On Mon, Apr 2, 2018 at 12:56 pm, Jim Betz wrote:
? 1) Can some text (introduction) be Required for all proposed
? ? ? new members?? I'm talking about where groups.io does
? ? ? not even let them submit the request to join unless they
? ? ? have included that text.
Short answer:? No...not even a CAPTCHA.
Longer answer:? Search this group for "questionnaire" and you'll get lots of discussion on this. There is currently no new user questionnaire capability in the system, although it has been an oft-requested feature. Most people who feel they need that are kludging something into the Pending Subscription message...but you seem to be suggesting something even earlier in the subscription process.
? 2) Are there things that we - as Owners/Moderators - can do in
? ? ? the group settings ... other than setting all new members to
? ? ? moderated status?? Is it recommended that we set new
? ? ? members to permanent moderated status?
Each group must either be "restricted membership", "for moderator announcements only", "entirely moderated", or "new-user moderated." There is no provision to have someone join your group on their own volition and immediately start posting messages. If you have already set up a group of some kind, see Admin->Settings->Spam Control.?
? 3) I am concerned about this particular new member's request.
? ? ? It -seems- to indicate that the spammers have 'discovered'
? ? ? groups.io and are attempting to gain access.? Are others
? ? ? seeing any such activity?
Other than what I mentioned immediately above, it's pretty much your job as a group owner to keep spammers out of your group(s). From the discussions we've had here in GMF recently, the bigger problem most people are experiencing seems to be the exact opposite -- normal group discussions being flagged by overzealous spam filters. This could change as groups.io gets bigger and becomes more of a target.
? 4) Is it possible for a spammer/any one to request membership
? ? ? -without- having to process that request while being online?
? ? ? Can this be done with some kind of bot?? Can someone
? ? ? request membership in a group using only email?
It's entirely possible for a bot to request access to your group via a spoofed email address, but under normal circumstances they will not be allowed to post until their address is confirmed (they are sent a link in an email and someone has to click on it). Those with Premium groups can "direct-add" email addresses, which I believe bypasses these confirmation safeguards.
As in most things in life, one cannot have the power without also accepting the responsibility. If you're as concerned about spam control as you appear to be, I suggest your best choice would be to simply set up a moderated group.
Hope this helps,
Bruce