Hangar Flying => Hangar Flying => Topic started by: Chairboy on June 10, 2006, 02:02:05 AM
Title: User verification?
Post by: Chairboy on June 10, 2006, 02:02:05 AM
Based on the recent influx of spam, might I suggest activating user verification for the forums? I can't recall if the process had a captcha or not, but it might cut down on the unwelcome spam noise.
Title: User verification?
Post by: Waiter on June 10, 2006, 07:09:44 AM
I thought we went through this a couple months ago and the administrator turned on "registration".
If so, it may be that the SPAMers got smart enough to automatically register.
If this is so, then its time for the captcha. (The registration process were the person regestering needs to enter the letters/numbers they see in photo)
I'm not sure this software supports captcha, thats a good question for the administrators?
Waiter
Title: User verification?
Post by: NWade on June 10, 2006, 12:47:22 PM
I'm fairly certain phpBB supports that; but this may be an older version of the system - since the copyright at the bottom of the page is 2002...
I don't want to step on any toes; but I've got 10 years' experience in web-programming - so if the EZ Squadron folks want a hand with any technology stuff, I'd be more than happy to lend a hand!
Take care,
--Noel P.S. Here's a decent captcha mod for this BB software: http://www.phpbb.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=382890&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=captcha&start=0
Title: Zap these scumbags
Post by: LongEZDriver on June 10, 2006, 01:20:09 PM
I don't know anything about how to run a bulletin board like this, but my friend, who does, says he can block out undesirable users. Of course, they can register again using another name/ login id. Maybe we should set up some kind of verification access/ recommendation from a current member before they can post. I agree, for somebody doing this as a service to all of us to have to take the extra time to work through this is a pain in the neck, and I thank you in advance for all of us. Regards Harry Thomas LE 104EZ, Chino - CNO
Title: User Verification
Post by: Bruce Hughes on June 11, 2006, 08:27:55 AM
Clearly it is time to SEVERELY restrict access to this website.
ANY new participants should be required to give a legitimate address, telephone number, aircraft registration (exceptions could be made it you don't have an aircraft but you would have to provide recommendations from existing members).
I would expect the registration process to include approval by a 3 member screening committee or some such.
We really should get serious about excluding the spam.
Garbage that is put on the site should be immediate removed.
Don't we have a moderator? I spend most of my available time on Yahoogroups which does have a moderator. Yahoogroups does not get this garbage.
Bruce Hughes
Title: User verification?
Post by: Chairboy on June 11, 2006, 09:07:51 AM
....or just activate the captcha. It's available in the newer versions of phpBBS, and it's the thing that makes ya type in a sequence of letters during registration that are hard for a machine to read. Not a 100%, but probably better than the recent spamming.
What's weird to me is how sudden the spam started. Unless I've been missing it in the past because of an aggressive moderator, it seems like there's just been a sudden wave of spam posts coming out of nowhere.
Title: User verification?
Post by: NWade on June 11, 2006, 01:07:32 PM
Ben -
It was bad for awhile, then the Admin got aggressive about deleting it out and that seemed to discourage things for a little while; but its back and worse than ever...
Is anyone in contact with the admin/moderator??
I'm serious when I say that I'm totally willing to take this task on... I know php and can handle the default captcha or a "strong" captcha mod like the one I posted about.
Take care,
--Noel
Title: User verification?
Post by: Radioflyer on June 11, 2006, 04:48:45 PM
I just want to chime in and say that I also think something should be done. I don't want to see this nice forum being cheapened. I too was surprised by how suddenly this spam started coming in and was wondering why it was not being removed. The admin is a good guy to give us all this site and I'm sure something will be done. Meanwhile, I'll just ignore topics that are too general or irrelevant...not even giving the spammer the victory of a view. Those of us who care about these planes know how to author a meaningful topic sentence.
Title: User verification?
Post by: admin on June 12, 2006, 12:00:00 PM
See what happens when I turn my back... those spammers are like little kids.
Sorry guys, I delete spam almost everyday, I was out of pocket this weekend and it looks like it got a little out of control.
The board is setup for registration but the spammers have gotten tools that auto-register. Unfortunately we have not had the time to move the site from where Jerry had it hosted to our own server where we have complete control. We cannot do any type of phpBB image registration verification or any other mods at the current host. The site is currently on 3 different servers and my plans are to combine all three to one of our servers which has essentially unlimited bandwidth and disk space.
I'm looking for a first flight of my Long-EZ in the next three or four months after four looooong years. I hope everyone understands that most of my free time is focused on getting the Long-EZ done. I will have much more free time after that that I can devote to this site. Bear with me guys and we will get some of this taken care of.
Noel: I appreciate your offer of help and will take you up on that when we get things combined.
