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]

Re: The spammers are taking over

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]

Re: The spammers are taking over

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]

Re: The spammers are taking over

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

[cstevens]

Re: The spammers are taking over

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]

Re: The spammers are taking over

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

[Bernadette]

Re: The spammers are taking over

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]

Re: The spammers are taking over

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]

Re: The spammers are taking over

This is clearly a spam post.

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

[wizbang 13]

Re: The spammers are taking over

Soap94
I believe soap94 is one

[fatgrumpycat]

Re: The spammers are taking over

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]

Re: The spammers are taking over

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]

Re: The spammers are taking over

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

[jpatrick]

Re: The spammers are taking over

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

Jeff

[Rich Jones]

Re: The spammers are taking over

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.