Hi everyone,
This thread is to explain a few modifications in the user group and promotions on the forums.
Most of the changes referred to in
this thread still apply with the following changes:
Usergroup modifications:
Registered users: New members are assigned to this usergroup. This group will no longer be able to modify their posts. So for all of our new members, please try to include all information including any relevant links within your post.
This was done to help combat the auto-queuing of posts that the system deems suspicious (ie: has links). The problem here is once a thread is approved and posts are replied, if the OP modifies their post in any way (including saving without modifications), it typically auto-queues again and awaits moderation. This causes issues since the thread is now visible including all posts replied to, but no originating post to give them any meaning. They are also somewhat difficult to de-queue and cannot be done from the inline tools in the forum.
A side benefit is that current illegitimate posts that modify spam in will also not occur. Please note that this restriction is raised upon promotion to the registered confirmed usergroup.
Promotion strategy changes:
We have seen quite a number of posts by new users that are a little. . . light on quality. The purpose of these posts appear to be to await a promotion to the registered confirmed usergroup where they can now use signatures as well as create posts without the spam filters intercepting.
In order to help combat the illegitimate users without impacting the legitimate ones, we have reduced the amount of reputation required to 0 and enforced the reputation requirement. That is, in order to move into the registered confirmed usergroup, a user must have at least 5 posts, 7 days since registration, and at least 0 reputation (previous strategy was identical without the use of reputation). Overall our reputation system is quite underused on the forum, but I have noticed that people are more willing to give negative reputation than positive.
So if you see any posts that are overly light on substance with the likelihood of posting for the pure purpose of getting a signature out there, feel free to give them some negative reputation to prevent them from reaching the requirements to grant a signature and getting around the post moderation filters. We can always manually move groups for legitimate users that simply got off on the wrong foot as well as reverse any accidental negatives given.
For those that are not aware, the reputation can be given or taken by use of the little badge icon on the bottom left hand side of the post. The icon looks like so:
and simply select if you approve (positive) or disapprove (negative).
We have also reduced the requirements for Active Members usergroup. Previously this required 90 days and 50 posts, but has been reduced to 42 days and 40 posts.
Feel free to post any thoughts on these changes. My goal here is to try and limit the spam as much as we can (the new spam filters are working fantastically), but not hinder the legitimate users at all. I hope this strikes a nice balance between the two!
Thanks everyone!
Before you post, read our: 
