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Spam Diaries, possible solution?
Thu Aug 11 2011

Hi all,
     The level of spam diaries has once again become ridiculous. This means that for now I have, once again, blocked the new user signup process.

I have in mind a possible solution, but it will require co-operation from you guys. So I'm writing to see if you think it's a viable alternative.

My thoughts are that I will update the software to provide a one stop button to DELETE a spam diary, for a number of privileged, long term diary users. If I implement this, anyone who has the flag set on their account will gain (after logging in) a link at the top of every page the clicking of which will simply remove that diary. The problem of course would be if you clicked on it when visiting someone's diary you didn't really intend to delete :-)

Would people be willing to assist in the indiscriminate blitzing of spam diaries if they had an easy to use link at the top of the page? If you've been a diary user for some time and I can be reasonably sure you won't abuse the power, I'll be happy to implement something like this.

Let me know your thoughts.

Regards,
Steve.

14 Comments
  • From:
    MissTick (Legacy)
    On:
    Thu Aug 11 2011
    Good idea of delegating the admin routine work. Most of the net forums would have a moderators group, I can't see why DD can't have one too.I would like to see, perhaps few things added to this function:

    if possible the diary remove dialogue to open in the new page to prevent accidental click while reading a friend's diary;
    it should ask first before deleting "are you sure this is the diary you want to delete", like the one when you delete an entry.
    and also, perhaps, if there will be another thing to press along with the "priviledged to remove" button - "unsibscribed" or something for those who do not wish to moderate anymore.

    Best wishes
    ~Lana~
  • From:
    Jamisinc (Legacy)
    On:
    Thu Aug 11 2011
    I've been around about as long as anyone. I'd be glad to do it.
  • From:
    Yetzirah (Legacy)
    On:
    Thu Aug 11 2011
    I'd be happy to.

    How do we recognize a spam diary?

    I would need some guidance in that area, but sure thing, anything to help out.
  • From:
    Dreamerbooks2003 (Legacy)
    On:
    Thu Aug 11 2011
    I am not sure what a "spam" diary is..
    I only visit my friends diaries and mine is friends only.. so not sure if i'd be any help in this.. I visit limited entries..
    what is a spam diary?
  • From:
    404Error (Legacy)
    On:
    Thu Aug 11 2011
    I'd be willing to volunteer for that duty, too. I've been here for nine years next month, not quite as long as some, but it's still a pretty good chunk of time.
  • From:
    ThyVictoria (Legacy)
    On:
    Thu Aug 11 2011
    Id be happy too, spam diaries are easy to spot, the titles even arent the norm, click on the diary and some go on and on about sports information but not like a personal diary, and its day in day out, or one is on handbags, etc etc, yesterday there was a bunch of them up so just look at the last 24 hrs worth of diaries and there are many, unless dd deleted them already.
  • From:
    ThyVictoria (Legacy)
    On:
    Thu Aug 11 2011
    This one hasnt been deleted yet by DD but its on purses, spam diary,

    http://www.deardiary.net/show/diary.pl/173513/1313020800
  • From:
    FutureCat (Legacy)
    On:
    Thu Aug 11 2011
    I'd be more than happy to help out. I've spotted those spam diaries quite often when I've been browsing, and they're very annoying. A button to nuke them would be most satisfying (though I agree with those who've said an "are you sure?" dialogue would be a good idea to prevent accidental deleting a friend!).

    ^ ^
    00
    =+=
    v
  • From:
    Cpthereturn (Legacy)
    On:
    Thu Aug 11 2011
    I'd be willing...
  • From:
    Nibbles (Legacy)
    On:
    Thu Aug 11 2011
    I would help too. I think that you should definitely have some sort of Are you sure you want to delete this page.

    And some sort of safety net for paid subscribers perhaps? I'd hate to make someone mad and then lose all these years....
  • From:
    Nibbles (Legacy)
    On:
    Thu Aug 11 2011
    I got it. Why don't you make it so three people have to delete it before it's gone? Then nobody could choose to be petty and delete someone's real diary just because of a spat.
  • From:
    Salamander (Legacy)
    On:
    Fri Aug 12 2011
    Steve - I whole-heartedly back this proposal. It would be a relief to be able to find real the real new diarists again.
  • From:
    JustPeachy (Legacy)
    On:
    Fri Aug 12 2011
    I've been here almost as long as Jami and am willing to do it. I agree with the "are you sure?" button and perhaps having a 2 or 3 person deletion is a good idea too. That way there is a confirmation and a reconfirmation. The spam diaries are pretty easy to spot but having at least a 2nd delete confirm will make sure that whomever you choose has back up.

    :)
  • From:
    MissTick (Legacy)
    On:
    Fri Aug 12 2011
    Alternatively to multiple authorisation we can have retention policy - the deleted diary is not actually deleted for few days/a week but becomes "hidden" from the update list. if the owner doesn't come up complaining within the next few days.week, the diary is purged permanently. we can always try the easier to implement scheme first and see if it works and if not, introduce additional actions.