Spam and Email Verification Actions

[stef]

Because of the continued issues with fake registrations and post spam, I have decided to implement email verification for new users.  A newly registered user will be required to verify the email address provided before posting to the site.  It is my sincere hope this does not deter new users; users always have the choice of keeping their email addresses private as part of their profile settings.

[danielle]

Stef--

Do what you have to do to keep the spamers away.

Thank you.

[Tallulah-Belle]

Just grateful to you! Thanks!

[stef]

Though email verification is now active, accounts that registered prior to that activation may still be able to access the forum and post "spam" messages.  For sotl and others, let me know when you spot suspect posts as I am taking administration action for each account as a step beyond deleting the post.

Thanks for your help!

-Stef

[Ania]

Is there any way to stop spammers? Dear Stef and Sotl, can you do something about it? Maybe it's to easy to register now 

[Katharine]

Someone please Anyone knows how to get rid of these nasty spams

[sotl]

I'm sorry, all I can do is delete the posts as soon as I see them. 

[Katharine]

Thank you, sotl We know you tried your best
And it's the spammers who should say sorry

[stef]

If you're every in doubt, google the IP address from which the post was made.  I can see the IP addresses for each message, and I think Gaby can, too (not sure, let me know, Gabby).

I just banned a series of five user accounts from the same IP that a Google search turned up as a known spam source.

[Yingyang]

Awesome!! Thank you thank you Stef....  They are getting somewhat annoying..... 

[sotl]

If you're every in doubt, google the IP address from which the post was made.  I can see the IP addresses for each message, and I think Gaby can, too (not sure, let me know, Gabby).

I can't see the IP addresses, only forum admins can Stef.

I also don't have a way to approve new members.

[Ania]

Sotl, could you please explain how it works now? Do the new members receive e-mails that they've got an approval or should they just try to log in and see what happens?

[sotl]

When someone registers an email with instructions is supposed to go out to them and one to Stef and myself letting us know that there is a new member awaiting approval. Except I think email notifications are not really working at the moment.  

However, Stef and I can see there is someone waiting for approval and we can manually approve the account. Stef changed my privileges so I can now help out with the new members. Once we approve the new account, the new member can join us.

If anyone knows of someone having trouble getting approved, please let us know.

[stef]

I'll see if I can again examine the email notifications on the server and find out what's up.