FYI on Private Messages and Spam - A Meeting of Minds

**Cheryl** · Jan 7 2008, 01:39 PM

I have reason to believe we may have one or more members who are potentially spamming members with private messages.

If you receive such a PM, please let me know about it so that I can properly deal with the situation. The PM may seem innocuous, such as a new member who hasn't posted to the board at all saying hello, and then contain a link in the signature.

-----------------------

If you are a new member who has been sending such PMs and now find yourself banned, you will have to contact me by email and explain yourself if you want your account restored. From the evidence I have already, you have no real interest in joining the community and participating in discussion.

**Cheryl** · Jan 7 2008, 02:43 PM

Addendum: Please forward me a copy of such PMs, so that I can look them over. Thanks!

edith · Jan 7 2008, 02:51 PM

I thought it was just a new member, but I think I know what you mean. Forwards to follow.

Thea · Jan 7 2008, 03:03 PM

I did think it was a little strange, especially since I'm new here myself and don't really know anyone yet. I'll forward mine, too, just in case.

**Cheryl** · Jan 7 2008, 03:17 PM

Thanks to all that have forwarded messages. Two users have been banned, "Jeannette" and "MerlinsWand". No further PMs from these two need to be forwarded, but if you have a similar message from someone different, please do forward!

Jan 7 2008, 03:46 PM

I hadn't been here since July.. well that's one way to get me back.

**Cheryl** · Jan 7 2008, 04:02 PM

Yes, I have noticed that several members that at least hadn't posted in months are suddenly online today. Makes me wonder if an actual official forum email to inactive folks would bring some back, if spam brings them in. Generally though I'm of the opinion that folks know we're here and will return if they wish.

Jan 7 2008, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cheryl

Yes, I have noticed that several members that at least hadn't posted in months are suddenly online today. Makes me wonder if an actual official forum email to inactive folks would bring some back, if spam brings them in. Generally though I'm of the opinion that folks know we're here and will return if they wish.

Truthfully, I had forgotten about the site in the jumbled mass of RL snowballing ontop of me.

Bob12 · Jan 7 2008, 06:04 PM

Hey Cheryl . . .

I just got one today. I already deleted the private message before seeing this thread. I'll send the text of the message from my e-mail notification to you via PM.

Lara · Jan 7 2008, 06:07 PM

I had one from Merlin's Wand - and was very surprised! I didn't click on the link.

Kaya · Jan 7 2008, 07:16 PM

Ah, so that's where the random message that now no longer exists came from.

It was weird. There was no message at all when I looked, though there had been notification.

Thanks for the news, Cheryl. ^^

And I haven't been posting much, though I have been lurking around occasionally. ^^

Aristokat · Jan 7 2008, 11:26 PM

I never get any PMs.

Not even spam!

bingley · Jan 8 2008, 02:57 AM

Hi, I had one from Jeanette and must admit I was surprised because I haven't been very active of late. I tend to go on McCaffrey binges every now during which I'll be here but not much between whiles.

mawra · Jan 8 2008, 08:21 PM

Cheryl, when I get a new PM. a bow comes up telling me I have a new PM.. The problem I have is that every time I change screens it comes up. Even tho. I have read the PM., which is a lagit. PM. I end up having to cancel the box 10 - 15 time before it will leave me alone. I neve use to get the box, it started yesterday.

**Cheryl** · Jan 8 2008, 09:08 PM

Odd that the pop-up box turned itself on, but at any rate you can disable it:

Go into your User CP (link in top navigation bar)
Select Edit Options
Scroll down to the section on private messages, and uncheck the box for PopUp Notification
Save changes

Also, the popup usually only reappears after you've read a message if you use your browers back button and return to the page whereupon it originally popped up from. If you do that, hit cancel, and then refresh the page, it will cease to pop up on any subsequent returns to that page with the Back button.

mawra · Jan 9 2008, 05:31 AM

I'll give it a try, thanks

kc · Jan 9 2008, 06:21 PM

I got one (well 2) from Merlinswand and did "dither" a bit about letting someone know but as I'm very rarely on-line these days events have overtaken me taking action.

Feb 4 2008, 09:42 PM

Hm, I got one a while back, I'll go check.

And, I've been lurking a bit, not much posting. Will probably see a bit more of me in the future, since I seem to be done with the unpacking. Of course, now I need to get my hands on all the brain books I haven't read yet...

