[I noticed the mention of the idea of buying Junior membership. There's only 1 way I like that idea:]

In Theymos' announcement on the 17th, I noticed throughout the thread that many people were recommending the idea of allowing people to "purchase" Junior membership. I know Theymos implemented the ability to purchase Copper membership.

I thought a little further into it. Normally, I don't see much gain from that idea. As the funds would just be counted as donations and I don't know if they would actually go towards the prevention of spam (instead of other operating costs OFC). While I do agree the mods do a great job (and do deserve compensation), I think there's a possibility here for a bit more of a targeted response:

I posted this in the following thread, and I apologize if re-copying it here is a mistake. I just know that the thread is probably going to sway away from my response, or my response may get lost in the thread. I wanted to sort of discuss the idea further in it's own thread.
If the idea is completely useless, I understand. If mod's think I shouldn't have made a new thread to discuss, by all means let me know and I can delete the thread...:

...

I've been working and I'm going to be working on scripts/bots to detect spam, I would be able to pickup abuse of 3 merits easier than 1 merit.

I noticed the mention of the idea of buying Junior membership. There's only 1 way I like that idea:
If the funds collected from the purchasing of junior membership is funnelled into the mods and developers contracted on behalf of BitcoinTalk to create scripts/bots which detect spam and try to prevent future spam. I'm currently working on some bots/scripts on my own time volunteer wise, but if BitcoinTalk was able to hire developers to create these spam prevention methods, I know a lot of good developers would join in and help (myself included, I'd be able to put a lot more time towards it). Doesn't have to be a hiring procedure, could be a bounty ("First developer to create a way to prevent xyz gets X.XX BTC)

This almost creates sort of a task force against spam, through advanced detection. It would make it easier on moderators, and make it less worth creating spam accounts.

And believe me, I'm not just saying this because I'm a developer. While I'd definitely bid to help, I'm going to be creating scripts/bots to detect against this regardless. I just think the motivation of developers to help out would be greatly increased. Sort of like the BountySource effect.

The nice thing about bots/scripts that scrape BitcoinTalk is that they don't require admin access. And it could be a really cool system. For example: BitcoinTalk could give out a API for reporting of spam (obviously to only select contractors). The amount collected by Junior memberships would be divided by this project/mods. The amount (hereby called "the pot") would be up for grabs by the developers creating these scripts. The amount of successful spam reports by these bots/scripts would give them a stake of "the pot" on a per weekly basis (or other timeframe)

IDK, just a thought. I think it'd be a cool way to promote developers to fight the spam on BitcoinTalk using computing power, even if it is a minimal amount.

Now I know people may suggest that I'm only recommending this because I'm a developer. That's not the case, but if there is a conflict of interest, I'm more than willing to sacrifice my ability to "make a bid" on these contract positions.

I just think it's an interesting idea to promote developers to create anti-spam scripts.

Let me know what you think?

[account quality detection]

Hey all,

I've been planning to write a few scripts relating to BitcoinTalk. It's been on my "developer bucket list" to write something to detect users who have multiple accounts. In order to accomplish this, and have a reliable list, I'd have to determine some logic in order to base this.

Content within HR tags will be updated as the thread goes along.


I have a few things in mind (and I'll be updating this as the thread goes along - adding new ideas & such):
When and if topics are created for the data (which will either be by me, or others): I'll post the links here under the respective categories.

For account quality detection:
- Looking for # of words, paragraphs, sentences, etc.. gathering the average of each user in order to determine a account quality number. This number can be used in tandem to determine if a report is made on a account (with other scripts). Obviously this isn't enough to report by itself, but usernames w/ low quality could be sent into a spreadsheet of some sort for manual lookup.
- [your/others ideas here]

For multiple account detection:

- Look for same address usage between posts (BTC, ETH, etc)
- Look for same account usage between posts (telegram, skype, emails, etc)
- [your/others ideas here]

For copy-pasta detection:
- Write a script to determine copy-pasta from accounts by matching the text of posts to similar text of other sites in order to return a probability percentage of the user copy/pasting (including src for manual analysis). Users w/ percentage points above a certain number will be put into a list & potentially reported to threads/mods. IE: external plagiarism detection
- Write a script to determine copy-pasta by matching post content against other users post content. High similarities will raise red flags. IE: internal plagiarism detection *note: suchmoon mentioned that working on something similar, so other scripts may set precedence*
- Original script may want to ignore quote tags. However, if the case, depending on how built (if use full text, or word by word) another side-script would have to be built to prevent users from just wrapping their messages in quote tags.
- [your/others ideas here]

For trust abuse/merit abuse:
- Detecting trust abuse (users who send out a large amount of negative trusts, using the same text). This would obviously avoid trusted members (as some good campaign managers send out trusts w/ same text). This is mostly targeted towards members w/ no trust, or negative trust (ie: newer members, no trade history, etc). Results would be posted in a thread in a list format using tildas "~" so people can copy/paste the list of abusers into their trust lists. Allowing the ability for users to request they be removed from this list by public poll within thread (this should probably be handled manually)
- [your/others ideas here]

General ideas for all scripts
- Automatic posting to anti-spam threads w/ results (in such a way as to not create more spam though)
- Platform where users which have been reported by scripts can be documented, with automatic ban detection. That way scripts aren't looking into users if they have already been reported/banned.
- [your/others ideas here]


Results would be posted here for mods to look at (if need be), or just to keep a record of such a connection. I'd also probably link to results in this topic and maybe load it up on a website of mine.

