MySpace (Finally) Stops Spam

It’s been a long time coming, but MySpace has finally come up with a way to stop all the spam that has made the site almost unbearable for many users. On Tom’s blog, amid other site announcements, is the mention of key new features that every MySpacer should take notice of: new ways to block automated friend requests. Automated friend requests are the friend requests that are sent out by spammers (or really needy people) using a software program that crawls the site automating the process of clicking the "add to friends" button on people’s profile pages. These programs are only stifled by MySpace’s daily limit of 500 requests per day, so it doesn’t take long for a spammer to acquire thousands of unsuspecting users as their "friends." Now, with the new settings, you have more options to cut down on these types of requests. Unfortunately, none of the new options are turned on by default, so you will need to go into your MySpace Account Settings to make the changes. Click on "Account Settings" from your MySpace "Home" page. Once in the Account Settings, look for a new tab labeled "Spam." In this area, there are a variety of things you can do - you can make it so someone must be your friend to send you a message; you can set it so someone cannot add you without knowing your last name or email; or you can set it so someone must enter a CAPTCHA to send you a friend request. Additionally, you can configure similar settings for comments, group invites, event invites, and IM requests. Better late than never, MySpace.