Get rid of the spammers quickly and immediately, at the same time!

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   imatellmuvaposted 12 years ago

   Now before you cyber-stone me for my idea...just hear me out. I've been thinking this thing through since this morning...you may say give it more time imatellmuva...give it more time.
   
   I responded to a forum post by brake21, who had hub content copied by a spammer on another site. I responded because today I discovered that the same thing happened to me.
   
   Then, I saw a forum post by Manchester23, regarding people joining, and then suddenly leaving. My response shows that I think they're joining for all the wrong reasons.
   
   THEN, I saw a post from bie88, who WriteAngled identified as a banned spammer. THANK YOU WriteAngled for that comment!!!! I think you must've clicked the name first before you responded; it never occured to me to do that.
   
   I'm get'n to it...I'm get'n to it, perhaps HubPages could institute a trial period for new hubbers, to better identify those who are here simply to scam. I recognize that the HubPages team relies on fellow hubbers to help mediate this problem, I also recognize that this issue is bigger than HubPages.
   
   My desire is to create a solution that would at least minimize this type of activity here at HubPages. It was posted in this forum what not to do, but I ask is there any more that can be done?
   
   My idea might fall into the cream-of-the-crap category, and hands down at that.

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      Barbara Kayposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      If you want to get rid of spammers as they start, just go to the hubbers pages and start with the lowest scores. You should be able able to find them that way. If we all started working on this, it would take care of the newbies that just just join to spam.

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         DIYweddingplannerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         My favorite hub hopping method!  However, there are tons that have been here for quite awhile with spun articles and duplicate content.

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         imatellmuvaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         And not to mention that their are (were) people like me who of course started with low scores. Please describe what types of hub content you view as spam, or possible spam.

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            DIYweddingplannerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            Ima, the ones that really stand out make absolutely no sense, but seemingly have phrases from many different articles strung together.

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               imatellmuvaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               Thanks, I'll add your comment to my "To catch a Spammer" learning tools!

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                  DIYweddingplannerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  Sounds like the makings of a hub to me!

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            Barbara Kayposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            The main spam I hate is someone that writes a few sentences just so they can advertise their product or hub. I've run across people who have done this.
            
            Then there are the articles that don't make any sense at all, but are keyword after keyword.

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   DIYweddingplannerposted 12 years ago

   This idea has been brought up repeatedly by some great writers on this site for quite awhile now.  I believe it's fallen on deaf ears... so you're singin' to the choir.

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      earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      True dat!
      Many experienced writers have suggested many ways to do this, and the result has been silence so far from admin.

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         imatellmuvaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Then I digress, and will handle the spaminators imatellmuva style.

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            earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            I'm glad you posted. You never know, you may have inspired someone at HQ to start developing an answer to your very fair question.

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               DIYweddingplannerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               True, they might have wanted to hear it from someone else other than you, Randy, Mutiny, etc., etc., etc.!

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               imatellmuvaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               Hey...maybe I'm the one with the Midas touch...or better yet...the Muva touch!
               
               I know not to get my hopes up...or hold my breath on this one.

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                  DIYweddingplannerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  Maybe so, Ima.  By the way, I love your name.  When I was growing up, it was Imatellmama!  
                  
                  A southern thing...

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                     imatellmuvaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                     Like a hub, I'm voting UP your comment it and rate it as AWESOME!!!!!!

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      imatellmuvaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks DWP!! It was worth a shot (or a song)...I guess.

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         DIYweddingplannerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         I know, lovely thought, though, Ima!

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   DIYweddingplannerposted 12 years ago

   Hi Earnest!  I think this topic has been beaten to death in the forums with every possible solution known to man, so if staff were going to act on it, they would have already done so.  IMHO!

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      earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      It would be nice if someone emerged from their hollow log in Cal and answered us on this one!

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         JamaGeneeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Psssst, Earnest... Don't hold your breath waiting for signs of life from that hollow log.  It's the beginning of the 4th of July holiday here in the States.  A 3-day weekend. Most likely the log will be unoccupied until (our) Tuesday morning.  Cheers.

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            earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            Thanks JamaGenee, I forgot about the holiday.