I wanted to post this thread in advance to see if anyone else had any other logic / ideas in mind for these scripts/bots? This will solely be when I have the time to create this (which won't be for a couple of weeks), so I thought I'd post this well in advance. I'll update the above list with approved suggestions that I plan to work on.

Thanks!

P.S: If any mods/admins aren't ok with me scraping the site, by all means let me know. I'd obviously write the bot/script in such a way that it doesn't slam the server & only send a certain amount of requests per second/minute (more or less like a Google bot). I know other users have written similar bots/scraping tools, so I thought it'd be ok. But if not, just let me know


Change log:

Code:

Edit (September 19th, 2018): I'll be updating this thread (see under bolds) with new ideas as this thread progresses. Also, if anyone else wishes to contribute to my scripts (or even build their own one-offs targeting the ideas above), just let me know that you're working on it, and I'll mark it in the thread. While I agree different scripts/algorithms would be harder to avoid/abuse, obviously I'd want all of the scripts to developed in a timely manner, so duplicating work probably isn't a good idea as of this moment.
Edit (September 20th, 2018): Adding trust/merit abuse columns - automatic detection of users abusing trust/merit system system.

Hey all,

Just had a feature idea for either this forum, or the new forum. (as such, wasn't sure whether to post in Meta or the subcat)

I know a lot of accounts use multiple avatars (whether for signature campaigns, promotions, bounties, etc). I'm unsure of storage requirements (as I'm sure this would be taken into account), but IMO it wouldn't be a bad idea to have users be able to upload avatars / and easily re-use them.

For example:
1. User uploads avatar
2. User changes avatar to another avatar.
3. Upon returning to avatar page, user is able to select the avatar uploaded in step 1 without having to re-upload.

A good addition to this might be to allow users to automatically switch their avatars by using a specific link that OPs can use in campaigns, bounties, etc. For example: "Click here to set your avatar" on campaign threads, which will automatically switch the user's avatar upon confirmation. Because these are essentially the same image for many users, if programmed correctly, this would reduce the amount of images loaded per thread (as the images can be reused for multiple users & cached)

There should probably be a cap of how many avatars a user can store, and obviously deleting avatars after a certain timeframe would probably be a smart idea.

Like I said though, the storage requirements might make this pointless when compared to the benefits, but it's just a thought.

I'm looking to sort-of reverse engineer SMF in order to create a tool for bb codes. I may release this publicly.

I just wanted to know if BitcoinTalk leverages any custom BB codes other than the Basic SMF ones listed here: https://wiki.simplemachines.org/smf/Basic_Bulletin_Board_Codes

I'm not entirely sure who would have knowledge of this, whether it be just Theymos, or perhaps other users have used them in the past.
Just wanting to make sure before jumping into development in the future!

[What happened:]

As this user has created a Services self-moderated topic to promote his/her scam, I thought I'd open up a Scam Accusation thread to maintain a record:

What happened:

User is looking to work w/ people involved with ICO companies. Upon contacting the user via telegram, you receive a message with a script like the following: http://i.imgur.com/ovJKTpj.png

I personally received the following message: https://i.imgur.com/huxzred.png

Scammers Profile Link:

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=165995

Reference Link:

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=4900111.new#new (note, topic is self-moderated)
http://archive.is/SnwS3

Amount Scammed:

Unknown

Payment Method:

Bitcoin (assumed)

Proof of Payment:

N/A

PM/Chat Logs:

http://i.imgur.com/ovJKTpj.png
https://i.imgur.com/huxzred.png

I'm on vacation and I left my paper wallet at home. I ran into a need for 0.14 BTC; I'll pay back 0.165 as soon as I am back from vacation (May 7th, maybe sooner).

This is non-collateral.

Thank you,
Init.

I got Steam Credit, and I want to get rid of it.

I can match any game on the Steam marketplace. USD => BTC. Calculated by http://coinbase.com/

I also have the following games already in inventory:

Clans
Hitman Collection (including: Hitman 2: Silent Assassin, Hitman: Blood Money, Hitman: Codename 47, Hitman: Absolution™, Hitman: Sniper Challenge)
Hitman: Absolution
Left 4 Dead 2
Red Faction
Red Faction Guerrilla Steam Edition x2
Tomb Raider
Trine 2 Complete Story

Request or offer below...

