We banned a spammer today... What do you think?

[Kym]

We banned a 1st post spammer today.
As members know we have a zero tolerance for spammers.

The post was dumped and I've copied a redacted version of their 1st and only site post...

I run a national magazine called xxxxxxxxxxx. I am seeking creative images of xxxxxxx across all genres for our magazine.

In return for using your images you will be credited in the magazine 2 ways.
As a 6pt byline on the image itself acknowledging you and the model, plus as the back of the publication in the credit section.

You will also receive a 1 yr subscription to our online xxxxxxxx website entitled xxxxxxxxx.com.au as a preferred photographer.

You can submit images to me using yyyyyyy.com with the following email address: advertise@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.com.au

Deadline for 1st edition is this Thursday 19th August.

So this guy gets images for free, but!! you get 'credit'

Seriously? What is he smokin?

I subsequently had an email dialogue as it really p'd me off...

You're a Spammer

I don't normally tell SPAMMER's why they got banned from AusPhotography as they are usually Russian, Chinese, Nigerian or Indian.

But as you're an an Aussie you should know better, but it looks like you want to be in with the viagra, get rich quick, and knock off watch sales people.

Your blatant breach of our site rules and disregard for our members has led to your email, IP etc. being lodged with a global anti spamming database which will make joining other forums difficult.

You have also lost any possibility of contact with 1000's of Aussie 'togs. Well done!

From xxxxxx....

There was no intend to spam

A simple reply in good faith rather than blocking or reporting may have been easier and led to a better outcome.
I'm trying to help promote photographers work not annoy them.

Well done for blocking me and stopping your client base from getting an opportunity.

xxxxxxx.

My Response....

Spamming

If you had approached us first before spamming then things would have work out better.
'Intend' to spam? It is spam plain and simple.

Our site rules and introductory materiel's are clear i.e. nothing commercial without permission.
It's your disrespect for us that has inflicted these consequences on you.

Take this as an opportunity to re-think your approach to photography forums, we are not a random marketing channel.

No further correspondence to be entered into.

This is the bit that really got me...
... Well done for blocking me and stopping your client base from getting an opportunity.

Like what value is this to AP members in the first place?

/rant

Maybe it just happened on one of those days, but for the life of me I wonder why people do this.

[Kym]

I should mention the site/magazine in question also charges for advertising but does not pay for your content.

[Scotty72]

We banned a 1st post spammer today.
As member know we have a zero tolerance for spammers.

The post was dumped and I've copied a redacted version of their 1st and only site post...



So this guy gets images for free, but!! you get 'credit'

Seriously? What is he smokin?

I subsequently had an email dialogue as it really p'd me off...




From xxxxxx....


My Response....


This is the bit that really got me...
... Well done for blocking me and stopping your client base from getting an opportunity.

Like what value is this to AP members in the first place?

/rant

Maybe it just happened on one of those days, but for the life of me I wonder why people do this.

Whether or not the spammer should or should not of made this approach is ... well... I don't really care either way; I have the power to ignore.

However, I agree with the ban for the following reason; it would not have hurt the spammer to at least ask the mods / Rick first. Esp if it is for a commercial enterprise.



Scotty

[Kym]

However, I agree with the ban for the following reason; it would not have hurt the spammer to at least ask the mods / Rick first. Esp if it is for a commercial enterprise.

Thanks! Which is per the site rules and the primary reason for the ban. We treat all spammers equally.

[jasevk]

Very fair call - some here may have enjoyed the opportunity but since you had to make a blanket decision either way, I think you made the right call.

[Cage]

At least I now know why when I clicked on the Post, I got redirected to a message telling me I didn't have access. I thought ###, I'm a member now. I thought I had full access.

Cheers

Kevin

[Cage]

Oooh, I said a naughty three letter acronym.

[MarkChap]

A couple of thoughts

1 - There are probably plenty of photographers out there who would be willing to accept the terms and conditions of his offer and they now will not get that opportunity. He will get his content for the advertised price non the less, just not from here.

2 - Stupid idiot deserved to be banned for a blatant and intentional breach of site rules, which was done because he did not have faith in his offer, he was scared that if he had used the proper channels he would have been denied.

