Ning Spam

[Lance Shields]

Hey Guys,

It seems that spammers have invaded Ning sites as of late. I don't know what the deal is but I'm hoping they get a handle on it soon. In the meantime I've been blocking them from the group as people report them. If you have any other ideas of how to getting rid of these pests I'd be interested. I really don't want to make it an invite-only thing.

Lance

[Andrew Shuttleworth]

For my Ning sites I do two things:
1) Require approvals for new members
2) Add a couple of compulsory questions, one of which asks reasons for joining, noting that the answer to this will affect whether membership is approved.

It's relatively easier to weed out the spammers, but does take a few minutes to check through new membership applicationns ideallt a couple of times a week (although that is also quite interesting as you can see who is joining). You can get notifications of new applications for membership as well.

[Lance Shields]

That's excellent advice Andrew. I've done exactly as you advised and hope to keep the group clear of spammers. Thanks man!

[Gary Bremermann]

Lance, I try to check my Ning site frequently to check new members out. I've thought about moving to approval required but haven't yet as I have been able to ban spammers before they start spamming (just dumb luck). I'll probably end up having to take that route.

The other thing I do is try to let other Ning creators know right away when I get spammed via their site or see new members who are clearly spammers. Hopefully I'll get some karma points for that and others will do the same for me.

Also, not sure if it is spam or not, but I notice that you've got blog posts about car hire in Rajasthan etc. that has been on the site for a couple of months and on the front page.

[Lance Shields]

Hey Gary, I appreciate your heads up each time you spot a spammer. I have gone the route of approved membership and a few screening questions to help make the choice. So far, no spammers have requested joining but a few real members have and I immediately let them in. It seems to be the path to take right now on Ning. Thanks for your support. I will check out the Rajasthan car rental company spammer. I almost feel like leaving him in for the novelty of it. Creative spam!