This is just getting ridiculous.

[Sage]

Alright. This is something that's been irking me for a while: It's regarding how ridiculously piss easy it's become to rack up massive amounts of posts on this site through diary spam. Can we change the rules concerning diaries with games so that having a single game thread makes posts in that board not count? I'm not going to name names, but seeing certain people with nearly 4000 posts after being here for less than six months seems profoundly stupid to me. Most diaries are the exact same drivel anyway: "A cool place where you can relax and hang out and post anything." If we had higher standards of what a diary should require to make posts there count, I think we'd be seeing higher quality threads started and less members with thousands of posts that have no real substance to them whatsoever.

[Antares]

I completely and utterly agree.
No diary games.
Thats what the arcade is for.

I think as recently as last year there was the rule that no diary games were allowed. Lets go back to that rule.

Luckily, it will even out just a little bit in the long run because post counts are now affected when forums are deleted.

[AllThatIsLeft]

I also agree on this. It irks me that most diaries have two or three spam threads, which certain members, (not saying anyone in particular because I really cant, I just know it's true) use it for post increase, and it's really not the way of things.

I highly approve for a rule against this.

It's time we make legit posts, for legit post count.

[Fruit_Tart.]

why aren't all the "gamey" type threads just placed in vt arcade? now im feeling bad that i post on the diary threads and posts are being counted for just for the useless things i put up. :/ eh...

[The Batman]

People can post what they want in their diary but the amount of games is getting ridiculous I'd be cool with being more strict on games but we shouldn't try to force them to make "quality" posts in their diaries since it's meant to be a place for freedom.

[Iron Man]

I partly agree with Tom. Isn`t a diary supposed to be a place to express oneself, give advice, and have some fun? A few games on the side should be allowed, but when a diary is all about games, that is when that diary should have posts not count.

[Antares]

A few games on the side should be allowed

Thats what we disagree with.
I think there should be no games at all in the diaries.
That is exactly why we created the VT arcade.

I don't care about spammy discussions really but when posts count for just counting up to 100,000...its completely ridiculous and it detracts us from trying to avoid giving the creepy people PM access.

[nick]

We all commented on this just a couple of days ago in Marcie's thread (http://www.virtualteen.org/forums/showthread.php?t=77849). So just to recap, I agree.

[Antares]

Maybe seniors can bring it up in their forum and give us an answer soon

[ShatteredWings]

tbh i used to think that diaries didn't have post count period.

and i still think they shouldn't. the small handful of attempted diaries that were 'useful' (pets & animals, twice) failed.

[Jess]

I partly agree with Tom. Isn`t a diary supposed to be a place to express oneself, give advice, and have some fun? A few games on the side should be allowed, but when a diary is all about games, that is when that diary should have posts not count.

I agree.

[Origami]

I agree with Tim. If a diary has a game in it, then it should be moved.
To those who will lash out in opposition with a "one or two games should be allowed" then why don't we allow one or two Arcade threads count, eh? How about Your Facts and Rate the Signature Above You, yeah, those spammy topic. Now, when you look at it that way, then you probably jump on the bandwagon and scream deafening cries to remove all the games or move the diaries with games.
Inb4 "let them express themselves!" Okay? Let them by all means, but move the diary so those games don't count. I'm not opposed to games, as I believe Tim isn't either, I'm against distorting post counts using these games. The section still exists, let's implement it!

*Stuffs ballot box full of fraudulent votes.*

[CaptainObvious]

I'm of two minds on this:

Yeah, get rid of the spam threads. Spam should not get postcount.

But then I think:

Wait, it's postcount... who cares?

[Origami]

Wait, it's postcount... who cares?

More than not, probably the veterans. People who slaved to get 4k, 6k, 10k posts over a span of years whereas some random kid gets it in months.

[CaptainObvious]

More than not, probably the veterans. People who slaved to get 4k, 6k, 10k posts over a span of years whereas some random kid gets it in months.

