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General Discussion Destroyed by Spam

 
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General Discussion Destroyed by Spam - 7/7/2012 12:44:47 PM   
Yogi the Great


Posts: 1948
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When I went in this morning and counted 26 spam threads & having to go to page 2 to see real postings, it does appear that the spammers have won. Should it continue there is little incentive to keep going with the General Discussion area.

I won't give up on Matrux or buying their products. Just the General Discussion area if things don't improve. No need to make suggestions or place blame, it is just an ackowledgement that in the current condition it isn't worth the effort. I had been faithfully reporting the spam threads probably as many as 10-12 each day, but it has been a losing venture.

< Message edited by Yogi the Great -- 7/7/2012 12:46:09 PM >
Post #: 1
RE: General Discussion Destroyed by Spam - 7/7/2012 12:57:05 PM   
warspite1


Posts: 41353
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Is this the way everyone feels?

I must say imo, yes, the spam is irritating - especially so much of it - but does it really destroy the discussion thread?

It's obvious which ones are spam so checking the real threads you want to look at is not too much trouble, even if you have to go to a second page.

If we all leave the GD forum - and it seems many people have - then yes, they will have won.

_____________________________

England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805



(in reply to Yogi the Great)
Post #: 2
RE: General Discussion Destroyed by Spam - 7/7/2012 2:12:24 PM   
Poolmick

 

Posts: 62
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I do tend to not visit as much with the spam increasing.


(in reply to warspite1)
Post #: 3
RE: General Discussion Destroyed by Spam - 7/7/2012 2:15:37 PM   
wodin


Posts: 10762
Joined: 4/20/2003
From: England
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The spam is out of control. Though I hope Matrix manage to get it fixed there is always my forum to goto for general discussion in the meantime. Or other forums around like Gamesquad and such like.

< Message edited by wodin -- 7/7/2012 2:16:10 PM >


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Post #: 4
RE: General Discussion Destroyed by Spam - 7/7/2012 2:28:03 PM   
Josh

 

Posts: 2576
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From: Leeuwarden, Netherlands
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Used to report spammers as  well but stopped doing that, they're just like ... vermin or like a tidal wave. So now I just ignore the bastards. Do not read, do not click on or report it anymore. I have to agree with Warspite; they are irritating.

(in reply to wodin)
Post #: 5
RE: General Discussion Destroyed by Spam - 7/7/2012 3:21:28 PM   
radic202


Posts: 598
Joined: 6/7/2012
From: Ontario, Canada
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Like another mentioned here, I don't think it destroys the General Discussion on the Boards but it is annoying and makes this place look kind of "out of control" or very unprofessional. Now this may have already been suggested once but just in case: can the Forum Mods close out posting for new members until they have been checked or at least answered some basic questions via email or something like that. I wonder if this would be less of a workload then to actually go back and delete every thread and poster?

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Post #: 6
RE: General Discussion Destroyed by Spam - 7/7/2012 4:01:51 PM   
danlongman

 

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Well I agree. General Discussion has been totally annihilated by the overwhelming power of the spambots.
I have surrendered in disgust and anger and helplessness. I shall never come to this destroyed
place no more and I shall drop this lifetime obsession with history and wargaming and general poopshooting
and change my hobby spirit toward pressing flowers and collecting used prophylactic devices.
We hates spambots forever!!! They have win!! We concede our turf to them for they have shown
how easily we can be overcome by helpless, sputtering, impotent rage at things that really only exist in our imagination!!
Did I type last part out loud? Oh and to think I was going to rule the world!! Bah! Thwarted!! Foiled Again... How come I always lose?

_____________________________

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RE: General Discussion Destroyed by Spam - 7/7/2012 4:25:49 PM   
planner 3

 

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With all of us reporting spammers, how much spam have we created via the REPORTING to MATRIX ?????



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"As Pogo said, 'We have met the enemy and he is us' "

(in reply to danlongman)
Post #: 8
RE: General Discussion Destroyed by Spam - 7/7/2012 6:41:38 PM   
Hanal

 

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Like many of you here, I participate in quite a few forums, and none have the level of spam issues that Matrix has. In fact there are popular forums I frequent which have no spam at all. Obviously there is a fatal flaw in the service Matrix uses, and I would be quite understanding if they shut the forum down for awhile and figure out what needs to be done.

