Pharyngula::Yes, it's my fault you're getting those funny words

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Friday, April 08, 2005

Yes, it's my fault you're getting those funny words

PZ Myers • 23 Comments

I'm getting a lot of questions about it, so I'd better mention it up front: yes, I modified the software so the verification words that you get when you enter a comment. It's all coming from a biology glossary.

All you've got to do is spell them, though, not define them (although, come to think of it, that would be a really good filter if you also had to explain what they meant.)

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Comments:

#21336: decrepitoldfool — 04/08 at 03:41 PM
If you can write a filter that can evaluate the correctness of definitions, you'd be well on your way to an AI language interpreter. Cool!

#21339: — 04/08 at 03:58 PM
Its a good idea, it might prompt me to find out what they mean, the more odd words I come across.

#21340: — 04/08 at 04:00 PM
I find it interesting how few regular participants choose to use the security words, instead of just logging in.

I wonder if everyone knows that once authenticated the security words are no longer required.

#21341: — 04/08 at 04:16 PM
you should require the definitions. don't require them to be correct, just require people to enter them. that could lead to some great definitions.

prophase: n. 1) 101st keyboard divisions attitude towards all things bushy.

okay, maybe i'm not that funny.

#21342: — 04/08 at 04:22 PM
. . . or you could be a bit devious and use short quotes from Mayr instead of single words. I imagine it would cut down on creationist trolling, having to type the "heresy."

#21346: — 04/08 at 04:37 PM
Actually you just need to require definitions and then exclusively use the phrase 'scientific theory'. If they get in they can no longer claim ignorance, or the have proven themselves liars.

#21348: QrazyQat — 04/08 at 04:58 PM
The one problem I've seen is that if you hit "Preview" to check formatting or whatever, you don't get the word and you can't hit "Submit" from there.

And actually on this time through there was no word there at all, even before hitting "Preview". Had to start over.

#21351: — 04/08 at 05:04 PM
QQ when that happens is usually the point at which I just login and be done with it. You are not alone. It is especially bad when one has composed a long ~~tirade~~ post, late at night while bleary eyed and semi incoherent.

I have on occasion did control-C on my post first ... just in case.

#21357: — 04/08 at 05:20 PM
Just ask if the poster thinks the Washington Post is owned and operated by Communists. My barber told me it was the last time I got a haircut. Needless to say, I'm looking for a new barber.

#21361: PZ Myers — 04/08 at 05:43 PM
Sorry about the occasional missing word. I've got a complaint in to expression engine, and I hope they can fix it.

It's very odd, but sometimes they code just completely fails to generate the needed img tag. The sure way is to register, and then you don't get plagued with verification.

PZ Myers
Division of Science and Math
University of Minnesota, Morris

#21367: ang6666 — 04/08 at 06:28 PM
Okay, now it means I have to leave a comment to see what you are talking about.

#21369: Les Lane — 04/08 at 06:47 PM
Consider rotating languages now and then. There are plenty of interesting languages out there. Three syllable words from obscure languages would get people's attention.

#21373: decrepitoldfool — 04/08 at 07:08 PM
Les over at SEB had the same problem and here's where he fixed it:
Comment previews working properly now.

#21374: alphabitch — 04/08 at 07:26 PM
oh wow! I'm going to leave comments just to see what the word is. I'm sure I'm not the only one like this. You may be sorry, PZ, that you called our attention to it. It's like a geek magnet.

#21375: QrazyQat — 04/08 at 07:27 PM
I often copy posts to clipboard before posting, after some really annoying experiences with forums.

#21376: PZ Myers — 04/08 at 07:27 PM
No, that one isn't it. I've already fixed the caching problem -- this is something different.

PZ Myers
Division of Science and Math
University of Minnesota, Morris

#21378: Alex Merz — 04/08 at 07:37 PM
Possibly those who pass the definition requirement could be permitted to send comments to a "preferred comments" zone, and the rest could be redirected (along with online casino spam) to Powerwhine.

#21384: — 04/08 at 08:25 PM
Definitions would probably filter out the creationists, but it would filter out us evo-devo dilettantes as well... :'(

Epistatic: Electric charge distributed on the surface of a non-conducting object? ;)

#21385: Linkmeister — 04/08 at 08:32 PM
I'm with Aaron.

#21393: — 04/09 at 03:15 AM
I don't quite follow the subject of the post, but I guess it is something that only kicks in if you're not logged in.

#21395: — 04/09 at 05:15 AM
How do I log in? Unfortunately if I do my post count will start from scratch, so it will take time until I appear on the Top Posters list...

My word is Reptilia, whose definition is fairly obvious, though if you ask me for a rigorous biological definition ("the common ancestor of X and Y and all its descendants except those belonging to the class Aves"), I won't be able to give it to you.

#21396: PZ Myers — 04/09 at 05:30 AM
Look in the top left corner of each page under "Members". That's where you register and log in.

And I hate to break the news to you, but the Top Posters List only includes registered members. None of the posts made while not logged in "count" for keeping score.

PZ Myers
Division of Science and Math
University of Minnesota, Morris

#21405: Alon Levy — 04/09 at 06:52 AM
Thanks, PZ.

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Friday, April 08, 2005

Yes, it's my fault you're getting those funny words

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