Mahz's Dev Journal

[LegendBegins]

@Mahz Could CAPTCHA tests be a thing like to complete making a new profile work to prevent spambots from coming in?

(Sorry for repeating myself multiple times, but really, this is completely getting out of hand).

@Lmpkio

They already are. The "Click to affirm you're not a bot" is an anti-spambot test that detects whether or not a human is operating the computer.

[Lmpkio]

<Snipped quote by Lmpkio>

They already are. The "Click to affirm you're not a bot" is an anti-spambot test that detects whether or not a human is operating the computer.

@LegendBegins

Well I know that... thats what I mean actually, but what I mean is that it can be implamented into when your making a new RP account (I dont know/remember if they were a thing when I signed, but as far as I remember, there isn't).

[LegendBegins]

<Snipped quote by LegendBegins>

Well I know that... thats what I mean actually, but what I mean is that it can be implamented into when your making a new RP account (I dont know/remember if they were a thing when I signed, but as far as I remember, there isn't).

@Lmpkio

That's because it uses other methods, and if it detects irregularities, it forces the user to fill in one of those "puzzles." Here's a link to an article.

wired.com/2014/12/google-one-click-rec..

[Lmpkio]

<Snipped quote by Lmpkio>

That's because it uses other methods, and if it detects irregularities, it forces the user to fill in one of those "puzzles." Here's a link to an article.

wired.com/2014/12/google-one-click-rec..

@LegendBegins

Ah yes, I remember.

But if that is in effect in this guild, WHY are SPAMBOTS still coming into the Guild? That is the question of the week. Can you explain this?

[LegendBegins]

<Snipped quote by LegendBegins>

Ah yes, I remember.

But if that is in effect in this guild, WHY are SPAMBOTS still coming into the Guild? That is the question of the week. Can you explain this?

@Lmpkio

Because someone likely creates an account for each of them.

[Lmpkio]

<Snipped quote by Lmpkio>

Because someone likely creates an account for each of them.

@LegendBegins

Which brings me to my next question. Could we trace one of those accounts BACK to the original user? Then again, if he's using one of these "hacks", he/she could've changed the IP number of each account, making it difficult for one to find the source.

Again, if there's any chance that one could contact google (or the police, idk) and ask for their help, MAYBE something can be done. "MAYBE". Not saying it will, just hoping.

[thedragonsimon]

Not sure if this is the right place for this or not, since I don't normally post problems... but I really would like to fix this one... I was trying to use the dice roller, but the "roll" button never lights up so I can push it.... help? What am I doing wrong?

[Lmpkio]

Not sure if this is the right place for this or not, since I don't normally post problems... but I really would like to fix this one... I was trying to use the dice roller, but the "roll" button never lights up so I can push it.... help? What am I doing wrong?

@thedragonsimon

That goes to the Suggestions/Problems Topic at the bottom of the Home page.

[thedragonsimon]

Thanks. Sorry :)

[Lmpkio]

@thedragonsimon Np. And no worries.

[LegendBegins]

<Snipped quote by LegendBegins>

Which brings me to my next question. Could we trace one of those accounts BACK to the original user? Then again, if he's using one of these "hacks", he/she could've changed the IP number of each account, making it difficult for one to find the source.

Again, if there's any chance that one could contact google (or the police, idk) and ask for their help, MAYBE something can be done. "MAYBE". Not saying it will, just hoping.

@Lmpkio

That would be a proxy. The police likely won't care enough to do enough about it, but he's almost certainly using a proxy, and the Guild has almost certainly logged it. But even if the police did care enough, they could only trace to the proxy source, and from there, they can only go further if they proxy location is willing to give up their logs. And if the spammer went through another proxy server, they would have to try to obtain their logs as well. There is a great deal of effort into tracing a protected IP and likely will not be performed for something that isn't technically illegal.

Not sure if this is the right place for this or not, since I don't normally post problems... but I really would like to fix this one... I was trying to use the dice roller, but the "roll" button never lights up so I can push it.... help? What am I doing wrong?

@thedragonsimon

Perhaps Mahz or someone more knowledgeable about the dice system could help.

[NuttsnBolts]

<Snipped quote by LegendBegins>

Which brings me to my next question. Could we trace one of those accounts BACK to the original user? Then again, if he's using one of these "hacks", he/she could've changed the IP number of each account, making it difficult for one to find the source.

Again, if there's any chance that one could contact google (or the police, idk) and ask for their help, MAYBE something can be done. "MAYBE". Not saying it will, just hoping.

@Lmpkio

That would be through IPs, but if the individual was using a proxy I wont make a difference.

As for contacting anyone, there's no one really. that's why spam is always a problem. Google provides a search engine, not a policing service.

[Lmpkio]

<Snipped quote by Lmpkio>

That would be a proxy. The police likely won't care enough to do enough about it, but he's almost certainly using a proxy, and the Guild has almost certainly logged it. But even if the police did care enough, they could only trace to the proxy source, and from there, they can only go further if they proxy location is willing to give up their logs. And if the spammer went through another proxy server, they would have to try to obtain their logs as well. There is a great deal of effort into tracing a protected IP and likely will not be performed for something that isn't technically illegal.