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               JamaGeneeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               Earnest, this is soooo off-topic, but what does your country call its "independence day" and when do you celebrate.  (I should already know this, but am claiming wee-hours flakedom...)

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                  earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  We have Australia day, but I have already forgotten when it is, as I don't have to pay employees holiday pay for it anymore.
                  
                  
                  I ignore all holidays and run to my own weird schedule.

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                     JamaGeneeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                     Why am I not surprised?  Hanging upside down at the bottom of the world will have that effect...

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                        earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                        It changes the culture too. My standard greeting down here is
                        
                        "Hows ya toenails?"
                        
                        Ya gotta have something to hang on with.

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                           JamaGeneeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                           And here I had some silly notion that your part of the world is more civilized than mine.

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                              earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                              Nope! At least I'm not.
                              
                              We do have houses and stuff, but I still prefer my hollow log.

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                                 JamaGeneeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                 I'd heard a rumor that you had houses and stuff.  Glad to hear it's true.

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                                    agvulpesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                    Now JG don't let Earnest go 'pulling your leg' about living in a 'hollow log'!!!!
                                    
                                    
                                    
                                    
                                    He may not admit it but just like the rest of us,  he really lives in a cave
                                    btw shame on you Earnest for not knowing Australia Day as every one knows is the 26 th of January,  every year.
                                    Well I think it is

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                                       Motown2Chitownposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                       I shall remember all my good friends down under quite easily on your Australia Day...it is my late mother's birthday! 
                                       
                                       
                                       
                                       Not to mention, I'll feel slight jealous pangs that you're celebrating summertime while I'm buried in Chicago blizzards!

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                                          earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                          NO FAIR!
                                          We are in the middle of winter at this time, while you flounce around in the sunshine!
                                          
                                          OK Ag, I admit we moved up to a cave a few months ago now.
                                          Am I a capitalist yet?

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                                             Motown2Chitownposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                             What are winters like where you are, E?  I assure you there is no flouncing today...lol  It's over 90 degrees and 89 percent humidity.  Ugh.  I getcha on the cave thing...we haven't opened the doors or the curtains in an effort to stay cool...lol

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                                          JamaGeneeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                          Yes, but when we're enjoying our Indian Summer in Sep-Oct, they're freezing they're tushes off, so it all works out...kinda.

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                                       JamaGeneeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                       Hi, Ag!  Wondered where you were last night!

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      imatellmuvaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I imagine that there does exist forum topics on the subject. Some forum topics are so old that they're closed to comment, yet the topic still exists. For me this is similar to a poll, you have to get so many signatures before a consideration will be made. What is IMHO? Is that something privy between you and Ernest?

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         earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         I think it is text talk for "In MY Humble Opinion"

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            imatellmuvaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            Got it! Thanks!

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               DIYweddingplannerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               Trust me, there's nothing privy between me and Earnest...more's the pity!

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                  imatellmuvaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  funneee!

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                  earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  Ah! The tyranny of distance...the story of my life, hanging upside down at the bottom of the planet defying gravity all alone.

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                     Randy Godwinposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                     That's gotta be tough when you have to pee, Earnest! 

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                        earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                        It's not just the blood that rushes to my head!

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                           Randy Godwinposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                           

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                        DIYweddingplannerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                        Why must you stick a pin in my little pink bubble, Randy?!

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                           Randy Godwinposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                           Oh!  Was that a bubble, DIY? 

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                              DIYweddingplannerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                              Not THAT kind of bubble!

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                                 Randy Godwinposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                 By the way, that was no "pin" either! 

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                                    DIYweddingplannerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                    And the war between the states wages on!

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                     DIYweddingplannerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                     Earnest...the poet...who knew?!   

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                        earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                        There are many facets to this b*stard from the bush.
                        
                        I woz gonna recite some Banjo Paterson, but I will cop another ban if I do!

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                           DIYweddingplannerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                           I don't think Banjo sounds like a poet...more like someone from Randy's neck of the woods!

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                              earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                              That's true enough. Randy is our petunia in the onion patch.