I work with Web Development and 90% of my clients are online (IE: Accessible or able to work for with a stable internet connection).

I own an Apartment in Canada and can rent out my apartment (sublet) for a little bit more than a pay for a month.
I always wanted to rent out my apartment for a month (or less) and just fly to somewhere cheap and work there for a bit; sort of like a self-created exchange. Would love to broaden my horizons a little bit.

Obviously, the cost of Flight and hotel stays will have to be valued, and because subletting my apartment SHOULD pull in the same amount I pay for it per month, I can technically budget to spend around the same amount I spend on my apartment per month ( around $1100 ).

So my question is; (TLDR) in your opinion what would be a good destination to fly too and live in for maybe around 2 weeks to a month keeping my budget around $1100-1500.

The country must allow freelancers to work (as if they are on vacation) without additional VISA options or a lot of paperwork.

Any ideas or opinions?

Instead of pruning messages, I think an additional option should be given to download achievable messages and then delete such messages.

Would save data for the website and allow users to reference old messages and PM's which they don't necessarily want on the website anymore.

[WhichOneQuiz.com]

I own a website I am trying to get a tad more popular through social media exposure. I'm looking for individuals who will use this quiz site and share their results to their friend feed. You must post image proof of the share, and/or a public exposed link on Facebook (can be sent via PM).

You may also use Twitter; please provide proof (via picture or link) as well. Twitter will count towards the 3 share limit. You can only share 3 times in total.

Please do the quizzes before sharing. Please do not just share the url. You must actually do the quiz and share your quiz results.

Website is:
WhichOneQuiz.com

0.001 for 1 share; 0.0015 for 2 shares; 0.002 for 3 shares+

Please post proof below or via PM.

Thank you,

Note: Accounts must be active Facebook/Twitter accounts. Accounts must not be with only 1-2 friends (AKA Spam Accounts).
Please have atleast 40-50 friends on the accounts / or 20 followers.

Status: Closed. See my last of this thread.

Post offers below. I have a good trust rating.

Thank you.

Looking to purchase $25 worth of Bitcoin using Preev (http://preev.com - all sources) rate.

Willing to purchase using PayPal or Skrill.

[$10 USD]

I have 2 of these games. They will be sent to you via Steam inventory (To your email or username on steam).

The current value on the steam store is $19.99 USD.

Selling for $10 USD in BTC value using the CoinBase.com value ( http://coinbase.com ). Other offers may be accepted.
This is an official steam game, not a key.

Steam Store URL: http://store.steampowered.com/app/20500/

[Initscri's Any Steam / Origin Game BTC BTC Sale]

Initscri's Any Steam / Origin Game BTC BTC Sale

I have a bundle of steam games and various discounts on many games. As such, I am offering any games running on Steam and/or Origin platforms (Depending on availability).

Please follow the steps below in order to request a game purchase or offer.

Please post which game you would like and an offer of the game in the following format.

Code:

Game you want: ___________
How much you are willing to pay: ___________
How soon do you need the game: ___________

Once posted, I will do my best to respond and get you the game you want in a timely manner.

All purchased must be made using CoinBase.com values. I will PM you the address once we agree on terms.
Games will be sent upon a confirmation count of 3-4.


Notice: Games may not all be purchased on steam. Some games will be sent through steam inventory, others will come with a cd key.

Discussion from a post from Reddit.

He is on the Colbert Report tonight. Any expectations? Any guesses on if he will mention the auction and Bitcoin or not?

I know Colbert has mentioned Bitcoin before so I assume it will be within discussions.

Info +More Comments: http://www.reddit.com/r/Bitcoin/comments/2bjg6p/tim_draper_usms_auction_winner_will_be_on_colbert/

If you could choose to be any person in the world from any other period besides the 21st century, who would you be?

[BTC BTC]

[WTS] Some Steam Games (Trine 2, Left 4 Dead 2, CS Source)

All games are using BTC BTC rate from http://preev.com/

Prices:
Counter-Strike Source: $12 (40% off~~) http://store.steampowered.com/app/240/
Left 4 Dead 2: $12 (40% off~~) http://store.steampowered.com/app/550/
Trine 2: $12 (40% off~~) http://store.steampowered.com/app/35720/

~~ = Rough estimate depending on steam store value.

Please post or pm.

These are ALL Steam official games and have been purchased from the steam marketplace. They will be sent via inventory (NO keys required).

Answer with the country and the reason why.

I would probably choose Germany, or maybe one of the channel islands.

http://mashable.com/2014/07/01/google-acquires-songza/?utm_cid=mash-com-fb-main-link

Any comments? What do you believe will come out of this?

Would be great to have https://en.gravatar.com/ (Gravatar) implemented into the new forum software.

Wouldn't be too hard to implement programmatically.