Blog Spam - Where to draw the line...

JuggoPop · Share | #1 (**permalink**) 03-24-2006, 06:43 AM

I know that when I go to mod my comments and I see the same 200 links in one post from the same guy everyday that it's spam. I guess he thinks that if he keeps posting it, eventually I'll approve him... who knows.

my question however, is where do you draw the line between spam and a real comment?

For example I have a comment awaiting my attention right now that looks like a real comment, uses a real name and leaves a message that might have something to do with the post. However, in the comment he has two different links to his site worked into the comment.

To me this is spam. I don't think he is actually talking to me. I think he's posting a general message realted to the subject at hand... and goes around looking for more blog posts on the topic.

For example, while reading John's blog I saw a post on his indie virus comments that said something to the effect of "oh this isn't a health issue virus... oh well, here's my link"... the link I believe John removed before letting the comment go through.

I have thought about editing these comments and letting them on by (minus the spam), but I would have to go to editing/modding every comment... as is stands if I approve you, you then don't need apporval in the future. So if I approve these spammers (even edited) then they will have free reign on future comments.

What is the line they have to cross before you consider it spam?

Using the website keyword as their name on the form? that's my first clue that they really are just wanting a link. Posting something that doesn't really make since 100%? is it that they are just a moron on the subject? or is this a cut and paste related to the subject?

Feel free to disscuss your thoughts...

John Scott · #2 (**permalink**) 03-24-2006, 06:44 AM

Post an example here. I'm guessing its the automated kind.

JuggoPop · #3 (**permalink**) 03-24-2006, 07:02 AM

Code:

Name: Horatio | E-mail: xxxxxxxx@canada.com | 
URI: http://www.xxxxxxxxxxx.com | 
IP: xxxxxxxxxxx | Date: March 23, 2006

Using a TRS-80 Color Computer with the Audio
Spectrum Analyzer cartridge for special effects
in the first episode was pure brilliance!!

Victory 5 Network - movies, tv shows, music
and more for your cell phones and portable devices
www.xxxxxxxxxxxxx.com - the worldâ€™s first & only
tv network for your portable devices

I removed the domain email and ip from the above.

the last paragraph has two links.
one is the first sentence and the second was the url.

The only part that seems like it's not spam is the comment (or first paragraph). This comment is in response to my Revege of the Nerds post. It talks about how the movie was on tv and list lyrics to two songs.

ok... so what he's talking about is a computer used in the movie. It really doesn't have anything to do with my topic directly, but it does relate in a general sence... and maybe he just needed to get it off his chest that he thought that part was cool.

but if you wikipedia revenge of the nerds you find:

Quote:

They seal their victory in the talent show with a spectacular song and dance routine using a TRS-80 Color Computer with the Audio Spectrum Analyzer cartridge for special effects

just seems like it was a general copy and paste, then slightly edited and not a real comment.

of course I could be wrong. I'm just using this as an example. to try to see where you draw the line between spam and comment.

John Scott · #4 (**permalink**) 03-24-2006, 07:19 AM

It's automated spamming. Just mark it as spam and move on, or install image verification.

JuggoPop · #5 (**permalink**) 03-24-2006, 07:20 AM

ohh... that's a good idea.

anyone know of a wp addon for that that works well?

cldnails · #6 (**permalink**) 03-24-2006, 12:21 PM

Search for captcha and wordpress, I'm sure you will find something. I used to get all kinds of spam such as that on my blog, but once image verification was installed it dropped off completely.

If you have a blog that is even remotely popular you have to have some sort of SPAM control. If I happen to run across the plugin for wordpress I'll be sure to send it your way.

JuggoPop · #7 (**permalink**) 03-24-2006, 02:11 PM

I just added this one to my blog...
http://www.infor96.com/~nio/archives/369

feel free to check it out and see what you think...
I'll have to wait and see how well it works out over time.

John Scott · #8 (**permalink**) 03-24-2006, 10:10 PM

I want that on my blog.

JuggoPop · #9 (**permalink**) 03-25-2006, 04:39 PM

add it... all you do is:

1. save the file.
2. ftp it to your plugin folder.
3. open the wp-admin.
4. activate it in your plug in section.

No images involved or anything.
I did edit the bg color in the file to make it blend a little better, but it wasn't hard to do.

John Scott · #10 (**permalink**) 03-25-2006, 09:09 PM

That's installed on my blog now (thanks Colleen!).

Has it stopped your comment spam?

JuggoPop · #11 (**permalink**) 03-25-2006, 09:12 PM

Looks good on there too.

If you want the grey background to blend in you need to edit the background color to 255,243,231 in the file. then re-upload it.

So far... yes. It has stopped all spam/bots... still going to wait it out a bit before I give it a full thumbs up.

NeO · #12 (**permalink**) 03-31-2006, 05:31 PM

I thought John just removed the image verification?

I keep getting these freaking spam emails... which are much more clearly spam - ie: it's 30 links w/ anchor text and it's all - ****** home loans consolidations bla bla bla yada yada yada... it's annoying but I have heard that the image verification cuts back the responses?

And Juggo..I am sorry about that one post I put up... but I used the code it said to use right above the post box... it turned EVERYTHING into a link??? that's odd to me - Anywho it was related and I think it's kewl

NeO

John Scott · #13 (**permalink**) 04-01-2006, 01:13 AM

I did remove it. Some people complained, and I thought it wasn't nice to make commenters jump through hoops.

Antonio · #14 (**permalink**) 04-01-2006, 01:28 AM

wordpress2.0+ itself has the plugin,called Akismet, against spam. it works fine for me, it has eaten 300 spam for me

JuggoPop · #15 (**permalink**) 04-03-2006, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnScott

I did remove it. Some people complained, and I thought it wasn't nice to make commenters jump through hoops.

they still have to type their name and a message... and it's only 4 little keyboard button presses.

I can't imagine anyone complaining when it is saving you spam troubles... strange.

sorry it didn't work for you john...

seems like everyone else is using akismet... but I really don't want to have to go check for lost messages, maybe I'll join the band wagon later... who knows.

DarrenC · #16 (**permalink**) 04-04-2006, 04:27 PM

Juggopop - I can understand what you mean about searching for comments that have been put into the spam filter but out of 147 comments, I've not had one genuine comment get filtered.

I like the idea of the anti spam image, but I'm going to see if the Akismet plugin performs as well as it initially appears to be.

Darren

Sabeur · #17 (**permalink**) 04-05-2006, 03:29 AM

http://sabsblog.com/?p=61 - look there i have added this thing which asks for some maths quiz's.

JuggoPop · #18 (**permalink**) 04-05-2006, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sabeur

http://sabsblog.com/?p=61 - look there i have added this thing which asks for some maths quiz's.

that's cool. where did you get it?
and wouldn't it look a little better right above the submit button? (I almost didn't see it)