***Hans*** · Feb 5 2008, 09:45 AM

You're missed, Khanath; but lurking is OK

Flinx · Apr 7 2008, 12:45 AM

Received spam mail today.
email was -
New Private Message at A Meeting of Minds - An Anne McCaffrey Discussion Forum
Dear Flinx,

You have received a new private message at A Meeting of Minds - An Anne McCaffrey Discussion Forum from reginelehfgdb, entitled "Hello Flinx".

This is the message that was sent:
***************
Hello Flinx

I'm new at this forum and therefore I just wanted to say hello!

-------------------
But no link on email to website & no private message on website.
Also email address appears genuine.

Kath · Apr 7 2008, 04:06 AM

I had that one as well - I'm guessing the PM notification was faster than Cheryl was at deleting the spammer.

**Cheryl** · Apr 7 2008, 07:48 AM

Yes, that user "reginelehfgdb" was caught and banned relatively quickly as someone else reported the spam PM as soon as he got it. At the same time I had the system delete all messages sent by that user.

But please do continue to report such things, you never know if you will be the first to send in a report.

Missy Jo · Apr 8 2008, 09:03 PM

Ohhh I've been getting those on my board for a few months now. I have it set where an Admin has to validate anyone who registers, but it still irritates me that people just want to spam. I get so aggrivated. The ones I've gotten have all been in Europe, so they register in the middle of the night my time, setting off all sorts of chimes on my Blackberry because I get an email saying I have to validate them, and it turns out it's just someone wanting to post porn links or work-from-home junk. Bugs me to no end. lol

Jan 7 2008, 01:39 PM	#1
Cheryl Master Archivist Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Maryland, USA Gender: F Fan of: Pern! Now Reading: Paladin of Souls (Bujold)	FYI on Private Messages and Spam I have reason to believe we may have one or more members who are potentially spamming members with private messages. If you receive such a PM, please let me know about it so that I can properly deal with the situation. The PM may seem innocuous, such as a new member who hasn't posted to the board at all saying hello, and then contain a link in the signature. ----------------------- If you are a new member who has been sending such PMs and now find yourself banned, you will have to contact me by email and explain yourself if you want your account restored. From the evidence I have already, you have no real interest in joining the community and participating in discussion. __________________ Visit one of the other sites of Cheryl's Anne McCaffrey Triad: Sariel's Guide to Pern: a detailed guide to the series The Many Works of Anne McCaffrey: largest fan site about Anne and ALL of her works McCaffrey Quest: annual trivia contest.

Jan 7 2008, 02:43 PM	#2
Cheryl Master Archivist Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Maryland, USA Gender: F Fan of: Pern! Now Reading: Paladin of Souls (Bujold)	Re: FYI on Private Messages and Spam Addendum: Please forward me a copy of such PMs, so that I can look them over. Thanks! __________________ Visit one of the other sites of Cheryl's Anne McCaffrey Triad: Sariel's Guide to Pern: a detailed guide to the series The Many Works of Anne McCaffrey: largest fan site about Anne and ALL of her works McCaffrey Quest: annual trivia contest.

Jan 7 2008, 02:51 PM	#3
edith Dragonrider Weyrwoman Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Delft Gender: F Fan of: Most of them :) Now Reading: Don't You Have Time To Think- RP Feynman	Re: FYI on Private Messages and Spam I thought it was just a new member, but I think I know what you mean. Forwards to follow. __________________ "Should a rocket explode upon starting, it is called a "hard start." " http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypergolic

Jan 7 2008, 03:03 PM	#4
Thea Senior Member Deski Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Lincolnshire, England Gender: F Fan of: Crystal Singer, Pern Now Reading: Crystal Line	Re: FYI on Private Messages and Spam I did think it was a little strange, especially since I'm new here myself and don't really know anyone yet. I'll forward mine, too, just in case. __________________ ~ "They can try to tear off my wings, but they can't erase all my dreams..." ~ ~"Then from nothing comes the light/See, your future's still in sight..."~ My dragons:http://dragcave.net/user/LadyOfAutumn

Jan 7 2008, 03:17 PM	#5
Cheryl Master Archivist Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Maryland, USA Gender: F Fan of: Pern! Now Reading: Paladin of Souls (Bujold)	Re: FYI on Private Messages and Spam Thanks to all that have forwarded messages. Two users have been banned, "Jeannette" and "MerlinsWand". No further PMs from these two need to be forwarded, but if you have a similar message from someone different, please do forward! __________________ Visit one of the other sites of Cheryl's Anne McCaffrey Triad: Sariel's Guide to Pern: a detailed guide to the series The Many Works of Anne McCaffrey: largest fan site about Anne and ALL of her works McCaffrey Quest: annual trivia contest.

