One reason why the forum going down hill..

[lazerman]

I personally think that the forum is going down hill becasue of the generation of the youths. We are all growing up and sadly one time will leave Habboxforum, However this does not mean Habboxforum has to go with us.

The main reason I think the forum going down hill is that not many people are active enough, and I found out when I signed up I have a 15 modrated post before I can post freely. On this matter, I believe people (The young and new ones) cant be "arsed" waiting for the Mods/Admins to improve their post.

After a few days, I actully feel sick and annoyed of waiting of my post to be checked and inproved.

(I cba using spell check, soz if you cant read it :D)


Any ideas? I just want to see what everyone thought about this?

Thank you

[Chippiewill]

I personally think that the forum is going down hill becasue of the generation of the youths. We are all growing up and sadly one time will leave Habboxforum, However this does not mean Habboxforum has to go with us.

The main reason I think the forum going down hill is that not many people are active enough, and I found out when I signed up I have a 15 modrated post before I can post freely. On this matter, I believe people (The young and new ones) cant be "arsed" waiting for the Mods/Admins to improve their post.

After a few days, I actully feel sick and annoyed of waiting of my post to be checked and inproved.

(I cba using spell check, soz if you cant read it :D)


Any ideas? I just want to see what everyone thought about this?

Thank you

This number has already been reduced to 5, it is kept in place to reduce spam bots. A very real problem which still is in place is the approval of posts which I believe needs to be sorted as not to turn away prospective members who are tired of the 24 hour post approval.

[Immenseman]

I was going to post this. I really think it has to be scrapped.

Now don't me wrong - I think it's a good idea and it's a fool proof way of removing annoying spam bots and make sure people don't get scammed or click or dodgy links and it ensures that we don't have to endure seeing the posts spam bots make. However, I believe the moderation department are more than capable of removing such posts. I spoke to Oli about it the other day and I think he was in agreement so not sure if he has already mentioned it to senior management.

Maybe the way to get this forum going again is by looking at what new things have been implemented since it was really popular and try and reverse those which could possibly be detrimental. I think the post approval scheme is one of these schemes that is a good idea but it's very very frustrating for new members to have to wait so long to contribute. They feel excluded from the community for that early stage in their HxF life - even if it's only a few posts - some people here from 04 who still visit the forum only have a few hundred.

I think for the benefit and well being of the forum in the long run it should be removed.

[lazerman]

I was going to post this. I really think it has to be scrapped.

Now don't me wrong - I think it's a good idea and it's a fool proof way of removing annoying spam bots and make sure people don't get scammed or click or dodgy links and it ensures that we don't have to endure seeing the posts spam bots make. However, I believe the moderation department are more than capable of removing such posts. I spoke to Oli about it the other day and I think he was in agreement so not sure if he has already mentioned it to senior management.

Maybe the way to get this forum going again is by looking at what new things have been implemented since it was really popular and try and reverse those which could possibly be detrimental. I think the post approval scheme is one of these schemes that is a good idea but it's very very frustrating for new members to have to wait so long to contribute. They feel excluded from the community for that early stage in their HxF life - even if it's only a few posts - some people here from 04 who still visit the forum only have a few hundred.

I think for the benefit and well being of the forum in the long run it should be removed.

I agree. I witnessed it myself.. It can be annoying




This number has already been reduced to 5, it is kept in place to reduce spam bots. A very real problem which still is in place is the approval of posts which I believe needs to be sorted as not to turn away prospective members who are tired of the 24 hour post approval.

I had just noticed that, however it is still a pain..

[Black_Apalachi]

What do spam bots post? I've never seen any? :S

[Immenseman]

You haven't seen them cuz of the post approval thing, they post crappy spam like "buy ma trainers ere" but it's a robot now a human posting kk. they are annoying but it's worth having to endure a crappy post here and there if it means more new peeps will stay on da forums

[Black_Apalachi]

Yeah it is and also cos I wanna see em cos they sound funny lol

[Invent]

If it's to prevent spam-bots then why not just a custom step/question to the sign-up process? That would prevent the bots from even joining the Forum let alone post :S.

[Inseriousity.]

Yeah, I'd be put off the post approval thing as well. I agree with immenseman, moderators should just deal with it rather than letting the newbie users leave in frustration!

[Hecktix]

Some spam bots get past the post approval system anyway (omgz revealing secret info here).

