On top of it detecting links in the first post, have it parse the post, strip all tags and whitespace and if there's nothing left, refuse it, and do so for the first post at least of users.
(SMF does a check that there is some content but it specifically allows the case of a post consisting entirely of images. This would be an increase on that rule.)
I agree with implementing this type of filter for a users initial posts. Simply disallow the post to be saved and produce a warning stating that new users do not have permission to post such content (just in case it is triggered by a legitimate user). If it is a legitimate user then they can adjust the content simply enough.
I have witnessed spammers/spambots making one post with actual text in it (sometimes some sort of repeated text from a previous post in the thread done automatically) and then following up with a second post (possibly in another thread) that contains spam such as links, images, etc. I suggest filtering at least the first two posts in this fashion by default with an integer admin setting to increase/decrease the amount of filtered posts for the initial usergroup.
Well, here's the thing, there's already a mod in place for this site (see mod site for 'Anti Spam Links', it's a very slightly modified version of what's actually in place here) which already prohibits links for the first post, I'm just suggesting an extra test it should do.
Quote from: Arantor on May 20, 2013, 10:26:30 PM
Well, here's the thing, there's already a mod in place for this site (see mod site for 'Anti Spam Links', it's a very slightly modified version of what's actually in place here) which already prohibits links for the first post, I'm just suggesting an extra test it should do.
I realize you were suggesting to filter all content with the exception of plain text and I agree. I would also like to add perhaps adding another setting to not allow signatures prior to X number of posts due to abuse of that feature also (unless this is already implemented in this mod you speak of).
No, permissions already take care of that here, users aren't allowed to access that page in the profile until they have 10 posts.
Quote from: Arantor on May 20, 2013, 10:35:12 PM
No, permissions already take care of that here, users aren't allowed to access that page in the profile until they have 10 posts.
Ah I see.. the initial user group is set up to 10 posts and editing their own profile is denied. I should have looked first as I had forgotten about that permission setting.
Imo the filter you are referring to should be for X number of posts though (ie. at least 2).