We are getting an increasing amount of real human spammers trying to post messages here on the forum. We can deal with the automated computer spam, we can deal with the human spammers from far off countries, but when the spam is originating from some spam agency based in the UK it is incredibly difficult to filter out.
So the options:
a) We can manually approve all new registrations, moderate a members first 20 or so posts and limit use of the PM system until they are a 'full' member.
We're really reluctant to go down this route because it takes an insane amount of time and it is extremely frustrating for new members.
b) We can install a system that requires you to enter a mobile number when you register. You are then immediately texted a 4 digit code which you type in. Your account is then verified and you immediately have full privileges.
This is what Gmail etc and some other forums are now doing and the feedback is it works really well. We can't really see any downside to it, but, your feedback would be appreciated. Please note this would not affect existing users, and there would be a system to bypass the process if you really didn't want to verify via phone (but it would take longer obviously).
Seems simple enough. Keeps the rubbish out. Do it.
So the options:
a) We can manually approve all new registrations, moderate a members first 20 or so posts and limit use of the PM system until they are a 'full' member.
We're really reluctant to go down this route because it takes an insane amount of time and it is extremely frustrating for new members.
b) We can install a system that requires you to enter a mobile number when you register. You are then immediately texted a 4 digit code which you type in. Your account is then verified and you immediately have full privileges.
This is what Gmail etc and some other forums are now doing and the feedback is it works really well. We can't really see any downside to it, but, your feedback would be appreciated. Please note this would not affect existing users, and there would be a system to bypass the process if you really didn't want to verify via phone (but it would take longer obviously).
Seems simple enough. Keeps the rubbish out. Do it.