I also agree that this should be scrapped, at the end of the day it doesn't take long for a moderator to spot a spam bot, mostly they post in weird places where their topic stands out like satan would stand out in the christmas congregation at St Hughs.

The only tricky ones are the spam bots in the web development forums because half the times their posts are legit advertisements (just like members post), however we usually manage to catch them when they end up posting the same thing multiple times :p

Merry Christmas.

[Gibs960]

I disagree, as people know I'm a new member (sort of new) and I'm sort of young, 10, and what I did was browse through the forums ad just post 5 things in the subjects I found interesting, then went offline for the day and next day, they had been approved, I think it should stay. And personally I think this view on this is stupid.


On this matter, I believe people (The young and new ones) cant be "arsed" waiting for the Mods/Admins to improve their post.

I just did what I said before, not that difficult, but there is a down side to my argument, I did feel as if I was being excluded from the forum. But I think it should stay because although MODs can catch spam bots, not at an early stage, like Invicible said only when they start posting multiple things. But another bad point, the bots can make it through, so thats a reason why not to have it. Taking that in mind its a waste of time, but think of how many bots have been stopped by this "rule".

[leah]

is it poor grammar?

[lazerman]

I disagree, as people know I'm a new member (sort of new) and I'm sort of young, 10, and what I did was browse through the forums ad just post 5 things in the subjects I found interesting, then went offline for the day and next day, they had been approved, I think it should stay. And personally I think this view on this is stupid.
I just did what I said before, not that difficult, but there is a down side to my argument, I did feel as if I was being excluded from the forum. But I think it should stay because although MODs can catch spam bots, not at an early stage, like Invicible said only when they start posting multiple things. But another bad point, the bots can make it through, so thats a reason why not to have it. Taking that in mind its a waste of time, but think of how many bots have been stopped by this "rule".


You're more expierenced tho, You must remember, most of these people who sign up are very very new to these kind of forums. After a while, if you do not know how to work something, you give up..

[Sharon]

I disagree, as people know I'm a new member (sort of new) and I'm sort of young, 10, and what I did was browse through the forums ad just post 5 things in the subjects I found interesting, then went offline for the day and next day, they had been approved, I think it should stay. And personally I think this view on this is stupid.
I just did what I said before, not that difficult, but there is a down side to my argument, I did feel as if I was being excluded from the forum. But I think it should stay because although MODs can catch spam bots, not at an early stage, like Invicible said only when they start posting multiple things. But another bad point, the bots can make it through, so thats a reason why not to have it. Taking that in mind its a waste of time, but think of how many bots have been stopped by this "rule".

But if there was a delay that would be a problem, say today? Christmas Day. Everyone must be with their families except from a few, Nothing wrong with that as everyone deserves happiness today. It might take longer so if I came on I'd be like ''No Forum is worth that..'' and probably never click again.

[Smits]

I disagree, as people know I'm a new member (sort of new) and I'm sort of young, 10, and what I did was browse through the forums ad just post 5 things in the subjects I found interesting, then went offline for the day and next day, they had been approved, I think it should stay. And personally I think this view on this is stupid.
I just did what I said before, not that difficult, but there is a down side to my argument, I did feel as if I was being excluded from the forum. But I think it should stay because although MODs can catch spam bots, not at an early stage, like Invicible said only when they start posting multiple things. But another bad point, the bots can make it through, so thats a reason why not to have it. Taking that in mind its a waste of time, but think of how many bots have been stopped by this "rule".

Thing is, most people arn't like you, i know for a fact if i don't like a forum the first time i visit it, i won't be sticking around. Having to wait for posts to be moderated would put me off.

[Chippiewill]

Thing is, most people arn't like you, i know for a fact if i don't like a forum the first time i visit it, i won't be sticking around. Having to wait for posts to be moderated would put me off.

Agreed, back when I joined there was no post approval (That I noticed, considering I never posted in the welcome forum). If there was one then I would of thought "never mind, I'll just keep going to Habbo FM"

[GommeInc]

Yeah, I'd be put off the post approval thing as well. I agree with immenseman, moderators should just deal with it rather than letting the newbie users leave in frustration!
Pfft, you've not witnessed or seen the destructive power of spam bots, the post approval thing is a good idea as spam bots are incredibly annoying and a waste of time to deal with. A new system should be put in place though, like a question and answer thing, or a new CAPTCHA that is update to filter out spam addresses and IPs, like some Forum Software companies do.