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                              Randy Godwinposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                              I'm beginning to think you have a "neck" fetish, DIY! 
                              
                              Kinky Karolinians!

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                                 DIYweddingplannerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                 You say that like it's a bad thing...

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                                    Randy Godwinposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                    It is!  In a good way, of course! 

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                                       DIYweddingplannerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                       Evidently the Wild Turkey talking!

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                                          Randy Godwinposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                          Who, me?

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                                             earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                             Are you sober AGAIN Randy! You know you can't make with the fancy avatars in forums when ya tanked!
                                             I know a sober Randy when I see one ya know!
                                             
                                             That's twice in the one year mate!
                                             Wot happened?
                                             Did the still blow up again?

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                                                Randy Godwinposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                                I was proven wrong again, Earnest!  Twice in one year is just too much to take! 

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                                                   earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                                   I woz gonna sober up once, but I was too drunk to bother with it.
                                                   
                                                   
                                                   Overrated I reckon!

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                                       DIYweddingplannerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                       Why do I always like the drunks?  It's the story of my life!

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                                          earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                          I'm always on the bottle!
                                          My 14 year old granddaughter runs the still, and boy does she get plastered!
                                          
                                          The 6 year olds are holdin their liquor better too these days.

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                                       DIYweddingplannerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                       My grandson is 16 months old and won't give up the bottle!  It's a terrible affliction!

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                           imatellmuvaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                           Oh don't do anything to get banned Ernest. We just met! It would be like dropping your icecream from the cone on the sidewalk...tears!!

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                              earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                              That would be a new experience for me.
                              Tears eh?
                              
                              
                              Cop that all you detractors!
                              
                              Nice to meet you too! I will try not to get banned, but it can be hard work for me avoiding the Australian colloquialisms.

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                                 DIYweddingplannerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                 That's code for smut talk!

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                                    imatellmuvaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                    I figured as much....sssshh...don't tell Ernest!

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                                       earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                       Uh???
                                       
                                       Don't tell Earnest what??

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                                       DIYweddingplannerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                       Silence is golden, Ima!

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                                          earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                          Don't make me have to think or work stuff out girls, you know that's not gonna work!

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                                       DIYweddingplannerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                       Do I smell burning?

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                                          earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                          
                                          
                                          I have a fan on my head for that silly!

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               WriteAngledposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               Hi there, I didn't have to click on the name. I, and probably several others, flagged that person's hubs as spam. In the lack of any effective countermeasures by HP, the only thing that remains is for me, and you and anyone else writing here to hub hop and flag up spam and other c__p. Sometimes, it makes me feel like Canute, but at least it is a small push in the right direction for this site.

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                  imatellmuvaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  Still, I thank you for posting the comment, otherwise I may not have known!  Your comment was more than helpful, it was down-right AWESOME! Go ahead...take a bow!
                  
                  I almost commented, but luckily she was already taken down. Had you not commented, then more than one hubber would have been inconvenienced by commenting to her forum post.
                  
                  I guess, my next suggestion (...and perhaps this too has been mentioned) is that when HubPages blocks a known spammer, that they immediately remove any forum posts. While the spammer may no longer prove harmful, it is clearly a waste for anyone to comment to a forum post. Then wonderful people like YOU wouldn't have to comment that the person is a spammer, and has been banned.
                  
                  ...and YES I'm go'n get my flag on!!! Thanks guurl!!!!

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   DIYweddingplannerposted 12 years ago

   Well, you know when you're inside something hollow, there is alot of echo-echo-echo-echo....

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   Marisa Wrightposted 12 years ago

   Your question has been answered but just in case this is seen as a poll, I'll add my voice.
   
   It's often been suggested that new Hubbers should have to submit their first few Hubs for human review before they are published.
   
   When HubPages was riding high, that was dismissed because it was felt it would discourage people when they wrote something and had to wait days for it to appear on the site.  At that time, the cr@p Hubs weren't hurting us, so it didn't seem worth doing.
   
   Now it's a different story, and I find it unbelievable that HubPages can't see it would be far more efficient to institute this measure, than be constantly playing catch-up with the flood of new Hubs.
   