Title: User verification?
Post by: NWade on June 13, 2006, 01:25:19 AM
No problem -
I've got a decade of experience and frequently set up websites on other people's servers... I don't have an EZ of my own to be building (*SIGH*...) - so if I can help speed things along and let you concentrate on finishing your Long, just lemme know!
--Noel
Title: User Verification?
Post by: Bruce Hughes on June 13, 2006, 08:20:12 AM
Thank you, Sisco, for whatever you have done in the past to keep the crap off this site. It is very obvious that a lot comes in. The users like me did not know that.
Please, please - erase all of the accumulated garbage and get the site set so we get no more. I am ready to leave permanently.
Thanks. :D
Bruce Hughes
Title: User verification?
Post by: NWade on June 13, 2006, 03:59:19 PM
FYI: I've been given moderator access to the main forum here - so I can delete offending posts. I'll do my best to stay on top of them!
Unfortuantely, I have no access to delete / block offending users or upgrade the authentication / membership system - so please don't ask me.
Take care,
--Noel
Title: User verification?
Post by: Bruce Hughes on June 13, 2006, 06:28:22 PM
Noel, that is wonderful; at least you can get rid of the crap after the posting. You made my day.
Bruce Hughes :D
Title: User verification?
Post by: NWade on June 13, 2006, 11:55:17 PM
Bruce -
No worries!
Its like pruning branches...
Or pulling weeds...
Or smiting the unworthy with an almighty scimitar of righteousness!!! muhahahahahahahaaaaa!!
*polite cough* I'm here to help. :D
--Noel
Title: User verification?
Post by: NWade on June 22, 2006, 10:30:00 AM
10 days in and I've already wiped nearly 100 messages... it's getting bad.
I'm not complaining - but remind me again why we can't enable the captcha or a phpBB plug-in for added security?
--Noel
Title: User verification?
Post by: Waiter on June 22, 2006, 11:03:21 AM
GO FOR IT!
You have a higher tolarance level than I do.
Turn on captcha!!!!
Waiter
Title: User Verification
Post by: Bruce Hughes on June 24, 2006, 05:36:08 PM
Noel: You should not have to put up with 100 messages in 10 days.
I don't know what captcha is but it should be on, if it would help.
Also could we have everyone renew their passwords and do it in such a way that all those spam artists are cut out (because they know NOTHING about our aircraft).
Bruce Hughes
Title: User verification?
Post by: NWade on June 24, 2006, 08:07:46 PM
Bruce -
People's passwords aren't the problem. The trouble is that the spammers have software tools that automatically go through the registration process and post these messages.
I was granted moderator status so that someone could delete out the spam as it pops up. However, I have NO access beyond that; nor do I own or control the site. I'd be happy to do more, but the person/people in charge have their own plans - which I understand and respect.
Take care,
--Noel
Title: User verification
Post by: Bruce Hughes on June 25, 2006, 08:24:57 AM
Hi, Noel and the Group
I have 4 websites to check daily. I don't have the time to check all 4. Have been ignoring one of them for a month.
If the person or people who own this website want to chase readers away, they should continue with the present "easy for spammers" attitude to continue.
You will see me on "canard-aviators" regularily. The other 3 - maybe.
Thanks for deleting the crap.
Bruce Hughes
Title: User verification?
Post by: admin on June 25, 2006, 03:54:20 PM
Oh come on Bruce give me a break. We are not trying to drive anyone away with our “easy for spammers” attitude. As I said in my previous post we cannot implement any immediate changes to the forum software because the hosting service where the site is currently located does not allow it. It is our plan to move the site to our own servers to allow us to implement the latest forum software and many other things when our priorities allow it.
Title: User verification?
Post by: Bruce Hughes on June 25, 2006, 06:02:20 PM
OK, Sisco I have to apologize. I DO enjoy reading the emails on your website.
I guess I missed your earlier email; as I said, I am too busy to read all of the email; have not been on CanardZone in a month or more.
I read canard-aviators@Yahoogroups..... first because I am asking for help, very often.
I am looking forward to your "NEW" website whenever it comes off.
In the meantime I am planning to invest my life savings in a deal from a Nigerian General who needs my account # to move his money. :roll:
I heard about a good investment in stock also......:wink:
Bruce Hughes
Title: User verification?
Post by: admin on June 26, 2006, 11:30:14 AM
No problem Bruce. Good luck with that deal from the Nigerian General :shock:
How's your Long-EZ coming along?
Title: User verification?
Post by: Jon Matcho on June 28, 2006, 07:15:24 AM
Bruce Hughes wrote: ...have not been on CanardZone in a month or more.
No wonder why it's been quiet... we could use an update of your progress. Pics? ETA?