Is reporting him to the Anti spam data base warranted, hmmmmm, don't know maybe a bit harsh, but he did bring it upon himself, new members are warned in the information sent to them during sign up that this is what happens to spammers caught here.

So he just has to suck it up and take responsibility for his own actions. And isn't that a novel idea in these times.

[Art Vandelay]

I was about to reply to that post, but was then 'terribly inconvenienced' by a work matter.

The reply was along the lines of,

Hey guys,

I'm opening a clothing store very soon, and as funds are tight I'd like you all to make and send me an item of clothing. I'll be selling them to help my business, but you wont get paid for supplying them.

You can however add your name in fine print on the tag for exposure purposes.

An opportunity too good to miss !!

Please forward articles to....P.O. box..

[Kym]

Is reporting him to the Anti spam data base warranted, hmmmmm, don't know maybe a bit harsh, but he did bring it upon himself, new members are warned in the information sent to them during sign up that this is what happens to spammers caught here

1. At the top of the rules which we all agree to on joining...

IMPORTANT: Ausphotography is an active member of a global anti-spamming network. By registering as a member on Ausphotography, you agree that if you place Spam on Ausphotography, any/all all information recorded about you and held on the site databases, can be provided to the anti-spamming network, by the Ausphotography administrators or moderators. You will also be banned immediately and permanently from Ausphotography. We reserve the right to refuse or remove any member from Ausphotography, with or without reason. Ausphotography is privately owned and membership of the site is not a Right.

2. AP treats all spammers equally We don't discriminate.

[Steve Axford]

Got to agree with your actions here. You can never stop it all, but that was pretty blatant.

[William]

Rules is Rules !! You did the right thing Kym, I saw it on the introduction thread , and thought this wont last long , It did'nt , Well done

[Longshots]

Absolutely agree with the response - thanks Kym.


The thing that amuses me, is the deadline for images - tomorrow. Thats as ridiculous, as the so called opportunity !

[WhoDo]

This is the bit that really got me...
... Well done for blocking me and stopping your client base from getting an opportunity.

As a member of that "client base" I'd like to add my thanks for keeping this forum clear of sharp operators and exploiters. "Well done..." indeed! I certainly think so!

Even if the "opportunity" was of genuine benefit, ignoring the site rules requiring permission for commercial posting meant the ban was well deserved IMHO. I'm just amazed you, Rick and the crew give so much to the forum and the AP community without asking anything back except to abide by a few simple, sensible rules.

[Boo53]

If the spammer, as spammer they are, has such disregard for this site rules as to breach them on their 1st post, it doesn't bode well for the fair management of their own site.

I also agree that you have done the correct thing

[Kym]

FWIW we get a few of these each week.
Not to mention the 100+ a day spammers (mainly overseas) that get blocked by automatic technological means.

Mostly we don't bother mentioning them or even corresponding with them.

This one was a bit different being Aussie and so obviously trying to get free content that he would make money off.
Most spammers are just selling cheap (non existent?) iPhones, 5DII and D3s etc.

[ricktas]

Thanks Kym,

Must say we are always amazed how they seem to think they are not spamming the site. Here is one I actioned a few days ago:

First post -

I represent ####### Australia and our service as an example costs A$72pa and will allow you to backup everything on your PC for that one amount. We offer a free 30 day trial so you are welcome to test it out.

When I banned him and removed the thread, I got an email saying that he is not a spammer and was offering a service to my members, and that in no way did his post constitute a promotion of his business....HUH?? It was at that time I added his details to the anti-spamming database as well.

[William]

I've got a name for these guys, And It's not nice

[junqbox]

Whilst I agree and support the removal of the spam content, I'm not convinced your email to him aligning his activity with Nigerian scams, etc, was appropriately worded. Yes, he should have asked first, as some people may have considered it an opportunity to have their work exposed (not mine in that fomat).

My 20c worth anyway

[Fantasyphoto]

......So this guy gets images for free, but!! you get 'credit'

Seriously? What is he smokin?........

Sort of like a blaze of glory but in 6 point text.

Pity I missed the OP, I enjoy messing with their heads in my spare time

Well done Kym