A Change In Comment Policy
This morning I checked my email and noticed eight new comments from “readers” of this site. Typically, I receive notification of 2-4 comments submitted in the overnight period, so this number was higher than usual. I haven’t posted much over the past week, so I was curious what could be stirring people’s interest.
All eight comments were spam — porn messages with links to adult sites.
Earlier this week I noticed that several other porn messages were being left and I deleted those immediately as well. Curiously, Akismet and one other spam detector are active and updated, so I’m not sure why these snuck through.
Not wanting this blog to turn into a breeding ground for spam comments, I have modified this blog’s commenting policy as follows:
- All blog comments will be held in moderation. They will be approved (or rejected) as soon as possible, but definitely not right away.
- Adult and other spam messages will be identified and Akismet notified.
- Any messages not adding value to the blog will be deleted. I’ve let some minimal value one-liners through lately, but I’m not going to allow this practice to continue. I’m looking for comments that can contribute to a discussion.
This blog will maintain its no-follow policy, at least for now. However, I’ll be deleting comments that link to bad neighborhoods or those off topic.
I hate to have my hand forced in this way, but I really have no other choice. Thank you for understanding.
Tags: Akismet, blog comment policy, blog comments, blog disclosure policy, spam
Linking Strategies | Matthew C. Keegan, 14 Dec 07
By Lillie Ammann, December 14, 2007 @ 10:44 am
Matt,
I’ve also noticed an increase in spam getting past Askimet recently. The spammers seem to continually find new ways to avoid being caught.
And those one-liner comments … I often dither about them because legitimate commenters sometimes leave a comment of only a few words. I moderate all first-time comments, but then the commenter is not moderated unless there is a problem. I suspect some of those one-liners are really attempts to get past moderation to return later with pure spam. If the comment relates to the post at all, I allow it. But I’ve been deleting those that are generic: “nice post,” “I agree,” etc.
It’s a shame that we’re forced to be so careful in monitoring comments because of the bad actions of a bunch of spammers.
By Matt, December 14, 2007 @ 2:08 pm
Lillie,
I haven’t heard if Akismet has “caught a cold” or something, but I’ve seen about 12 of these comments sneak through this week. I don’t think I’ve had that many all year!
I, too, am fine with short comments from recognizable participants — I just appreciate people stopping by and can understand when people want to leave a brief comment and move on.
Have a blessed weekend,
Matt
By glblguy, December 14, 2007 @ 2:40 pm
Matt, give Bad Behavior a try, it blocks spammers from even access your blog. The combination of Akismet and Bad Behavior keep most everything out.
By Matt, December 14, 2007 @ 5:44 pm
Larry, I never heard of the Bad Behavior plug-in. It sounds like something that could work well — thank you for the tip!
By Addicted To Writing, December 30, 2007 @ 3:40 am
My main website receives at least 100 spam daily; however, they instantly go into my spam folder. I use Spam Karma, Bad Behavior, Tan Tan Noodles, and Akismet. I rarely have any spam that make it through.
I only moderate new readers on my website. I was surprised when my new website ATW received spam the same day I opened the virtual doors. It’s not even a week old.