RoboBan

Short Description:

Block Ad-Bot spam and (optionally) ban Ad-Bot spammers.

Full Description

RoboBan uses a subset of RoboMod anti-spam filters that specifically target so-called "ad-bot" generated spam in order to block it and alert the broadcaster to its presence. If desired, the following javascript desktop browser applet may be used to enable automatic banning of the detected ad-bot spam poster.

RoboBan Rx/Instaban/ModProxyBan Applet
Automated banning is not a built-in feature of the site. For it to work, RoboBan needs the help of the following applet which the broadcaster must run before RoboBan is launched, and re-run any time their broadcast page is refreshed, while RoboBan is running:

[see comments section below]

The most convenient way of running the applet is to copy and paste it into your browser's Bookmark Toolbar, so that it is available as a bookmark applet (bookmarklet*) to click on whenever you want to activate/de-activate the automated banning feature.

*A WORD OF CAUTION: It is not normally advisable to use bookmarklets from unverified sources, as they can be dangerous to the health of your computer. Only use bookmarklets from sources that you trust, especially when the javascript has been optimized, as the above has been, and it is not obvious what the applet does. If you are in any doubt, DO NOT use it.
*NEW*In-chat /Ban Command
This latest version of RoboBan and its applet provide an in-chat command-line means for broadcasters to access the site's built-in banning mechanism. Broadcasters have the choice of allowing their mods to use this /ban command, so that their mods can swing the ban hammer on their behalf, for reasons other than ad-bot spam.

When broadcasters use the /ban <username> command, they generate <username> notices that are intercepted by the active RoboBan Rx/Instaban/ModProxyBan applet and turned into actual ban instructions.

When mods use the command, they generate <mod> <username> notices that are similarly intercepted and effected.

If such notices are showing up in a broadcaster's chat, it means the applet is inactive.

ANOTHER WORD OF CAUTION: Mod banning is not a built-in feature of the site for good reason. DON'T ALLOW MODS TO USE /ban UNLESS YOU TRUST THEM COMPLETELY. And don't enable mod banning if you have any doubts about the other apps and bots you are running. See the final word of caution regarding rogue apps and bots.
Other Able Apps and Bots
The Instaban feature has been worked into a number of my other scripts including 'king Spam Block, No Grey Spammers, and the and 'king Spam Block (module) modules which are themselves included in a number of my other scripts. So if you are here because your favorite bot has started outputting <username> messages, all you need to know is that you can use the above applet in bookmarklet form with your favorite bot in the same manner as described for this bot to automatically ban the ad-bot spammers from your room.

Rogue Banning Apps and Bots
A FINAL WORD OF CAUTION: Given that there is currently no way to be certain which script produced a particular notice, there is the possibility that rogue script authors might create apps and bots that mis-use the automated banning functionality provided by the RoboBan Rx/Instaban/ModProxyBan applet. As always, only run apps and bots from sources you trust. And if you suspect visitors to your room are being banned without good reason, simply re-run the applet to de-activate it or refresh your browser broadcast page to cancel the applet's effect, and clear your current bans via your chat settings, if necessary.