ISPINE.ORG Forum - Links in signature files

Short version: To control 'online spammers', I have disallowed adding links to signature files. If you want to have one, let me know and I'll help you add it.

If you have too much time and not enough to do, here is the long version of the change:

Dear iSpine members,

Up until now, I have not implemented any controls over member signature files. I have no problem with any active member's signature file. Unfortunately, many of the users signing up for online forums are never intend to be forum members. They are simply there to boost search engine ratings by linking to their websites. We have fought against the 'spambots' by asking the Mickey Mouse question when signing up. Robot programs troll the internet for places to post. The MM question defeats most of these.

The latest 'spambot' problem is apparently live persons who are registering for forums. Some of them post spam messages. You may see these posts briefly, but I spot them, delete the posts and ban the users.

The spammers have grown more sophisticated and are remaining below the radar by putting their 'spam' links in their signature file, but never posting. Google, Bing, MSN, AOL, etc.... all the search engines... have web crawlers that continually troll the internet looking for links. Spammers boost their search engine ratings by having these links out there. They are discovered by the web crawlers even when they only exist in the members signature file because they appear on the Member List.

I have just implemented a change that will keep these spammers from misusing the forum. I have disallowed links in signature files. Again, I have no problem with any active member's signature file. If you want to have a link, contact me and I'll help you to put one there.

If you try to add a link to your sig file yourself, you'll get the following message:

BB code url is not allowed. For control of online 'spammers', links in signature files are allowed by special request. Contact forum administrator (mmglobal).

Had I not mentioned this, nobody would have even noticed the change. Again... this is only for spammer control and has nothing to do with any active forum member.

All the best.

Mark