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Spamblocking

DALnet are pleased to announce the introduction of a new user mode designed specifically to combat the increasing levels of unwanted advertising (spam) on our network. In addition, we have made some changes to the existing channel mode +R which should also help.

User Mode +R explained

Changes to Channel Mode +R

User Mode +R Explained

Currently being rolled out across the network, this new mode allows users to reject messages which do not come from users who are using a registered nickname. The vast majority of spam comes from bots using unregistered nicknames which simply connect send some mass-messages and disconnect, users who set themselves +R will no longer be inconvenienced by this antisocial behavior.

How it works

To activate the new spamblocking mode, simply set mode +R for your nickname. For example, if I were using the nick ordinary_user I would type /mode ordinary_user +R to switch it on and /mode ordinary_user -R to switch it off.

You do not need to be using a registered nick to use this mode.

What happens when someone messages me?

If the person who is messaging you is using a registered nickname, the message gets through as normal. If they are not, the will receive a message telling them that you are not accepting messages from unregistered nicks.

Is this mode automatically set when I connect to DALnet?

No, you must choose to switch it on each time you connect as described above.

Does this mode affect notices, CTCP's & pings?

Yes, all PRIVMSG's which are sent directly from one user to another are affected by this mode. Text sent to a channel is not affected.

I'm using my registered nick and I can't message +R users, why?

For some reason the server has not recognized that you are using a registered nickname. This could be due to an incorrect nick access list entry, a netsplit or a transient problem. To correct the problem, identify to nickserv using your nick password. When your password is accepted you will be able to message +R users.

Please note that you MUST complete the registration process, including confirming your registration as outlined in the registration e-mail before you will be able to message +R users.

I can't set +R, it just gives me an error message - why?

The server you are using may not have been upgraded to support the new mode yet. Try connecting to a different server or wait a few days and try again. We hope to have all servers upgraded in the near future.

Changes to channel mode +R

Along with the introduction of the new usermode, we have made a small but significant change to the behavior of channel mode +R. As previously, channels set +R will only allow users to join if they are using a registered nickname however we have expanded the functionality of this mode as below :

• Users who join a +R channel without using a registered nick (for example they are invited in by a chanop) will not be able to send text to the channel.
• Users who join a channel using a registered nick then switch to an unregistered one will not be able to send text to the channel using their new nick. Changing back to a registered nick will reverse this.
• Currently being +v/+o on a channel DOES NOT exempt you from the restrictions above, you will STILL remain unable to send text to channel unless using a registered nick even if you are +v/+o on the channel. This is being reviewed and may change in the future.