Spam in /ooc and /auction

[Malrubius]

I posted this in the eternal global OOC debate/poll thread, but I thought it warranted a separate thread, since this isn't really about global OOC anymore.

The spammers in OOC and Auction have gotten way out of hand. IMO, it's by far the biggest problem facing Project 1999 right now.

I'd like to hear if there is a plan (or a plan for a plan) to fix the problem. Also, any ideas people have for HOW to fix it.

Here are some ideas that have been collected...


Character naming restrictions...
-No letter appears over 2 times in a row.
-No names over 12 (10?) letters in length.


Character creation restrictions...
-Throttle the rate you can create new characters on an account. For example, once an hour max.


Nobody under level 5 can post on either OOC or Auction (although they can view these channels).


Throttling post speed...
-Throttle the rate anybody can send text to OOC or Auction to something like...no more than 1 message every 5 seconds.
-Severely throttle the rate that people under level 5 can post on OOC or Auction. For example, one post every 30 seconds.


Instantly ban the Account (and even the IP if feasible/effective) of any abusers.


"GM's give 10-15 active, higher level, respectable players the ability to IP ban spammers." To prevent abuse, perhaps give an even smaller handful of GM-trusted players the ability to recommend a ban to the GMs through private channels (IM,e-mail,whatever) which the GMs take extra-seriously on the rare occasions it is used for this purpose.



Edited list above based on responses so far.

[km2783]

I thought they already killed it with chat restrictions in those channels? ie so many posts per time period or something. I could be wrong. And names like Illvvwvvwyvyvvqgqgqgggqqgqnnmnmnmmnmnmn are just stupid and irritating as hell. These people aren't getting "their message" across they're just being annoying.

Personally, I'd like to see bodies disappear sooner at lvl 1-4 or so, so I dont have to try to move around or hide corpses to use the bank.

but it does give the game that certain classic (asshat) feel. :rolleyes:

[President]

I suggest the GM's give 10-15 active, higher level, respectable players the ability to IP ban spammers. It would be much easier to self enforce that way, than restricting chat/character creation, etc.

[km2783]

I suggest the GM's give 10-15 active, higher level, respectable players the ability to IP ban spammers. It would be much easier to self enforce that way, than restricting chat/character creation, etc.

I like this.

[Deathrydar]

The level restriction thing sounds like a great idea as well!

[President]

I suggest the GM's give 10-15 active, higher level, respectable players the ability to IP ban spammers. It would be much easier to self enforce that way, than restricting chat/character creation, etc.

And in addition to this, it doesn't necessarily mean these people have to watch the ooc channel like hawks. Post a sticky in the forums with who was given access to ban spammers, their names/alts/etc. If someone starts spamming - pop one of them a tell to take care of it.

[girth]

Throttling is a good idea, level restriction is not.

Personally, I'd like to see bodies disappear sooner at lvl 1-4 or so, so I dont have to try to move around or hide corpses to use the bank.

Corpses under level 6 should be disappearing sooner. Do they not?

[Nocte]

I suggest the GM's give 10-15 active, higher level, respectable players the ability to IP ban spammers. It would be much easier to self enforce that way, than restricting chat/character creation, etc.

This opens the flood gates for using the ban hammer for personal vendettas and other abuse. Even if it's never abused, the perception will always be that it is, because that's how people are.

IP bans aren't really effective; even without getting a proxy, a new IP address is very easy to get through completely legitimate channels.

I like the idea of a level restriction. The spammers might not go away permanently, but when that account gets banned for spamming, they'll have to grind up to level X to crusade against whoever in ooc.

That said, since there's always a way around everything, someone could always save up a ton of DF belts and turn them in for quick levels. Hopefully, the collector of those belts might be found through server logs and that main account might be shut off as well. Of course, this assumes that the spammer maintains a legitimate character on the server... but then, if they don't - they can't get belts, can they?

[Malrubius]

I thought they already killed it with chat restrictions in those channels? ie so many posts per time period or something. I could be wrong.
Nope - see below and notice the timestamps.

And names like Illvvwvvwyvyvvqgqgqgggqqgqnnmnmnmmnmnmn are just stupid and irritating as hell. These people aren't getting "their message" across they're just being annoying.
Yeah, but that's their only goal is to be annoying.


Below is a sampler. Notice the timestamps. I cropped the latter part of the spam to keep ME from getting banned :rolleyes:.

Try typing /ignore Iyvvllvvllwllvv without the benefit of cut-and-paste, especially when it is scrolling by too fast to see anyway. And then a few minutes later, trying /ignore Wvvwqggqyvvwlyv. And so on.

