Eliminating Post Count on Transactional Forums

[PetraAnn]

We have discussed this possibility / probability. However, we've concluded that the move of spam patterns to other sections will make them easier to identify and eliminate.

This. It's very hard to discern if a 1 post account that only has "interested" is a spam account, is going to be a spam account, or if it's really a new BHW user that's interested in the seller's service, the freebie, etc. If the spammers who have it pretty easy right now have to actually put some effort into it, we'll all likely be able to spot it easier. You (the user) can report it and we (the staff) can deal with it.

 

[Steptoe]

Makes complete sense to disregard posts made in those forums for post count purposes. Why should people have the benefits of forum resources like WTB/HAF without having actually contributed to the community?

 

[Stavro]

I agree with this decision.

Over the years, it seems this forum stopped being a community with a marketplace for well-trusted members, and became more of a marketplace with a community on the side. Hopefully this encourages people to come back to the community side of BHW instead of just reaching their 100 and ghosting.

I used to look through a seller's post history before buying here. Unfortunately, the number of sellers whose entire "quality post" history consists of spamming "sample plz" 100 times has led me to avoid the marketplace entirely.

We've repeatedly been assured that sellers are thoroughly vetted, and BHW has specifically said that a seller's post history and engagement are reviewed during the service review process. When so many sellers can reach the Marketplace with a post history like that, it makes me question how much weight I should put on the rest of the service review.

 

[Venusaur]

Reaction counts as well

Like this post that I've already reported: https://www.blackhatworld.com/seo/w...t-post-press-release-article-writing.1844643/

23 likes from bots, spammers and scammers
Scammers are creating those posts just to farm likes, as there are VIP farms and bots instantly liking their HAF/WTB posts

 

[LordsOfLeo]