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Post Info TOPIC: An Example of How Rampant SPAM can Destroy a Forum
Michele Erdvig


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An Example of How Rampant SPAM can Destroy a Forum
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While we are on the subject of spamming forums, I want to give everyone an example of how Spam can ruin a forum. My colleague Pat Preston passed away a few years ago leaving her forum unmoderated. Her forum is now virtually un-usable because it is filled with useless Spam messages. http://www.irelandexpertpatpreston.activeboard.com/

There was a lot of good info on Pat's forum. Her forum members did a heroic job trying to keep the forum going in memory of Pat. But because it was over run with Spammers, it was totally DESTROYED. no

I try to moderate my forum and be fair to people posting. Unless it is blatant and not related to Ireland, I actually invite first-time Spammers to become forum members and offer advice. If they don't care to "reform" and accept my invitation - but only want to promote their own websites or agenda - we know what what they are doing.  hmm  They can't be bothered or waste their time with sharing. They don't really want to offer advice or tips to others. They just want to advertise their products free on the forum. Most are "hit and run" posters, posting a few times and then running back to the safety of their Internet anonymity. They don't like it if their names are mentioned in the same post, paragraph or sentence with the word "Spam" in it. 

Some of you have voted in my poll about Spam. I invite all of you to do so to send a message to Spammers: http://ireland.activeboard.com/t54029680/is-this-spam-or-not-what-is-your-opinion/ Please vote and also leave your comments as to how you view Spam. 

Michele 



-- Edited by Michele Erdvig on Saturday 15th of June 2013 04:12:12 PM

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"Ireland Expert"  Michele Erdvig

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Michele Erdvig


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Christy,

Yea! biggrin Glad to hear your book is finally out. I know you put a lot of hard work into it. Plus I was happy to contribute to it. 

You are a long-time forum member. We would love to hear about your new ebook. Post away.

Michele



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"Ireland Expert"  Michele Erdvig

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CowboyCraic


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I was so saddened the last time I dropped in to Pat's forum. It was you and she from the very beginning who have encouraged what I do. I was glad that her faithful were trying to keep the forum going in her memory. It seemed only right and fitting to do so. And now it is so clogged!

 

be gone!

 

On a happier note: Congrats to Christy for her new e-book! 



-- Edited by CowboyCraic on Monday 17th of June 2013 12:04:04 PM

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Green Dragon


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Speaking of spam... may I post a link to my new ebook on Mystical Ireland? I understand if you prefer not... :)

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Michele Erdvig


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Bit,

Pat was such a wonderful advocate for Ireland. When she passed away the world of Irish travel lost a lot. I really wish her family had shut down the forum and made it an archive with no posting allowed rather than have it turn into what it is now. So sad.

Michele

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"Ireland Expert"  Michele Erdvig

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Judy


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Occasionally there is an authentic post on Pat's forum which I have tried to answer if I can. If not, I and others have directed the poster here to this forum. However, I do not see the same post coming here very often. I hope I have not directed the spammers here. no The spammers posting on Pat's forum seem to like to resurrect the older posts and pretty much leave the newer ones alone, at least for awhile before adding their spam.

There is a post on Pat's forum now about transportation from the Dublin airport to the train station etc. that I directed here. We'll see if they will take my recommendation.

Michele, you offer a great service to the Irish visitors and it is much appreciated. Even though I have been to Ireland and can sometimes contribute here, I still enjoy reading all the posts and delight at the excitement of the first timer visitor as they anticipate their trip to Ireland.

It is a shame what the spammers have done to Pat's forum and I too wish they would remove the spam posts or close down the forum but leave the other information.



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Geno


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Hi Judy:

Like yourself, I have tried to occasionally help someone out on Pat's site, but it is tough when the spammers take hold.  I have tried to answer the question briefly and then invite them to join us here at Michele's forum.  I completely agree with Michele that I would love to see the site stay up for information purposes only, but shut down the portion that is a forum of conversation.

It is tough to see some of the material that is placed on there now, and makes all of us even more appreciative that Michele has stayed strong against any sign of this type of invasion on Irelandyes.com.

It is appreciated, and I know all of us "transplants" from Pat's site feel like we really have a new home here! smile

Thanks,

 

Geno



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Michele Erdvig


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Judy,

Another alternative to Pat's forum would have been for her family to appoint a moderator. But that would only have worked early on. Now it is such a mess even a moderator would have a tough, time-intensive job deleting all the Spam. Thanks for directing people here. I think we all enjoy the thrill of seeing people visit Ireland for the first time. I just can't imagine not sharing what I know. The other forum members feel the same.

Geno,

Glad to know you feel at home here. Thanks for directing others here. We aim to please!

Michele

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"Ireland Expert"  Michele Erdvig

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Roy


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At this point, I wish someone from Pat's family would be kind enough to shut the site down. It's terrible what spammer's have and are doing.

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Roy
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