Cigar Geeks

Cigar Geeks Site => Site Discussion => Topic started by: lowpro75 on 07/22/2010 10:08 AM

Title: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: lowpro75 on 07/22/2010 10:08 AM
I gave out a few cigargeek cards at the cigar lounge the other night and was going through some recently joined member profiles to see if any of them signed up.  Most of the new members are just usernames with links to spam/porn sites.  What the hell is up with that?  Can bots automatically sign up for membership or are real people just paid to sign up for everything?  Based on a small sampling, I would guess 50% or more of our "members" are in this category.  If there anything that can be done?
Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: Brlesq on 07/22/2010 10:12 AM
Would be interesting if you could see if any of them voted in your July contest, Rich.  (Right, Cory??)  :biggrin:
Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: ljlemer on 07/22/2010 10:19 AM
If half the membership are spammers, then something is being done because no spam is getting through. Spammers don't care about the subject matter, just their assignment.

I got spammed on Facebook this morning for the first time. I tried to complain, but they have a form with only 5 choices for why someone is complaining and none of the choices were spam. This is modern technology. They pick for you what you are writing them about.
Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: NES Tek on 07/22/2010 10:21 AM
Technically, it is possible for bots/spammers to automatically sign up. I'm sure Paul has taken measures against this, but they continue to come up with new ways around what ever security measures are taken.
 :confused:
Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: Macabre on 07/22/2010 10:28 AM
I had something insightful to say on the subject, but I lost my train of thought when I saw "porn sites".  ;-)
Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: bklein128 on 07/22/2010 10:32 AM
Understandable
Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: NES Tek on 07/22/2010 10:33 AM
QuoteMacabre - 7/22/2010  8:28 AM

I had something insightful to say on the subject, but I lost my train of thought when I saw "porn sites".  ;-)


Oh, good. And I thought it was just me.  :biggrin:

Pardon me guys, I'm off to star at Larry's avatar for a moment.
Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: grogo67 on 07/22/2010 10:42 AM
Usually the CAPCHA keeps the bots out.  Try increasing the difficulty on it and monitor.  Some sites also use "human answer questions" such as 5+4=?
Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: Macabre on 07/22/2010 10:49 AM
Quotegrogo67 - 7/22/2010  10:42 AM

Usually the CAPCHA keeps the bots out.  Try increasing the difficulty on it and monitor.  Some sites also use "human answer questions" such as 5+4=?

That would also keep out anyone who graduated from the Texas school system.  Hey, I can say that.  I are one of them thar.
Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: lowpro75 on 07/22/2010 10:55 AM
Quoteljlemer - 7/22/2010  11:19 AM

If half the membership are spammers, then something is being done because no spam is getting through. Spammers don't care about the subject matter, just their assignment.

I got spammed on Facebook this morning for the first time. I tried to complain, but they have a form with only 5 choices for why someone is complaining and none of the choices were spam. This is modern technology. They pick for you what you are writing them about.

I suppose they find some value in members clicking on their usernames and then their website link.  I can't imagine that drives much traffic but I must admit I've done it a time or two out of curiosity (read: porn sites).   :biggrin:
Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: kennyg on 07/22/2010 11:08 AM
I think you just developed a good test to see if new members are "bots"

when guys sign up, where we all fill out the forms, the admins could have some buxom babes with cigars, lounging on the beach popup, and if the "new members" don't miss a beat and continue to fill out the information, you just caught something that ain't a cigar smoking male : )
Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: nwb on 07/22/2010 11:24 AM
Never noticed, but I will now  ;-)
Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: gitfiddl on 07/22/2010 11:29 AM
So you're saying the, ahem, "members" shown on porn sites are fake?  Good.  Now I don't feel so bad!
Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: mb2456 on 07/22/2010 12:10 PM
Quotekennyg - 7/22/2010  7:08 AM

I think you just developed a good test to see if new members are "bots"

when guys sign up, where we all fill out the forms, the admins could have some buxom babes with cigars, lounging on the beach popup, and if the "new members" don't miss a beat and continue to fill out the information, you just caught something that ain't a cigar smoking male : )

You do realize that we have a few members who are NOT male.  
Rebecca Silverwolf is one that comes to mind.
Just saying.....

 :confused:
Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: SenorPablo on 07/22/2010 12:38 PM
They can only get in if they can verify a good email address that is not already on file.  Beyond that they have to enter some random letters on the sign up form.  The sign up form should prevent new ones fromo coming.  But before I had that, accounts were getting created but they just didnt have access because of bad emails they couldn't confirm.

-Paul
Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: stogie_foggie on 07/22/2010 12:41 PM
I just did some quick checking - did you know that out of 6220 registered members, only 552 have any points?  I mean, just 1.  

Can we implement something that drops people off if they have not contributed at least 1 point in X amount of time?  I know I haven't been the most active on the site lately but at least I check in and comment from time to time.
Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: lowpro75 on 07/22/2010 12:42 PM
QuoteSenorPablo - 7/22/2010  1:38 PM

They can only get in if they can verify a good email address that is not already on file.  Beyond that they have to enter some random letters on the sign up form.  The sign up form should prevent new ones fromo coming.  But before I had that, accounts were getting created but they just didnt have access because of bad emails they couldn't confirm.