[Tue May 04 11:07:13 2010] Iyvvllvvllwllvv auctions, 'WRINKLED OLD LADY ...'
[Tue May 04 11:07:13 2010] Iyvvllvvllwllvv auctions, 'WRINKLED OLD LADY ...'
[Tue May 04 11:07:13 2010] Iyvvllvvllwllvv auctions, 'WRINKLED OLD LADY ...'
[Tue May 04 11:07:15 2010] Iyvvllvvllwllvv auctions, 'WRINKLED OLD LADY ...'
[Tue May 04 11:07:15 2010] Hits auctions, 'WTB Hooded Black Cloak. or trade Cloak of Shadows and PP for HBC --- WTS Plat Ring for Paw quest '
[Tue May 04 11:07:16 2010] Iyvvllvvllwllvv auctions, 'WRINKLED OLD LADY ...'
[Tue May 04 11:07:16 2010] Iyvvllvvllwllvv auctions, 'WRINKLED OLD LADY ...'
[Tue May 04 11:07:20 2010] Iyvvllvvllwllvv auctions, 'WRINKLED OLD LADY ...'
[Tue May 04 11:07:21 2010] Iyvvllvvllwllvv auctions, 'WRINKLED OLD LADY ...'
[Tue May 04 11:07:21 2010] Iyvvllvvllwllvv auctions, 'WRINKLED OLD LADY ...'
[Tue May 04 11:07:25 2010] Iyvvllvvllwllvv auctions, 'WRINKLED OLD LADY ...'
[Tue May 04 11:07:26 2010] Iyvvllvvllwllvv auctions, 'WRINKLED OLD LADY ...'
[Tue May 04 11:07:26 2010] Iyvvllvvllwllvv auctions, 'WRINKLED OLD LADY ...'
[Tue May 04 11:07:27 2010] Iyvvllvvllwllvv auctions, 'WRINKLED OLD LADY ...'
[Tue May 04 11:07:27 2010] Iyvvllvvllwllvv auctions, 'WRINKLED OLD LADY ...'
[Tue May 04 11:07:28 2010] Iyvvllvvllwllvv auctions, 'WRINKLED OLD LADY ...'
[Tue May 04 11:07:29 2010] Iyvvllvvllwllvv auctions, 'WRINKLED OLD LADY ...'
[Tue May 04 11:07:30 2010] Iyvvllvvllwllvv auctions, 'WRINKLED OLD LADY ...'

. . .

[Tue May 04 11:18:34 2010] Wvvwqggqyvvwlyv auctions, 'WRINKLED OLD LADY RUBS HER ...'
[Tue May 04 11:18:35 2010] Wvvwqggqyvvwlyv auctions, 'WRINKLED OLD LADY RUBS HER ...'
[Tue May 04 11:18:35 2010] Wvvwqggqyvvwlyv auctions, 'WRINKLED OLD LADY RUBS HER ...'
[Tue May 04 11:18:36 2010] You slash lizard man broodling for 9 points of damage.
[Tue May 04 11:18:37 2010] Lizard man broodling crushes YOU for 1 point of damage.
[Tue May 04 11:18:39 2010] Toki auctions, 'Wtb decent monk 2hb'
[Tue May 04 11:18:40 2010] You slash lizard man broodling for 7 points of damage.
[Tue May 04 11:18:41 2010] Wvvwqggqyvvwlyv auctions, 'WRINKLED OLD LADY RUBS HER ...'
[Tue May 04 11:18:41 2010] Wvvwqggqyvvwlyv auctions, 'WRINKLED OLD LADY RUBS HER ...'
[Tue May 04 11:18:42 2010] Wvvwqggqyvvwlyv auctions, 'WRINKLED OLD LADY RUBS HER ...'
[Tue May 04 11:18:44 2010] You have become better at 2H Slashing! (17)
[Tue May 04 11:18:44 2010] You try to slash lizard man broodling, but miss!
[Tue May 04 11:18:45 2010] Tyrannosaurus auctions, 'WTB Large Bronze Girdle'
[Tue May 04 11:18:46 2010] Your target is too far away, get closer!
[Tue May 04 11:18:49 2010] Wvvwqggqyvvwlyv auctions, 'WRINKLED OLD LADY RUBS HER ...'
[Tue May 04 11:18:49 2010] You slash lizard man broodling for 16 points of damage.
[Tue May 04 11:18:49 2010] You have slain lizard man broodling!
[Tue May 04 11:18:49 2010] You gain experience!!
[Tue May 04 11:18:49 2010] Your faction standing with AllizeVolew could not possibly get any worse!
[Tue May 04 11:18:49 2010] Wvvwqggqyvvwlyv auctions, 'WRINKLED OLD LADY RUBS HER ...'
[Tue May 04 11:18:49 2010] Wvvwqggqyvvwlyv auctions, 'WRINKLED OLD LADY RUBS HER ...'
[Tue May 04 11:18:51 2010] You may not loot this corpse at this time.
[Tue May 04 11:18:55 2010] Wvvwqggqyvvwlyv auctions, 'WRINKLED OLD LADY RUBS HER ...'
[Tue May 04 11:18:55 2010] Wvvwqggqyvvwlyv auctions, 'WRINKLED OLD LADY RUBS HER ...'
[Tue May 04 11:18:56 2010] Wvvwqggqyvvwlyv auctions, 'WRINKLED OLD LADY RUBS HER ...'

Do we really need a judge and jury to ban this "person's" Account?

[Spud]

why not just rate limit anyone under level 5 for the time being? Something like 1 message every 30 seconds.

it wont affect any noobs trying to ask questions in /ooc and will take care of Iyvvllvvllwllvv and Wvvwqggqyvvwlyv.

