[wp-meta] [Making WordPress.org] #4696: Hide profiles.wordpress.org from non-logged in users

[Making WordPress.org]

#4696: Hide profiles.wordpress.org from non-logged in users
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 Reporter:  jdembowski  |       Owner:  (none)
     Type:  defect      |      Status:  new
 Priority:  normal      |   Milestone:
Component:  Profiles    |  Resolution:
 Keywords:              |
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Comment (by jdembowski):

 Replying to [comment:20 jonoaldersonwp]:
 > Separately, we should solve our spam problems, behind the scenes, by
 utilizing the myriad of largely off-the-shelf solutions available to us.

 You recall when someone proposes something and ultimately says "This
 should not be a lot of coding and is easy"? It never is that simple but my
 proposal is. It's already been done for support/user profiles and it
 works.

 Fighting spam really is a separate topic and lengthy conversation. Akismet
 is probably the best at it but this isn't comment spam and back to my
 point, is not what the profiles should be for.

 This is not a rules thing for challenging. The profiles are currently a
 reward system for spammers. With my proposed change users can log into the
 site to see the whole profile. There is no quid pro quo for SERP. That'
 why I think a vetted system could be a solution. Or not; who would vet and
 approve? Who would monitor changes after a profile has been approved?

 > The only compromise I'd be comfortable with from an SEO and usability
 perspective is hiding 'empty' profiles, as discussed above - providing we
 go to lengths to explain to people why we're imposing non-standard
 experiences and user flows to access/view/manage their (and others')
 legitimate-but-initially-empty profiles.

 I am sorry, but that will not work. Spammers will catch on, pick a 5 month
 old topic (they close at 6 month) reply harmlessly with "Thanks, this
 helps me" and POOF! we're back to hosting spam pages again.

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Ticket URL: <https://meta.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/4696#comment:21>
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