"Bad" user database for forum admins?

[Chris]

An interesting idea popped into my head today. What do you guys think about the feasibility of a site run by forum admins for forum admins, with a global database of troublesome users. Sort of like a spam blocking list, but for forum trolls. I think it's a good idea, but I'm not really sure how widely it would be used.

The main downside I foresee is: how would users be tracked? IP address (which changes), e-mail, username (which is probably different at each forum). Also, a user who trolls a certain forum may not troll a lot of different forums. For instance, someone on NerdTalk most likely wouldn't frequent PowerLiftersAnonymous :P

I don't know. Just thinking out loud. :)

[SoftWareRevue]

... Just thinking out loud. :):george: Not that there's anything wrong with that. :jerry:

The problems are just as you suggested.

It's a nice idea. But the feasibility of it all is a little daunting. :noevil:

[Jayso]

It's a good idea... but implementation is going to be difficult

Unfortunately there is no unique identifier on the internet...

[Jan]

Also, a user who trolls a certain forum may not troll a lot of different forums. For instance, someone on NerdTalk most likely wouldn't frequent PowerLiftersAnonymous :P
Don't be too sure about that ;) Serial spammers signup anywhere. If you do a google search of a suspect post, chances are you will find the same at a gazillion forums with the same text. Often the username is different, but sometimes they use the same username at all.

[SoftWareRevue]

... there is no unique identifier on the internet...If there was, we wouldn't need to keep banning the same member under different user names. :joker2:


/me goes back to the book :readpb:


I mean . . . the book :read:

[Scott]

Don't be too sure about that ;) Serial spammers signup anywhere. If you do a google search of a suspect post, chances are you will find the same at a gazillion forums with the same text. Often the username is different, but sometimes they use the same username at all.
Here (http://www.google.com/search?q=%22lot%27s+of+free+on-line+books%22&hl=en) is a perfect example of one I've seen in a lot of places.

[Chris]

Thanks for the input, everyone! I guess in the end it could be useful, but pulling it altogether would be a huge task.