion. That being said, it doesn't preclude the possibility of spambots/users replacing page content (and I'm pretty sure I've seen this happen before).

[zackmann08]

Originally Posted by MT2008

Although I haven't been on IMFDB much lately, I have noticed this problem, and I like Zach's suggestion. That being said, it doesn't preclude the possibility of spambots/users replacing page content (and I'm pretty sure I've seen this happen before).

I agree this isn't a cure all... But I think at the very least it is a step int he right directions and it has the change to limit the spam dramatically...

[funkychinaman]

Even if they just replace existing content, that's easier to fix. Any of us can do that.

[zackmann08]

Originally Posted by zackmann08

I may have found a solution. I'm looking into User Rights and there is a way to limit who can create a page. The idea is to prevent new, unconfirmed users from creating a new page while allowing them to still edit existing pages. I would say that 99% of the spam is people creating a new page with a bunch of BS... Thoughts?

Update. There is a way to auto-promote members after they have either confirmed their e-mail address or made X number of edits. Until that point, they will not be able to CREATE any page.

[MoviePropMaster2008]

Originally Posted by zackmann08

Update. There is a way to auto-promote members after they have either confirmed their e-mail address or made X number of edits. Until that point, they will not be able to CREATE any page.

How? The one problem is one you've already mentioned - members who are real should be able to create pages. How are they verified (without having one of us do it?) Just curious.

[zackmann08]

Originally Posted by MoviePropMaster2008

How? The one problem is one you've already mentioned - members who are real should be able to create pages. How are they verified (without having one of us do it?) Just curious.

There is a setting built into the software called "$wgAutopromote". I'm going to write a custom script for it that will help us determine who is a real user and who isn't. It is going to take a little time to perfect, but once I get it right it will help significantly.

-Z

[AdAstra2009]

I'm in favor of requiring new users to have their edits approved by a moderator before they go on the page. Kind of like how you have the option of reviewing wall posts on facebook before allowing them.

[zackmann08]

Originally Posted by AdAstra2009

I'm in favor of requiring new users to have their edits approved by a moderator before they go on the page. Kind of like how you have the option of reviewing wall posts on facebook before allowing them.

That would be wonderful... Now find a way to actually do that...

[AdAstra2009]

Originally Posted by zackmann08

That would be wonderful... Now find a way to actually do that...

If only I personally could, I'm just brainstorming.