More sophisticated solutions can come later, but this would be pretty easy to implement id imagine.

[Izzni]

IP banning doesn't work unless you start banning blocks, at which point your entire ISPs might get blocked, which would suck.

[Malrubius]

why not just rate limit anyone under level 5 for the time being? Something like 1 message every 30 seconds.

it wont affect any noobs trying to ask questions in /ooc and will take care of Iyvvllvvllwllvv and Wvvwqggqyvvwlyv.

More sophisticated solutions can come later, but this would be pretty easy to implement id imagine.

That's not a bad idea for immediate relief, although I think you're right that we ultimately will need more (much more) than this.

If it was even fairly extreme, like one post every 30 seconds if you are under level 5, then that's better for the legit noobs than saying NO posts under level 5. It's still enough to ask your question, read the answer, say thanks, etc.


I think the naming restrictions would be easy to implement as well. Anybody with a bizarre name already on the server gets grandfathered in - it would only be a check during new creations.

Another idea. If you just created a character, you can't create another one on the same account for one hour.

[Nedala]

Character naming restrictions...
-No letter appears over 2 times in a row.
-No names over 12 (10?) letters in length.



I like this idea


-Nobody under level 5 on either OOC or Auction

I dont like this idea, because /ooc helps new players a lot. Maybe lvl 2 would be ok but not lvl 5. Would still be too much work for most of the spammers to lvl up to 2 each time they got banned. Or it would at least slow the spam down.



-Throttle the rate you can send text to OOC or Auction to something like...no more than 1 message every 5 seconds.


Good idea too imo. Would slow the whole spam down. There is not really a need to write more than 1 message every 5 second in /ooc or /auc.


-Instantly ban the Account (and even the IP) of any abusers.


I believe this is the case already, doesnt help enough. The Population is growing and so there are more people who got banned. They become mad and start to spam the server. The bigger the popolation the bigger the spam gets, i think we need some additional rules for /ooc and /auc like the ones mentioned above.


Another idea. If you just created a character, you can't create another one on the same account for one hour.

This sounds really good to me too, if this is possible.

I think there are enough ways to get rid of the spammers, without making /ooc lvl 5+

[President]

This opens the flood gates for using the ban hammer for personal vendettas and other abuse. Even if it's never abused, the perception will always be that it is, because that's how people are.

IP bans aren't really effective; even without getting a proxy, a new IP address is very easy to get through completely legitimate channels.

In some ways it does, yes, but there are easily a few trustworthy people here, especially some that already know developers. Doesn't even have to be 10-15 people, 5.. it would still help the GM's from wasting time.

Not sure what you mean by "a new IP address is very easy to get through completely legitimate channels." Getting a new IP address assigned from your ISP isn't necessarily a quick task unless its dynamically assigned and your modem/router is lucky enough to pull a new one on reset. Using a proxy is much easier.

[Malrubius]

Edited OP list based on the responses so far. It seems we have a good collection of possibilities here. I am sure some combination of them will take care of most of the problem.

[km2783]

Another idea. If you just created a character, you can't create another one on the same account for one hour.

i like this, too. Might irritate me if I make a character in the wrong city, though, but I'm better about it, now lol

[Kinamur1999]

unfortunately this has driven me to turn off all public channels unless i need to auction. not telling people to suck it up and ignore but ooc spam isnt worth having to ignore some jackass every 5 minutes

[mitic]

disable /ooc and /auction for lvls 5 and below

spamer wont waste his time leveling up a toon to lvl5 just to spam for a minute to get banned after

problem solved

[Tallenn]

disable /ooc and /auction for lvls 5 and below

spamer wont waste his time leveling up a toon to lvl5 just to spam for a minute to get banned after

problem solved

That solution has already been rejected by the staff. There is concern that actual newbies won't be able to get help in chat.

I mentioned this in the other thread, and again, I don't even know if it's possible, but it would be awesome if we could have a level based filter for ignore- so say for example if I wanted to ignore everyone below level 5, I could do /ignore LEVEL 1 4 something like that.

That way, newbies (as well as spammers) would still be able to chat, but I wouldn't have to listen to them.

[Deathrydar]

Maybe create an automatic channel that newbies join upon creating their character called "newbie help" or something. Anyone can sit in this channel and be helpful to newbies, and thus you can disable ooc for characters under level 5

After level 5, they can go into ooc.

[Elendae]

He'll only spam that which is worse since all new players to the server will only be bombarded with a bunch of racist spam. I doubt they'd stick around for very long.

[Dantes]

God forbid the newbies actually have to spend 5 minutes reading the FAQ. :D

[JayDee]

disable /ooc and /auction for lvls 5 and below

spamer wont waste his time leveling up a toon to lvl5 just to spam for a minute to get banned after

problem solved

That will detour a lot of new players.

[JayDee]

Leave it how it is for now imo and once we reach 800-1k peak, just remove it altogether.

[Malrubius]

I actually like Spud's idea a lot...

why not just rate limit anyone under level 5 for the time being? Something like 1 message every 30 seconds.

it wont affect any noobs trying to ask questions in /ooc and will take care of Iyvvllvvllwllvv and Wvvwqggqyvvwlyv.