   There are other revenue-sharing sites which have this system and it works.

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      imatellmuvaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      While I am fairly new to HubPages (7 months old...waaa...waaaa), I would have humbly accepted this criteria when I first joined. While I haven't written many hubs, I am fairing well in the rankings with most of my hubs. Having an introductory standard may likely help folks like me stand-out a little better; meaning that our hubs, are not lost in a menagerie of hubs by hubbers of ill-intent.

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   DIYweddingplannerposted 12 years ago

   I agree.  After poking around looking at other sites, I found a majority of them want you to submit an article or writing sample for approval first.  The time wasted trying to control all the garbage that comes in on a daily basis could be better spent screening new writers.

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      imatellmuvaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Yes DWP, other sites have a criteria, and I believe that this helps to weed out those of ill-repute! While nothing may stop the spammers, a better established criteria may give some spammers pause.

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   daryl2007posted 12 years ago

   I joined hubpages for 3 years already and I disagree when some members are ban because they are accused of spamming.  What are the basis of that they spam?  Most people who are running the review of each hub are not IT experts. How can you tell that they did spam? For what I know hubpages already created a very strong security on their hubs with so many restrictions such as duplicate hubs...  Let the new members enjoy becoming a hubber..

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      Randy Godwinposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Let the older members enjoy "not having to flag the newcomer's  junk" and we might reach a compromise. 

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      DIYweddingplannerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I find your comment hysterical since the first article I looked at of yours is on the web probably in at least ten different places....PLEASE!!!

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      imatellmuvaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      While I have not been here as long as you and Randy, it is some of the other hubbers who are helping me to identify spam, or what potentially is. The use of the word potential might be unsetlling to you daryl2007, but I think it's appropiate to air on the side of caution. It is the hub team who makes the final determination.
      
      "A new broom sweeps clean, but an old broom knows the corners"
      -Virgin Island Proverb

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         DIYweddingplannerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         True, but if I see something that doesn't ring true, I just copy and paste into the nearest search engine.  Tons of people just like our commentor above with duplicate content.

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            imatellmuvaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            I am thankful for you DWP...all of you who posted refreshing and supportive comments to this forum post...even daryl2007 (smile). This has truly been an eyeopener for me, and teaches me that I can and should be as diligent as my fellow hubbers, by learning to recognize spam, then recognizing spam, and THEN doing SOMETHING about it!
            
            It's kinda like the old adage "It takes a village..."

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         JamaGeneeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Love this! Thanks, ima!

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            imatellmuvaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            You're quite welcome JamaGenee! It seems that when I do initiate a forum post (and it's rare) it always starts a huge thread of discussion!
            
            After joining HubPages, I applied to write on (actually for) another site. I haven't written for them, because I found it rather difficult to select a topic that I can write about with ease. The point...this site required an application, a resume, and writing samples. While the application , and resume, were a bit much (maybe), it's the writing samples that I think help to distinguish one as a serious writer.
            
            The writer may think tht they're serious, but it is their written work that helps to better determine it
            
            Macy Gray, is one of my favorite musical artists, she has a song called, "Get up, get out, and do Something", and by golly that's what I hope to do about these spammers!

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   RedElfposted 12 years ago

   

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   Mark Ewbieposted 12 years ago

   A number of us have been suggesting pre moderation since Panda struck.  It seems to be a simple and obvious way to slow down and eliminate the new entries. It might even dissuade them from trying to scam HP in the first place.
   
   It seems like an easy win.
   
   If you are a hub hopper and see the same kind of stuff coming in every day it is a bit discouraging.
   
   When I joined up and submitted my first page I was amazed to see it just got published.  No queue, no moderation.
   
   I have joined forums where they moderate the first posts for example.  Just seems to make such good sense.

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      imatellmuvaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Mark, It absolutely makes sense! I think that fairly new people like myself, get lost in the system (so to speak) because we are all cast the same.
      I take my work quite seriously, and don't ever again want it copied by someone claiming it as their own.

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    earnestshubposted 12 years ago

    Me too Mark. I was surprised how easy it was. Surely this would not be a big job to change it?
    
