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Moin Elisa,
On Monday 31 July 2006 01:17, elisa.cooper@breakingranks.net wrote:
Hi, Tel -
I don't understand what's going on with all those usernames. I checked their contributions, and there's nothing there. How do these enable the spam? I don't want to accidentally block a real user, either.
Thats a though question, but usually spammers reserve usernames in advance, because on some wikis you can only do certain edits/things after your username is of a certain age.
Why I think these were spammers is because they used the form [randomword][randomnumber]@[yourowndomain] and I do think legitimate users wouldnt do this. I mean, these email adresses actually exist? Probably not :)
Also, if I both block anon edits and block creation of new users, how will anyone be able to contribute to the wiki?
You can block certain usernames (like the ones I mention) with some extension, I forgot it's name. That's a good idea if you allow anyone to register freely, because some clown might try to register "admin" or "AMlNlSTRATOR" and cause grief for others, too :D
Anon edits can (should IMHO for smaller wikis) be blocked so that only users can edit. (anon edits are not, well, creditable as edits by someone with a verified email address).
Also, you should enable that the users email is verified before allowing the user to be created. That would cut out certain bogus usernames. (I think everyone on the internet should have by now an email address to sign up for your wiki :) In addition, it gives real users the change to be contacted by you.
In addition, you can set it up so that only the admin can add users, but then users need to email you before they can join and edit.
Here is a wiki where only admins can create new users:
http://cedegawiki.sweetleafstudios.com/
As far as I know, it has been virtually spamfree all the time.
It's all a trade-off between keeping the spammers out, and letting the users easily in. You have to find a compromise for your wiki.
Please forgive me if these are "duh" questions. I'm just getting started with wikis.
Don't worry we all started sometime :-)
If you have any more questions, you can also contact me offlist.
Best wishes,
Tels
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