Spam Crackdown

***Alcar*** · #1 05-27-2004, 03:11 PM

As many of you may have noticed, spam has become increasingly greater in quantity over the past few weeks. This was the direct result of a forum wide evaluation period (as I like to call it

), to test whether the forums and their members could sustain a proper existance without aid or warnings from staff members.

It was, to be blunt, a complete failure. The members had a fair chance to prove to us that our methods of control were unfair (as many of you have always said we are too harsh), but you've abused that chance, and only proved to us that our methods are very fair and justified. Yes, I understand that we didn't inform you of this evaluation period, but doing so would have compromised the accuracy of our evaluation. We needed to see how you would react normally, not how you'd react knowing the consequences should you spam. This evaluation has also shown us that Oddworld General Discussion has decreased in posts per day to less than two (sometimes none), while Off-Topic Discussion has been dramatically boosted in post strength.

As such, a complete crackdown on spam will follow, with anyone and everyone having their spam posts deleted immediately, and then swiftly warned.

Alcar...

oddguy · #2 05-27-2004, 03:40 PM

I feel somewhat betrayed.

Like I was part of a test, yet I didn't now I was in it.

Well, I am guilty of spam...

You guys got me good.

-oddguy

***Alcar*** · #3 05-27-2004, 03:44 PM

Well, it was actually a coincidence. The Moderators seemed to be off with School (well, most of them, including me), so they didn't really get a chance to do anything. The evaluation was a coincidence as well. As it wasn't actually planned, it just happened.

Never the less, it just proves that we've got to shape up in time for OW4. And get General Oddworld Discussion (most of all) back in shape. We have a duty to perform, in maintaining the forums' Oddworldness.

This thread was basically a warning to those that spam, and are warned. What was allowed in the past few weeks no longer is.

Alcar...

Majic · #4 05-27-2004, 03:49 PM

Don't worry, chap. I didn't know there was an evaluation period either. I just didn't give any warnings becuase my eyes have come to the point of glazing over things I can tell are pointless posts. Which actually weren't too many in OT...

***Alcar*** · #5 05-27-2004, 03:52 PM

As I mentioned, it was a coincidence

However, it's more focused at General Discussion, as spam is more profound there, than in Off-Topic (as Off-Topic obviously contains things where spam-like posts are welcome).

Alcar...

oddguy · #6 05-27-2004, 04:00 PM

Ummm, if GD only averaged about 2 or less posts per day as you said, then how could it be in need of a spam crackdown?

-oddguy

***Alcar*** · #7 05-27-2004, 04:05 PM

Because up until the two posts per day, it was half-living on spam. Things completely unrelated the Oddworld were posted

Then suddenly, all posting dropped, for no apparent reason. When I say crackdown, I mean, if GD becomes active once again, we'd want it to be meaningful posts, and not spam.

Again, I'll emphasise that this is really a large warning for those that are about to spam.

Alcar...

ClaireBear · #8 05-27-2004, 09:47 PM

HA HA HAhahahahahaha Hehehehehehe HAHAHAHAhahahahaha!

Alcar... if it wasn't for "spam" this forum would have a setting similar to Margaret Thatcher's funeral... ie No one there and those who are are only there to lick arse!

You can't ban natural conversation flow Alcar... nor can you stop people from drinking, smoking or f**king!

Grow up!

Its not the "spam" thats a immature waste... its your over reaction to it!

IMHO whilst the mods were away revising for their exams ie the supposed experiment this forum had more life, humour and posts than ever before! If it goes back to the old "row ya b*stards... booom-boom-boom-boom" attitude I think you'll find it won't only be Death who'll be taking a walk!

Lay a warning on me big boy! "C'mon 'ave a go if you think you're 'ard enough!"

Oh and also... Hahahahahahaha hehehehehehe hahahahahah... stop Alcar I've got a stitch from laughing sweetie!

***Alcar*** · #9 05-27-2004, 10:10 PM

The forums seemed to do quite well before such spam was introduced. And it will be enforced, you can choose to disobey and spam, but you'll be warned and banned should you do the neccessary actions to warrant it.

