[The_Force]

Yes I know I am necroing but this problem is seriously getting out of hand Topace is working his socks off trying to keep in under control. We really need to find a fix ASAP.

[Zacam]

Okay. I'll work something out to be installed during this weekend.

[Zacam]

Update: In Theory (or as I like to put it, theINory) we now have 2 AntiSpam modules in place that should alleviate the burden.

They don't (yet) affect the registration process, but should help out against payload posts and the like. The reason why it won't yet touch on the registration process is because that is a little more convoluted and has a significantly larger amount of edits and things that could go wrong as a result. I do have it staged to activate however.

I'm also thinking about a potential idea. Restrict User Pages from being available until 'X' contributions. Thoughts?

[TopAce]

Would it be possible to restrict external linking instead?

[SypheDMar]

I'm also thinking about a potential idea. Restrict User Pages from being available until 'X' contributions. Thoughts?

Agree. In fact, I'd suggest doing them away entirely, although that may not be as receptive. Not many of us needs a user page, anyway. Its nature is very "bloggish" and serves no use for FreeSpace Wiki. Except for special users (mod leads, admins, moderators, etc.) I don't see a reason why anyone else would need one. Even those special cases don't really need one.

[TopAce]

If the aim is to prevent spammers from posting, then restricting user pages would make the spam be posted in the Wiki mainspace (articles).

The reason I proposed a limitation to external linking is because spam loses its purpose without external links.

[jr2]

They haven't figured out a way to generate revenue from the sheer frustration produced by annoying innocent bystanders?  Slackers.  What are they thinking? 

[Androgeos Exeunt]

Would it be possible to restrict external linking instead?

Don't we have an arithmetic query for those?

[FreeSpaceFreak]

Would it be possible to restrict external linking instead?

Don't we have an arithmetic query for those?

We do, but that doesn't stop actual people (and the more advanced spambots) from linkspamming. Enabling external linking only after a certain amount of time, or after n contributions, would be a more powerful deterrent.

[TopAce]

That's exactly what I had in mind. Looks like my quoted suggestion was too vague.