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.

I Feel Like A Phetermine Magnet

A New Roof Is In Place

The bulk of the work being done on my house is now complete. New plywood was put down with heavy-duty, 35-year asphalt shingles in place. All of the rotted fascia has been replaced and the last job — the new gutters and downspouts — will be put up later today. The job was expensive, but I believe that it was done right. At least I can now work where quiet prevails!

Akismet to the Rescue

I almost hate to mention comment spam as this type of conversation seems to bring spammers out of the woodwork. Then again, they are already present.

The recent surge in spam might have something to do with my latest StumbleUpon article as the traffic and subsequent comments jumped following the posting of that article. Thankfully, Akismet caught virtually every incident of spam and even snagged a few legitimate comments that I was able to “rescue” later one.

I did toss a pair of borderline comments as I realized that the signature links brought people to spammy sites. Sorry, I don’t mind sharing link love, but in this case my love is conditional — your site has to be of benefit to readers, not just your wallet.

A Glutton For Punishment?

You may consider me to be a masochist as I decided to have some fun today by adding certain spam-inducing tags to this post.

I want to put Akismet and the installed Comment Spam Trap plug-in to the ultimate test by measuring just how much much of a magnet this type of article will be. I either need some comic relief or my brain has been scrambled by all of the hammering.

Paxil anyone?

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Photo Credit: Agne Kveselyte of Lithuania