Submission + - How do you handle Spambot Attacks?
Amazing Quantum Man writes: "I'm a member of a site devoted to nitpicking tv shows and movies (Site link not posted as it is currently under spambot attack, and doesn't need a slashdotting to go along with it). It has always had an open posting policy — no registration required, you ould use any name you wanted, etc...
This policy (instituted way back in 1998) led to some quite fun, freewheeling threads on various boards.
Recently, we have come under spambot attack, with spambots posting links to gambling and porn sites on every single discussion board on the site. The admins have been trying to block IPs, but it's useless against a botnet.
As a defense, it looks like the site is going to require registration, and disable anonymous posting. Many regulars, while they understand the need, are concerned that the freewheeling character of the site will be lost.
Let me continue by saying that I'm not a site admin, merely a member there. Also, if it helps, the site in question is running Discus.
Has anyone here been in a similar situation? How did you handle it? What did it do to the "culture" of your site?"
This policy (instituted way back in 1998) led to some quite fun, freewheeling threads on various boards.
Recently, we have come under spambot attack, with spambots posting links to gambling and porn sites on every single discussion board on the site. The admins have been trying to block IPs, but it's useless against a botnet.
As a defense, it looks like the site is going to require registration, and disable anonymous posting. Many regulars, while they understand the need, are concerned that the freewheeling character of the site will be lost.
Let me continue by saying that I'm not a site admin, merely a member there. Also, if it helps, the site in question is running Discus.
Has anyone here been in a similar situation? How did you handle it? What did it do to the "culture" of your site?"
