The spammers are taking over

[cstevens]

Anyone else notice the increase in spam posts recently? I'm thinking we need a questionnaire that must be answered before someone can join. Something like:

1. Who was the Wizard of Bristol?

2. Captains or Epifanes?

3. Epoxy or 5200? (Trick question. The correct answer is "pine tar and linseed oil")

Or maybe just a captcha. "Select all the photos containing dry rot".

[pez_leon]

I have noticed these too. They're pretty obvious! My fear is that the proposed wooden boat knowledge test, while entertainingly written, will serve mostly to exclude new members. As someone who doesn't know much about wooden boats but is building one anyway this site has been hugely helpful. I would not want to see anyone who wants to contribute kept out. This is already a somewhat insular community, and from what I gather, we're not all that diverse by any metric except possibly nationality.

I will observe that there is a "report post" icon in the lower left corner of each message. Last time I did this the spam post was addressed within the day.

James

[cstevens]

I have noticed these too. They're pretty obvious! My fear is that the proposed wooden boat knowledge test, while entertainingly written, will serve mostly to exclude new members. As someone who doesn't know much about wooden boats but is building one anyway this site has been hugely helpful. I would not want to see anyone who wants to contribute kept out. This is already a somewhat insular community, and from what I gather, we're not all that diverse by any metric except possibly nationality.

I will observe that there is a "report post" icon in the lower left corner of each message. Last time I did this the spam post was addressed within the day.

James

Oh, I agree. My intro questionnaire was meant entirely tongue-in-cheek. I should have included "what's your favorite color?" in homage to the most famous gatekeeping test. But I will simply use the "report post" option even though it's dull in comparison.

[Thad]

I haven't noticed any of this, so I assume this is mainly a Bilge issue, where it always seemed to be found.

[cstevens]

The Bilge? I never go there any more. Trying to watch my blood pressure. No, it’s happening above decks. It’s usually disguised as a legitimate post but then you get to a suspiciously vague url that leads you to an ad for cruise ships or body enhancement (ahem) or some such thing. (I assume, that is. Never click on those links myself you understand).

[skuthorp]

Hmm, as a far too frequent denizen of the bilge I haven't noticed that particular problem…….yet.

[Bernadette]

do you suppose this issue may have been the case with the 'odd' PM I received a short while back and which I posted about in the Bilge?

[cstevens]

I’m pretty sure that PM is legitimate Bernadette. There is a guy named Matt who is converting a Monk cruiser (power boat) to electric power. He has posted on other forums about the electric conversion but it sounds like he may need some guidance on how to maintain a wooden boat.

[Chris-on-the-Boat]

This is clearly a spam post.

It's pine tar, linseed oil, and terps...

[wizbang 13]

Soap94
I believe soap94 is one

[fatgrumpycat]

I've lurked for a long time but haven't noticed this. I signed up today and actually found the questions more difficult than most other websites!

[BillP]

I've lurked for a long time but haven't noticed this. I signed up today and actually found the questions more difficult than most other websites!

I was logged out for a long time and WB didn't take my password so I ended up trying to re register....the questions may keep bots out but I had to guess what city the Beattles were from. All I know is they are from England. After a few attempts on two unknown questions I cancelled and was able to get in with the forgot password option. I think new subscribers may have issues getting in and pass.

[cathouse willy]

Spammers? I just reported one in "people and places" trying to sell skin remedies.

[jpatrick]

They seem to come in waves. I think the tide is up today.

Jeff

[Rich Jones]

They seem to come in waves. I think the tide is up today.

Jeff

It's a spring tide today! I wish the administrator could figure something out.

[Yeadon]

I have selected Wizbang as Admin of the Month. He can serve through the end of the year if that makes it easier for everyone. We can take the issue up again at the start of the new year.

Paul Pless - would you please give Bruce the admin credentials?

[wizbang 13]

if you are triggered by eff bombs, i suggest putting some thickened dreadlock moisturizer in yer ears

[pcford]

I have selected Wizbang as Admin of the Month. He can serve through the end of the year if that makes it easier for everyone. We can take the issue up again at the start of the new year.

Paul Pless - would you please give Bruce the admin credentials?

Well, ok, but who is going to translate Whiz's banalities?

[Yeadon]

Once he's up and going you won't have to worry about that.

[John B]

Bruce needs to get his act together, this place is under attack.

[Garret]

I see 2 spam posts on the first page of all threads including the Bilge. That's being "under attack"?

Annoying - sure.

[wizbang 13]

i think we had about 8 or 10 yesterday.
i can dredge em back up if ya want
a lil dreadlock moisturizer in yer cuppa ?

[Garret]

i think we had about 8 or 10 yesterday.
i can dredge em back up if ya want
a lil dreadlock moisturizer in yer cuppa ?

I have as much need for it as you do...

[pcford]

i think we had about 8 or 10 yesterday.
i can dredge em back up if ya want
a lil dreadlock moisturizer in yer cuppa ?

At least they can write in English.

[wizbang 13]

At least

[Rich Jones]

It looks like the Forum has been purged of the offending spam.
Let's hope it lasts.

[John B]

I see 2 spam posts on the first page of all threads including the Bilge. That's being "under attack"?

Annoying - sure.

My take is they're on a push , and need to be nipped.

[Garret]

My take is they're on a push , and need to be nipped.

Fair 'nuf.

[sp_clark]

Let's hope it lasts.

It won't, trust me on that.

Instead I choose to ignore 'em, unless I'm fooled by a clever subject line that make me wonder whether it might be legit.

Next I look at the post count.

1 is the number that will tell you PDQ it's not worth the click you were hesitant over.

[Winter Hawk]

Wait, I haven't posted much before, that I can remember! Anyway, spammers are all over; every day I get a phone call for my wife from persons with heavy foreign accents who want to speak to her. When i ask who is calling, they come up with some American name and that they are with Medicare.... No, she doesn't get to talk to them!

[Peerie Maa]

It won't, trust me on that.

Instead I choose to ignore 'em, unless I'm fooled by a clever subject line that make me wonder whether it might be legit.

Next I look at the post count.

1 is the number that will tell you PDQ it's not worth the click you were hesitant over.

You should always click






the little black triangle.