More sophisticated solutions can come later, but this would be pretty easy to implement id imagine.

This way noobs can post their questions and get their answers, but it cripples the spammers.

I don't think this solves everything, but it sure would solve most of it right away.


Leave it how it is for now imo and once we reach 800-1k peak, just remove it altogether.

Remove what? Global ooc? That won't help this anyway...and I don't think we should wait...
[Tue May 04 11:07:16 2010] Iyvvllvvllwllvv auctions, 'WRINKLED OLD LADY ...'
[Tue May 04 11:07:16 2010] Iyvvllvvllwllvv auctions, 'WRINKLED OLD LADY ...'
[Tue May 04 11:07:20 2010] Iyvvllvvllwllvv auctions, 'WRINKLED OLD LADY ...'
[Tue May 04 11:07:21 2010] Iyvvllvvllwllvv auctions, 'WRINKLED OLD LADY ...'
[Tue May 04 11:07:21 2010] Iyvvllvvllwllvv auctions, 'WRINKLED OLD LADY ...'
[Tue May 04 11:07:25 2010] Iyvvllvvllwllvv auctions, 'WRINKLED OLD LADY ...'
[Tue May 04 11:07:26 2010] Iyvvllvvllwllvv auctions, 'WRINKLED OLD LADY ...'
[Tue May 04 11:07:26 2010] Iyvvllvvllwllvv auctions, 'WRINKLED OLD LADY ...'
[Tue May 04 11:07:27 2010] Iyvvllvvllwllvv auctions, 'WRINKLED OLD LADY ...'
[Tue May 04 11:07:27 2010] Iyvvllvvllwllvv auctions, 'WRINKLED OLD LADY ...'
[Tue May 04 11:07:28 2010] Iyvvllvvllwllvv auctions, 'WRINKLED OLD LADY ...'
[Tue May 04 11:07:29 2010] Iyvvllvvllwllvv auctions, 'WRINKLED OLD LADY ...'
[Tue May 04 11:07:30 2010] Iyvvllvvllwllvv auctions, 'WRINKLED OLD LADY ...'

[Tallenn]

God forbid the newbies actually have to spend 5 minutes reading the FAQ. :D

Well, it wasn't MY answer. In fact, I agree with level limiting it. That is just what I saw Rogean say in broadcast one night. I'm just pointing out that re-posting old solutions that have already been rejected isn't going to help us here.

[JayDee]

Remove what? Global ooc? That won't help this anyway...and I don't think we should wait...


That person spams OOC because it is broadcasted throughout the whole game. He wouldn't bother if he was relegated to spamming 5 people in nektulos.

[Jeebus]

As I have said many times in the past. If you are a newbie, you have a legitimate question, it only takes a minute to /who all 50, pick someone and ask a question. If you happen to pick me, great. I am more than happy to answer questions when I have the time.

I should clarify that about 95% of the people I know would help a newbie with a legitimate question.

[Malrubius]

Are you mentally challenged (lol PC)?

That person spams OOC because it is broadcasted throughout the whole game. He wouldn't bother if he was relegated to spamming 5 people in nektulos.

Well, I am mentally aware enough to see that that person was not spamming OOC.

[BuzWeaver]

Sadly when it comes to the few who want to ruin it for the many, the many are still effected even though the changes are targeted to the few. The only real solution, which may not necessarily be the most practical, would probably involve someone having to monitor Chat. I'm sure the Admins, Dev's and Guides would rather spend their time making the game playable, than policing and booting problem players.

[Kinamur1999]

I could spend hours a day banning this guy

[Elendae]

I actually like Spud's idea a lot...



This way noobs can post their questions and get their answers, but it cripples the spammers.

I don't think this solves everything, but it sure would solve most of it right away.


This.

[Rogean]

I was going to write a more sophisticated spam prevention, but as a quick fix, what do you guys think of.. chars under level 5, 3 messages per minute?

Discuss.

[President]

I was going to write a more sophisticated spam prevention, but as a quick fix, what do you guys think of.. chars under level 5, 3 messages per minute?

Discuss.

Sounds about right, I like Spud's /auc /ooc once every 30 seconds idea under level 5. not much different than 3 a minute, but yea..

Personally I'd be pretty happy with 1 message in ooc every 30 seconds for EVERYONE.. It should be used as a utility for grouping/selling/porting/etc. due to low population, not drugs/religion/9/11/Rogean's mom.

[L2Phantom]

Sounds good to me.

[hyzon]

I think that sounds like a good compromise. If a new person has questions, more than 3 per minute seems like a luxury more so than a necessity.

[Rogean]

Rogean's mom.

Easy killer

[President]

Easy killer

:D

[Skaff]

Sounds about right, I like Spud's /auc /ooc once every 30 seconds idea under level 5. not much different than 3 a minute, but yea..

Personally I'd be pretty happy with 1 message in ooc every 30 seconds for EVERYONE.. It should be used as a utility for grouping/selling/porting/etc. due to low population, not drugs/religion/9/11/Rogean's mom.

