[General] New User Posting Privilege

[DIYBiochar]

Hi,

I was wondering if there is a way to not allow new users to post links, photos and videos until they make "X" amount of posts.

Im trying to cut down the amount of porn spam.

Thanks,
John

EDIT: Does anyone have a IP list of known spam sites or any ideas as how to cut down on spam? All ideas are welcome.

[Leefish]

You can make new users be promoted to a "trusted" group after x number of posts using the promotions system (look in the usercp under users&groups). Then you can make it so the registered group are all on moderated posting. I think to prevent posting of urls etc then you need a plugin.

[DIYBiochar]

Thanks for the reply!

Do you know of a step by step tutorial for this? Like a new admins guide of some kind?

Thanks,
John

[Leefish]

Not really, but it is pretty intuitive

especially if I tell you to look in the right place - its in the ACP, not the usercp

regarding preventing signups in the first place - try simple things like changing the order of the fields / layout of the registration form, do use a forum specific security question, dont allow guest posting.

[DIYBiochar]

Thank you for the help my friend! I guess as I get older, things are not as obvious as they used to be. I'll take some time and go dig around in the CP and see what I can find.

Thanks,
John

[Dexie]

1. AdminCP --> Users & Groups
2. Click "Group Promotions" (Left Menu Bar)
3. "Add New Promotion"
4. Give the promotion a title and pick your settings.

[DIYBiochar]

Thanks for this info! I think I got it setup.

One question tho.......
I set it up so that the user COMES from awaiting activation and is MOVED to registered user after they make 5 post and 2 new threads. Will this work or am I missing something? I can't see where to make it so that I need to mod their post before it is active or not let them post photos and links.

Thanks again Dexie!

John

[Dexie]

It should as long as the user group "Awaiting Activation" has posting permissions.

I am setting up my site so that users may not post at all until verifying their email. Then they become "Registered" but with limited privileges. After a certain amount of posts/etc. they are promoted into a new group with more privileges and so on.

This kind of set up would require you to create some custom groups, but I think it is worth the time to make them. It also creates a sense of responsibility among your users in that privileges are earned over time and that really discourages spammers and other annoying people who are only there to annoy and harass.

You can also get creative with the "titles" of your groups too. They can work like little badges of honor - small reward titles for participation and just being a respectable member of the community. It also helps your users know who has been around for a while and who might actually know what they are talking about - that is if your forum is knowledge based - or whatever.

Just a thought

Good Luck!

[DIYBiochar]

Love your idea! I think thats exactly what I want to do but had not thought it all the way out until now. This should cut way down on Spam I would think as most just splash and dash to never be seen again.

If you get the time, let me know how you did all this as I will do it too. Thanks!

John

[Dexie]

1.  Admin CP --> Users & Groups
2.  Left Menu: Groups
3.  Add New User Group
4.  Name Group & Set Permissions

After you have your new group created, make sure they have the appropriate permissions in EACH of your forums.
1.  Admin CP --> Forums & Posts
2.  Select Appropriate Forum
3.  "Permissions"

---

I would map out a basic idea of what permissions you want for each group "level" and then make "Registered" users as the most basic/limited of those permissions.  Then, when you create each group you can "copy" the permissions of the previous group and just add in the extra permissions you want.

For example, if you start with "Registered" as your "base" and you are absolutely certain those are the permissions you want, then just create a new group based upon those permissions.  All you have to do then is add the extra permissions for "New Group".  Once you have "New Group" completed (with forum permissions set etc.), then create "New Group 2" based upon "New Group" and all you have to do is add the permissions that "New Group" & "Registered" do not have.

This helps you stay consistent and it eliminates the need to reinvent the wheel every time you create a new group.  Take notes so when you decide to add another group three weeks from now, you will remember how you set everything up.  Hehe.

All the best!

-- ETA --
After you are finished with the group & forum permissions, then go in and set your group "promotion" settings.  Make it too easy and it will "cheapen" the rewards, make it too difficult and your users will be frustrated.  Finding the balance between the two is the challenge.