Suggestion about user names

[FlightSimBoy]

Would it be possible to set up a system where a certain username can't be used? I know we are getting a new server and this would be a nice feature to keep would-be spammers out. Look at the "please welcome our newest user" spot from time to time. You will see names like "OnlineDrugs" and "PornoDiabloSex". Don't believe me, go to the members list and sort it by user name in descending mode. (newest users to oldest users).

Set up a list of words that can't be used in a name. Words like "drugs", "sex", "porn", any of that should be blocked from use.

I see a disadvantage in that this could be complicated to program. I'm sure the scripting is already out there, but it would be a b***h to implement it to a forum as large as ours, I'm sure. Also, it is quite certain that some spammers will still get through, but sometimes it only takes once to deter any particular one for awhile.

So, what do you think? Should we try this out or would it just be best to see the spam and deal with it from there?

 

[Half Evil]

Do you have any idea where to go about getting a script?

 

[FlightSimBoy]

to be honest with you, i have very little knowledge of forum scripting. i have seen scripts before, but i didnt understand a bit of it.

EDIT- I do know some C++, Java and HTML but I still don't have a clue about forum scripting. I know its mostly pHp or something like that. Ive also heard of mysql.

 

[Celegorm]

It's a good Idea. I have talked to David about a different (and mostlikely easier) option but if that doesn't work, this might be worth looking into.

 

[AllThingsSacred]

There is probably a hack or mod available, vBulletin has lots of different little addons like that.

 

[blackjack]

I don't know squat about script writing, but just how exactly would you filter it? also some people will be offended by different words so apart from the obvious (swear words) how do we distinguish between good and bad?

 

[Bahawolf1]

There are multiple ways to prevent spammers from signing up such as validating email accounts upon registration (option in vBulletin AdminCP).

He could also take a look over at vbulletin.org (as a licensed vBulletin owner, he has access to it) and download a modification to do additional tasks to prevent spammers.

By the way, you can also implement the CAPTCHA system on the registration form as well, through the AdminCP.

These names are all robots so preventing automated registration is a must. Also, banning the email domains (again, through the AdminCP) would do additional help as well..

Such as..

spammers@wespamyou.kl registers..
Ban @*.kl and all is well.. (the AdminCP instructs that a wildcard is not needed because it automaticly adds one when banning email domains but it was an example).

 

[J03]

It should be pretty easy to do, actually. Just make a PHP Script and Cron job it! The script could query the DB for "Drugs" or w/e, and remove all the Entry's that contain that string of text!

 

[~NeonFire372~]

I'd imagine there are plenty vBulletin modifications available to do such a thing and for some reason I recall it being an option in an unmodded vBulletin Admin CP.

 

[Brookfield]

Would it be possible to set up a system where a certain username can't be used? I know we are getting a new server and this would be a nice feature to keep would-be spammers out. Look at the "please welcome our newest user" spot from time to time. You will see names like "OnlineDrugs" and "PornoDiabloSex". Don't believe me, go to the members list and sort it by user name in descending mode. (newest users to oldest users).

Set up a list of words that can't be used in a name. Words like "drugs", "sex", "porn", any of that should be blocked from use.

I see a disadvantage in that this could be complicated to program. I'm sure the scripting is already out there, but it would be a b***h to implement it to a forum as large as ours, I'm sure. Also, it is quite certain that some spammers will still get through, but sometimes it only takes once to deter any particular one for awhile.

So, what do you think? Should we try this out or would it just be best to see the spam and deal with it from there?

I looked through the members list, & in next to no time I found these usernames;

fuk, [joined June 2003] Freeporntoday, [joined July 2007] & f-ckforsake. [joined September 2006] & there must be many more, just pointing out what a monumental task it would be to vet all of them, god knows how long!!