[Immenseman]

It's not a bad idea but if I think what invent said was added that'd be a much better way. The post approval thing would have stopped me from using the forum and I'm certainly not alone in that - it's frustrating and people don't want to be excluded from the forum discussion they want to participate in.

[Black_Apalachi]

Think back to personal experience of similar processes elsewhere, if I joined then had to wait on other people for my posts to be approved, I'd probably have gone offline and forgotten about the forum by the time I next went on the internet.

The suggestion someone made about a question in the registration process is surely a more practical method? What about captchas?

[Chippiewill]

The suggestion someone made about a question in the registration process is surely a more practical method? What about captchas?

I think there is already a captcha.. Although some better captcha may be in order.

Perhaps you should include captcha to post the first three posts instead of moderating it?

[GommeInc]

*always brings up this forum* ClubHabbo doesn't have this registrationg process, and it's kept me on there for now :/ Removing is definitely a course of action, you just have to find a way to do it.

[Hecktix]

*always brings up this forum* ClubHabbo doesn't have this registrationg process, and it's kept me on there for now :/ Removing is definitely a course of action, you just have to find a way to do it.


Just hit the button that says "off", but I bet it's not that simple :(

But yes I agree, the dreadful thing needs scrapping.

[xxMATTGxx]

As long as people report the spam bots and the Moderation Department can keep on top of it, then I have no issues having the "Moderated Group" turned off.

[Martin]

As long as people report the spam bots and the Moderation Department can keep on top of it, then I have no issues having the "Moderated Group" turned off.


I think that sounds good Matt! :D

I don't think many other forums use the "post approval" system, and I can see where people are coming from when they say it can be annoying waiting for your posts to be approved. Even if the post is approved within say 10-20 minutes, then the new member is still unable to have a proper conversation etc, and they would probably go offline anyway. xD

I'm sure the Moderators could keep on top of it! :D

If not then I agree that some kind of "kaptcha" system could be set up at registration or something? That would hopefully get rid of the spam bots.

[Black_Apalachi]

I think there is already a captcha.. Although some better captcha may be in order.

Perhaps you should include captcha to post the first three posts instead of moderating it?

How does a spam bot (computer?) get past a captcha though? :S

[Immenseman]

Aeroplanes have been invented, I'm sure something could ensure that a bot can get through a simple captcha.

[Black_Apalachi]

Show me a robot that can read every kind of handwriting kthx.

[GommeInc]

Show me a robot that can read every kind of handwriting kthx.
You kinda answered it yourself, some robots can read the handwriting and determine the letters. If they don't get passed it the first time, they do they next one (like a person would do). The most advanced CAPTCHAs are updated frequently with email addresses, URLs and IPs which stop bots from getting passed the CAPTCHA, but it depends if vbulletin, or Habbox Forum, have these available.

A question would be useful, it's just a shame that alot of effort has to go into these sorts of things now :/

[Seatherny]

How does a spam bot (computer?) get past a captcha though? :S

The software the spammers use, if the bot is unable to get past the captcha, the software asks the user to enter the code themselves. Simples :).

[The Professor]

Yeah I've registered on a few forums that have a simple maths question to register, that should suffice nicely.

[Chippiewill]

How does a spam bot (computer?) get past a captcha though? :S

Software these days allow Spam Bots to either:

a) Work out what it says
b) Have the creator type out the captcha for the bot
c) The bot will copy the captcha image onto their own website (Where someone may register for a service provided e.g. a web host 'front') get someone to complete it and then the bot will use the answer on the site they are trying to get onto.

[Hecktix]

Another thing worth remembering is some spam "bots" aren't bots, just people being paid to spam.

[Immenseman]

I think bots are more of a common problem on such a small forum (in comparison to the forums that are out there) - like Alex said I've seen some forums that when you sign up they ask you 1+1 or something similar, maybe that would prevent spam bots, not sure.

[Sammeth.]

I think a question upon registration would help in regards to bots, and would be a much more user-friendly approach rather than the current approval system. At the end of the day, any spam that does get through can be dealt with by moderators. Its what they are there to do and it won't exactly make a crazy extra workload to deal with.

[Seatherny]

I think bots are more of a common problem on such a small forum (in comparison to the forums that are out there) - like Alex said I've seen some forums that when you sign up they ask you 1+1 or something similar, maybe that would prevent spam bots, not sure.

It works amazingly well. When I tried it, it stopped pretty much all bots.

