In recent weeks there seems to be a flurry of posts by new members that seem to have similar writing styles. Has there been a way to track ISPs or some sort computer tool to check on potential spamming?

Just my .02,

Joshua

Yes I have noticed - the most recent "character" was created yesterday and posted today. I don't think you would call it spam - more like Trojan horse or provocateur. However it appears to be a different style than our chronic identity creator.

It would be great if the newcomers would introduce themselves via the "What Organization are You Involved With?" thread! No experience required, but drop in and say hi...

Steve Hunter
Cardinal, Ontario

http://www.sfrmeo.ca/

http://public.fotki.com/elliottd/sfrmeo/

All of you long-time posters/viewers are aware of the sort of hit-miss vetting for new posters. It's not an exact science, although some of the more recent changes have made it a bit easier to identify the legitimate ones versus someone that's just a shade to the right of questionable.

Please forward any specifics of any suspicious postings to myself, (or any of the other moderators) and we'll certainly look into them ASAP.

Thank you all for your patience and diligence in helping to monitor these things with us

I did notice that all of these new posers, um... I meant posters, have the same writing style, post about something that could stir the pot, seems to be up on rail goings on in PA, and never seem to provide much information about themselves. Remember the time the railfan girl posted a couple of times or the guy who was the display expert at Steamtown posted once or twice and then disappeared. I guess everyone needs a hobby and while some folks like to get involved with real preservation there are others play these games. Don't get me wrong, I do respect those who want to share and not have their name out there for whatever reason but we see constructive posts from those folks all the time not the nonsense like the K-4 post.

I notice that many here do not have a location attached to their names. Not that they couldn't lie about one, but why isn't it mandatory to get on the board?

Later!
Mr. Ed

Mr. Ed -

Well, in my case, I just didn't think of it at the time. I would gladly add it, but I don't think it can easily be done once you are in the system. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

At lot of folks don't use their names (like "Mr. Ed") and that's okay with me. But I think that perhaps a NEW poster could at least list what groups they are involved in, like the thread that is now currently ongoing. I realize that not everyone is active with a group, and if that's the case, then say that, and just list where your interests lie.

Just my 2 cents.

Les

As a new poster myself I have done as stated above maybe it should become mandatory to do so before being aloud to post or create topics? I have not been on here long enough to completly understand what the main fuss is, but I am sure there are many people out there that get sick of useless or annoying people and there topics / posts.

Tom

Same problem on other boards the past week or so, too.

One person posting as several individuals is a sockpuppet (one word).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sockpuppet_(Internet)
Note the "meatpuppet" and "ballot stuffing". I wonder what's happened in any recent polls.

Separate, but sometimes related, is the troll.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troll_(Internet)