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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!
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.
It does work well but might also discourage the casual user who just wants to look around before settling on their home instance.
I wish there were a way to just make it so new users are auto-silenced until a moderator reviews the account
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?'
@freemo
Yes! Exactly. I never thought I would join QOTO Mastodon.
I just opened the site and saw it is a STEM based instance which also allows other discussions. So thought it will be a good match.
Had there been a questionnaire, I might have taken other Instance. Ans that's just not me, many would have.
@design_RG
@freemo
That is true, yes.
Posted as an example of what people have done regarding the entry policies.
@shibaprasad