-Paul

So someone like sandiegodebt, who obviously signed up to hawk debt relief products and has no interest in cigars, has to be a human with a valid email address in order to sign up?  We should give people a cigar quiz.
Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: lowpro75 on 07/22/2010 12:43 PM
Quotestogie_foggie - 7/22/2010  1:41 PM

I just did some quick checking - did you know that out of 6220 registered members, only 552 have any points?  I mean, just 1.  

Can we implement something that drops people off if they have not contributed at least 1 point in X amount of time?  I know I haven't been the most active on the site lately but at least I check in and comment from time to time.

The problem with that is that some people only use the site for the online humidor.
Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: nwb on 07/22/2010 12:48 PM
Quotelowpro75 - 7/22/2010  1:43 PM

The problem with that is that some people only use the site for the online humidor.

True - there are quite a few members that use this site simply for that feature.  :confused:
Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: grogo67 on 07/22/2010 12:55 PM
Is it bad that I can name the actress in the photo?  :rolleyes:
Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: Brlesq on 07/22/2010 12:58 PM
Quotegrogo67 - 7/22/2010  1:55 PM

Is it bad that I can name the actress in the photo?  :rolleyes:

Don't tease us.  What is her name??  :rolleyes:
Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: gitfiddl on 07/22/2010 01:02 PM
QuoteBrlesq - 7/22/2010  1:58 PM

Quotegrogo67 - 7/22/2010  1:55 PM

Is it bad that I can name the actress in the photo?  :rolleyes:

Don't tease us.  What is her name??  :rolleyes:

Mrs. David Robinson.   :biggrin:
Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: Brlesq on 07/22/2010 01:21 PM
Quotegitfiddl - 7/22/2010  2:02 PM

QuoteBrlesq - 7/22/2010  1:58 PM

Quotegrogo67 - 7/22/2010  1:55 PM

Is it bad that I can name the actress in the photo?  :rolleyes:

Don't tease us.  What is her name??  :rolleyes:

Mrs. David Robinson.   :biggrin:

And you made time to go to the mailbox last night!!  :-0    ;-)  I wouldn't!
Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: BlackIrish on 07/22/2010 01:25 PM
Quotelowpro75 - 7/22/2010  11:08 AM

I gave out a few cigargeek cards at the cigar lounge the other night and was going through some recently joined member profiles to see if any of them signed up.  Most of the new members are just usernames with links to spam/porn sites.  What the hell is up with that?  Can bots automatically sign up for membership or are real people just paid to sign up for everything?  Based on a small sampling, I would guess 50% or more of our "members" are in this category.  If there anything that can be done?

I'm surprised that it's taken you this long to figure out that I'm just a deal-posting spambot.
Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: grogo67 on 07/22/2010 01:25 PM
QuoteBrlesq - 7/22/2010  12:58 PM

Quotegrogo67 - 7/22/2010  1:55 PM

Is it bad that I can name the actress in the photo?  :rolleyes:

Don't tease us.  What is her name??  :rolleyes:

Lisa Ann (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisa_Ann)  :biggrin:
Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: Brlesq on 07/22/2010 01:33 PM
Quotegrogo67 - 7/22/2010  2:25 PM

QuoteBrlesq - 7/22/2010  12:58 PM

Quotegrogo67 - 7/22/2010  1:55 PM

Is it bad that I can name the actress in the photo?  :rolleyes:

Don't tease us.  What is her name??  :rolleyes:

Lisa Ann (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisa_Ann)  :biggrin:

Well no wonder she's posing with a cigar.  She's from Easton, PA where Famous is located!! Now if they just had a good distillery there, I'd move!  :rolleyes:
Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: nwb on 07/22/2010 01:37 PM
QuoteBlackIrish - 7/22/2010  2:25 PM

I'm surprised that it's taken you this long to figure out that I'm just a deal-posting spambot.

 :lmao:
Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: lowpro75 on 07/22/2010 01:39 PM
QuoteBlackIrish - 7/22/2010  2:25 PM

Quotelowpro75 - 7/22/2010  11:08 AM

I gave out a few cigargeek cards at the cigar lounge the other night and was going through some recently joined member profiles to see if any of them signed up.  Most of the new members are just usernames with links to spam/porn sites.  What the hell is up with that?  Can bots automatically sign up for membership or are real people just paid to sign up for everything?  Based on a small sampling, I would guess 50% or more of our "members" are in this category.  If there anything that can be done?

I'm surprised that it's taken you this long to figure out that I'm just a deal-posting spambot.

 :lmao:

I always suspected.
Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: kennyg on 07/22/2010 04:30 PM
QuoteBrlesq - 7/22/2010  2:33 PM

Quotegrogo67 - 7/22/2010  2:25 PM

QuoteBrlesq - 7/22/2010  12:58 PM

Quotegrogo67 - 7/22/2010  1:55 PM

Is it bad that I can name the actress in the photo?  :rolleyes:

Don't tease us.  What is her name??  :rolleyes:

Lisa Ann (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisa_Ann)  :biggrin:

Well no wonder she's posing with a cigar.  She's from Easton, PA where Famous is located!! Now if they just had a good distillery there, I'd move!  :rolleyes:


Just saying it would be an easy test to find "bots" if her picture popped up when entering information.