    
    Question for admin.
    
    What are we missing here?

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    DIYweddingplannerposted 12 years ago

    $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

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       earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Yep! That's pretty much how I see it too!

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          Randy Godwinposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          Of course, what other explanation could there be for allowing junk to be first published, and then sought out by volunteers in hopes they find them all? 
          
          I think most of us would rather vet the newcomers than have to flag them later on.  HP claims to want quality hubs, so why not show they actually mean it? 

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    Mark Ewbieposted 12 years ago

    OK, bother, starting to get slightly annoyed. Again.
    
    Didn't PaulE publish a hub recently about content responsibility?  Quality in other words.
    
    Isn't the Panda thing supposed to be all about quality?
    
    So now spam content doesn't equal $$$$$$$ - it equals Panda slap and user feedback or site blocking?
    
    Therefore - can't believe I need to even type this - in fact can't be bothered.

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       Randy Godwinposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       HP has always touted quality, Mark.  Even when they were allowing all of the hubs which caused the slap in the first place.  And they are still allowing them to be published at this time.  Your idea of why? 

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          Mark Ewbieposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          I think I know the answer but I can't bring myself to voice it.  It goes against everything some of us are trying to do.

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             Randy Godwinposted 12 years agoin reply to this

             I do not envy your self control, Mark! 

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    earnestshubposted 12 years ago

    This thread has more people who have seen 100 on it than most other threads, so we are all writers here, no pretenders.
    
    I would have thought someone would be along by now to find out what the complaints are, who is making them and why.

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       imatellmuvaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Seeing the complaints in other posts, and becoming a victim myself, is what encouraged me to initiate this forum post.
       
       I was minding my business, perusing the internet to check how my articles are ranked, and there it was, one of my articles, ranked one place ahead of MY ACTUAL article. Lawdy Noooooo.....I got hit!
       
       While I was successfully able to have the cyber-perv, and article removed by filing a DMCA report, it got me to thinking of how spammers obtain  articles in the first place, And ONE way, is right through sites like HubPages, because of the ease of joining the site.

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    Motown2Chitownposted 12 years ago

    I personally find this to be a fairly decent idea.  Has anyone though considered actually sending the proposal by email to the HubPages team to see how it is received.  I know that the subject has been broached several times in the forum, but maybe it would get more attention if it was brought up in a more direct fashion.
    
    Just a thought.
    
    

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       earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I admit I haven't. I assumed others had.
       
       Maybe nobody did. It may be worth a try.

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          Motown2Chitownposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          One never knows.  Especially if THEY were to get spammed.  Might make someone sit up and take notice.

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       Mark Ewbieposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       If they were interested it would be picked up.  If for instance I were to say barbecuing is a bit gay it will be noticed in seconds.

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          Motown2Chitownposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          Get their attention any way you can, Mark, that's my motto!

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          JamaGeneeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          

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       Randy Godwinposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Maddie, I think it was, said HP was an open platform and that was pretty much it.  You know, the quick terse reply with absolutely no extra info, as usual.    They don't seem to want to talk to us very much these days.  Could be it our breath? 

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          Motown2Chitownposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          I just blew into my hand, Randy.  Mine seems to be fine.  What if we ALL sent emails, same day, same time?

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             Mark Ewbieposted 12 years agoin reply to this

             I think the answer is that it ain't going to happen.  The money is in numbers.  The figleaf is quality.

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                Motown2Chitownposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                Sigh.

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                   Mark Ewbieposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                   Sorry Motown, didn't want to make you sigh.

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                      Motown2Chitownposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                      Eh, it's okay.  Just makes me sad that the PTB don't seem interested in any sincere feedback. 

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                Randy Godwinposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                Figleaf?  Now that is something I do have some past experience in seeing put to good use! 

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       imatellmuvaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I considered submitting an e-mail prior to creating this forum post, but sided with the forum post, because it is seen by moderators.
       
       I decided that one person sending an email, may not have the same strength as a forum full of people who share the same sentiment.

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          Randy Godwinposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          I don't know-there seems to be no difference in the staff reaction whether it is one email or many public queries. At least at this point in time! 