I would have no issue with a rate limit with all people within OOC (and tougher restrictions below level 5). It would still allow auctions to take place (sorry 8 line auction spams), group finding, question answering and all sorts of fun stuff that the global ooc/auction is used for. It would cut down on the channel being used as a global social channel (I would welcome that).

One alternative system could include the limited chat rate with an exception if you have a character above XXX level on the account.

[Malrubius]

I was going to write a more sophisticated spam prevention, but as a quick fix, what do you guys think of.. chars under level 5, 3 messages per minute?

Discuss.

Sounds perfect for a quick fix, which is what we desperately need.

We can then see how it flies, and discuss longer term measures as needed.

EDIT -> Of course, this would be needed for BOTH /ooc and /auction.

[Spud]

I was going to write a more sophisticated spam prevention, but as a quick fix, what do you guys think of.. chars under level 5, 3 messages per minute?

Discuss.

Yea, 3 messages per minute should be plenty for someone to ask a question and then follow up with another question or a "thanks"... if not they can just wait another minute, or level up to 6...

This will instantly kill the spammer's effectivess.

I have rarely posted 3 messages inside a minute anyway. A larger rate limit on all players might not be a bad idea, it would stop people from having arguments and flamewars through /ooc, but then again it would hurt discussion for bored soloers and farmers.

[Tallenn]

A spam limit for everyone regardless of level sounds great to me. Really, why would you need to make more than 3 oocs/aucs within a minute except to spam?

[MogManX44]

Character naming restrictions...
-No letter appears over 2 times in a row.
-No names over 12 (10?) letters in length.

no names over 12 sounds good, but i disagree with the first part.

Character creation restrictions...
-Throttle the rate you can create new characters on an account. For example, once an hour max.

many ways around this one as well

Nobody under level 5 can post on either OOC or Auction (although they can view these channels).

This is by far the best idea, i fully support this and would really like to see it implemented

Throttling post speed...
-Throttle the rate anybody can send text to OOC or Auction to something like...no more than 1 message every 5 seconds.
-Severely throttle the rate that people under level 5 can post on OOC or Auction. For example, one post every 30 seconds.

i think this was attempted, correct me if im wrong (obivously isnt working if it was)

Instantly ban the Account (and even the IP if feasible/effective) of any abusers.

good idea in theory, but there are so many ways around this

"GM's give 10-15 active, higher level, respectable players the ability to IP ban spammers." To prevent abuse, perhaps give an even smaller handful of GM-trusted players the ability to recommend a ban to the GMs through private channels (IM,e-mail,whatever) which the GMs take extra-seriously on the rare occasions it is used for this purpose.

this last one is a horrible idea, im sure even trusted players have the possibly of succumbing to corruption, this could mess things up a lot.

[Hasbinbad]

I was going to write a more sophisticated spam prevention, but as a quick fix, what do you guys think of.. chars under level 5, 3 messages per minute?

Discuss.
That would be fucking awesome. If you can implement that, you are full of fucking win.

[Volga]

My suggestions:

a) server side prevention of connections that originate from known proxies (there is a list)
b) eqemulator.org requires email validation for all new registrations and free accounts such as gmail, hotmail, and yahoo are blocked - (option to "contact us" for folks who only have that option)

or

b) eqemulator.org new accounts are held for moderation and once approved can access account login creation.

c) all new joins belong to a nooby global chat channel which is moderated by volunteers to boot asshats when they join.. Access to other global channels is available at level 10

[Nedala]

I was going to write a more sophisticated spam prevention, but as a quick fix, what do you guys think of.. chars under level 5, 3 messages per minute?

Discuss.

Great!

Id rather see 2 messages per minute but doesnt really make a big difference :)

[Yinikren]

Pretty sure channels are broken on the emu side, which is why we don't have any. Or its just that classic nostalgia thing again.

I think 2-3 messages per minute in public channels is win, because, as numerous people have said, unless people are spamming or having flame wars, NO ONE SHOULD HAVE TO USE THE CHANNEL MORE THAN THAT.

[Modal]

How about limiting a character's use of /ooc to as many times per hour as their current level? That way low-levels can still ask a question when they need it and all players can still carry on a short discussion at a server level if it's needed, but no one can roll up a lvl 1 char and spam the server more than once per toon.

More importantly, it might help convince people of all levels to take it to tells after a few rounds of back-and-forth.

[flednat]

How about limiting a character's use of /ooc to as many times per hour as their current level? That way low-levels can still ask a question when they need it and all players can still carry on a short discussion at a server level if it's needed, but no one can roll up a lvl 1 char and spam the server more than once per toon.

More importantly, it might help convince people of all levels to take it to tells after a few rounds of back-and-forth.

Killer idea

[Skaff]

b) eqemulator.org requires email validation for all new registrations and free accounts such as gmail, hotmail, and yahoo are blocked - (option to "contact us" for folks who only have that option)

or

b) eqemulator.org new accounts are held for moderation and once approved can access account login creation.


I thought EQemu already required an email validation for all new registrations... am I wrong on this? Also, blocking the well known "free" email providers is really not a great solution. I would be curious to see how many people use e-mails that are not associated with the ones you listed.