That wasn't an actual question so much as a suggestion that while I'm sure people do care, they shouldn't. :P

[Obscene Eyedeas]

I do believe that it would be best for no games to be allowed in diaries. The vt arcade is for games and it does not have a post count for a reason. While diaries are peoples own and they can post what they want within site rules. Games do raise the post count of people for posting a one or two word answer sometimes even just a number. While one may say people shouldn't care and they shouldn't but they do. I think this is the best course of action to take.

[Scarface]

A few games on the side should be allowed

This. A few meaning more than two. Maybe if only one game were allowed per diary. Though post count would still be a factor even though not really relevant. You guys have made some valid points though posts should have more meaning and not a number then click send.

[Iron Man]

I am okay with Ronnie`s proposition for 1 game thread.

[CaptainObvious]

The problem is that 1 game thread is much the same as 2 or 3. Either way, the spam will happen.

Not saying that to disparage the idea, though, since like I said, postcount matters to me almost not at all.

[deadpie]

That wasn't an actual question so much as a suggestion that while I'm sure people do care, they shouldn't. :P

Although I do agree with Tim that the games are pointless if we have an arcade area already, but like captionobvious said, it's post count. Post count isn't that big of a deal to me.

Edit:
But I think the reason people have games in their diaries is so they can attract more people to their diaries. Unlike some diaries that actually write allot of interesting stuff (Not saying which ones, just saying).

[AllThatIsLeft]

1 game thread per diary, times x amount of diaries, equals spam fest all the same.

I like my math. :D

I still think that games in diaries should not be allowed whatsoever, OR group all games into ONE diary and make it that no posts in that Diary counts, same as VT arcade, which just comes to tell me. We should just move them to the Arcade.


Did that cover all the phases? I think so.

[Jess]

instead of moving them all, have the owners lock them

[ShatteredWings]

instead of moving them all, have the owners lock them

but the posts remain then...

[Jess]

Yes but there won't be any more posts. :/ just saying. I guess a lot of people won't agree with me. or none at all

[ShatteredWings]

i still say we just knock out post count for all diaries. yes it would knock a lot of people way down in post count but there'd be less spam bumping it up.

[AllThatIsLeft]

Now that's just taking it too far >>

[Cloud]

People can post what they want in their diary but the amount of games is getting ridiculous I'd be cool with being more strict on games but we shouldn't try to force them to make "quality" posts in their diaries since it's meant to be a place for freedom.
Yes but we shouldnt let there be 132123123131235657 million Count to games, atleast the other games in arcade make you type something atleast partially worth reading

I partly agree with Tom. Isn`t a diary supposed to be a place to express oneself, give advice, and have some fun? A few games on the side should be allowed, but when a diary is all about games, that is when that diary should have posts not count.
Express oneself and give advice, yes but where does counting to whatever or rating shit that can be done in arcade come under advice or expressing yourself
Although I do agree with Tim that the games are pointless if we have an arcade area already, but like captionobvious said, it's post count. Post count isn't that big of a deal to me.

Edit:
But I think the reason people have games in their diaries is so they can attract more people to their diaries. Unlike some diaries that actually write allot of interesting stuff (Not saying which ones, just saying).
because certain privelidges and positions are gained with post count
like when i was a new member i thought it was the ones with the high post count that are worth listening to
but if some person comes on and gets the green face for 2.5k without giving a single piece of decent advice it sort of lessens the perception people may have for the older members
instead of moving them all, have the owners lock them
helll no then people just keep the post count
Yes but there won't be any more posts. :/ just saying. I guess a lot of people won't agree with me. or none at all

yes but then more and more will be made so post count wil keep rising

[Jess]

no no more will be made. they will be locked and then you make the rule saying no games allowed.

[Cloud]

no no more will be made. they will be locked and then you make the rule saying no games allowed.

or they just get deleted, so the members cant reopen them
job done.

[Jess]

why would they get reopened? besides, I locked mine a long time ago, haven't reopened them.

just saying...

[Cloud]

why would they get reopened? besides, I locked mine a long time ago, haven't reopened them.

just saying...

and? you can still post in locked threads in your diaries so they could still be used to spam
really your getting overly defensive about this im noticing
I have to agree with Tim and say the diaries need sorting

[The Batman]

Diaries are there for freedom for you to post te threads you like and for mods to not have another part of the site to constantly police. Yes games are annoying but we shouldn't turn vt into a place where you do have one or two(which I think is enough) fun game threads we take your post count. It's not even really that big of deal there are no negative points to it that will disrupt this site.

