What is spam?

[RFGuy]

Use the existing method for reporting.

JPG,

Agreed and I do this already. There was discussion above about not commenting on spam posts going forward. I was just trying to point out that sometimes the spam post is left in place with an offending link removed by moderators. In the past when this has happened often the original spam post gets quoted over and over again by forum members who either don't know it is spam, or who know it is spam and try to point this out to everyone. I believe Russ was suggesting that we all stop commenting and quoting the original spam posts going forward. I was just trying to point out the confusion that gets created on a thread when a link is removed from a spam post but the post is left in place in the thread.

[JPG]

Use the existing method for reporting.

JPG,

Agreed and I do this already. There was discussion above about not commenting on spam posts going forward. I was just trying to point out that sometimes the spam post is left in place with an offending link removed by moderators. In the past when this has happened often the original spam post gets quoted over and over again by forum members who either don't know it is spam, or who know it is spam and try to point this out to everyone. I believe Russ was suggesting that we all stop commenting and quoting the original spam posts going forward. I was just trying to point out the confusion that gets created on a thread when a link is removed from a spam post but the post is left in place in the thread.

Explanation not necessary.

The key to all this is upfront when an initial post is vetted. Them spammers are getting tricky! Fortunately they eventually show their hand. Then I consider swift expulsion to be the minimum response.

[dusty]

A first time poster with an ON TOPIC link?
Off topic link usually you don't see, because I disapprove the topic and ban them.
Unless they come back after approval an add a URL.
A large majority of the newbie's post in "General woodworking".
I just learned today that if a URL is edited out, that it still shows up in a quote. But it looks like in the quote, the link isn't active.

Certainly a first time poster with an on topic post is not SPAM. However, concerning a first time poster with an on topic link, "on topic link" are the operative words. That may or may not be a tough one. It seems to me many of these first timers don't really respond to the gist/essence of the thread. They make a quasi on topic post and then include a link that is very loosely on topic but in reality is only there to promote the linked web site.

Any link will show up in a quote if the quote is made before you delete it. I assume you are talking about my post in another thread concerning the hidden links.

viewtopic.php?t=30941&start=10

If a person (first timer) makes an on topic post with a SPAM link in it the entire post should be deleted and the poster banned no matter how on topic the post was.

JMO

Absolutely - without question. The hard part is determining what is really SPAM. I post (especially by a first time poster or by a poster from some far off place) that has nothing to do with wood and wood working, wood working tools or procedures) is in my opinion SPAM. In appropriate FOR THIS FORM. Posts in "Community" present a somewhat different problem.

[JPG]

I think the bottom line is: A link to a subject that nobody here gives a rats patoot about is spam.

[HopefulSSer]

!thumbsup!