Spam & New User Group

[Jim Oaks]

Members have complained about getting spam in their private messages from new users.

I created a new user group called 'Forum Member'. All of the members were in a group called 'Registered'. After making 10 posts, the user is automatically promoted from the user group 'Registered' to the user group 'Forum Member'. The user group Registered does not have permissions to send private messages to people, the user group 'Forum Member' does.

This is either going to work, or a bunch of people are about to get pissed off because their forum permissions aren't working right.

If this causes any problems, please let me know.

 

[2011Supercab]

The user group Registered does not have permissions to send private messages to people

Is there a way to make it so "Registered" can't post links?

 

[Jim Oaks]

Is there a way to make it so "Registered" can't post links?

I don't see an option for that. I could make it so that their messages have to be approved before they post, but that would create a lot of work for the Moderators, and likely annoy turn off new members.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Perhaps add the rules for post count limitations to terms of use?

 

[JoshT]

I can understand their complaints, and seen it myself several times. Usually related to a post in classifieds section. An unknown, low or zero post count, forummember will send me a message saying that _____________ has what I'm looking for and to send them an email off forum. To me the format they use is obvious scam, usually the names and addresses are too, and results in an automatic report of the member and message.

As said in the other thread, it sounds like a good step to combat it to me.

There may be some teething issues, but nothing that can't be worked with and no reason for anyone to get pissed. If I encounter any issues that seem to be related I'll pass it on.

One thing I see coming from this is a lot of new accounts of that type that will never get reported. Might be that at some point in the future it would be a good idea to "purge the voter rolls" so to speak. Maybe you already do that.

 

[rubydist]

I think it will be an improvement

 

[scotts90ranger]

I've gotten a few from low post count people but normally I don't mind too much... other forums I'm on have similar restrictions, most are not able to post pictures or links for 5 to 15 posts or something...

I hate spam, mostly phone calls, all those indian guys named Dave or Michael can go screw themselves...

 

[Sharky]

it should help. 2 other sites I am on have a similar set up, the 1 requires a 2 week waiting period with 10 posts before being able to PM and access the classifieds. the other site requires 25 posts before access to the classifieds & every post must be subject related, no posting things just to meet the requirement.