How to dump the !@#$% 4-digit posting code

[Phil Herring]

In the immortal words of Bart Simpson, "Doh!"Joe Ford made a suggestion that sparked an obvious change to the forums: there's no reason to require an authentication code for folks who are logged in.So, if you register (still not required to read or post), log in, and check the box so the server "remembers" you, you can post without that annoying four digit code that must be re-typed.You can still use the forum without registering, but you won't get an avatar, and you will get those annoying codes when posting both topics and replies.Thank Joe for saving you all those extra keystrokes.

 

[Bill Roosa]

SPAM and logging in

So as a SPAMMER I just get a login once and then I can spam all I want cause the server remembers me.This is clearly not an answer to keeping us from getting spammed.I think the effort is worth it.

 

[Ross]

Aww Bill, They are trying to avoid those pesky

computer generated posts.

 

[Phil Herring]

99% of the spam is automated

A human spammer can copy the auth code, too. Neither solution will stop humans, but they do stop automated spam. For reasons I'd rather not post, registering and logging in will stop automated spam, too.

 

[Tim R.]

Hey Phil

Maybe you can use your Avatar vessel to scare off those pesky spammers!BTW, you're doing a fantastic job.Tim R.

 

[r.w.landau]

Ditto Tim!

r.w.landau

 

[sailortonyb Allied Mis]

Phil !!!

I have two quastions....1). Do you have any idea of the percentage of users that are not yet registered? and.........2). What do you think ,might be the most common reason that most dont register?Just curious..........This might make a good thread all by itself. Tony B

 

[Ferg]

Why register?

For them’s that haven’t; This site has one of easiest registry systems I’ve encountered in a long time. Once you are registered, you’ve got great access and you will not get mail bombed by the site. We’re talking about the welfare of your boat here, so by extension, the welfare and safety of you and your family. This site is a huge base of collective knowledge and experience no matter how weird or unusual the problem or situation.So just do it. That minute or 2 it takes may save your weekend ….. or your life.Ferg

 

[sailortonyb Allied Mis]

New Thread

I think i will start a new thread about registering.

 

[Phil Herring]

16,140

Not bad for voluntary registration. Even if you take out 20% as duplication, there are still 12,000 plus.But still, many frequent posters are not registered. As Ferg says, we do NOT send you mail unless you choose to get it. We don't share your information. And we are adding more cool features only available to registered users.You're really going to like the next one...

 

[NautiDuck]

The 4 digits are easy

Are people really unhappy about keying in four characters? I mean, really, how hard is that? This is very common method of avoiding computer-generated SPAM. Anybody who complains about the four characters is a major WHINER in my book.

 

[Joe]

The whiner speaks up

Just to clarify, my issue wasn't with the code, per se. My issure was that I wasn't seeing the code at all, and I had to submint my post through a couple of screens before it actually appeared. I was also unable to edit or delete my replies, or post photos..... I didn't post my concern to the forum, it was a direct e-mail sent to Phil through the BUG report address. BTW Mr. Nauticduck, if you call that WHINING, FINE!Anyway, it turns out the problem was my using the "one post per screen" format which apparently doesn't coexist with the spam code thing. So..... I have entered the 21st century and changed to the new format. After a few minutes using it I find that it is a vast improvement and all my bias towards the old format are out the window. Change is good. Thanks Phil for your kind and quick response. We're lucky to have you.

 

[Phil Herring]

Joe gets huge kudos

For pointing out something I should have seen long ago that will improve everyone's experience.The code isn't too awful but it's not much fun when you get it wrong or the image file doesn't fully load.