It seems to be getting harder and harder to catch spammers early. We either need closed registration or more moderators to catch it quicker.

@freemo They have a posting pattern. And it coincides with your sleep!

@shibaprasad @freemo

We will have someone in the Americas region soon.

Would be nice to have someone in the Asian region, as their hours are a lot different from the main crew ones.

@shibaprasad @freemo Also -- having a more restricted entry might be an idea.

Accounts approved when staff is online, then open to the new user first posts, and catching some of the more blatant abuse.

@design_RG
Is that configuration possible?

I think there are two types of insurances: Open and Closed.

In closed instances, you need someone from the instance to send you invitation.
@freemo

@shibaprasad
Some instances have a registration page with a "Tell us about yourself" field, and a text entry box for the user.

I have seen questions like:

- do you know any users at our instance?
- why would you like to join us?
- please explain how your political views align with ours (for a more politically active instance).
- etc.

I have applied to a couple with this kind of front door, and had to wait for their Staff to read and verify, approve or not the request.

Works well, if you ask me.

@freemo

@design_RG

It does work well but might also discourage the casual user who just wants to look around before settling on their home instance.

@shibaprasad

Follow

@freemo

That is true, yes.

Posted as an example of what people have done regarding the entry policies.

@shibaprasad

@design_RG

I wish there were a way to just make it so new users are auto-silenced until a moderator reviews the account

@shibaprasad

@freemo @shibaprasad

Here's another example of the "Tell us about yourself", with a different bent on the questions. I will translate, as they are in Portuguese. Bing machine translation, give them credit for a quickie job.

"Why do you want to register?

This will help us review your application. Add the following information to prevent your application from being denied:

Have you read our rules?

Do you know anyone around here, if so, who?

Do you know you can communicate with mastodon users here from other mastodon instances?'

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