Re: -- Google, the spam monster, a summary
- From: John R Ramsden <jhnrmsdn@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sat, 01 Mar 2008 11:07:34 +0000
quasi wrote:
> [..]
>
But more importantly, my proposal for a G^3 was not fully serious.
After all, who would implement such a program? I was just batting
around a _hypothetical_ solution.
In any case, I want no part of this moronic thread.
For once I can't agree with you, quasi. Discussing ways
to improve Google Groups seems very interesting, although
interesting needn't imply non-moronic.
Although post formatting issues are a vexing problem for
many, including myself, I'll focus on what seems the most
serious issue namely spam.
So let's put ourselves in the position of Google (wouldn't
that be nice - all that lovely lolly ;-). But seriously,
I'm curious to know how people think even Google could
solve the usenet spam problem. Not trying to defend them,
mind, or insinuating that the problem can't be solved or
at least ameliorated. But no obvious approach springs to
mind.
For a start there are so many ways in to usenet. So if for
example Google began using capchas to prevent robo-posts,
the spammers would simply start posting via other news
servers.
If they introduced a spam alert system it would inevitably
be misused on non-spam posts, by idiots seeking to suppress
dissent, and might become a legal minefield centering round
freedom of speech and so forth.
(People using Google Groups will have seen the disclaimer
about "legal complaints" beneath the sci.math screen, and
those I think are for actionable posts. So imagine the fuss
posters would make if their lawful posts were suppressed on
no grounds other than lack of topicality. Also, although no
one in their right mind is likely to object to spam posts
being suppressed, the very act does set a precedent which
some might then want extended to other "objectionable"
posts.)
Also, assuming a spam alerts had to be vetted by Google,
someone would have to be paid to sit there deciding which
alerts were justified. Perhaps a penalty, such as Google
Groups account suspension, would be appropriate for people
making false allegations, like that ancient Greek system
whereby anyone who proposed a law which was then voted
down by the assembly would get the chop!
On the plus side, it's well known that the vast majority
of Internet spam originates with an amazingly few outfits
and even individuals. So maybe a small amount of effort
on Google's part would reap disproportionately large
rewards and at the same time discourage any other sad
little twats from trying to flog fake designer goods
or kiddie porn in sci.math of all places!
On that subject I did a simple Google search on a word
equivalent to "bag held in the hand" and this wretch's
home page, and the page didn't show up. So maybe Google
does already make some effort to blacklist the most
blatant offenders.
Cheers
John R Ramsden
P.S. Posted via Thunderbird.
BTW Question for Thunderbird gurus - Having updated
one's filters, is it possible to refresh the list of
already downloaded headers to ditch any junk not
previously identified as such?
.
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