While I can clearly see the intent with the latest fix in 21-5, and
that it's meant to help, I think it somewhat works against its
purpose.
Thank you for your feedback.
I agree that a fix that also allows for easy expiry/deletion of
spammer accounts has much value. This couldn't be accomplished
without changing the database, which was not opportune at this stage
of the release cycle.
That is fully understandable, and I certainly do appreciate that you
are doing what you can to combat this huge problem.
I do not agree that the current fix is actually worse. Preventing to
give spammers a free, unblockable platform on any phpbb2 install has a
high priority for me, compared to the risk that not all illegitimate
accounts can be deleted. Since admins are admins already, they can
easily work around this shortcoming by viewing the database through
phpmyadmin, for example.
I disagree. Board admins are indeed board admins, but that does not
necessarily imply they're equipped to do anything directly in the
database. It is all but uncommon for hosting environments to offer
phpBB2 as a service, without necessarily offering DB access to the
user, or even exposing the database credentials. Even if the user does
have access to the database in some form, a board admin will not
necessarily speak enough SQL to do anything useful. Furthermore,
phpmyadmin might not be available, and phpBB2 supports more DB software
than just MySQL.
I can see how this patch would be useful to people though, but it
significantly changes a major part of how the software works. I
suggest, instead of flat out removing the patch like I first proposed,
that it be reworked to be optional, instead of being forced onto those
who don't want it. Ideally it could be made an option available from
the admin interface, but I think an option in the config file would
work too, or even a debconf choice. Having to repackage for each new
release is a bit of a kerfuffle for those who disagree with the
approach, or otherwise don't want the patch.
In any case, it can't be fixed before etch anymore because of the
freeze.
As I said, fully understandable. But I hope it can be looked into again
after release.
Thanks again for your fine packaging work, and have a Merry Christmas.
--
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Christer Mjellem Strand yitzhaq
Systems Administrator www.yitzhaq.net
GSM +47 922 000 12 www.countzero.no
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