This isn't as funny as you seem to be making it out as.

Alcar...

ClaireBear · #10 05-27-2004, 10:59 PM

Are you only trying to stop the "spam" on the OW general board or in the off-topic?

I ask because the off-topic board is by nature and title "spam"

I have to admit that some people have veered off title a few times... indeed hy have people started to post pictures of their pets in the "What do you look like?" thread? (not that I agree with people posting their pictures on the web handily in close proximity to a "Where are you thread" for any perve and weirdo to track you down and and say "howdy!" to you)

But I'm not gonna lose sleep over it!!!!

Yeah.. it makes threads long... it may cause a few technicalities... but surely no one actually searches the off-topic board? If you log on here and do a search it'll be in the OW board!!!!

I see no problem with "spam" Peter... I find it very ammusing when others do! you'll make a great father one day Peter I just pity you kids... tell me will they be allowed a life?

***Alcar*** · #11 05-27-2004, 11:28 PM

Turning a forum into a spam heap isn't fun either. If you honestly want a good all round spam forum, I'd check out @forums or Off Topic Central. The fact is, spam will be deleted an dealt with accordingly. These are the rules, and they shall be adhered to.

Lol, my children? I'm sure they'll have a blast. Because, in real life I'm the most whacked-out loopy-est person you'll meet, that is, if I'm comfortable around you. I come on the Oddworld Forums to commune with other Oddworld fans, in a fun, but civil manner. This, apart from my head-to-head deep discussions with friends, is where I come to share my honest opinions, and talk about Oddworld.

Alcar...

ClaireBear · #12 05-28-2004, 12:17 AM

Aaaaaaargh! But that IS what the off-topic board is!!!!! "SPAM!!!"

Its just "spam" by like minded individuals... in this case OWG fans! Also, here's a tip for you, when someone challenges your reasoning concerning an issue here don't insult them by insinuating that they don't belong!

That is how I've interpreted your pointing me in the direction of a "spam forum" (I wasn't even aware those places existed) and I'm sure other posters (maybe even those less sensitive than me!) would think that too!

I'm really trying to understand your concerns and problems with "spam" but you haven't given any definition of your (and the other mods.. but I'm yet to see another colaborate with your statement here!) problems or difficulties with it and so have given us nothing other than "don't do it... or else!"

And you haven't answered my question... Is it the OW board or the off-topic where majority of this policing is going to happen!?... Oh wait! Looking back you are talking about the OW general aren't you! Sorry!

But my first question still stands... Your reasoning behind your complaint please!

***Alcar*** · #13 05-28-2004, 12:32 AM

Off-Topic has existed without spam for ages. Yes, there is more of a tendency to have "more" nonsense, or chit-chit discussions in there, but those can easily be kept to a non-spam agenda. Off-Topic is not for spam.

As for which forums will be somewhat spared, well, none of them. If spam is posted, spam shall be deleted. A simple concept, which has been in place for a very long time. Do you see the immense difference in post and thread counts between GD and OT? It's one factor of what spamming has created.

As for where this thread is heading, it is heading no where at the moment. I've stated what is going to happen, and it is no different that what normally happens. We delete spam.

Alcar...

ClaireBear · #14 05-28-2004, 12:39 AM

Again! WHY!!!!!????!!!!

God damn you Alcar! Just answer the frickin question!

Ohhh big post count eh? Explain to me why thats a problem!!!

Enlighten me then I'll happily shut the f**k up and adhere to your "concentration camp" stylee... If you recall... whilst you guys were hitting the books revising the last few weeks I made a "spam thread" to stop people cluttering up other peoples topics... It worked for a while but then it seems people have forgotten about it! Maybe it should have been a "sticky" post!

***Alcar*** · #15 05-28-2004, 12:42 AM

Why we need to delete spam?

I already explained. It's in our rules that members are not to spam. Again, it is in our rules, that we warn those that spam, and follow the usual formalities associated with it.