Jan 7 2008, 03:46 PM	#6
Kathryn Draconna Guest	Re: FYI on Private Messages and Spam I hadn't been here since July.. well that's one way to get me back.

Jan 7 2008, 04:02 PM	#7
Cheryl Master Archivist Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Maryland, USA Gender: F Fan of: Pern! Now Reading: Paladin of Souls (Bujold)	Re: FYI on Private Messages and Spam Yes, I have noticed that several members that at least hadn't posted in months are suddenly online today. Makes me wonder if an actual official forum email to inactive folks would bring some back, if spam brings them in. Generally though I'm of the opinion that folks know we're here and will return if they wish. __________________ Visit one of the other sites of Cheryl's Anne McCaffrey Triad: Sariel's Guide to Pern: a detailed guide to the series The Many Works of Anne McCaffrey: largest fan site about Anne and ALL of her works McCaffrey Quest: annual trivia contest.

Jan 7 2008, 06:04 PM	#9
Bob12 Senior Member Mrdini Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Central Missouri Gender: M Fan of: Dragonriders of Pern	Re: FYI on Private Messages and Spam Hey Cheryl . . . I just got one today. I already deleted the private message before seeing this thread. I'll send the text of the message from my e-mail notification to you via PM. __________________ The mind that will not admit it has something more to learn tomorrow is in danger of stagnating. - Masterharper Robinton Last edited by Bob12; Jan 7 2008 at 09:16 PM.

Jan 7 2008, 06:07 PM	#10
Lara Whacky Wordsmith Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Annecy, France Gender: F Fan of: Pern,Petaybee,Freedom Now Reading: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows	Re: FYI on Private Messages and Spam I had one from Merlin's Wand - and was very surprised! I didn't click on the link. __________________ People who fall in the river in Paris are in Seine

Jan 7 2008, 07:16 PM	#11
Kaya Junior Member Slither Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: A Weyr on Pern Gender: F Fan of: Dragonriders of Pern Now Reading: Maximum Ride - by J. Patterson	Re: FYI on Private Messages and Spam Ah, so that's where the random message that now no longer exists came from. It was weird. There was no message at all when I looked, though there had been notification. Thanks for the news, Cheryl. ^^ And I haven't been posting much, though I have been lurking around occasionally. ^^

Jan 7 2008, 11:26 PM	#12
Aristokat Dragonrider Join Date: May 2007 Location: Home Gender: F Fan of: Pern Now Reading: The Years of Rice and Salt	Re: FYI on Private Messages and Spam I never get any PMs. Not even spam! __________________

Jan 8 2008, 02:57 AM	#13
bingley Senior Member Mrdini Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Jakarta Gender: M	Re: FYI on Private Messages and Spam Hi, I had one from Jeanette and must admit I was surprised because I haven't been very active of late. I tend to go on McCaffrey binges every now during which I'll be here but not much between whiles.

Jan 8 2008, 08:21 PM	#14
mawra Dolphin Friend Craftmaster Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: CONCORD VA Gender: F Fan of: PERN Now Reading: Dolphins of Pern and Queens ow	Re: FYI on Private Messages and Spam Cheryl, when I get a new PM. a bow comes up telling me I have a new PM.. The problem I have is that every time I change screens it comes up. Even tho. I have read the PM., which is a lagit. PM. I end up having to cancel the box 10 - 15 time before it will leave me alone. I neve use to get the box, it started yesterday. __________________ MEDDLE NOT IN THE AFFAIRS OF DRAGONS, FOR YOU ARE CRUNCHY AND GOOD WITH CHOCOLATE SO MANY BOOKS SO LITTLE TIME DRIVING SMART KEEPS YOU ALIVE

Jan 8 2008, 09:08 PM	#15
Cheryl Master Archivist Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Maryland, USA Gender: F Fan of: Pern! Now Reading: Paladin of Souls (Bujold)	Re: FYI on Private Messages and Spam Odd that the pop-up box turned itself on, but at any rate you can disable it: Go into your User CP (link in top navigation bar) Select Edit Options Scroll down to the section on private messages, and uncheck the box for PopUp Notification Save changes Also, the popup usually only reappears after you've read a message if you use your browers back button and return to the page whereupon it originally popped up from. If you do that, hit cancel, and then refresh the page, it will cease to pop up on any subsequent returns to that page with the Back button. __________________ Visit one of the other sites of Cheryl's Anne McCaffrey Triad: Sariel's Guide to Pern: a detailed guide to the series The Many Works of Anne McCaffrey: largest fan site about Anne and ALL of her works McCaffrey Quest: annual trivia contest.

