Forum being picked up as 18+ site

**seanachie** · 22nd September 11, 07:39 AM

Originally Posted by davidg

The other IP addresses are clearly being used a proxies. That suggests illegal intent but it could also be paranoia about being "followed" or simply youthful stupidity

Not to split hairs but I would strongly disagree with this point. With issues of security becoming more and more important especially when using Wi-Fi or free hotel access there are a number of VERY legitimate companies that offer subscription VPN services. In the US HotSpotVPN and WiTopia immediately come to mind, there are a number of Euro companies offering similar services. These provide secure connections for persons not having access to a corporate VPN.
So I would not presume one had illegitimate motives or paranoia. Didn't Andy Grove say the paranoid survive?

**davidg** · 22nd September 11, 07:48 AM

Originally Posted by seanachie

Not to split hairs but I would strongly disagree with this point.

Just to clarify. I was making the point based on the type of proxies used, which are suspicious IPs in themselves, and not obviously legitimate VPNs or other proxy services

**CDNSushi** · 22nd September 11, 08:24 AM

Please bear in mind, gentlemen, that proxies, VPNs, etc, etc, are not the issue here.

The OP was given a chance to clarify his intentions. Want to hide behind a proxy wall because you're paranoid? Alright -- but it behooves you to give the site admin an explanation if they're telling you that you look an awful lot like a spammer... As he chose not to make any sort of response (and based on Steve's statement that the OP DID look at the warning message, then there was no other choice but to ban the user as a spammer.

**seanachie** · 22nd September 11, 01:01 PM

Originally Posted by CDNSushi

Please bear in mind, gentlemen, that proxies, VPNs, etc, etc, are not the issue here.

The OP was given a chance to clarify his intentions. Want to hide behind a proxy wall because you're paranoid? Alright -- but it behooves you to give the site admin an explanation if they're telling you that you look an awful lot like a spammer... As he chose not to make any sort of response (and based on Steve's statement that the OP DID look at the warning message, then there was no other choice but to ban the user as a spammer.

Your point is well taken and I did mean to obscure the message amongst the fog. Your explanation is entirely correct. I just saw something that I was afraid could be read and misunderstood, didn't meant to take it off track. Some people here teach me a lot of which I am often ignorant, this was one area I knew something about and was trying to share. Thanks!

**Lyle1** · 22nd September 11, 01:13 PM

Originally Posted by chrisupyonder

Only if it was XXXMarks!

Chris.

Actually, one upper case X is enough to trigger a block on some filters!

**Steve Ashton** · 22nd September 11, 02:43 PM

As CDNSushi stated. Having this site blocked, or not, on this person's mobile device is not the issue.

The routing of service through reputable Internet Service Providers is not the issue.

If you look at my earlier post this person has intentionally routed his identity through some of the most notorious spammer proxy services in the world. These are paid services which you must pay a fee for so it is not an issue of "gee, I didn't know".
These proxy servers are specifically intended to hide the identity of spammers and hackers. It allows them to spread their electronic junk mail and avoid the authorities. These are the same proxies that are used to send out porn links and viagra ads.

Usually, if a new member registers to the forum, and we find that they are using these proxy services we keep a pretty close eye on them. In 9 times out of 10 within a few days of registering they have placed drop box spam all over their profile and are making posts and sending PM's and emails to our members by the hundreds.

It is using the membership lists and resources of this forum to spread malicious electronic junk mail that is the issue. Do you really want us to let these people have free reign on the forum? I don't think so, and many of you have commented how you appreciate that X Marks is free of porn links and viagra ads.

If I have stopped an honest member from posting all that would need to be done is drop me a line via email or the 'contact us' feature of the forum. A simple "Hey Steve, I'm actually a person and not a spammer." and I'll re-instate them.

My job is to keep this forum on-line, to keep it free of porn and profanity so that it will remain the pleasant and enjoyable place for our members to visit with their friends.

As this issue is resolved I am closing this thread.