Waygook! > Website usage, help, FAQs, Questions, Suggestions.
Spam from newbs trying to get to 5 posts
justanotherwaygook:
I've been saying this for a while, and it's had a slightly warm reception, but I never heard an answer for it:
Keep the 5 post minimum. However, don't automatically allow downloads after 5 posts. Either send an automatic request, or have the user send a request, to the mods seeking permission to download. The mod can give a scan of their posts (shouldn't take more than 30 seconds). The mod then enables downloading privileges.
Also,
I know new users are given verification questions when they make a post. Can one of those questions please explain the 5-post minimum rule? If they still question it (just to get up their post count), give them a major warning level.
matthews_world:
Agreed about lifting the post/membership requirement. This site probably gets enough on ads alone. Most will forego the annual membership and thus post anyway.
Noob posts: although some are helpful, most are meaningless drivel.
flasyb:
--- Quote from: Brian on May 14, 2012, 09:18:28 PM ---My favorite is when they post "why can't I download?" on threads explaining exactly why they can't download. If you're going to join a site and expect hand-outs, take some time to learn how it works first.
I don't think it's on the increase, I think it's always been a problem.
There are a few ways to deal with it. The posting requirement clearly is a big reason for it, and leads people to throw up empty posts or post links or other stuff that doesn't really help: redundant worksheets, links that everyone knows about, powerpoints entirely in Korean, etc. If the requirement went away we'd still have thousands of users downloading material without ever contributing a thing. At least this way we can see who's around and using the site, even if there are some annoyances. When moderators have debated this requirement, opinion is split, because new members who can't see attachments obviously can't post stuff that meets the standards of our best teachers.
When we find these empty posts, though, it's an easy way to find who is here to share and be community members, and who is here just to steal. If you come across empty posts you don't think belong here, click "report to moderator" so a mod can easily get to it. We remove the posts and issue warnings. Repeat offenders are muted and the most flagrant ones can get banned.
--- End quote ---
This seems like a lot of effort to go to - isn't the 5 post rule just needlessly creating this extra work for the mods and members who report them?
All the 5 post rule seems to do is filter out those who are willing to post slightly more acceptable spam in order to receive unlimited downloads - with a few exceptions, of course.
--- Quote from: Brian on May 14, 2012, 09:18:28 PM ---Maybe there is a way to tie download capacity to the number of posts or uploads. That is, somebody without any posts doesn't have unlimited downloads. Somebody who has, say, 7 posts can only make ___ downloads per month. (I don't do anything on the back end, so I don't know if that's possible or easy). Or maybe a way to let new members download a limited amount for seven days, post-free, just so they can see what we have.
--- End quote ---
Yeah, I've seen similar things on other teaching websites. You get credits every time someone downloads something of yours. These credits enable you to download other people's material. Clearly, this will encourage contribution and also encourage users who are unprepared to contribute to leave the site - this would get rid of the leeches and reward the users who contribute the most/best material. I must say though, that I have no idea how easy that kind of thing would be either. It's fine to think it's a good idea but someone else would have to implement it.
I'd shy away from encouraging more spam though, which is what would happen if you gave users the ability to download based on their post count.
--- Quote from: jesseolwen on May 16, 2012, 11:41:34 AM ---This is great, thanks!
(sorry, I'm trying to get in my 5 posts)
--- End quote ---
:laugh:
I won't be reporting that one.
steven1080:
Positive and encouraging feedback is one of the most important things you can post on here.
Many people share amazing lessons and showing them appreciation and thanks is a valuable contribution.
Perhaps this newb does not having anything useful to post today but maybe 6 months from now, after they
learn the ropes they will start to post some of the best things on here.
tesoljon:
--- Quote from: steven1080 on May 25, 2012, 12:44:28 PM ---Positive and encouraging feedback is one of the most important things you can post on here.
Many people share amazing lessons and showing them appreciation and thanks is a valuable contribution.
Perhaps this newb does not having anything useful to post today but maybe 6 months from now, after they
learn the ropes they will start to post some of the best things on here.
--- End quote ---
But as someone else said, If they have less than 5 posts, they almost have to be lying. Yeah, sure, there is stuff here that is just discussion or just sharing ideas. But how can they think the lesson materials are great if they can't even download them yet? o.O
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