Simple Language Barrier vs. Intentional Spam &amp; Possible Solutions

yanes94 (71) · 7 years ago

hehehehe my level of English is like that of a newborn but thanks to my stay in Steemit and I have been growing in many things and I hope my English is also growing... soon I will be a bilingual ;)

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mysearchisover (70) · 7 years ago

I got flagged today for trying to provide translation from German to English for people. :(

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overkillcoin (69) · 7 years ago

That seems ridiculous, sorry that happened!

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mysearchisover (70) · 7 years ago

Thanks. Those Germans are pretty flag happy. They just got me again today. :( There was a contest that was written in English and the Germans are participating but they are flagging the English speaking people. :( Live and learn. Hopefully in another year I can defend myself. Technically I could try and do it now but it would not be cost effective and not really worth it. On the bright side I think that new steem bounty program will be good.

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sequentialvibe (66) · 7 years ago (edited)

This is a very well thought out overview and I appreciate it! Your blog gets a lot of Spam attention so I can understand the frustration.

I would like to see a built in Steemit or Busy feature, or even a bot that comments on comments that are repeated through the blockchain. I think there is one, but it doesn't catch everything. That would allow us to more easily mute or flag.

I have recently connected with a bunch of English as a second language Steemians through the efforts of @surpassinggoogle and I have really enjoyed their different cultural perspectives and optimism. I would hate to see these great people get flagged. Many of them are using Steem income to better their lives and also they use this platform to help educate and network themselves!

I am glad you wrote this today. Thoughtful and thought provoking.

Now...in the spirit of spamming, I am compelled to say :)

Please upvote me and follow me!

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gpalav (49) · 7 years ago

I plus that @overkillcoin that creators spend so much time to create a post that adds value to the community, where as people just want to have loot for free.

Lately, I have been reading some of the Japanese post using translator, but I usually respond in English as it's primary language to communicate. Well my native isn't English and I don't see anyone on Steem speaking my mother-tongue which is Marathi or even my national Language Hindi. Indians usually prefer English in posts.

But people need to understand that Basic English is must or they need to improvise. I like your idea, if there are inbuilt addons which could provide translation will assist a lot.

Spammers are curse to every social media platform!

Grammatical mistakes can be ignored but we all hate typical one-liners used by human-bots!

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overkillcoin (69) · 7 years ago

Thanks @gpalav, to my understanding, there are so many languages in India, it's just simpler to learn English, which also helps internationally. I wish I had learned a few more languages, I know just enough of 4 - 5 different languages to sound like a complete fool :)

Spammers are curse to every social media platform!

Yes, and worse on paid social media. One day, who knows, maybe they'll use advanced software so the spammers can sound smart and like they really care :)

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zanoni (67) · 7 years ago

Thank you very much for this post @overkillcoin!

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overkillcoin (69) · 7 years ago

Hope this helps get a conversation started among devs - even if they're not Steemit Inc. devs.

I've been using the SteemPlus extension and it's really a great piece of tech to make my Steem experience run smoother. I'm sure the team there could figure something out.

I believe there's a place for spam-policing HOWEVER to avoid any wrong targets, we've GOT to get new users up to speed as quickly as possible! Not everyone is going to be patient with them, simply because everyone's so tired of spam and they don't slow down to see who's who.

I really think the importance of built-in translation can't be overstated at this point.

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natch (44) · 7 years ago

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zanoni (67) · 7 years ago

Yep, agree 100% !
I use SteemPlus, too and I love it, the guys did great work
Best regards
Tom

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kenistyles (63) · 7 years ago

As a struggling bilingual I have been thinking this for some time, yet could not have articulated it as well as you. Thanks for these awesome infograms and balanced perspectives! Great job, resteemed!

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overkillcoin (69) · 7 years ago

What are you talking about, your English is spot on... although you're living in Germany right?

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kenistyles (63) · 7 years ago

Ah well thanks, I grew up in London. Though now I live in Thailand and stumble my way through learning my mother tongue and all the nuances lost in translation. It gives my some empathy for those on steemit who's first language is not English and often culture crash into each other. It's when the flags come out it gets a bit messy though, so that's why I really appreciate your post on this. Well balanced and thought full 🙏🏻

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otage (70) · 7 years ago

Great points here! Reserve the flags for the spammers by helping to educate the non native speakers so they can master the platform! I try to communicate as much as possible but they don't often respond. I think you're right the devs need to get involved here to separate the wheat from the shaft! Then we can all flag the shafters!

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overkillcoin (69) · 7 years ago

I thought it was chaff, not shaft... Although maybe you're just cracking wise?

Even if someone makes a chrome extension that'd help, but something built into Steem would be way better.

I noticed that you're extremely patient with non-speakers!

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otage (70) · 7 years ago

Shaft is one bad mothrrrr... shut your mouth... I'm just talking about Shaft! Ha ha you're right about chaff but those spammers are shafting us! A chrome extension would be very helpful at the very least!

