The new spam filter is much more efficient than the old one. Maybe 5 spam comments leak through a week, versus maybe 7 or 8 per day before. That’s a major improvement.
Unfortunately, the spammers have found the blog in huge numbers. I get 250 or so a day in the spam filter — and they are beyond disgusting.
Until now, I’ve diligently combed through the spam filter looking for good comments wrongly trapped by the filter. I rescue maybe one a week — so that’s about 1 out of 2,000.
It wasn’t too bad when I got 10 spams a day, but now I can’t keep up with the spam filter and respond to comments and write. Therefore, I’m no longer going to comb through the spam filter on a routine basis.
Instead, if you post a comment and it doesn’t show up on the blog, email me to let me know (jfguin(at)comcast(dot)net). I’m glad to retrieve someone who’s been trapped — I just want to know that it’s worth my time to comb through all the filth before taking the task on.
To avoid being trapped in the filter, let me suggest these tips —
* Never put more than one link in a comment.
* If you want to point people to your blog generally, your name will be linked to your blog automatically, so there’s no need to put the link in the comment. And links smell like spam to the filter program.
* Don’t write “specialist.” You see, it contains “cialis”! In fact, be careful of any word frequently used by spammers. If in doubt, type something like “s-x” — we’ll figure it out. Or if you’re not sure your comment will post, just copy the comment before you post it (highlight comment; Ctrl-C) and then, if it doesn’t post, paste comment (cursor in box, Ctrl-V) and then edit out the offending words.
I had seen only good comments, so had no idea spammers were also trying! And so far as I know, each note I've written has appeared and stayed in the list. You have good friends who share your interests.
I don't know, but for some reason that graphic is grossing me out 😛
Chris,
The graphic displays EXACTLY how I feel when I read through 250 spams — mostly ads for porn of the most vile type. But I didn't really intend to spread the pain.
You know, I have a friend who spent some time in Hawaii. He decided to try out the native eateries to see what food the locals prefer. The answer: Spam. And you thought of Hawaii as paradise!
(My guess is that years ago, Spam was about the only kind of meat you could ship overseas — until refrigeration for boats was invented.)
I have been known to eat Spam during missionary trips to Latin America (when nothing else is available).
With that being said, I do commend your work ethic in maintaining this interesting blog.
Rich,
I grew up with a taste for fried Spam (cooked in its own fat in a skillet). Ah, the memories …
ahh, a man after my own taste, the only way I get spam around here now is by request, and I have to fry it myself, great sandwich. with mustard of course.
I don't care for the internet spam, it just cost me two weeks down on my email, some fine person had hacked my email, and was sending porn out on my email, I had a heck of a time convincing it wasn't me.