Kristi: Cloned Posts?

[paladin]

Kristi, I've noticed a couple of the new "members" ( if they're not bots ) are copying posts verbatim that real members have previously posted...a little weird, could it be a symptom of something nefarious or is it just a prank? thanks

here's the latest I've noticed:

http://www.spyderco.com/forumII/viewtop ... =6&t=67103" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[DougC-3]

I've seen that a couple of times and just thought it was a childish prank or some sort of mindless waste of time.

[paladin]

so you've seen em also...

good to know I'm not going insane

[DougC-3]

Yeah, it does make you feel strange to read a post then halfway down the page read the same thing again. Why aren't they out stealing hubcaps like normal kids?

[paladin]

Kristi, also check the Restricted Folder subforum, esp. the latest Embassy threads for more of the same copycat behavior

[TazKristi]

Hi guys,
No, it's not a prank, but I can't say there isn't a reason behind it. I've been aware of this behavior for a few months now. You'll notice the posts that caught your eye are gone. Some get reported, but I have my own way of finding the ones that don't get reported.

For the record, they are bots - each and every one of them. We haven't figured out the end game as there is no obvious "prize" for their activity. They aren't posting true spam and there aren't even links in their signatures or profiles. They do all have some nonsensical signature line (that's another tell). I have a few theories about what they are trying, but I don't want to detail those.

Please use the report post feature whenever you see a suspicious post. It does help.

Thanks for noticing and for posting!

Kristi

[paladin]

Thanks, I figured you were already on the case...and I did notice a few "disappear"...and it was you who "terminated" them-- nice.

[DougC-3]

Amazing that they're bots. I think we should call them mockingbots.