Jan 9 2008, 05:31 AM	#16
mawra Dolphin Friend Craftmaster Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: CONCORD VA Gender: F Fan of: PERN Now Reading: Dolphins of Pern and Queens ow	Re: FYI on Private Messages and Spam I'll give it a try, thanks __________________ MEDDLE NOT IN THE AFFAIRS OF DRAGONS, FOR YOU ARE CRUNCHY AND GOOD WITH CHOCOLATE SO MANY BOOKS SO LITTLE TIME DRIVING SMART KEEPS YOU ALIVE

Jan 9 2008, 06:21 PM	#17
kc Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Leeds, Yorkshire, England Gender: F Fan of: Pern Now Reading: Various	Re: FYI on Private Messages and Spam I got one (well 2) from Merlinswand and did "dither" a bit about letting someone know but as I'm very rarely on-line these days events have overtaken me taking action.

Feb 4 2008, 09:42 PM	#18
Khanath Guest	Re: FYI on Private Messages and Spam Hm, I got one a while back, I'll go check. And, I've been lurking a bit, not much posting. Will probably see a bit more of me in the future, since I seem to be done with the unpacking. Of course, now I need to get my hands on all the brain books I haven't read yet...

Feb 5 2008, 09:45 AM	#19
*Hans* Master Archivist Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: The Netherlands Gender: M Fan of: Pern! Now Reading: Dodger by Terry Pratchett	Re: FYI on Private Messages and Spam You're missed, Khanath; but lurking is OK __________________ Hans, also known as Elrhan, Master Archivist Visit The Pern Museum & Archives for all your Pern and Anne McCaffrey News and Resources! The Pern Museum & Archives is the home of the Pern Encyclopedia and the Pern Bloodlines.

Apr 7 2008, 12:45 AM	#20
Flinx Senior Member Linyaari Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Australia Gender: M	Re: FYI on Private Messages and Spam Received spam mail today. email was - New Private Message at A Meeting of Minds - An Anne McCaffrey Discussion Forum Dear Flinx, You have received a new private message at A Meeting of Minds - An Anne McCaffrey Discussion Forum from reginelehfgdb, entitled "Hello Flinx". This is the message that was sent: *************** Hello Flinx I'm new at this forum and therefore I just wanted to say hello! ------------------- But no link on email to website & no private message on website. Also email address appears genuine.

Apr 7 2008, 04:06 AM	#21
Kath Starsmith Weyrwoman Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Heidelberg Fan of: Moreta	Re: FYI on Private Messages and Spam I had that one as well - I'm guessing the PM notification was faster than Cheryl was at deleting the spammer.

Apr 7 2008, 07:48 AM	#22
Cheryl Master Archivist Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Maryland, USA Gender: F Fan of: Pern! Now Reading: Paladin of Souls (Bujold)	Re: FYI on Private Messages and Spam Yes, that user "reginelehfgdb" was caught and banned relatively quickly as someone else reported the spam PM as soon as he got it. At the same time I had the system delete all messages sent by that user. But please do continue to report such things, you never know if you will be the first to send in a report. __________________ Visit one of the other sites of Cheryl's Anne McCaffrey Triad: Sariel's Guide to Pern: a detailed guide to the series The Many Works of Anne McCaffrey: largest fan site about Anne and ALL of her works McCaffrey Quest: annual trivia contest.

Apr 8 2008, 09:03 PM	#23
Missy Jo Junior Member Darbul Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Oklahoma Gender: F Fan of: The Rowan Now Reading: Dragon Harper	Re: FYI on Private Messages and Spam Ohhh I've been getting those on my board for a few months now. I have it set where an Admin has to validate anyone who registers, but it still irritates me that people just want to spam. I get so aggrivated. The ones I've gotten have all been in Europe, so they register in the middle of the night my time, setting off all sorts of chimes on my Blackberry because I get an email saying I have to validate them, and it turns out it's just someone wanting to post porn links or work-from-home junk. Bugs me to no end. lol __________________ There seems to be something wrong with my book. It's too short.