There is also a reason that the EQemu account creation is automated. I am sure the volume in which accounts are created is beyond the number in which they want to have people checking. Systems are in place to detect if it is a human is the one creating the account, but a system to check if a douchbag is creating the account is much more complex and time consuming.

[Volga]

I thought EQemu already required an email validation for all new registrations... am I wrong on this? Also, blocking the well known "free" email providers is really not a great solution. I would be curious to see how many people use e-mails that are not associated with the ones you listed.

There is also a reason that the EQemu account creation is automated. I am sure the volume in which accounts are created is beyond the number in which they want to have people checking. Systems are in place to detect if it is a human is the one creating the account, but a system to check if a douchbag is creating the account is much more complex and time consuming.

Yea - just sending out ideas

[Lazortag]

The solution should be simple, not one of the convoluted solutions people have proposed (aka expanding banning powers to more people or creating restrictions on what names/accounts people can have). Being restricted in the amount of spam you can post until a certain level is the best idea, it clearly solves the problem and doesn't inconvenience anyone too much.

[CPTMULLER]

is there any way to write a script that will scan ooc for racial slurs and then limit that person to one message in /ooc per minute?

[Kuldiin]

is there any way to write a script that will scan ooc for racial slurs and then limit that person to one message in /ooc per minute?

So you want to stop 99% of people from posting in OOC?

[CPTMULLER]

So you want to stop 99% of people from posting in OOC?

:rolleyes:
if that many people need to drop racial slurs in /ooc on a daily basis I'm clearly missing something

[Nedala]

Just discuss what rogean brought up and stop adding random new ideas!

[CPTMULLER]

Just discuss what rogean brought up and stop adding random new ideas!

What's left to discuss, if anything that's too many messages for a spammer, but perfectly adequate for a noob

[Tudana]

Have there been any Guides assigned yet to the server, I see there are appication forum for apply to be come a guide.

wouldnt they be there to help police the chat and others mundane issues?

[mitic]

Have there been any Guides assigned yet to the server, I see there are appication forum for apply to be come a guide.

wouldnt they be there to help police the chat and others mundane issues?

still have to see a guide yet on the server and yea, there must be alot of applications running already

[Tudana]

I was going to write a more sophisticated spam prevention, but as a quick fix, what do you guys think of.. chars under level 5, 3 messages per minute?

Discuss.

i like this idea

[L2Phantom]

Great!

Id rather see 2 messages per minute but doesnt really make a big difference :)

This^

[km2783]

I was going to write a more sophisticated spam prevention, but as a quick fix, what do you guys think of.. chars under level 5, 3 messages per minute?

I think that could work well for some time. Until some douche bag manages to find a power levelling partner :rolleyes: Hopefully by then something more concrete can be in place.

[Shannacore]

I was going to write a more sophisticated spam prevention, but as a quick fix, what do you guys think of.. chars under level 5, 3 messages per minute?

Discuss.

Pleeeasseee do this.

[Rogean]

Ok..

Under level 5, 3 messages per minute.
Over level 5, 10 messages per minute.

Applies to OOC and Auction combined. Does not affect tells.

Discuss.

[guineapig]

This is agreeable.

Everyone should be able to communicate what they need to without this effecting them.

It's a great idea!

[Malrubius]

Ok..

Under level 5, 3 messages per minute.
Over level 5, 10 messages per minute.

Applies to OOC and Auction combined. Does not affect tells.

Discuss.

YES!!! This sounds GREAT!!!

[Shannacore]

Ok..

Under level 5, 3 messages per minute.
Over level 5, 10 messages per minute.

Applies to OOC and Auction combined. Does not affect tells.

Discuss.

<3

[L2Phantom]

Go forth, and patch.

[Deathrydar]

Good idea, Rogean.

[3shirtlessmen]

I think the restriction to levels before 5 isn't strict enough. Not only should there be a cap per minute, but also at the rate which they are posted.

I propose:

Characters under level 5 :: 3 posts in /auction or /ooc per minute, AND a 15 second delay inbetween entries.

The logic behind this is that spammers could use both /auction and /ooc to 'double' the amount of spam per minute. Have a shared 3 limit between channels will help prevent this. This shouldn't cause practical issues since most people who auction should be at LEAST level 10 to move around the world without to much issue. Ooc discussion generally is quite pointless and 3 messages per minute for an alt / lowbie will help cut down the nonsense even further. :)

(Yes I know I can disable /ooc chat)

[Rogean]

Applies to OOC and Auction combined.

That means its shared.

And I don't want to limit it to 15 seconds between each message, as someone will ask a question, get a response, then say oh ok thanks.

[hyzon]

Just a thought, but it would still be an option for them to send a tell to the person that replies.

OOC provides a bit of help, but it wouldn't be a huge inconvenience for them to have to /tell the people that gave them the info.

[Malrubius]

I think this is the perfect balance.

The 3mpm limit allows noobs to communicate freely, within reason, via OOC with the rest of the community. They will feel more like they are part of that community if they can communicate with it, say "thanks for all the helpful replies", etc.

The 10mpm limit for the rest of us should also (hopefully!) make OOC a little less busy and a little more meaningful.

And I don't think any of this affects the legitimate use of /AUCTION.

