deilann v -0.2.1.  

spam account, followed me likely just to get attention

michealmart on c.im

This is not the first spam account I've seen on c.im lately and they do not have any sort of screening for new accounts

I am going to report and in my experience c.im will likely handle this, but I wanted to bring this to the attention of #fediblock because this is the eventual consequence of unmoderated signups

Aug 26, 2023 at 3:37amWeb
Show threadKevin Karhan Aug 26, 2023

@deilann The problem is that proactive screening of signups doesn't really work and demaning it would most likely just be weaoinized to demand all social networks to instate "ID Verification" instead...

Which is a terrible idea for more reasons than it could 'fix'...

I'd only thing that works is #moderation and enforcement of rules...

Personally, I'd rather deny-list all #Freemailers and #eMail from #Domains that have #WHOIS #privacy or are known for #Spamming instead.

Show threaddeilann v -0.2.1.  Aug 26, 2023

@kkarhan

instances that merely ask: "why this instance" never seem to have the same issue with spam accounts

"why us" isn't the same as ID verification

Show threaddeilann v -0.2.1.  Aug 26, 2023

@kkarhan It's easy to say it doesn't work, but whenever an instance has had to be limited due to a sudden surge in bot accounts it's not been one of the instances that requires you to answer why you want to join that instance.

it's always a general purpose instance with open signups

Show threadgaviAug 26, 2023
@kkarhan @deilann how on earth does one get from simply asking admins to better vet new accounts using a simple dialogue built into the software to equating it with demanding all social networks to instate ID verification 
Show threadgaviAug 26, 2023
@kkarhan @deilann i will also say that open sign ups are pretty new on the open internet. decentralized platforms (especially on the early internet) have utilized sign up forms since the very beginning
Show threaddeilann v -0.2.1.  Aug 26, 2023

@gavi @kkarhan the goal is also not to eliminate all bots or FBI agents

it's to not be friendly to them by making it easy

we've seen time and time again, the smallest step makes them look for an easier choice

basically all other measures to try and fight spam are less accessible and humane, too

Show threadgaviAug 26, 2023
@deilann @kkarhan i will say in my own experience being on lemmy, there's also a pretty big difference in culture overall between the instances with open sign ups and who solely focus on growth over the ones that are application based and are trying to grow an organic sustained community. it's like tending a garden, and having at least some barriers to a reasonable degree acts like a very powerful weed killer
Show threadocdtrekkieAug 27, 2023

@deilann Having to wait for approval to join is a massive barrier to entry: Most people who have to apply to join the fediverse will never come back.

Moderated signups are great for servers people move to, but open signup servers are key to welcoming new people to the fediverse, as rough as the moderation battle on them surely is.

Show threaddeilann v -0.2.1.  Aug 27, 2023

@ocdtrekkie

not all of us find growth more important than moderation and user safety. you are free to remain on an instance my instance has had to limit and block multiple times due to mass signups of crypto bots. i'm welcome to point out when we may be about to see another influx of that to others who care.

thanks for acting like i've never heard this argument before.

Show threadocdtrekkieAug 27, 2023

@deilann And you've chosen a server that reflects that. But your server wouldn't exist without open registration servers that feed transfers to it like mine.

(I eventually intend to self-host, but for now, m.s is an extremely stable spot to float.)