[Antares]

Diaries are there for freedom for you to post te threads you like and for mods to not have another part of the site to constantly police. Yes games are annoying but we shouldn't turn vt into a place where you do have one or two(which I think is enough) fun game threads we take your post count. It's not even really that big of deal there are no negative points to it that will disrupt this site.

I still affirm that no games should be allowed in diaries.

Why cant you just play your games in the arcade?
What is the purpose of having a game in a diary?

Most of them are duplicates of what is already in the arcade anyways.

It shouldn't be one game, two games or three games, it should be zero!

Just because the forum is in control of the member doesn't mean the seniors can't go in there and clean house or have the diary owners delete their games. They all should be deleted, not locked because that defeats the purpose of making them go bye bye

[Maverick]

People playing games in diaries isn't really hurting anything or anyone...

[Antares]

People playing games in diaries isn't really hurting anything or anyone...

But its giving people high post counts for...nothing.

If I were a new guy, all Id have to do is go to the count to 1 million thread and there we go, lets start PMin

[Brighter.Tomorrow]

But its giving people high post counts for...nothing.

If I were a new guy, all Id have to do is go to the count to 1 million thread and there we go, lets start PMin

But how many new members know about Diaries anyway?
I didn't know until after like 2months.
Most new comers won't leave P101.

[Antares]

But how many new members know about Diaries anyway?
I didn't know until after like 2months.
Most new comers won't leave P101.

I see people spamming to 100 in basically all forums out there

[Brighter.Tomorrow]

I see people spamming to 100 in basically all forums out there

To be honest, I think the best spam guard, would be a filter that blocks posts shorter then 5words. Because there's to much "Agreed."

[Sage]

To be honest, I think the best spam guard, would be a filter that blocks posts shorter then 5words. Because there's to much "Agreed."

You'd be surprised how wordy posts can get while still having absolutely no real substance.

[Antares]

To be honest, I think the best spam guard, would be a filter that blocks posts shorter then 5words. Because there's to much "Agreed."

Well thats 6 letters but thats okay :P

Also, theres a thing where you have to have 4 characters in place now...im pretty sure its 4...

[Sage]

Well thats 6 letters but thats okay :P

Also, theres a thing where you have to have 4 characters in place now...im pretty sure its 4...

He said words, not characters.

[The Batman]

But its giving people high post counts for...nothing.

If I were a new guy, all Id have to do is go to the count to 1 million thread and there we go, lets start PMin

Most diary owners don't let newbies make threads in their diary and when they do it gets deleted. Also like Tyger said it's going to take a bit for them to even know about diaries even with the obvious advertising in the sigs. Post count is not that big of a deal and it isn't a good indicator at how good a member is infact if they've gotten a couple hundred posts in their post count just for posting in diary spam it's not going to look good at all and they will live with whatever comes with it.

[Antares]

He said words, not characters.

Oops, my bad. Youre right. You can't filter out words though, only letters/characters.

Most diary owners don't let newbies make threads in their diary and when they do it gets deleted. Also like Tyger said it's going to take a bit for them to even know about diaries even with the obvious advertising in the sigs. Post count is not that big of a deal and it isn't a good indicator at how good a member is infact if they've gotten a couple hundred posts in their post count just for posting in diary spam it's not going to look good at all and they will live with whatever comes with it.

Its not making threads though.
Its simply posting in games and having games in diaries.
Post count isn't a big deal as far as...like prestige and experience goes but it does matter for a lot of things on this site as far as permissions go and I think if we took out this one thing out (which would be simple to do), we would be able to further combat people getting perms when they shouldn't easily have them.

[The Batman]

Oops, my bad. Youre right. You can't filter out words though, only letters/characters.



Its not making threads though.
Its simply posting in games and having games in diaries.
Post count isn't a big deal as far as...like prestige and experience goes but it does matter for a lot of things on this site as far as permissions go and I think if we took out this one thing out (which would be simple to do), we would be able to further combat people getting perms when they shouldn't easily have them.