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             earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

             Maybe we'll hear something when they get back to the salt mine after the holiday weekend?

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    Mark Ewbieposted 12 years ago

    On the plus side, this is about the most gentle forum rant I've been part of.  Lot of people here who love HP.

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       Motown2Chitownposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Not to get off topic, but congrats on your 100!

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          Mark Ewbieposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          Thanks Motown, I was beginning to wonder if anyone had actually noticed.  I mean, I only came here to show off my nice new number.

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             Motown2Chitownposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               Shoulda just wiggled your tush.  More of us would have noticed sooner.

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                Mark Ewbieposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                An Animated stick man?  Give me another year of learning and I might just be able to wiggle that thing you talked about.

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                   Motown2Chitownposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                    
                   
                   If you can manage to add animation to your writing, I'll bet you'll start making cash right away!

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                      DIYweddingplannerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                      OUCH!

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                         Motown2Chitownposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                         DIY, I hope Mark knew that wasn't a jab!  I was teasing him more than anything else!
                         
                         I'm not generally one who can find it in me to be truly mean.

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                            Mark Ewbieposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                            I viewed it as encouragement rather than anything else.  Was already planning my stick animation masterpiece.  Stick man falls over.
                            
                            That's it.  Needs work.

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                               Motown2Chitownposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                               Ha!  If you can get him to wiggle his tush, and then fall over, you'd be worth a mint!

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                                  JamaGeneeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                  Wouldn't that be a riot!  And then I could figure out how to make MY avatar - and yours - WINK.  Why should he get all the attention (and bucks) for a tush-wiggling, falling down avatar??? 

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                                     Motown2Chitownposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                     Agreed, JG!  It would be nice though to skip town during the occasional Midwest winter for a week in Australia!
                                     
                                     

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                                        DIYweddingplannerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                        I want to make mine blow kisses!

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                                           JamaGeneeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                           An avatar that blows kisses would work for me too!

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                                           Motown2Chitownposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                           That would be AWESOME!

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                                        earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                        Better check before you grab a ticket to Australia.... Melbourne and the South is as cold as hell and today we are expecting 100kph winds.
                                        You lucky ducks have summer!
                                        Off to hop some hubs.

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                                           JamaGeneeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                           Earnest, I'm confused. She said WINTER.  You know...when it's warm in your half of the world and NOT warm in ours?
                                           
                                           Sorry about the bitter cold you're having, and the wind.  However, don't waste time on envying summer "up" here, at least not in central Oklahoma.  Right now it's 100+ (Fahrenheit) and has been for the better part of the last 2 weeks, with no end in sight. And the wind...! There's a reason "where the wind comes sweeping down the plains" is part of the theme song of the Broadway play and movie "Oklahoma!"  It's a rare day without wind here...not a breeze but WIND!
                                           
                                           Happy Hub Hopping and weeding out those pesky spammers!

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                                              earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                              I have only been there in September, and the weather was wonderful.
                                              
                                              
                                              You poor thing! That sounds uncomfortably hot. I will just turn the heater up a bit and think myself lucky then.
                                              
                                              I found the hub hopping was a bit thin. After a while I found one spun article.

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                                                 JamaGeneeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                                 Yes, it's even too hot to go outside to throw a few shrimps on the barbie.  But the upside is we missed MOST of the snow and ice friends up north got last winter!
                                                 
                                                 Guess I'll have to do a bit of hub hopping too and see if I can find some spun hubs.  It's the closest I get to "hunting as a blood sport".

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                                                    earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                                    Great, the more hub hopping the merrier I reckon.
                                                    
                                                    I will be interested to discover how you go.
                                                    
                                                    If it is too hot to throw a shrimp on, it is too hot.
                                                    
                                                    I hope you see some better weather soon, that sounds exhausting.

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                                           Motown2Chitownposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                           Silly, I would only come during our winter!    I'm not a fan of cold either here or below the equator!
                                           
                                           Our winters are pretty cold as well, and the snow - UGH.  Don't forget though - I live in the Windy City - we are never without wind.  The lake ensures that. 
                                           
                                           The thought of playing on the beach in Australia in January is a pretty pleasant one, I must say!