[Omnimorph]

but what about my enormous auction spams??? :p

Yeah that sounds fine to me. Although I imagine we'll still have the spammer do his thing, i doubt we'd be able to get rid of him without imposing a level restriction on ooc, but at least it'll make his spam more manageable. But i'm also wondering if it'll get to that point where the spam isn't enough to warrant /ignoring him, but at the same time he'll keep spamming ...

just a thought :) Let's try it out and can tweak it if needed.

[Malrubius]

but what about my enormous auction spams??? :p

lol, I have seen your auction "spam", and it ain't even close to 10mpm! :p

But i'm also wondering if it'll get to that point where the spam isn't enough to warrant /ignoring him, but at the same time he'll keep spamming ...

just a thought :) Let's try it out and can tweak it if needed.

I use the /ignore stick pretty liberally. For those who don't, well, it's up to them.

What it gives us though is the ability to see the name clearly (without an insane scroll of stupidity), and figure out what it says (can be tricky - WVVWvwvliliillvwv?), and /ignore it.

The one additional thing that I still think would help is some kind of rules on the character names such as are suggested in the OP.

[3shirtlessmen]

That means its shared.

And I don't want to limit it to 15 seconds between each message, as someone will ask a question, get a response, then say oh ok thanks.

That could be handled through a /tell.

Alright, then maybe a 4 second delay? This is important as it removes anticipation from the spammer. Having to wait even 1 or 2 seconds will be helpful.

[Kinamur1999]

So right off when he first started doing this i got pissed and made a spam hotkey to his name, hit it twice I was booted. Figured it was for spamming tells...Could this be applied to ALL channels.

[Aluvin]

Need to find a solution on this. It is quite annoying and to me it removes part of the joy of this game.

[AR3151]

Need to find a solution on this. It is quite annoying and to me it removes part of the joy of this game.

check patch notes on front page.

[Omnimorph]

Need to find a solution on this. It is quite annoying and to me it removes part of the joy of this game.

The solution has to be to the benefit of the server. Preventing the spammer from doing his spammy thing, whilst maintaining ooc's availability to those who truly need to use it. We don't want to cut off our noses to spite our face :p

[Aluvin]

check patch notes on front page.
I have seen the patch notes, but it simply isn't enough. Auction channel is getting power spammed. Not really a problem in ooc anymore.

[AR3151]

I have seen the patch notes, but it simply isn't enough. Auction channel is getting power spammed. Not really a problem in ooc anymore.

ah gotcha, im at work so i cant see chat right now.

[Kinamur1999]

Auction has been getting raped for days and having to /ignore asshole every 5 minutes gets old after about the 3rd time...

[Malrubius]

I have seen the patch notes, but it simply isn't enough. Auction channel is getting power spammed. Not really a problem in ooc anymore.

But the patch notes say that the fix is for Auction also...

Rogean: Spam Prevention: Players level 1-4 can only send 1 message into OOC and Auc 3 times per minute. Players over level 4 can send 10 messages per minute.

[Tallenn]

It is in for auction as well. Just checked my logs, and he is able to spam up to 3 messages in either ooc, auction or both- 3 messages TOTAL, not each- and is then silenced for like 30 seconds.

This was from today

[Malrubius]

It is in for auction as well. Just checked my logs, and he is able to spam up to 3 messages in either ooc, auction or both- 3 messages TOTAL, not each- and is then silenced for like 30 seconds.

This was from today

Plenty of time for an ignore. Would be nice if the account was banned.

[nilbog]

Plenty of time for an ignore. Would be nice if the account was banned.

The account and IP are banned multiple times a day. Not that simple.

[Malrubius]

The account and IP are banned multiple times a day. Not that simple.

Dang, I should have known you guys were on top of it already.

[girth]

I have seen the patch notes, but it simply isn't enough. Auction channel is getting power spammed. Not really a problem in ooc anymore.

I have auction in a separate window, and its brilliant.

[Skaff]

The spam is a PITA for everyone. I would even argue much more of a PITA for the devs/admins because they are trying to develop systems in which it does not become a hassle for the general player base but still filters out general assholes. Its an unfortunate situation for a free/mod/community built server has to face in comparison to a subscription based one. Obviously, global chat is here to stay on this server. I know its not "classic" in terms of gameplay but its one of the necessary evils that I am glad the devs have placed. Like it or not, you have to realize that the number of players is much lower than what live saw and it helps mend that problem.

I was originally for limiting global chat for lower levels, but my opinion has changed. One of the only possible solutions I can think of is just removing global chat for anyone below level 5. Even level 5 seems to be a bit low in some situations. My idea is not new by any means, but I figure I can list a few pros and cons to the change in rules.

PROS:
-Adds a longer time commitment to those who wish to spam.
-Possibly identify those who do aid spam (if spammers wish to keep PL'ing chars to 5)

CONS:
-New players have a harder time to immediately connect with community.
-Harder for newer players to immediately find groups/contact each other.

