Home / Business / Small Business / Can we permanently ban Wosily mentions in this subreddit + ban new threads being posted from accounts that don’t have rich enough post history? They’ve been astrotruf spamming ads for their service for weeks now in this sub to boost their SEO.

Can we permanently ban Wosily mentions in this subreddit + ban new threads being posted from accounts that don’t have rich enough post history? They’ve been astrotruf spamming ads for their service for weeks now in this sub to boost their SEO.

Addressing Wosily Spam: A Call for Action in Our Community

As members of our subreddit, we’ve all noticed an influx of spam related to Wosily over the past few weeks. It’s becoming increasingly apparent that we need to take decisive action to preserve the integrity of our discussions and maintain a genuine environment.

The Issue at Hand

Lately, there have been numerous posts that appear disingenuous, featuring marketing queries where the solutions conveniently point back to Wosily. These threads are often created by accounts with minimal posting history, hinting at a lack of authenticity. In many cases, once their tactics are exposed, the authors quickly delete the threads, making it challenging to track their activity. For instance, multiple instances of users posting marketing advice are typically followed by top comments that seem to be generated in a formulaic manner, all promoting Wosily.

Here are a couple of examples showcasing this pattern:

  1. A thread discussing how to grow an online business suddenly features a top comment recommending Wosily as an ideal solution.
  2. Another example involves a user seeking best practices for marketing, which is followed by a response endorsing Wosily, all wrapped in a generic format.

Identifying the Culprits

The accounts responsible for this spam often have minimal engagement on the platform, usually created within the last six months. They typically have only rudimentary comments on various unrelated posts, just enough to bypass Reddit’s basic filters.

For instance, one of the offending accounts, which can be seen here, highlights a typical pattern we’re witnessing—a lack of a substantial contribution to the community paired with targeted advertising. Unfortunately, due to the nature of Reddit, once these accounts delete their content, tracking their activity becomes nearly impossible.

A Proposal for Change

Given the persistent nature of this spam, it’s time for us to consider a stringent approach. I propose we implement a permanent ban on any posts or comments that mention Wosily. This will help in curtailing the continued disruption to our subreddit.

Additionally, we should establish stricter criteria for accounts to be able to create new threads. Possible guidelines could include:

  • Accounts must be over a year old.
  • A proven history of meaningful contributions to our subreddit.
  • Posts should reflect genuine engagement rather than generic responses.

While I understand that identifying the precise metrics may pose a challenge (to avoid spammers circumventing them), fostering a community that prioritizes authentic interactions is crucial.

Conclusion

Let’s unite to protect the quality of our subreddit and ensure it remains a platform for genuine and helpful discussions. Together, we can build a space free from spam and promote valuable exchanges among members. Your thoughts and suggestions on this matter are highly encouraged!

2 Comments

  • It sounds like you’re facing a persistent and troubling issue with spam and disinformation in your subreddit related to Wosily. Addressing these types of challenges not only requires action but also thoughtful policy implementation to ensure the integrity and quality of discussion within the community. Here are some suggestions and insights that could help in managing this situation effectively:

    1. Establish Clear Subreddit Rules

    You can create clear guidelines that prohibit any form of self-promotion, including mentions of Wosily, especially when it becomes evident that such mentions serve only to deceive members or inflate SEO:

    • No Spam Policy: Clearly define what constitutes spam, including repetitive promotional content and astro-turfing schemes.
    • Account Restrictions: Implement rules regarding the minimum requirement of account age and post history. For example, only accounts that are over 30 days old with at least 10 substantive contributions to discussions in the subreddit can create new threads.

    2. Use of Automated Moderation Tools

    Utilizing bots for moderation can significantly help in maintaining the quality of contributions:

    • Keyword Filters: Set up filters to automatically remove comments or posts that mention Wosily or other relevant keywords associated with spammy behavior.
    • User Behavior Monitoring: Employ bots that analyze user history and flag accounts that have patterns of behavior indicative of bot-like activity (i.e., low interaction history, repetitive posting styles).

    3. Engage the Moderation Team

    Having an active moderation team will help in quickly addressing spam and misleading content:

    • Community Reporting: Encourage community members to report suspicious posts. Creating a user-friendly process for reporting can increase community engagement and vigilance.
    • Regular Review Meetings: Schedule consistent moderation meet-ups to address emerging issues and evaluate the effectiveness of current policies.

    4. Develop a Community Awareness Program

    Educating subreddit members about recognizing spam and misinformation is crucial:

    • Pinned Posts: Create a pinned post that educates users on spotting spammy threads and responses. Provide examples of past posts that were flagged for similar behavior.
    • Weekly Discussions: Include a weekly discussion thread where members can share their experiences with spam and report spammy behavior in a communal space.

    5. Consider Implementing a Flair System

    Using a flair system can help users identify legitimate contributors:

    • Contributor Flair: Introduce a flair system to designate trusted members who regularly provide valuable contributions. This could be a way for members to easily identify what constitutes a quality post.
    • Verification Processes: For users who consistently demonstrate helpfulness, consider a verification process to elevate them within the community ranks.

    6. Regular Audit of Content and Accounts

    Conduct regular audits similar to an internal review to identify spam activity and assess the effectiveness of your current strategies:

    • Review Deleted Content: Make a habit of reviewing deleted content logs to gain insights into spam patterns and identify the types of accounts being created.
    • Analyze Engagement Metrics: Regularly analyze which posts gain traction in the community to identify potential issues before they escalate.

    Implementing these measures will not only help curb the spam issue but can also foster a stronger community spirit. The key is to create a balance between freedom of expression and maintaining the quality of discussions, and with diligent monitoring and community engagement, it is certainly achievable.

  • It’s great to see this important discussion taking place within our community. The rise of spam, particularly the repetitive mentions of Wosily, undoubtedly undermines the quality of our subreddit. I completely agree that we need to prioritize authentic contributions over superficial engagement.

    In addition to the proposed measures, I suggest we also explore the potential of leveraging community reporting tools more effectively. Encouraging users to report suspicious posts can help maintain oversight. Pairing this with clearer guidelines on what constitutes spam versus genuine engagement would empower our members to participate actively in safeguarding our subreddit.

    Moreover, implementing a “new user orientation” where newcomers receive insights on posting etiquette and community standards could foster a more positive environment from the start. This initiative might not only help in curbing spam but also nurture a sense of belonging and responsibility among all users.

    Let’s remain vigilant and proactive in ensuring our platform continues to thrive as a space for meaningful discussions. I’m eager to hear other ideas and collaborate on the best path forward!

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