While I call this article ‘pet site spammers’, I realize this is a curse that seems to have been handed down to anyone who either starts a webpage dedicated to pets, or decides to join a group featuring their favorite pet.
There you are, relaxing the day away reading your favorite blog, or checking out the new photos on your favorite Facebook group, and then you see it -nestled in between the cute animal faces is someone sporting sunglasses, hats or shoes. Or perhaps a get rich scheme link saying you can make $5,000 a day if you’ll only click for more information.
I feel a lot of people feel the same as I do about these spammers. I’d like to give you an example taken from our PoC Facebook group page titled Pictures-of-cats.org. I admit, I feel badly for not approving each person who asks to join as soon as they request being added. Sometimes I feel like I’m hiring a potential new group member for a government contract.
By this I mean I have to check out how many groups that person has joined, how long they’ve been on Facebook, and whether they have any pet photos on the profile page. I also judge them by how many friends they already have in the group. A few nights ago I took a chance and added everyone who asked to join. I posted the following notice as soon as I did it, because I was in a mood.
“I’VE JUST ADDED EVERYONE WANTING TO JOIN — IF I HAVE TO TAKE TIME OUT FROM MY WRITING ABOUT SHELTER PETS TO KICK PEOPLE OUT FOR NON-CAT RELATED MATERIAL, MEANING SPAM, I PROMISE TO MAKE YOUR LIFE A LIVING HELL FOR POSTING IT HERE — ENOUGH SAID?”
Ok, I’ll admit I’m in a mood. I’ve been super busy, and don’t have time to referee a bunch of potential spammers. And you’d better believe I hear about it anytime a spam ad shows up on the site.
It didn’t take long for Helen Preas to barge onto our site and post the add you see in the collage. This really bothers me for several reasons. First of all, before I banned her permanently, I couldn’t find her name on our group list for members. So how did she post the spam in the first place? Then I got a bit madder, and posted her spam on my Facebook wall warning she’s a potential spammer. Several of my friends shared that post.
I’d like to know how all of you feel about Facebook spammers, or spammers in general. Am I getting worked up over nothing and just getting to the age I expect a little respect to the pet site community? I realize bloggers with websites (like PoC) have to weed out comments, but there are also programs or widgets or something to help with the process.
On Facebook, we’re thrown to the inconsiderate skanks who disrespect our love for animals by peddling their foreign import trash. So not only are they taking away from the overall image of a group, they’re also costing Americans jobs because most of this merchandise is made overseas. Even though most groups post spammers will be removed and banned, these ingrates post their trashy spam, regardless of a warning.
Any tips on how to screen applicants for groups to avoid this? I’ve been told even if a person doesn’t have an animal on their Facebook page to show everyone they’re for animal rights, they may legitimately want to join a cat or dog group. Your comments are welcome.
Exactly Dee. Just makes me sick esp with ones that say go check my Profile so many times. Don’t people get it when your not replying that your not interested. I only have a blog which I’ve set up for my Cats Life and My Scrapbooking Layouts which im slowly getting done.
Thankfully, I don’t have a website and never will.
The spam that I get is unbelievable.
I’ve had everything from how to breastfeed (I’m over 60) to what I can do with a body part that doesn’t “snap” anymore.
Most are just sick.
“Big Brother” needs to get a grip and get out of my life.
When I dictate comments using Dragon Dictate software it produces some weird typos which I don’t spot sometimes 😉
‘Spanning’ for ‘spamming’
I don’t think FB worries too much about spam. It just means more people are using the site. What do they care? Of course they should be concerned about user experience but their no.1 motivation is making money.
You could argue that FB uses or exploits people.