Add a plugin or something that restricts user to say 5 messaged in like 3 seconds or somthing like that, that should down spam.
Network Stop Spam botts
- Thread starter Swordboy100
- Start date
Focusing on bots, typically the spam bots we see here on the forums are several accounts that have been recently created. They either post a message, create a thread or comment on a thread once [ advertising whatever product or company ], then discontinue posting on that account.
Since they generally only post one message per account, this being implemented would be unnecessary as it wouldn't prevent anything due to the fact that it's one message posted on multiple separate accounts.
We also have a system in place that clears all spam once it is detected by a staff member.
This doesn't necessarily happen automatically, but it is something we do in response to spam bots.
For the reasons I have stated above, I won't be agreeing with the implementation of this suggestion.
Nevertheless, I am open to more ideas on how we could prevent spam bots as they can be quite, for lack of better words, annoying. -1
Since they generally only post one message per account, this being implemented would be unnecessary as it wouldn't prevent anything due to the fact that it's one message posted on multiple separate accounts.
We also have a system in place that clears all spam once it is detected by a staff member.
This doesn't necessarily happen automatically, but it is something we do in response to spam bots.
For the reasons I have stated above, I won't be agreeing with the implementation of this suggestion.
Nevertheless, I am open to more ideas on how we could prevent spam bots as they can be quite, for lack of better words, annoying. -1
Maybe there should be some sort of mechanism where new accounts can't create or reply to threads until a certain criteria is met. This could be the account being a week old, or perhaps the account should be linked. Although if the account must be linked, there would have to be a DEFAULT tag on their profiles to distinguish between default players and unlinked players.
I think OP suggested this for the server. Since "5 messaged in like 3 seconds or somthing like that, that should down spam." seems more like something for the server over the forums
The OP was suggesting this for the network, as there were spam bots present at the time.
Spam bots can be quite frustrating for everyone involved, therefore I think this would be useful to prevent them. However, in most cases multiple spam bots occur at once, therefore it'd slow them down but it wouldn't stop them completely. Nevertheless, this would be beneficial to prevent spam in general and I don't have any reason for this not to be implemented. +1
Thread prefix changed to Network.
Spam bots can be quite frustrating for everyone involved, therefore I think this would be useful to prevent them. However, in most cases multiple spam bots occur at once, therefore it'd slow them down but it wouldn't stop them completely. Nevertheless, this would be beneficial to prevent spam in general and I don't have any reason for this not to be implemented. +1
Thread prefix changed to Network.
Ah, thank you for clarifying!
The suggestion itself was quite vague, so the addition of the prefix being general caused my misinterpretation.
Please disregard what I've noted above. It still is relevant to the topic of spam bots so I'll leave it be.
On the topic of the network, I do think in certain scenarios that this would be beneficial:
⇥ For example, if it is one account which is spamming an IP, this would prevent the spam bot from sending a multitude of messages until a staff member stepped in.
⇥ Additionally, it can prevent regular players from spamming.
However, I think an arguable point that needs to be made is that some disallowed modded clients have options specifically designed for people to create spam simply by passing the timer you are suggesting with a time interval between each message. They can adjust this interval to their liking or needs, avoiding any detection. :
⇥ For example, if we have a plugin which only allows a message per 2-3 seconds, the spambot could have a time interval in place, perhaps spamming at every 4-5 seconds, completely avoiding the plugin.
⇥ Additionally, if there are MULTIPLE accounts being used ( which is common, at least to my sightings ), this suggestion will entirely be unused as (1) The bots may have time intervals between each message, and (2) The bots are most likely using multiple accounts, avoiding any further detection.
Overall, I do see some unnecessary flaws with implementing this as it won't be able to completely prevent the various types of spam bots, on the other hand, I think it could be beneficial in certain scenarios as the one I have listed. As I always say, a small adjustment can make any difference. +1
The suggestion itself was quite vague, so the addition of the prefix being general caused my misinterpretation.
Please disregard what I've noted above. It still is relevant to the topic of spam bots so I'll leave it be.
On the topic of the network, I do think in certain scenarios that this would be beneficial:
⇥ For example, if it is one account which is spamming an IP, this would prevent the spam bot from sending a multitude of messages until a staff member stepped in.
⇥ Additionally, it can prevent regular players from spamming.
However, I think an arguable point that needs to be made is that some disallowed modded clients have options specifically designed for people to create spam simply by passing the timer you are suggesting with a time interval between each message. They can adjust this interval to their liking or needs, avoiding any detection. :
⇥ For example, if we have a plugin which only allows a message per 2-3 seconds, the spambot could have a time interval in place, perhaps spamming at every 4-5 seconds, completely avoiding the plugin.
⇥ Additionally, if there are MULTIPLE accounts being used ( which is common, at least to my sightings ), this suggestion will entirely be unused as (1) The bots may have time intervals between each message, and (2) The bots are most likely using multiple accounts, avoiding any further detection.
Overall, I do see some unnecessary flaws with implementing this as it won't be able to completely prevent the various types of spam bots, on the other hand, I think it could be beneficial in certain scenarios as the one I have listed. As I always say, a small adjustment can make any difference. +1
I see the whole purpose of the creation of this, but I feel as if this will be very annoying for fast typers. If I'm having a decent argument in PMS with someone, the plugin may restrict my response. I type fast, and this would get in the way of RP'S/PMS.
However, I do think, it should only moderate global chats, and staff can do their thing with the rp chats. Pm's should be removed from what it moderates, and the same with commands. If I'm doing many commands at once on a rp, such as: "/rp help, /rp global off, /rp help, /rp setadmin person true" Having to wait 2 or 3 seconds to do ANYTHING will be boring. I also think it just adds to the 'restrictions and rules' people complaim about. I feel as if it's going to take a bit to long and just not an idea with enough depth. Add more and I'll say +1, but as of now my mind is set on -1. change of mind here. As long as commands aren't affected, It's good. +1
However, I do think, it should only moderate global chats, and staff can do their thing with the rp chats. Pm's should be removed from what it moderates, and the same with commands. If I'm doing many commands at once on a rp, such as: "/rp help, /rp global off, /rp help, /rp setadmin person true" Having to wait 2 or 3 seconds to do ANYTHING will be boring. I also think it just adds to the 'restrictions and rules' people complaim about. I feel as if it's going to take a bit to long and just not an idea with enough depth. Add more and I'll say +1, but as of now my mind is set on -1. change of mind here. As long as commands aren't affected, It's good. +1
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Looking back on this, implementing this won't fix the problem completely. Like Cattt said, to bypass this, there are often several different accounts that say a message at once. This would do nothing to those types of spam bots. Sure, it might help in the occasional IP spam, but in the duration of my time here, the spam bots I've seen are primarily all different accounts. Also, if this affects commands that will be VERY annoying, especially when using W/E. If we can make this so it doesn't affect pms, commands, and perhaps rps, I don't have a problem with it. Honestly, though, I doubt much can be done about the main issue. However this may help, so my vote will remain. Just stating a few things.