On a semi-related point, I have been in forums where they overhauled the system which resulted in everyone losing their post counts. I for one did not give a damn about that, but the outcry from long term forum users was ridiculous. It was as if their manhood had been chopped off and fed to the dogs. I'll say this right now, that I am more than willing to re-register and lose my post count if it means we have a new service which does away with the spamming problem.

(in reply to planner 3)
Post #: 9
RE: General Discussion Destroyed by Spam - 7/7/2012 7:03:23 PM   
warspite1


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From: England
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Lose our post count? Don't be ridiculous - are you serious? I would frankly rather let Matrix drown in a vat of spam and for the company to cease making games and go bust than for me to lose even one single post.

_____________________________

England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805



(in reply to Hanal)
Post #: 10
RE: General Discussion Destroyed by Spam - 7/7/2012 7:20:18 PM   
Jevhaddah


Posts: 626
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From: Scotland
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It seems as if Matrix are being targeted with spammers, possibly from someone with a grudge. I usually wait until the spam has gone, or just scroll passed it to the real posts...

I feel to do otherwise would letting the spammers win.

Cheers

Jev

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I am really quite mad yoo know!

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Post #: 11
RE: General Discussion Destroyed by Spam - 7/7/2012 7:35:43 PM   
Hanal

 

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Joined: 11/1/2003
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quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Lose our post count? Don't be ridiculous - are you serious? I would frankly rather let Matrix drown in a vat of spam and for the company to cease making games and go bust than for me to lose even one single post.


Sarcasm or serious? If sarcasm, Ha Ha...if serious, I pity you.....

(in reply to warspite1)
Post #: 12
RE: General Discussion Destroyed by Spam - 7/7/2012 7:41:49 PM   
warspite1


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quote:

ORIGINAL: J P Falcon

quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Lose our post count? Don't be ridiculous - are you serious? I would frankly rather let Matrix drown in a vat of spam and for the company to cease making games and go bust than for me to lose even one single post.

Sarcasm or serious? If sarcasm, Ha Ha...if serious, I pity you.....
Warspite1

JPF I am hurt! I thought no was required as obviously it was a bit of fun, although, if i do lose my posts, I shall of course have to resort to posting spam in order to quickly bring my post count back up to 6,000 +

_____________________________

England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805



(in reply to Hanal)
Post #: 13
RE: General Discussion Destroyed by Spam - 7/7/2012 7:46:03 PM   
Hanal

 

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Joined: 11/1/2003
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quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1


quote:

ORIGINAL: J P Falcon

quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Lose our post count? Don't be ridiculous - are you serious? I would frankly rather let Matrix drown in a vat of spam and for the company to cease making games and go bust than for me to lose even one single post.

Sarcasm or serious? If sarcasm, Ha Ha...if serious, I pity you.....
Warspite1

JPF I am hurt! I thought no was required as obviously it was a bit of fun, although, if i do lose my posts, I shall of course have to resort to posting spam in order to quickly bring my post count back up to 6,000 +



And I'm hurt too, because I thought no... was needed.......

(in reply to warspite1)
Post #: 14
RE: General Discussion Destroyed by Spam - 7/7/2012 7:49:38 PM   
TulliusDetritus


Posts: 5521
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From: The Zone™
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quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Lose our post count? Don't be ridiculous - are you serious? I would frankly rather let Matrix drown in a vat of spam and for the company to cease making games and go bust than for me to lose even one single post.




I second that! If they dare touch just one of my [really important / essential / vital] posts I will... kill to kill the killers!

_____________________________

a nu cheeki breeki iv damke

(in reply to warspite1)
Post #: 15
RE: General Discussion Destroyed by Spam - 7/7/2012 7:50:01 PM   
warspite1


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From: England
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quote:

ORIGINAL: J P Falcon

quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

quote:

ORIGINAL: J P Falcon

quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Lose our post count? Don't be ridiculous - are you serious? I would frankly rather let Matrix drown in a vat of spam and for the company to cease making games and go bust than for me to lose even one single post.

Sarcasm or serious? If sarcasm, Ha Ha...if serious, I pity you.....
Warspite1
JPF I am hurt! I thought no was required as obviously it was a bit of fun, although, if i do lose my posts, I shall of course have to resort to posting spam in order to quickly bring my post count back up to 6,000 +



And I'm hurt too, because I thought no... was needed.......
Warspite1

And now I'm hurt that ive hurt you. These spammers have got us turning on each other - my god they are cunning little devils!