We could just as easy make diary requirements to already need to have those permissions and it'll gain the same results.

[nick]

I think people are intelligent enough to compare someones post count to their rep power score as a fairly rapid and easy gauge as to whether they are just a spammer.

[Giles]

i still say we just knock out post count for all diaries. yes it would knock a lot of people way down in post count but there'd be less spam bumping it up.

What about the diaries that don't have any games?

[ShatteredWings]

What about the diaries that don't have any games?

typicaly their still kinda spamy excpt a few right?

[Filipe]

you care too much about the number of posts lol... Just let them be little kids... We've all been throught it =)

[Origami]

I think, as I read through the posts here, I'm favoring with those who say that diaries shouldn't count for posts at all. It's true, most diaries have little no actual substance or meaning in them. Most ninety percent of diaries also have a "what I'm thinking thread" where the member simply posts multiple times a day what's on their mind. This serves little to know good seeing as how several of those threads are justly locked.
The biggest point people are making about diaries it seems is that they are for the members to duly express themselves without warrant or limitation (within reason) from the VT staff. Well, if you remove post count then the self expression that diaries are meant for is in no way hindered. This allows games, spam threads, and whatever else to be allowed within the diaries.
I also agree that these game threads ruin the rules for permissions. I was way under post count by the time I was allowed to make diaries or social groups and actually made those posts elsewhere to get that. Also, the main defense is that "new member don't know about diaries." Honestly, I see people with under 50 posts lurking through the diaries quite often, especially in the newer diaries, so they do know about it, they're just usually differed from the more experienced diaries due to large discussions and VT "cliques."
If you allow spam threads then I say unlock the arcade and allow those to count. While you're at it, allow new members to request diaries and make social groups. Here's a fun thought, let's remove the PM restriction as well seeing as it would only take them a day or two to actually achieve 100 posts and start camming and pic trading.
Removing post count simplifies everything. It doesn't restrict the diaries, it simply prevents massive amounts of spam.
Honestly, people keep saying "it's just post count." VT uses post count to give permissions and promote security, so it is never "just post count." Your post count actually serves a purpose. It allows you to do certain things on the site as well as protecting the members on this site.
If this happens I'll like be back down to 800-900 posts, but it doesn't bother me a bit because the restriction would be duly noted and justified.

[nick]

typicaly their still kinda spamy excpt a few right?
In most cases even if a member has a "thought of the day" type of thread the number of posts they are making would actually add up to something pretty insignificant. I'm not aware of many people updating their thought threads several times a day, most of that activity is in the "Facts" thread which is already in the arcade.

I have two games running in my diary at the moment, "The N words game" and "Nick's silly rep game". The rep game I moved to the arcade myself at one point but had it moved back because people get things wrong and break the rules of the game but that's hardly something that staff would want to moderate. Previously I had "The overlap game" which was quite popular for a while, but again people would get things wrong and I would have to step in to keep the game running. Oh I also had my "Count to 1" thread for a short while, funny how few people realised the whole point of that was to take the piss out of all of the other "Count to" threads.

I dont like to see these people with 4k posts in 3 months or whatever, it does just seem crazy, not sure that it does any real harm though. But as I've said before it wouldnt bother me that much if the rules were changed so that all posting games had to be in the arcade. Oh and to be clear, I wouldnt care if we had to move or delete our old threads and lose the post count from them.

[mrmcdonaldduck]

i really think the diary situation is getting out of hand. People can just spam there way to a thousand posts a month and no one cares. It has to be stopped. I know my diary is one of the worst, but when i locked the true or false thread, i got neg repped and a co mod in my diary re opened it.

I say one game per diary, and no count up games. The arcade has one, and at last check it wasnt even half finished. I would be happy to delete a game thread in my diary, so if i can do it, why cant other diary owners?

[-Silence]

I'm all for post count to be turned off for all diaries.

[Giles]

I'm for having the post count turned off for diaries with games. Not for the minority that don't have any, such as mine...