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             Randy Godwinposted 12 years agoin reply to this

             Sorry!  Congrats, Mark! 

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       Randy Godwinposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I agree, Mark.  And the PTB do read these forums, I'm sure!  I do feel sorta bad for them, though.  I'm sure some of them may even have a conscience. 

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          Motown2Chitownposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          There may even be some in the group who have made suggestions such as these that have gone unheeded.  We can't know for certain.

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             Randy Godwinposted 12 years agoin reply to this

             They may even be all gone for the 4th of July and don't really give a big dog f#(k.  We can't know for certain.

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                Motown2Chitownposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                Well, there's that!

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                   JamaGeneeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                   Drats, I just made a fool of myself saying pretty much the same thing to Earnest.  Next time I'll jump to the last post before I open my mouth.

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                      Motown2Chitownposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                      No worries, I'm sure earnest doesn't think you're foolish.  Can't imagine anyone else would either!
                      
                      

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                         JamaGeneeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                         Oh, Earnest and certain of his hubber buddies Down Under *know* I'm a total flake at this hour of the morning.

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       JamaGeneeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       "Love" may be too strong a word.  Determined to hang in as long as necessary to prove ex-hubbers wrong may be more accurate.

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    JamaGeneeposted 12 years ago

    Okay, I'm going to TRY to be serious now and get back on topic.  I may be wrong, but I'm under the impression Hub Hopping was designed to weed out spammers and low-quality hubs. Of course, it depends on humans in the hollow log - see what you started, Earnest? - personally reviewing flagged hubs.
    
    But as has been discussed here and elsewhere ad nauseum, there doesn't seem to be another solution other than having those same HITHL (humans in the hollow log) review the first hub, or first few hubs, of a new hubber *before* allowing it/them to be published.
    
    Either method requires "eyes on" by a human.  IMHO, it behooves ALL of us, as members of the HP community, to quit complaining and do whatever WE can to help the folks in the hollow log.
    
    (Let the stoning begin...)

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    DIYweddingplannerposted 12 years ago

    We can do this until the cows come home,but there's so much stuff out there that we'll never catch up...old hubs and new hubs.  Just like our friend from above who claims to have been here three years who has a pile of nicely written hubs which just happen to be duplicated all over the internet.  If I hubhop for 10 minutes and hop ten hubs, usually 9 of the hubs, I will flag.  And that's with me being generous.
    
    And no stones, I save those for the spinners!

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       CMHypnoposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Just done some of my regular crawling through the old stuff, but it is so demotivating, and, as you say DIY, there always seems to be more!
       
       There needs to be a mass delete of the dross, less nit-picking over established hubbers hubs, and protocols put in place to stop new spam and dross coming onto the site.
       
       Clinging to short-term revenue might just cost HP their long term future as a site unless they start looking to the long term

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       JamaGeneeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks, DIY, for saving the stones for spinners! And thanks for reminding me that there are plenty of old hubs that should've been flagged and probably still could be if we could find 'em.

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    wheelinalloverposted 12 years ago

    The internet is changing fast, has been a fast changing model since its inception. It is the people who realize this who are making the most profit from it. I am finding things that applied less than a year ago are no longer working. I have also seen new things that are working that really suck from a writers point of view.
    
    Some of my early work I consider junk, now that I can look back. When I was editing a few hours ago some of my hubs looked spun. I hope they don't now. One of the things I do is go back and look at what I have published and try to bring them up to date or make them read better.
    
    I honestly don't know if anyone but hub pages would have let me publish the first article I wrote here. I had published before my first article here and had to wait a week to find out if the enzine felt it was worth publishing. They said it was but I now consider it junk too.
    
    For some people it takes time to improve. It's my belief hub pages is here for people like me. Nobody learns in a vacuum. Other writers here, their comments and things they say in forums have been used to improve my writing skills.
    
    Before I came to hub pages the idea of writing an article in 30 minutes and even at first when this challenge was put before me I wanted no part of it. The idea of writing an article in 30 minutes was totally foreign to me. Sorry to say it still is, it took 33 minutes.
    
