Should we close the doors on GreekChat?

[John]

So... I've been very seriously considering this for a LONG time.

NOT closing down GC, but just closing the doors.

Bad bots are a scourge on the Internet.

GreekChat has had serious problems with bots for many years now. Spam bots first and now AI web scraping bots. Both are still a major problem.

Dealing with all the millions of bots over the years has been extremely time consuming, costly and quite exhausting.

Making GC verified members-only may be the quickest, easiest, most convenient and most affordable way to solve GC's bot issue once and for all.

The idea is simple:

Verification would just be a one-time cover charge of literally ANY price you choose paid to GreekChat's Buy Me A Coffee page at https://buymeacoffee.com/greekchat

$1 is all it takes, BMAC's minimum.

That's it. Nothing else. A contribution of any amount would verify that a GC account is not a bot.

I think this would work, because my guess is that bots won't pay any amount, not even a dollar.

This verification system is not active yet. Not certain that it even will be but is likely to be implemented.

For now, let's discuss.

Let me know what you think.

If you like the idea, consider making a contribution now of any amount you want at https://buymeacoffee.com/greekchat in preparation for when/if this GC account verification system goes live.

[John]

(Reserved post, in case I need to add anything here.)

[Pinkmagnolia921]

Great idea! Anything that makes your life easier and keeps the page up and running smoothly!

[PGD-GRAD]

I’m on board, John. Great idea!!!

[andthen]

I don't think a dollar is too much to ask for members to verify themselves as legitimate not to mention all of the work you do BTS that we don't even know about.

[STEMsister]

I think this is a great idea! Low risk, high reward, and it's even two-birds-one-stone bc we get to verify ourselves to keep the site secure, AND we get to fund GC.

[FSUZeta]

Verification sounds like a good idea. But John, closing GC should be your decision alone-you do ALL the work, non gratis, at that. I support you no matter the decision

[naraht]

:HUG:

[Titchou]

Amen, FSUZeta. And I'm more than willing to pay. But you do what is best for YOU!

[PKT4LIFE]

Yes, I am willing to pay to keep GC alive and bot free....

[*winter*]

It makes sense. I can’t imagine the headache dealing with this sort of thing has been over the years.

I’m totally in to contribute

[lake]

I wouldn't be opposed to paying a small fee. This is your project that you're keeping afloat. If it's becoming too time-consuming dealing with electronic hassles, by all means, do what you need to do.

[carnation]

Verification would be good.

[madoug]

I'm willing to pay and have enjoyed the community sporadically. The first concern must be the impact on you, John.

[Low D Flat]

Sure.