Alcar...

ClaireBear · #16 05-28-2004, 12:48 AM

No stooopid!

Why the rule?

And don't say something like... "because it always has been a rule!"

Whats the problem with a large post and thread count... enlighten the Bear of very little brain... also justify yourself! You can't swan in and say "Riiight! Thats enough of that" "Why?" "Because I say so because the rules says it is so!"

Thats like so... so... so... (something insulting and age related that would hack off and alienate alot of the other posters... so ain't included it

) You're better than that!

***Alcar*** · #17 05-28-2004, 01:28 AM

Why the rule? Because it eliminates the chances of the Oddworld Forums becoming a cesspit of spam. Something I'd like to avoid. I thought it was pretty obvious a no spamming rule was intended to cut spam out.

About the large post count. I'm simply stating that in an Oddworld forum, you'd expect that the Oddworld Discussion forum would have more attention. One of the reasons Off-Topic has more, is because of spam.

Alcar...

Teal · #18 05-28-2004, 01:50 AM

When reading a topic, I like to be able to read it, without having to wade through all the "omg lol yeah tomatoes r grate!" sort of comments. That's the whole idea of a message board, to me - to see other people's opinions on a topic. I don't think the natural progression of a topic from (for instance) cloning to bananas counts as spam, it's just the "conversations" in the topics that are irritating, since only the people having the "conversation" will find them remotely interesting and they could be better done in email or in IM.

There's nothing wrong with a high post count so long as the posts are worth reading. :P And not just picking fights with the moderators.

ClaireBear · #19 05-28-2004, 02:10 AM

:

Why the rule? Because it eliminates the chances of the Oddworld Forums becoming a cesspit of spam. Something I'd like to avoid. I thought it was pretty obvious a no spamming rule was intended to cut spam out.

About the large post count. I'm simply stating that in an Oddworld forum, you'd expect that the Oddworld Discussion forum would have more attention. One of the reasons Off-Topic has more, is because of spam.

Alcar...

Nice deflection but you haven't answered my question!

And don't you think the diference in post and thread count is that you can really only discuss the colour of Abe's Y's if he wears any at all a few times! The OT board has far more thread possiblities!

Teals suggestion actually answered my question so...Thanks Teal!

I agree with you... I don't even class stuff like "Yeah! *thumbs up*" and "LOL! Wow there big boy!" as "spam" I class it as s**t! That stuff is worthy of deletion!

What I don't want is Peter running onto threads and abolishing what you nicely termed the "natural progression" of a conversation.

If Alcar actually defined what he classes as spam then I think he'd find we have similar views... I opened a spam thread for gawds sake to kinda herd it together!! but until he does so of course I'm going to take umbridge... I'm not "picking a fight with a mod"... I'm discussing a salient point with another OW poster... we are all equal on here ya know... except he's got a lock and delete function!

EDIT: Oh wow! I haven't used the new smilies much til now they're really cute much better than before... good call Alcar not using Death's IMHO (no offence!) rather scary ones!

***Alcar*** · #20 05-28-2004, 02:16 AM

Erm, I agree with Teal as well. So I don't see how you could possibly oppose what I'm saying.

I'm not going to abolish threads for replies that relate to the thread and are proper.

Alcar...

ClaireBear · #21 05-28-2004, 02:28 AM

:

Erm, I agree with Teal as well. So I don't see how you could possibly oppose what I'm saying.

I'm not going to abolish threads for replies that relate to the thread and are proper.

Alcar...

I agree with Teal! Have you read my last post at all!?!

So... what I term s**t... random text message style bollocks, plain arrogant "nice point" pooh and random giberish... is spam and so will be deleted! MEANING My stuff won't be!!!!!

*phew*

Thank Gawd!

