Just a quick note to assure everyone that this spam problem is top of my priority list. I've had e-mails and comments from a few users who seemed a bit ticked, and wanted to give you guys a forum where you could comment and give suggestions.
So, here's a run down of what "was" in place, what "is" in place, and what likely "will be" in place soon. Please leave comments here and let me know if you have any suggestions.
Was
A simple, too easily hackable captcha (the little "type the number" thing) on the registration, designed - in theory - to stop robots from signing up. Unfortunately, this captcha (lines on numbers) is just too easily cracked by robots now.
Is
I've implemented the highly praised ReCaptcha in the registration process, which uses adaptable and ever evolving captcha technology to prevent the robots. I've just done this - so need to give it a few days to see if it will improve things.
Will Be
If the ReCaptcha system improves things even marginally, I'm then going to implement it on the Story Submission page. I know this is an extra step for all you Hao Hao Reporters, but one I think we can all agree is worth it if it keeps HHR clean.
Some people have suggested including a "Report" button beside each post, and this may be an option. Not to push away the Wizard's curtain, but basically all this would do is send me an e-mail telling me you found spam.
As it stands, I check HHR several times a day and clean up the spam as soon as I see it (sorry if you catch HHR in the middle of the night Beijing time, as I'm sleeping and not much help).
Though I'd love to hire a full-time monitor to stop it right when it happens, it's just not possible. Though HHR is growing fast, and is starting to bring in a tad of cash from its monetization, it's still just barely covering hosting, and most definitely not making enough to hire staff.
So, for now, it's got me and I'm doin' the best I can. ;-)
If the registration captcha doesn't help, it leads me to think that rather than a faceless robot smackin' HHR with spam, it's a person who is taking the time to register, login, and submit each piece of crap by hand. As you might imagine, this is tough to combat while still leaving accessibility for the good users.
So - any thoughts?
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Ryan
45 weeks 1 day 8 hours 40 min ago24+ hours... no spam. Fingers still
24+ hours... no spam. Fingers still crossed that they're not just taking a break on the weekend.
Ryan
45 weeks 12 hours 41 min 39 sec ago2 days, no spam (wasn't going 6
2 days, no spam (wasn't going 6 hours without a page full of it before)... looks like ReCaptcha has solved the bulk of the problem (touch wood).
joecool
44 weeks 6 days 23 hours 24 min agoInever had any problems with the
Inever had any problems with the original Captcha (if you look away from the fact that it doesn't stop the bots from registering on my site), but I decided to do it the HHR way and upgrade my site to ReCaptcha too. Tnx for the tip.
Ryan
44 weeks 6 days 12 hours 46 min agoGot hit with a bit of spam yesterday.
Got hit with a bit of spam yesterday. One from an account that had registered before the upgrade to the new captcha and one from a new account. Not sure what to make of it yet. It does look like it's stopped the bulk though.
I think the best part about ReCaptcha is that it will evolve. It was created by the guys that started the whole captcha thing, so one assumes they're on the ball with what they're doing.
Ryan
44 weeks 5 days 13 hours 36 min agoUpdate: It appears that though
Update: It appears that though ReCaptcha has cut down on spam a bit, it's still getting through. Will keep looking for ways to strengthen this.
joecool
44 weeks 4 days 23 hours 38 min agoThats just weird. Someone is using
Thats just weird. Someone is using slave labour to punch the right numbers :-)
Ryan
44 weeks 4 days 13 hours 26 min agoIt's caused a nice red mark on
It's caused a nice red mark on my forehead where I've slammed my head against the desk. Other than closing registrations and having to authorize each one... I don't know what can be done.