    It had to be revised and the title has been changed 3 times but its still here and so far its been read more in its first month than any other article I have ever written. It's even had search engine hits. This is what hub pages and the members here have done for my writing self esteem.
    
    This is part of what hub pages was designed to do. Give writers with low self esteem about their writing a chance to grow and improve. It works and I thank them for giving me this chance.
    
    Now what we all see is the problems this brings with it. The spammers, spinners, and some total junk. Before many of the good hubs were removed it didn't hurt us as a community as bad as it does now.
    
    I have no idea if "the powers that be" will make any changes. I also don't know what changes they should make. My suggestion is and has been that if an article is flagged by three people it should be unpublished and held for review.

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       imatellmuvaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I agree with you wheelinallover, that being in HubPages helps to build writing skills and develop, if not further develop ones talent and desire to write. I also agree that it takes time. It can take more time for some than others.
       
       I like your suggestion, threee flags, unpublish, and held for review.
       
       I recognize that their are hubbers whose talented eye, can easily determine what is rubbish, a spammer or spinner. I also recognize that every hubber may not have the same discretion, and only think that they've recognized the same.
       
       However much I want to minimize this dreadful activity (spamming), I do want to be fair, cautious and reasonable. Part of my reply to daryl2007, was "...air on the side of caution", but at the same time you don't want (at least not I) innocent casualties caught in the cross-fire.

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          Randy Godwinposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          Of course, every hubber has a different ability to discern crap from quality.  Often, it merely takes a brief glance at the way a Hubber uses such words as their, there, and they're, along with the way they string sentences together to tell their potential as a writer on this site.
          
          Those who do not know the difference may have a problem doing so.

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             imatellmuvaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

             Thank you Randy. Your comment is helpful to anyone...well ME, who wants to aid in the fight against spammers.
             
             When the content of one of my articles was copied to another site,  I had a conniption fit...it wasn't pretty!

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                Randy Godwinposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                Not surprising at all, Ima!  I've witnessed very few attractive conniptions in my lifetime.  Out stuff here is copied all of the time, we just aren't aware of it in most cases. 

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    wheelinalloverposted 12 years ago

    Its really too bad we can't water mark our content like they do photographs. It would make our work much harder to steal. I imagine no one would bother with most of my hubs. They contain part of my life, anyone one who didn't live it couldn't make them work for them.
    I think just being given a publish date would help. If someone copies our content and its posted after we publish Google should know its duplicate content and remove it.
    I have no idea why I copyright my ads but haven't bothered doing it for my hubs. I do have it on my profile but people are not required to even look at the profile to read an article. I have learned a poorly placed copyright can mess with people searching for articles. Unless carefully placed it messes with ads too.
    Best of luck to you getting your personal information removed.

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       imatellmuvaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Oh I I had it removed! It was my agenda for the day. Nothing else mattered (well, almost nothing) until I received confirmation that the article and the cyber-perv was removed.
       
       The publishing date is part of the url for articles published on the site where my article was stolen. Therefore the publishing date appears on the article itself, and just above it. It was quite obvious that the content was copied, but just in case, I referenced when the first comment was made.
       
       I agree whole-heartedly that a publishing date on the hub itself would help. I think it could serve as a possible deterrent to spammers.
       
       Like you, most of my hubs contain part of my life, anyone who would want them is either crazy as I, or crazier for wanting to even be me! The copied hub, was a matter that was of particular intterest to me. This is the only one of my hubs, that has nothing to do with my life or lifestyle.
       
       You have very interesting ideas wheelinallover. I can tell that you're quite passionate about a resolution, and I truly appreciate your input.

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    Stacie Lposted 12 years ago

    how long does it take for Google to answer a DCMA complaint?
    it been two days for me. The owner of the offending sight told me to relax that they didn't know how it got on there but they'd take care of it..I don't think so I managed to find a website company linked to it, but thought i should wait for Google to act.

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       imatellmuvaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Stacie L, I opted to file the DMCA report directly with the site where my article was spinned, and it was gone within an hour.

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