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hanen (64) · 7 years ago

These are very good points that you have mentioned Many Newbies need to be educated and understand that Steemit is different than other social media websites.

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overkillcoin (69) · 7 years ago

True, hopefully the process can be somewhat automated so it's easier for everyone!!!

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davedickeyyall (73) · 7 years ago

I definately understand where you're coming from with this.. I've had some people that I thought were spammers until I went and looked at some of their other comments.. but that is a lot of work.. especially when time is so limited for you

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overkillcoin (69) · 7 years ago

Yep, rather than put everyone on trial, I'd rather equip them to speak more clearly :)

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fabiyamada (64) · 7 years ago

If Google translate has an API then it could be easy to implement... But to be honest I don't see 'steemit developers' interested on the needs of the community u.u and that is sad :(

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sparkesy43 (59) · 7 years ago

It is indeed a fine line, and one we need to tread carefully. It's easy to ridicule poor English or flag it as spam, but I applaud anyone who can communicate in a second (or third, or fourth) language. I certainly can't (unless gibberish counts), and English is difficult enough to master as a primary language.

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kristyglas (61) · 7 years ago

Actually, it should become more common for people to express themselves in their language, avoid any slangs (and add what language their using) That way they can write longer comments showing they read the post. Google translate is really amazing :)

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overkillcoin (69) · 7 years ago

It's really simple, once the message is out... it can open a lot of doors for new users I think....................

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nomadicsoul (68) · 7 years ago

Oh man, this is such a great post!!

I seriously thought the same thing before... because I have a lot of friends in foreign countries who aren't so great at English. Some can speak but not write so well.

It seems that people don't take the time to stop and ask themeslf this very question!!! No one stops to ask "is this a spammer or someone with basic english?"

I don't know why it never occurred to me to make a post about this as it's something that's on my mind a lot.

Honestly, you did a better job than I would have of explaining it anyway.

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overkillcoin (69) · 7 years ago

Honestly, you did a better job than I would have of explaining it anyway.

I welcome a post from you on the topic, I'm sure there are things you can add and it would help get the idea out further.

I've lived overseas and despite not knowing the language(s), I sooner or later had to pay bills, purchase items/tickets or order food and I got a wide range of reactions from rage to (mostly) patient understanding, so of course I can see how it might be arriving here with no clear direction and a huge language disadvantage...

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pleasestop (51) · 7 years ago

Our paths have crossed before so I already admired your efforts but I seriously appreciate all your work here distilling a complicated topic into easily digestible parts.

The language barrier is something I've been thinking about a lot so I am fully behind the idea of educating and supporting new users and preparing guides in their native languages. These users aren't spammers, they just don't understand the proper way to engage and with just a little guidance they can easily learn.

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siosfl (40) · 7 years ago

Before I flag someone I always check their profile to see if they are he/she/it is really a spammer/abuser. It only takes me a few seconds to identify a spammer.

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overkillcoin (69) · 7 years ago

Yes, kind of like this fine specimen:

Just makes rounds saying the SAME tired BS again and again...

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gazi1212 (38) · 7 years ago

thanks for that information i do not know english well i boast mistakes to write i believe i understand

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overkillcoin (69) · 7 years ago

What is your language? Where are you from?

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enforcer48 (68) · 7 years ago

There are people in non-English communities are aware of that as well. I guess there is not any well-known, organized effort, on their fronts to guide newbies into Steemit, so many of them wind up being vote circlejerkers.

In a post I was reading today, someone posted this comment on @dragosroua's writing challenge.

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gvand (62) · 7 years ago

I think you caught me! My English is extremely basic level, however I try to interest in the publications of people, sometimes not enienden what I say (that makes me feel bad), but I think I learned more English with steemit than in the infinity of courses attended... but I do not to lose the habit and I tell you... Nice post brother!

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overkillcoin (69) · 7 years ago

Hahaha... Although I think your English is better than most on here... I wouldn't mistake you for a spammer... Even when you try to be a spammer!

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mister-omortson (75) · 7 years ago (edited)

I think the problem of defining a spammer is somewhat exaggerated. Now everyone can use Google translator. This service, albeit with errors like mine, but will convey the essence of your thoughts.
The spammer does not have time to read the text of the post, but only copies the same phrases, like "Ifllowyou-youfllowme", "great post" and other....

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overkillcoin (69) · 7 years ago

Everyone CAN use translator, but spammers will NEVER take the time to leave an intelligent thought.

Poor English speakers with good intentions need to use translation as a tool to stand out.

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mister-omortson (75) · 7 years ago (edited)

So... That means, we both understand that to define a spammer it is very easy?

If we consider the problem from the other side... How a newbie can to claim his blog, his unique content. Waiting and hard working? I remember how I made my way ... It was painfully painful. And to write or create, turning into emptiness is very hard. This I experienced to the full. What can I say, there are these problems now
On the other hand, everyone here wants to show off and write something. But NOBODY wants to read and watch)))))

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