Hmmmm! Me thinks I should have come straight to the point with that question really

*CB... runs away before Peter clobbers her for being a ninny!*

Oh! EDIT!... And do you think Majic would put a sticky on my spam thread or open a proper one in the OT board? I really do think its a good idea because sometimes even the natural progression of a thread can divert way off base and sometimes what you have to say doesn't really warrant a new thread being made! Just a thoght....

oddguy · #22 05-28-2004, 05:02 AM

*oddguy rides in to Alcar's aid on a white horse*

:

You can't ban natural conversation flow Alcar...

He's not banning natural conversation flow, love...just pointless drivel.

:

...whilst the mods were away revising for their exams ie the supposed experiment this forum had more life, humour and posts than ever before!

Actaully, you never really knew how it was before...you just joined silly!

I hope sligslinger doesn't kill me, but he PM'd me and said that the forums, in his opinion, were going downhill. That's why he hasn't been here as often. Just an example.

Now...rules are good. If we didn't have rules, think of the chaos that would insue! Alcar isn't destroying natural conversation flow. Some topics flow a bit off-course, but if it's better exploring a subject, then cool. But if it turns into a dual topic, or an argument, a mod will step in and tell the kids to get back on topic. No big deal. I mean, if you want to continue a conversation that's off subject, PMing is a great tool. That's why it's there.

Ah...I feel good!

-oddguy

ClaireBear · #23 05-28-2004, 05:49 AM

*CB recoils at how Oddguys tongue seems to be wedged up Alcars arse*

Em... so comparison in two months doesn't count then?

Actually Oddguy... Alcar didn't make his intentions all that clear from the onset.. I simply required clarification on exactly what he classified as "spam" and what he was prepared to delete...

Alcar certainly doesn't require any equestrian supported help!

The Red Muse · #24 05-28-2004, 06:05 AM

It's so sad that Death left before he could read this thread.
*sigh*

I believe that he'd give out his smartass opinion very clearly about this matter.

...Did I say smartass? Oh, my...
*runs away*

oddguy · #25 05-28-2004, 06:12 AM

:

*CB recoils at how Oddguys tongue seems to be wedged up Alcars arse*

Mmmmm, tasty!

:

Em... so comparison in two months doesn't count then?

Nope. Sorry.

:

Actually Oddguy... Alcar didn't make his intentions all that clear from the onset.. I simply required clarification on exactly what he classified as "spam" and what he was prepared to delete...

Well, I thought I made a good classification of what spam is...Alcar would agree with me. If ya still need help, here is a true example of pure horrid spam...

http://www.oddworldforums.net/showpo...1&postcount=31

:

Alcar certainly doesn't require any equestrian supported help!

Yeah, probably not, but my horse is white and very cool.

-oddguy

***Alcar*** · #26 05-28-2004, 01:08 PM

Lol, thankyou oddguy. CB, I'm not going to bother to reply again, so listen to what oddguy has said. He's summed up everything perfectly.

Alcar...

Mac the Janitor · #27 05-28-2004, 01:21 PM

I think it's funny how CB thinks of us as so immature and such when she's the only one losing her temper and calling names and such, reverting to personal attacks when her arguments fall on their faces...

:

Thats like so... so... so... (something insulting and age related that would hack off and alienate alot of the other posters... so ain't included it ) You're better than that!

:

No stooopid!

:

No one there and those who are are only there to lick arse!

:

Grow up!

:

Peter I just pity you kids... tell me will they be allowed a life?

:

God damn you Alcar!

God, how I wish I could ban people.

Adder · #28 05-29-2004, 12:22 AM

Well... I can't say I noticed any change in Mod patterns over the past few weeks, but if you say there's spam I'll make sure I don't post any more foolish threads or replys.

I think the number of posts I put up is dropping since the quick reply came in. I end up typing something, realising it's spam-ish and just leave it! Since I didn't waste time waiting for a second page to load, I don't mind not posting!

Sekto Springs · #29 05-29-2004, 08:29 AM

I feel like an accessory

SeaRex · #30 05-29-2004, 04:52 PM

Damn son, we got pwned. Or something like that.

I was wondering why Alcar hadn't been breathing as much fire. I say kudos. This was a nice idea.

[/spam]