@LegendBegins

And it doesn't have to be the police. Google should be a valid first-go choice to ask for help. Again, if we can find the Proxy source, and tell it to Mahz, if possible we can track him down and try to find a way to make him unable to birth spambots into the guild.

Or alternatively just shut down the guild for awhile and then reopen it till the next wave arrives.

Again, I am certainly at a loss on what one can do.

[Lmpkio]

<Snipped quote by Lmpkio>

That would be through IPs, but if the individual was using a proxy I wont make a difference.

As for contacting anyone, there's no one really. that's why spam is always a problem. Google provides a search engine, not a policing service.

@NuttsnBolts

If none of those ideas can help solve the problem, then WHAT can? Simply closing the site to a permanent lockdown, unable to allow any new members in? That would suck if it were the case.

[LegendBegins]

<Snipped quote by LegendBegins>

And it doesn't have to be the police. Google should be a valid first-go choice to ask for help. Again, if we can find the Proxy source, and tell it to Mahz, if possible we can track him down and try to find a way to make him unable to birth spambots into the guild.

Or alternatively just shut down the guild for awhile and then reopen it till the next wave arrives.

Again, I am certainly at a loss on what one can do.

@Lmpkio

NuttsNBolts is correct. Nothing can actually be done by Google. And while we 100% can trace the first proxy source (I could do that, given the logs), there is little to no chance he has solely one proxy. Shutting the Guild down isn't particularly an option. A report function would be beneficial.

[Lmpkio]

<Snipped quote by Lmpkio>

NuttsNBolts is correct. Nothing can actually be done by Google. And while we 100% can trace the first proxy source (I could do that, given the logs), there is little to no chance he has solely one proxy. Shutting the Guild down isn't particularly an option. A report function would be beneficial.

@LegendBegins

I suppose that should be the answer. If you can at least check the original location, that will still be beneficial regardless.

Or if anything, have a Moderator that is up at around this time. Because I've been noticing, that around 6 - 7 PM PST, is when the bots start to come into play. At the same time, no other moderator happens to be up here at said time as well. If we can have a moderator be at this time, perhaps it can discourage the person from spamming the guild and force him/her to leave us alone.

[LegendBegins]

<Snipped quote by LegendBegins>

I suppose that should be the answer. If you can at least check the original location, that will still be beneficial regardless.

Or if anything, have a Moderator that is up at around this time. Because I've been noticing, that around 6 - 7 PM PST, is when the bots start to come into play. At the same time, no other moderator happens to be up here at said time as well. If we can have a moderator be at this time, perhaps it can discourage the person from spamming the guild and force him/her to leave us alone.

@Lmpkio

I would have to have access to the database, or at least the logs. I would also moderate from 9:00 AM to around 2:00 AM CST, had I the permissions. But I do not, so I help as much as I can here in the Dev Journal and pass along any significant information to Mahz.

[Lmpkio]

<Snipped quote by Lmpkio>

I would have to have access to the database, or at least the logs. I would also moderate from 9:00 AM to around 2:00 AM CST, had I the permissions. But I do not, so I help as much as I can here in the Dev Journal and pass along any significant information to Mahz.

@LegendBegins

True. And no worries.

And like wise, I will also be around through most of the day if I were a moderator myself. I don't care if my only duty is the spam police, for I will gladly do so. Being both a GM and moderator of other forums in the past, I have these skills and been known to be quite reliable as a moderator. (These forums btw are based on the ProBoards engine).

[NuttsnBolts]

<Snipped quote by NuttsnBolts>

If none of those ideas can help solve the problem, then WHAT can? Simply closing the site to a permanent lockdown, unable to allow any new members in? That would suck if it were the case.

@Lmpkio

<Snipped quote by LegendBegins>

I suppose that should be the answer. If you can at least check the original location, that will still be beneficial regardless.

Or if anything, have a Moderator that is up at around this time. Because I've been noticing, that around 6 - 7 PM PST, is when the bots start to come into play. At the same time, no other moderator happens to be up here at said time as well. If we can have a moderator be at this time, perhaps it can discourage the person from spamming the guild and force him/her to leave us alone.

@Lmpkio

The number of mods wont matter. The worse I have ever seen was a site that created a new account every minute. No human can keep up with that. What you have to remember is these are bots, not people. They follow a random program to create accounts and post up links. I think you might be mixed up on what's happening.

Easiest way to explain what is going on is if we think of a Guy that hires a bunch of kids every night to egg a house. You can stop one lot but the next night a new lot will come by. You can scream at the kids but the Guy is just sitting at home watching TV.

Edit: and why I posted this on my phone with terrible short sentances is anyone's guess when I'm sitting in front of a PC. >.>

[LegendBegins]

<Snipped quote by Lmpkio>

<Snipped quote by Lmpkio>

The number of mods wont matter. The worse I have ever seen was a site that created a new account every minute. No human can keep up with that. What you have to remember is these are bots, not people. They follow a random program to create accounts and post up links. I think you might be mixed up on what's happening.

Easiest way to explain what is going on is if we think of a Guy that hires a bunch of kids every night to egg a house. You can stop one lot but the next night a new lot will come by. You can scream at the kids but the Guy is just sitting at home watching TV.

@NuttsnBolts

Without significant technological prowess, it would not be simple to bypass Google's Captcha service.