A VVulf works to limit Newbie spam...

[Bounty Hunter Lani]

I am in agreement with the idea of limiting where one may make their first post on Save-Point. 

We are receiving multiple people making their very first posts on old Gazette editions, among other strange places, and leaving short and random replies that don't add to the conversation, and are obvious attempts at getting their first posts done. 
A bit of control does seem to be necessary in that regard.

This is certainly not a remedy, but is still a step that can be taken to ease the annoyances.

[DerVVulfman]

There's that. And limiting them to Occasions and Feedback either lets them post issues logging in, or finally gets em to making their intro threads.

[Bounty Hunter Lani]

Perhaps an addendum should be added to the information regarding the first post for registering users?
"Spammy first posts will be purged"?
We just had someone literally just copy-paste the info about making a first post AS their first post! 

[DerVVulfman]

This is apparently going to be a two-fold issue.

1) The requirement of the first post being within the Feedback and Occasions board is already noted, but that it cannot be a spammy, copy/pasted posting also needs to be addressed in both the 'Registration' form. The GUEST announcement currently reads: Remember that registered members can contact one another with our PM (Private Messaging) system. It is likely a good idea to have the non-spammy post requirements there too.

2) We have a section in the forum rules for "Member Account Responsibilities". A separate section may be required for 'fledgelings'. Or perhaps a separate paragraph within just to cover that whole 'spammy 1st post' will be removed' and will result in returning back to unregistered/newbie status. What could trump that, mind you, is if they post content of actual worth afterwards. This being a spammy first post in Occasions which activates him/her, followed by a detailed Upcoming Projects thread.

[DerVVulfman]

While it isn't stated within the registration page, all 'Newbie' status members now see this announcement when they log in:

As a reminder, you must make at least one (1) post within either the Feedback or Occasions forums to become a fully Registered member;
an introductory thread with actual non-Spam content being preferred. Spam intro threads will be deleted.
Registered members have access to the UserCP (Control Panel) , PM (Private Message) system and can post in the Shoutbox.You will also be granted permission to download attachments from that point on.

It used to read thus:

As a reminder, you must make at least one (1) post to become a fully Registered member.
Registered members have access to the UserCP (Control Panel) , PM (Private Message) system and can post in the Shoutbox.
You will also be granted permission to download attachments from that point on.

(Yes... it is green)

The registration page doesn't say it yet.   Nor do I have the other boards locked from newbie posting.

This is phase 1.


It's so handy for Administration Staff to have a 2nd account (not permitted for normal members).   It allows us to test permissions, fix bugs, etc.  The only problem is that the forum's automated promotion system kept BUMPING MY TEST ACCOUNT UP INTO REGISTERED EVERY FEW MINUTES WHILE I WAS GETTING THIS RIGHT!!!!!

[Siletrea]

While it isn't stated within the registration page, all 'Newbie' status members now see this announcement when they log in:

As a reminder, you must make at least one (1) post within either the Feedback or Occasions forums to become a fully Registered member;
an introductory thread with actual non-Spam content being preferred. Spam intro threads will be deleted.
Registered members have access to the UserCP (Control Panel) , PM (Private Message) system and can post in the Shoutbox.You will also be granted permission to download attachments from that point on.

It used to read thus:

As a reminder, you must make at least one (1) post to become a fully Registered member.
Registered members have access to the UserCP (Control Panel) , PM (Private Message) system and can post in the Shoutbox.
You will also be granted permission to download attachments from that point on.

(Yes... it is green)

The registration page doesn't say it yet.   Nor do I have the other boards locked from newbie posting.

This is phase 1.


It's so handy for Administration Staff to have a 2nd account (not permitted for normal members).   It allows us to test permissions, fix bugs, etc.  The only problem is that the forum's automated promotion system kept BUMPING MY TEST ACCOUNT UP INTO REGISTERED EVERY FEW MINUTES WHILE I WAS GETTING THIS RIGHT!!!!!

That sounds awesome! I hope it works!

[DerVVulfman]

The Registration page has now been updated.


It originally stated:

This is an 'instant registration' forum and no activation eMail will be sent. However, it is necessary for you to create at least one post for full member privileges (including Private Messaging (PMs) and User Control Panel (UserCP) access).  It may take up to one day for activation to full member status.

As of now, it states:

This is an 'instant registration' forum and no activation eMail will be sent. However, it is necessary for you to create at least one (1) post within either the Occasions or Feedback boards; an introductory thread with actual non-Spam content being preferred. Spam intro threads will be deleted. This is required for full member privileges (including Private Messaging (PMs) and User Control Panel (UserCP) access and User Control Panel (<i>UserCP</i>) access).  It may take up to one day for activation to full member status.

This is the fifth paragraph in our current Member agreement page before final registration.

As this is now stated within the registration page as well as the previously noted 'Newbie' announcement, anyone posting a 'Thanks" reply in a random post will find that post deleted.  We have an efficient staff looking into spammers.  Still, the changes are not complete.


This is phase 2.

[DerVVulfman]

Permissions set.

With the exception of posting within Occasions and Feedback, Newbie status members may only view the other boards.

This hopefully does a number of things, primarily cutting down the amount of spam content while retaining members who actually wish to contribute to the community. Of course our safeguards for Private Messaging and the like are in place, so only fully registered members may use such features to prevent unwanted advertising and spamming.

At the same time, Moderators now have an easier task at checking a Newbie-ranked member's initial post to determine if it is spam content solely to enter the forum. With that and the statement that reads "Spam intro threads will be deleted." within both registration and announcement messages, moderators can thus take proper measures.

This is Phase 3.

...........................................does anyone have a better name for Newbie or Newbite?

[Bounty Hunter Lani]

Greenhorn or Initiate might be good synonyms for newbie, though "Greenhorn" tends to have negative connotations for some. 
Recruit may be a choice, but it sounds a bit militaristic. 
Though Initiate does too... 

How about Newcomer? It implies they're new to the site, without being called a newbie, which may imply they're new to Rpg Maker, which they may NOT be.   

[Siletrea]

well....if Save Point was a more animal based system it could be

Pup

Puppy

Kitten

Kit

Hatchling

something like that