_____________________________

England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805



(in reply to Hanal)
Post #: 16
RE: General Discussion Destroyed by Spam - 7/7/2012 8:00:02 PM   
Chickenboy


Posts: 24520
Joined: 6/29/2002
From: San Antonio, TX
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quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

If we all leave the GD forum


This seems an unnecessarily stern commentary about the forum.











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Post #: 17
RE: General Discussion Destroyed by Spam - 7/7/2012 8:03:18 PM   
Chickenboy


Posts: 24520
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From: San Antonio, TX
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quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Lose our post count? Don't be ridiculous - are you serious? I would frankly rather let Matrix drown in a vat of spam and for the company to cease making games and go bust than for me to lose even one single post.

I quite agree with my friend Soojan here. All posts from him are renown for their scintillating and memorable merits. It would be like having to choose which one of Shakespeare's works one should burn forever-it just can't be done. Best to save them all and come what may to Western Civilization.

_____________________________


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Post #: 18
RE: General Discussion Destroyed by Spam - 7/7/2012 8:05:14 PM   
Chickenboy


Posts: 24520
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From: San Antonio, TX
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quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1
These spammers have got us turning on each other - my god they are cunning little devils!


S'OK, mate. I'll not change my behavior to you based upon spammers. I'll treat you with the same (dis?)regard as ever.

_____________________________


(in reply to warspite1)
Post #: 19
RE: General Discussion Destroyed by Spam - 7/7/2012 8:35:33 PM   
warspite1


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From: England
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Chickenboy


quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Lose our post count? Don't be ridiculous - are you serious? I would frankly rather let Matrix drown in a vat of spam and for the company to cease making games and go bust than for me to lose even one single post.

I quite agree with my friend Soojan here. All posts from him are renown for their scintillating and memorable merits. It would be like having to choose which one of Shakespeare's works one should burn forever-it just can't be done. Best to save them all and come what may to Western Civilization.
soojan

Chickboy why can't you read? That was that warspite post not my post. i hope Matrix do good choice and not get rid of spambot posts. If they do then how you people know how to get best wowkitchens or make constructions or watch films at film store with much benifits? You miss us if we gone.

_____________________________

England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805



(in reply to Chickenboy)
Post #: 20
RE: General Discussion Destroyed by Spam - 7/7/2012 8:48:25 PM   
Aurelian

 

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Spam would just move to the other forums if this one shuts down.

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(in reply to warspite1)
Post #: 21
RE: General Discussion Destroyed by Spam - 7/7/2012 11:01:00 PM   
planner 3

 

Posts: 616
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Hey Warspite, what's so great about a POST Count ? I counted over 10,000 between here and Frisco this week. When you seen one POST you've seen them all. Ask my dog ?

WOOF WOOF (There goes another one)

_____________________________

"As Pogo said, 'We have met the enemy and he is us' "

(in reply to Aurelian)
Post #: 22
RE: General Discussion Destroyed by Spam - 7/7/2012 11:53:01 PM   
Lieste

 

Posts: 1823
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quote:

ORIGINAL: planner 3

With all of us reporting spammers, how much spam have we created via the REPORTING to MATRIX ?????





A maximum limit of one per spam post they allow through...

(in reply to planner 3)
Post #: 23
RE: General Discussion Destroyed by Spam - 7/8/2012 12:14:23 AM   
ilovestrategy


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quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Lose our post count? Don't be ridiculous - are you serious? I would frankly rather let Matrix drown in a vat of spam and for the company to cease making games and go bust than for me to lose even one single post.



I can't blame you one bit Warspite. After all, you did use that 5k post count to c*ck block Nate and get that girl!

I can only imagine how you'll do when you hit 10,000.

_____________________________

After 16 years, Civ II still has me in it's clutches LOL!!!
Now CIV IV has me in it's evil clutches!

(in reply to warspite1)
Post #: 24
RE: General Discussion Destroyed by Spam - 7/8/2012 6:20:11 AM   
warspite1


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quote:

ORIGINAL: Chickenboy

quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1
These spammers have got us turning on each other - my god they are cunning little devils!


