User registration disabled?

I heard that user registration is disabled on www.Amigans.net, due to spam bots. Is this true?

If yes, then I guess a normal CAPTCHA wasn't working? I have some alternative suggestions, based upon what I have read websites using:

Since spam bots tend to fill *all* Form fields, put one or more hidden fields, and then reject forms which have data in those fields!

Rather than (only) image-based CAPTCHA, what about adding some simple questions in English? While they could be universal things like "What is four times three?" or "Type the contents of the box above", you could make it more difficult for bots by having topical questions like "What is the name of this website?" (would require allowing several possible answers) or "Which computer is this website for? (5 letters, begins with A)" or "Which company originally sold the Amiga? (begins with C)" or "Which company has the C= logo?" etc. This would also make it tricky/impossible for people unknowingly being made to solve *your* CAPTCHA on some other website (say a porn site secretly selling it's users services for extra cash).

You might also want to put time-limits on CAPTCHA, to help thwart bots which send your CAPTCHA question to some other website for solving.


I don't think any single solution will solve the spam problem, but a combination of solutions (none of which would have to be tricky for legitimate users) when combined would dramatically cut the volume of spam registrations that get through (possibly even to zero).

We can figure out tons of different solutions ourselves, coming up with ideas to solve the problem is not the issue. Implementing something ourselves just isn't on the table so there's simply no point in suggesting any non standard solutions. And no, manpower or capability isn't the problem either.

walkero is working on an update to a newer xoops version that has a stronger registration process. ETA isn't available though. Soon, two more weeks, when it's done, take your pick.

@orgin
OK, thanks for the explanation.

I just discovered the following thread, and it's most recent reply (from thinkchip) isn't very hopeful:
http://amigaworld.net/modules/newbb/v ... c_id=37832&forum=2#712538

New users can be added manually. Just contact me on irc and provide an email address I can mail to for further user details.

IRC Details

I am working on the updates, which are necessary for the best working status of the website. Also I want to prevent having any serious problems with the content. So the updates should be double checked before applied to the main website.

Sorry for the delay guys. I am doing my best to have everything sorted out as soon as possible.

Moved to the correct forum...