[Immenseman]

Excellent, hope it's added within the next few days (if it's easy to do) and post approval scrapped.

[Seatherny]

Excellent, hope it's added within the next few days (if it's easy to do) and post approval scrapped.

Its built in the vBulletin system I believe and takes literally 5 minutes to activate.

[Nixt]

Its built in the vBulletin system I believe and takes literally 5 minutes to activate.

I am working on the assumption that this option is in vB Optimise in ACP? If so, Matt and I do not have access to it and this will need to be referred to Jin (I will PM him now).

[xxMATTGxx]

I am working on the assumption that this option is in vB Optimise in ACP? If so, Matt and I do not have access to it and this will need to be referred to Jin (I will PM him now).

Garion is correct regarding this. (For Moderated Group)

[Jin]

Yeah I've registered on a few forums that have a simple maths question to register, that should suffice nicely.

I am not convinced, purely because all computers, languages and basic languages are capable of arithmetic. It wouldn't be hard for a program to answer a mathematical question.

I would also like to throw out that the approval system (maybe not the best solution) is not just their to thwart spamming but also scammers and recently banned members who feel the need to cause some sort of nuisance.

There is nothing wrong in trying out what it would be like without having a post approval queue so maybe we could test it and see what sort of impact it has on the forums.

[Black_Apalachi]

I am not convinced, purely because all computers, languages and basic languages are capable of arithmetic. It wouldn't be hard for a program to answer a mathematical question. ...

Why not use random general knowledge questions then? Obviously simple ones so people know them but still, wouldn't the only way a computer could get them is if every possible question was programmed in? Is there a minimum age to register on this forum btw?

[Seatherny]

I am not convinced, purely because all computers, languages and basic languages are capable of arithmetic. It wouldn't be hard for a program to answer a mathematical question.

I have tried these software's and they aren't that sophisticated. They are designed to register only. If they see a captcha, they ask the person to enter the captcha code for them. The software isn't designed to handle questions, so it shows up as "Registration Failed" next to the domain.

Believe me when I say it, it works!

[Robbie]

What about something like what colour is the sky? then?

[Seatherny]

What about something like what colour is the sky? then?

Like I have said, any question, however simple, will work. Even 1+1.

The software isn't designed to get past these questions. It automatically marks it as REGISTRATION FAILED.

Why do people not read what I say "/.

I have tried the questions, my forum ended up no spam bots. No it wasn't a dead forum!

[Black_Apalachi]

What about something like what colour is the sky? then?

Yeah that's what I mean

[Seatherny]

Are people blanking me on purpose.

[kk.]

Captcha type things I think are the way to go.

At sour-avv, I think it depends probably on the complexity of the program that's been made. Some would recognise numbers and add then together. Which is why captcha forms have lines all over them. I bet you knew that anywy, though.

[Seatherny]

Captcha type things I think are the way to go.

At sour-avv, I think it depends probably on the complexity of the program that's been made. Some would recognise numbers and add then together. Which is why captcha forms have lines all over them. I bet you knew that anywy, though.

They all use the same software :P It imports in a huge list of the vbulletin / phpbb etc forums. The person can manually add forum links too.
They then enter a username and password and the bot tries to register that on every forum.
The latest software at the moment cant get past questions. Simples. It just puts it as registration failed.

[kk.]

But the next version might surely? Either way, better to do it right first than having to re-do it :P

[Seatherny]

But the next version might surely? Either way, better to do it right first than having to re-do it :P

It will then ask the user to enter the answer. What I am saying is, the user wont sit there and type answers all day. The software's job is to register at most forums by itself.

Jin was saying the bots can get past the questions. vBulletin gives you an option to add several questions, just add things like "are you human", "whats one plus one (not 1+1)" etc.

You can add loads if different questions. Besides, how many bots does hxf get anyway :S :S Thats the main question. The moderators are here for a reason, and they can simply issue the bot with 7 infractions and ban them temporarily till a Super Moderator comes on. Not really hard.

[Jin]

True but then what stops it from asking an actual human being to answer the question much like the image verification?

What if we were to ask new members to verify their posts via human verification for the first 5 posts. No moderation queue or anything just for the first 5 posts they have to pass human verification when they post.

[hah]

Im sure that would be a much better idea. Are you talking about them enetering something like Capatcha for their first 5?

[Jin]

Yep exactly that.

[Hecktix]

Sounds good to me, do it!!! :)

[Jin]

Done by MattGarner

Fred Closed