Shopsmith Forums

Can't a time limit be set on editing posts so they can't insert links later?

edma194 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 15, 2021 5:11 pm Can't a time limit be set on editing posts so they can't insert links later?

That would not help. First that would limit us legitimate users. Then what would you set the time limit to? As soon as the post is approved and appears it could be edited.

I would prefer a time limit not be set. At times I have gone back and re-edited a previous post, e.g. to fix YouTube links to display correctly, etc. I agree that it would be too restrictive for legitimate forum members.

RFGuy wrote: ↑Tue Jun 15, 2021 5:23 pm I would prefer a time limit not be set. At times I have gone back and re-edited a previous post, e.g. to fix YouTube links to display correctly, etc. I agree that it would be too restrictive for legitimate forum members.

Exactly! As I stated above it would not solve the problem anyhow.

It would prevent that specific problem of links being added to the OP later. But the general problem remains, they'll just wait and add some spam later in the thread. Screening and probationary time won't help much either, determined spammers can sound like a legitimate member just from reading content. Every message board is facing this problem now that the spammers have moved past simple robots. We all just have to assume initially that newcomers are potential spammers.

I am guessing some of the spambots have moved on to some form of AI now. In fact, many companies have revamped their call systems now to use an AI to sound like a human and attempt to answer your query without you ever knowing you were talking to a computer. Even a crude AI spambot is going to be hard to keep out of the forum on a consistent basis. Maybe the best solution is what we have now, i.e. having established forum members point out when a potential spam post is submitted. Downside is potentially offending a legitimate new forum member by questioning their post.

RFGuy wrote: ↑Tue Jun 15, 2021 7:05 pm Downside is potentially offending a legitimate new forum member by questioning their post.

It's not hard to explain that there's a spam problem and we'll be inquisitive as a result.