Anyone recognize what the cigar was she is smoking ? or didn't anyone notice she was smoking....... a cigar ?? :shades:
Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: Jackal on 07/22/2010 08:22 PM
Instead can we use Aria?
Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: grogo67 on 07/22/2010 10:13 PM
I'll definitely take Aria Giovanni over Lisa Ann any day.
Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: gitfiddl on 07/22/2010 10:31 PM
Quotegrogo67 - 7/22/2010  11:13 PM

I'll definitely take Aria Giovanni over Lisa Ann any day.

That's Mrs. Robinson to you! :shooter:
Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: Rebecca Silverwolf on 07/22/2010 10:41 PM
Quotegrogo67 - 7/22/2010  8:13 PM

I'll definitely take Aria Giovanni over Lisa Ann any day.

I'm gonna have to go with Lisa Ann on this one...  :shades:
Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: Brlesq on 07/23/2010 06:42 AM
Quotegrogo67 - 7/22/2010  11:13 PM

I'll definitely take Aria Giovanni over Lisa Ann any day.

Agree absolutely, Aria Giovanni.  I followed the link to Wikipedia on Lisa Ann that you posted earlier, and it had a link to her official website, so PURELY for scientific observation and in no way for prurient purposes :shy: , I clicked through to her site. Icchhh...not so hot! :-(  Looked much better with her clothes ON!
Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: Jackal on 07/23/2010 10:22 AM
QuoteBrlesq - 7/23/2010  4:42 AM

Quotegrogo67 - 7/22/2010  11:13 PM

I'll definitely take Aria Giovanni over Lisa Ann any day.

Agree absolutely, Aria Giovanni.  I followed the link to Wikipedia on Lisa Ann that you posted earlier, and it had a link to her official website, so PURELY for scientific observation and in no way for prurient purposes :shy: , I clicked through to her site. Icchhh...not so hot! :-(  Looked much better with her clothes ON!

Aria is a local girl.  She hails from Long Beach, California.  She did two youtube videos on cigar cutting and lighting.  They are surprisingly well done and informative for a new smoker.  

I think that Gurkha must have paid for the vids.  I really doubt that her favorite cigar is a Gurkha Crest Toro.

One more thing, Aria looks amazing with her clothes off.
Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: Rebecca Silverwolf on 07/23/2010 08:14 PM
Strictly going by the pics posted on this discussion, Aria's face is kinda scary... just saying.
Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: kennyg on 07/23/2010 08:47 PM
QuoteRebecca Silverwolf - 7/23/2010  9:14 PM

Strictly going by the pics posted on this discussion, Aria's face is kinda scary... just saying.

I'm thinking you are seeing two effects when you say her face is kinda scary.

1. The images appear to be captures from video footage, which always makes faces and moving objects  look "ghostly"

2. The resolution of the images is not the best. I am sure in person she is a knockout.


Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: kola on 07/23/2010 08:53 PM
QuoteRebecca Silverwolf - 7/23/2010  9:14 PM

Strictly going by the pics posted on this discussion, Aria's face is kinda scary... just saying.

Oh .... I hadn't noticed  :shades:
 :biggrin:
Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: nwb on 07/23/2010 09:15 PM
What face?  :biggrin:
Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: Rebecca Silverwolf on 07/24/2010 12:38 AM
Quotekennyg - 7/23/2010  6:47 PM

QuoteRebecca Silverwolf - 7/23/2010  9:14 PM

Strictly going by the pics posted on this discussion, Aria's face is kinda scary... just saying.

I'm thinking you are seeing two effects when you say her face is kinda scary.

1. The images appear to be captures from video footage, which always makes faces and moving objects  look "ghostly"

2. The resolution of the images is not the best. I am sure in person she is a knockout.



Her eyebrows are way overplucked, and her eye makeup is way too heavy. Seems to be consistent in all her pics as well as in the video I saw of her. I just don't think her face is all that attractive, which is too bad considering the body that is attached to it. :confused:
Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: lowpro75 on 07/24/2010 09:41 AM
Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: Hot Stuff x on 07/24/2010 10:10 AM
(http://erroraccessdenied.com/files/images/lion_getincar.jpg)
Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: Hot Stuff x on 07/24/2010 10:16 AM
So, I watched the Aria Giovanni video on how to light a cigar, and she says "we always want whatever we put in our mouth to taste good, right?", then the camera pans down to her ample bosom.... :lmao:
Title: RE: What's up with all the fake members?
Post by: NES Tek on 07/24/2010 10:17 AM
QuoteHot Stuff x - 7/24/2010  8:16 AM

So, I watched the Aria Giovanni video on how to light a cigar, and she says "we always want whatever we put in our mouth to taste good, right?", then the camera pans down to her ample bosom.... :lmao:

 :lmao: