Message Board Fees

[openSkies]

Hey everyone,

It seems that more and more each day we are having problems with these stupid fake user-registrations. Today alone I have deleted 8 new users that were obvious spams. This number has steadily increased over the past month.

I have implented every possible form of detection for these spammers, but since they are actual humans coming in and filling out these forms, it's nearly impossible. Spambots have been successfully thwarted, thankfully. So, I've come to a possible solution...

One-time message board fees.

Now, before you get your panties in a wad, hear me out. I'm not talking $12.95 a year, or $9.99 a year. I'm talking $1.00, straight up.

"How would that help, Mr Matt", you ask? Well, like this...

Spammers won't pay! It's as simple as that. These people spend their entire day going from message board to message board signing up with fake accounts, and cannot afford to pay $1 for every registration they make.

Now, if this was simply a hassle instead of a security risk, you know that I wouldn't even think of throwing this idea out there. But the truth is, it IS a security risk. I have to back-up the files on this message board at least once every 3 days just to feel somewhat secure that we won't lose everything.

These spammers can not only use their accounts to hack into the board itself, but also into your computer. On more than one occasion, message board users (*cough*Spence*cough*) were bombarded with a virus after clicking through the fake user's profile (and a little bit of porn, too).

This is simply unacceptable.

So my question is this...

How do you feel about paying a one-time fee of $1 to get on this message board?

Please note: This plan is not going into action right this second. This is just a 'feeler'. I have yet to even consult the other Admins/Mods, because I first want the opinion of you, the users.

[openSkies]

Appears not many people like the idea =]

OK, well, I'll leave this up for another 24 hours just to make sure no one has any comments.

I'll keep looking for other alternatives.

[Eric]

What are you trying to do, Matt, rob me?

It seems like it would be the best way to go about it.

[Yeofoot]

My definition of a likable person, is someone that reminds me of myself. And I like all the people on here, even BillyBud, I would think the most profitable thing you could do is put a donations accepted Credit Card thing, where half of the money went to something like MDS, you'd get a lot more $ then a fee. I would put around $20 on that.

[openSkies]

The point is not to earn money. The point is to verify that these new registrations are REAL PEOPLE who want to join the board, not someone just trying to bombard us with spam or complete a hostile takeover of the message board.

Although I like your idea. That may help pay for us paying a programmer to come in and fix this problem or something... I'll look into it. In the mean time, send me that $20 and I'll have fun blowing it on c... wait... I mean, donating it all to MDS. Heh, heh, heh =]

[openSkies]

PayPal, credit card, or send us a good ole USPS letter. We can work it out.

[colorado_loves_football]

Hey everyone,

It seems that more and more each day we are having problems with these stupid fake user-registrations. Today alone I have deleted 8 new users that were obvious spams. This number has steadily increased over the past month.

I have implented every possible form of detection for these spammers, but since they are actual humans coming in and filling out these forms, it's nearly impossible. Spambots have been successfully thwarted, thankfully. So, I've come to a possible solution...

One-time message board fees.

Now, before you get your panties in a wad, hear me out. I'm not talking $12.95 a year, or $9.99 a year. I'm talking $1.00, straight up.

I'm not sure how that would necessarily address it fully, couldn't they still 'pony-up' $1?

"How would that help, Mr Matt", you ask? Well, like this...

Spammers won't pay! It's as simple as that. These people spend their entire day going from message board to message board signing up with fake accounts, and cannot afford to pay $1 for every registration they make.

Ahh, you answered my question. Here's an idea, make them submit valid credit card info. That ought to 'thwart' all spammers.

Now, if this was simply a hassle instead of a security risk, you know that I wouldn't even think of throwing this idea out there. But the truth is, it IS a security risk. I have to back-up the files on this message board at least once every 3 days just to feel somewhat secure that we won't lose everything.

These spammers can not only use their accounts to hack into the board itself, but also into your computer. On more than one occasion, message board users (*cough*Spence*cough*) were bombarded with a virus after clicking through the fake user's profile (and a little bit of porn, too).

This is simply unacceptable.

Hey, at least they were nice enough to throw in the porn!

So my question is this...

How do you feel about paying a one-time fee of $1 to get on this message board?

I'll leave it up to you, it's your board.

Please note: This plan is not going into action right this second. This is just a 'feeler'. I have yet to even consult the other Admins/Mods, because I first want the opinion of you, the users.

I don't have a problem paying a 'one-time' fee, in fact, that's fairly standard, unless I'm mistaken.

[Spence]

I don't really want to pay $1. There has to be another way. That's the beauty of the Internet: It's free. Well, kinda, after you pay for access, and some sites well, okay, nevermind.

If anyone can think of a way to stop "fake" memberships please let us know. OpenSkies and I have to delete several of these everyday. The problem isn't deleting these things, the problem is that if anyone clicks on their websites or even goes to these websites, they could get a virus. Some of them are just sick and twisted places no one would want to go and people who's kids may post here wouldn't want their kids seeing some of this crap.

If you guys happen to see one of these, don't go to the sites. They are potentially dangerous. These spammers never post on the board. There post count is always zero. They aren't hard to reconize so never click on them. If someone does decide to post it is pretty easy to tell if they come here to contribute to the board or they are trying to sell something. If they are trying to sell something, don't bite.

We will do are best to protect the board from these computer board terrorists, but it gets harder to do it everyday. Anyone with any thoughts on how to protect the board from this threat would be greatly appreciated.

[Derek]

My only concern is that people who might be good contributors and fans of college football...Might see teh registration fee and just leave....NEVER understanding the good intentions of why it was done.

I know that if I didnt know and already use this board and someone wanted to charge me a dollar to sign up....Im the type of person that will take off. Just me, although Im retarted about some things.

[mountainman]

That's a good point Derek.

The consequences and impacts to the site of such a requirement should be identified and considered before a decision is made.

[RazorHawk]

I am sure it is not the $1 that anyone opposes, but there should be some way to keep the spam out, without charging a fee. I would also fear that would keep the board from expanding.

[Spence]

Thanks for the suggestions MECU. When openSKies sees them he will check them out. Any suggestion could help so we will take all we can get.

[Eric]

I agree with all that has been said. Boomer is right though; it could kind of act as a filter for some homer fans that have a smear or two to post and never return.

[openSkies]

Could you restrict modifying your profile until you had 5 posts? Spammers might spam some posts, but then at least it would be obvious to you who they were and you could delete them faster. Or prevent HTML/websites in the profile and sig. It's hard to click on a link when it's not click able. Or make someone wait 7 days before they have a visible profile. Or require admin/mod approval of a profile first before it's visible. Have you looked around at the phpBB forums for people with similar problems? Maybe they have some fixes already.

See, this is the problem. There are a billion ways to keep people from posting until certain criteria are met, such as a 5-post requirement. We actually had a bunch of different things like that set-up at one point.

The problem, though, is that no matter what, once they register... their profile is still visible.

Besides, even if it wasn't visible, we'd have 2000 members and 30 of which contribute. Who wants that? It makes the board seem ridiculous.

On the other ... those who would join after paying would probably be better contributors. It might bring the level up a notch or two. Instead of having someone join, say one or two things and then disappear.

Exactly!

//

Like I've said before... no plans are in place to implement this. It's just a feeler, and a place to openly ask for ideas to help this situation. So please, keep the ideas coming!

[Eric]

So it's impossible to earn a certain number of CFP Bucks before the profile becomes legitimate?