I could continue with some of the cons but I do have some counter arguments to the cons. First, leveling to 5 on most new characters is a pretty straight forward task. Very rarely do you go that far outside of your initial newbie bubble if you are truly new to the game/server. Global communication might not even be necessary. The "/shout" command still can hit everyone within a zone and newbies rarely need to get much info past that. If the fear of loosing new players to being lost (possibly quitting to early) because they can not have easy questions answered is that large, than some very basic guides could be constructed and identified at the main project 1999 page. I can assume most players who found the server spent a small amount of time reading to set up the game and would not mind reading a little bit extra if the information is decent and provided.

[Cscott]

lvl 4 isnt high enough, sad to do but the restrictions should be in place till lvl 8-10

Also, remove global ooc, solved.

[Zordana]

lvl 4 isnt high enough, sad to do but the restrictions should be in place till lvl 8-10

Also, remove global ooc, solved.

stop talking, thanks

[Cscott]

huh? wtf was that for? Go back to editing your pathetic forum sig

[Zordana]

huh? wtf was that for? Go back to editing your pathetic forum sig

if i have to explain it, then just nevermind it

[L2Phantom]

if i have to explain it, then just nevermind it

He is entitled to an opinion, this isn't R&F... yet. :D

[Zordana]

He is entitled to an opinion, this isn't R&F... yet. :D

too busy workin on my pathetic sig :)

[Malrubius]

Yeah, let's keep this out of R&F, thanks. There are some who have mis-read my OP; and also didn't actually comprehend that the in-game spam samples shortly thereafter (see page 1) were not even in OOC.

So please stop trying to make this about global OOC - it is too much of a hot button issue to get us anywhere. There's another thread about global OOC that you can post in. This thread is about spam in the OOC and Auction channels, and ways to solve the problem in both.

Thanks to the devs, some great progress has been made and the original spam issues seen on Page 1 of this thread are much less of an issue.


My vote for the next step, *if* it's easy to implement, would be some character naming restrictions so that we can more easily /ignore the spammers. I don't think we need to allow character names with 3 of the same letters in a row, or character names over a certain length.

[BuzWeaver]

Rogean: Spam Prevention: Players level 1-4 can only send 1 message into OOC and Auc 3 times per minute. Players over level 4 can send 10 messages per minute.

This seems to have helped a bit.

[Omnimorph]

too busy workin on my pathetic sig :)

Yeah man, i mean having links to things you've created for this project, and then share them with the community is totally pathetic. I hope you feel 2 inches tall right now!

[mgellan]

One of the only possible solutions I can think of is just removing global chat for anyone below level 5.

Does it need to be 5? Hell, this is Classic EQ, if the limit was level 2 it means the rate goes down to once every 15+ mins, and would the spammer really bother to level a toon repeatedly just to spam?

Regards,
Mg

[Brut]

Does it need to be 5? Hell, this is Classic EQ, if the limit was level 2 it means the rate goes down to once every 15+ mins, and would the spammer really bother to level a toon repeatedly just to spam?

Regards,
Mg

My guess: yes.
Guy seems pretty dedicated already, I mean, correct me since I'm wrong, but doesn't he hafta make a new acco every time he gets banned?

[Aluvin]

Does it need to be 5? Hell, this is Classic EQ, if the limit was level 2 it means the rate goes down to once every 15+ mins, and would the spammer really bother to level a toon repeatedly just to spam?

Regards,
Mg
I think it is worth a try to limit talk in ooc and auction to level 2 minimum.

Personally I have left both channels now, because of the spamming, so I can enjoy the world of Everquest while running around and not listen to one sad case of an individual that feels shafted.

[Omnimorph]

I think it is worth a try to limit talk in ooc and auction to level 2 minimum.

Personally I have left both channels now, because of the spamming, so I can enjoy the world of Everquest while running around and not listen to one sad case of an individual that feels shafted.

whilst i agree with this... not sure really why you qutoed me :p

[Aluvin]

whilst i agree with this... not sure really why you qutoed me :p
I probably clicked the wrong quote button! FIxing it right away ;)

[BeepBeep]

I probably clicked the wrong quote button! FIxing it right away ;)

sorry for partying

[Zordana]

tbh it would kinda suck if people under lvl 5 couldnt use OOC, thats actually the level range most people need help with things, so ooc is a nice place to ask for those things

[odizzido]

I think that /ooc should be restricted to something like level 3 or 4....just low enough so that the spammer will still level a character to spam. That way every time I see it I can laugh about how much time he is spending to do this.

I mean right now it's still a decent amount of work for him so it's kinda funny but if it were even more than all the better.

As to people who are annoyed by it, just have /ooc and /auc in a separate window. I hardly notice it at all myself, and if I really want to read ooc or auc without the occasional block of "you love it" I have my font set to new times roman so I can read the name easily and ignore within 10 seconds.

[3shirtlessmen]

tbh it would kinda suck if people under lvl 5 couldnt use OOC, thats actually the level range most people need help with things, so ooc is a nice place to ask for those things

A proper solution is no global chat, but a global 'channel' for chat and auctions.

I've found I get just as reliable replies when say, I want to know about a good druid camp at level 20, so I /who druid all, and /tell a level 50.

Most people who play on Project 1999 is an old pro anyway. Sure, there are newbies here and there, but the vast majority are highly capable who know this game very well and indepth.