S'OK, mate. I'll not change my behavior to you based upon spammers. I'll treat you with the same (dis?)regard as ever.
Warspite1

Glad to hear it chickboy, and I shall do the same

_____________________________

England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805



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Post #: 25
RE: General Discussion Destroyed by Spam - 7/8/2012 6:26:20 AM   
warspite1


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quote:

ORIGINAL: ilovestrategy

quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Lose our post count? Don't be ridiculous - are you serious? I would frankly rather let Matrix drown in a vat of spam and for the company to cease making games and go bust than for me to lose even one single post.


I can't blame you one bit Warspite. After all, you did use that 5k post count to c*ck block Nate and get that girl!

I can only imagine how you'll do when you hit 10,000.
Warspite1

Thanks ILS. I am imagining it too

_____________________________

England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805



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Post #: 26
RE: General Discussion Destroyed by Spam - 7/8/2012 6:27:22 AM   
Erik Rutins

 

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We're working on a possible solution - I agree the spam is out of control.

Regards,

- Erik

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CEO, Matrix Games LLC




For official support, please use our Help Desk: http://www.matrixgames.com/helpdesk/

Freedom is not Free.

(in reply to warspite1)
Post #: 27
RE: General Discussion Destroyed by Spam - 7/8/2012 7:45:23 AM   
radic202


Posts: 598
Joined: 6/7/2012
From: Ontario, Canada
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Erik Rutins

We're working on a possible solution - I agree the spam is out of control.

Regards,

- Erik



Thanks so much for looking into this.

_____________________________

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Post #: 28
RE: General Discussion Destroyed by Spam - 7/8/2012 7:53:08 AM   
Fallschirmjager


Posts: 6793
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From: Chattanooga, Tennessee
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I have not visited in a while (not for reasons of spam) but the most annoying thing about this is not the spam but the fact that a couple of simple steps could greatly reduce it if the Matrix team would just spend half an hour on forum maintenance.

There are two simple steps that could be enacted to reduce or stop spam.

1. When you register a new account one of the final steps would be a series of pictures with a radio button underneath them. You could have them be military related. 1 would be a plane, 1 would be an aircraft carrier, 1 would be a rifle, 1 would be an artillery piece and 1 would be a tank. There would be a question that asked you to correctly choose the picture of a tank. You then click the radio button.

2. Every new user has to get their first 10 posts approved by a moderator before they appear on the forum. I know this adds work but they could reach out and ask for volunteer moderators to approve these new posts. And no I am not volunteering.


I help moderate a forum for another game company about the size of Matrix and we used to have a problem with spam up until last September.
We upgraded our forum software and enacted by two steps. We went from 70 new users a day (67 of them being bots) and 50-100 spam threads a day down to during the entire calender year of 2012 I can count our spam threads and the number of bots we have banned on one hand


I hate to sound like I am being critical of Matrix but they seem to embody the wargame industry as a whole that they are always 3 years behind the times.
Matrix does not have a marketing budget. These forums are their biggest advertisement for their games.

It is bad for business to let them go to ****.

One last thing, I find it funny that the people on this forum get mad at the spammers thinking there is a real person sitting in a chair advertising by spam.
90% of the spammers are not even people. They are sophisticated software bots created by people in Eastern Europe, Russia, China and Southeast Asia for the purposes of advertising. Every time someone clicks on the link it is tracked and the software created gets a few cents.
They are pretty skilled software engineers who probably live on less per day than we spend on our morning coffee.

But anyways, I have said what I intended and I hope Erik and the rest of the team enacts some solutions to clean up the forum.


And one last thing I forgot. These software bots are getting more and more sophisticated. The usual method of having a .jpg image of characters that you type in is no longer working. These newer bots are able to 'read' the image, pick out the characters and still register an account.
That small step is no longer working and forums are having to go to asking people to answer what is 2+3 or my #1 solution.

_____________________________


(in reply to Erik Rutins)
Post #: 29
RE: General Discussion Destroyed by Spam - 7/8/2012 12:47:05 PM   
Yogi the Great


Posts: 1948
Joined: 4/10/2007
From: Wisconsin
Status: offline
Things look better this morning. Maybe we have turned a corner and will have a lot less spam?

(in reply to Fallschirmjager)
Post #: 30
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