Security Changes

[SomeSailor]

There's a lot of buzz in the vBulletin community (the software we run here) about the increased volume of spam and why they're being attracted all of the sudden to these forums.

To keep this from being a problem here I've made a few changes in the way new users get to join here:



I added some code thats make a new users answer a basic math question. It guarantees a bot can't get past the registration screen. (2+2=?, etc) :D
They still do the captcha characters (I added another set of 600 images).
They still need to validate from an active email account to validate
I still get an email when all new users register.
Even then it takes an action by an Admin/Moderator (we receive an email) to activate their account, allowing them to post.
Then... They cannot post images or links or URLs until they've made 10 posts.
and I also added a crack team of Super Moderators (thanks Doug/Bob!)



We should have no problems... but I wanna waste as much of their time as possible if they try. :)

If there's anyone else who'd be interested in doing some Moderation... please let me know.

[Sundancer]

You guys do a great job and I've had a few spammers, but not many at all. Thanks for the hard work staying on top of this stuff so the rest of us can enjoy the site!! :mrgreen:

[Stompor]

Great Job Mike.
I would be happy to help any way that I can.
Scott

[SomeSailor]

Sure thing Scott. Up for some time as a Moderator?

[Tedster]

Glad to be a moderator or anyhting else you deem me to be to help this awesome site!

[SomeSailor]

You're hired... lemme know if you have any questions.

[Tedster]

Thanks, pretty sure I know what is required to do, but feel free to tell me what your thoughts are.

[SomeSailor]

You're almost God-like now... but you'll notice a new little nondescript link in the bottom right called "MOD".

That'll reveal your super powers. :)

More to come... and thanks

[Tedster]

Mike, if anyone here is "god-like" it is you for all you have done here!

[Eagle Lady]

If there's anyone else who'd be interested in doing some Moderation... please let me know.

Mike what does moderating entail? Maybe you could explain it a little more? I wouldn't mind helping with the Cruise Calendar and Admiral's Corner.

Perhaps I could be of help in setting up rendezvous/cruises too. Finding or tracking down any available activities, call for marina arrangements/reservations along with any follow up confirmations if necessary then convey the info on this string, sort of an informal “Activities Coordinator” if you will.

We’ve only had our boat 3½ years and done more cruising in the mid to South Sound - our North Sound cruising knowledge is limited & no where near as extensive as the long time members.

We normally use the Burgee book, the Afoot/Afloat series books and a couple others to familiarize ourselves with cruise destinations..

Of course the way it’s been...the “if you build it they will come” adage works great as it is .…. It’s just an offer to help. I wouldn’t mind helping out, just let me know where.

[Apperloo]

Just curious about the "infraction Icon" top right.
Is that new? or have I just not noticed it till now?

[Stompor]

Thanks Mike.
Let me know if you need anything else.
Scott

[SomeSailor]

Just curious about the "infraction Icon" top right.
Is that new? or have I just not noticed it till now?

Been there all along. It simply allows people to award "Infractions" anonymously. You can also affect a persons "Reputation" as well.

These factors have to do with a ranking system built into VB that allows users to self rank each other.

[oh_wells]

Sounds great to me!

Jeff hosts a forum for my mom friends and me. It is a Web Wiz forum so although I know nothing of vbulletin, I've got a sense of what it takes to run a forum from behind the scenes. So thank you. Thank you for keeping this such a great and supportive scene.

We're hoping to meet up in person with you all next season. I think we're going to tuck the Oh Wells in for Fall/Winter and get a handle on our other projects and updating the boat a bit.

[Nehalennia]

I think Lorraine's a natural for the Cruising Director.
In my line of work I have segments of time I'm able to leave the forums up and running in the background and I'm able to respond sometimes quickly but I'm also easily derailed as issues come up at work. Most of the day I'm on the phone, e-mailing or visiting with customers surveying projects.

Lorraine has done a ton of leg work on these rendezvouseseses that otherwise I would have to relagate to after business hours or in between calls leaving that work easily forgotten.

Again Mike,
If you need help with anything let me know.

[SomeSailor]

I think Lorraine's a natural for the Cruising Director.
In my line of work I have segments of time I'm able to leave the forums up and running in the background and I'm able to respond sometimes quickly but I'm also easily derailed as issues come up at work. Most of the day I'm on the phone, e-mailing or visiting with customers surveying projects.

Lorraine has done a ton of leg work on these rendezvouseseses that otherwise I would have to relagate to after business hours or in between calls leaving that work easily forgotten.

Again Mike,
If you need help with anything let me know.

I'll get my thoughts together and start another thread.

[Play N Hookie II]

I'll get my thoughts together and start another thread.

I am happy to help with anything I can as well.

[Nehalennia]

Avatars lost?

[SomeSailor]

For now, yes.

[pkrogh]

Been there all along. It simply allows people to award "Infractions" anonymously. You can also affect a persons "Reputation" as well.

Gee Mike, where's your infractions button??? Hmmmm???

:mrgreen::mrgreen::mrgreen:

Keep up the good work my friend!

Pete

(Hmmmm. Where's mine???)

[Nehalennia]

For now, yes.

Unless it's an Admin, Moderator or the admirals.
http://learnsomethingnewtoday.us/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/rodney-dangerfield.jpg

[Play N Hookie Admiral]

Unless it's an Admin, Moderator or the admirals.
http://learnsomethingnewtoday.us/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/rodney-dangerfield.jpg

Come on Todd - you know we Admirals dont have to play by the same rules you Captians do! ;)

[Nehalennia]

Come on Todd - you know we Admirals dont have to play by the same rules you Captians do! ;)

you have rules? I thought the Ladies had free reign

[Play N Hookie Admiral]

you have rules? I thought the Ladies had free reign

Yup. You got it. ;)