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Arkas' Quest - filtering spam on LET
I've wanted something like this for a long time.
This week-end I saw some of you guys post their custom filters for adblockers (adblock, adguard etc) to hide comments from shitposters. So I finally made my own.
I've vibe coded a python script to generate the blocklist: https://github.com/bousquetfrederic/arkas
It's super basic now but it works.
It is named after the beloved Arkas who vanished not long after failing in the most beautiful (in my eyes) quest: https://lowendtalk.com/discussion/202094/we-want-to-reduce-the-spam-in-the-offers-category-share-your-ideas/
I have initiated my own list, which filters the discussions and comments from providers who partake in the "post your invoice for double the spam" type of threads. To initiate the list, I just went on top of the "Offers" page.
And to be able to add the blocklist to my Adguard, I am serving it here: https://arkas.quest
I'll add more spammers to the list every time I get a chance.
I respect people's right to post this kind of thread because it gives exposure and money, but in my use case for LET, they are absolute spam, so they need to go!
Comments
So I talked with my guy Copilot and together we made a browser extension (for chromium based browsers) so we no longer need an adblocker for this (though it's still supported).
Github: https://github.com/bousquetfrederic/arkas/
For now, the extension needs to be added manually to the browser, but I'll explore adding it to Google and Microsoft's extension repos.
FAQ:
Q: How do I add an extension manually?
A: You have been added to the blocklist.
The extension loads my blocklist which is located here: https://arkas.quest/post_your_invoice_number.txt
There's an option to disable that list and/or to add another list.
The format for the blocklist (not the converted one) is:
There is also a script to convert this format onto a blocklist that can be understood by your adblocker.
The website also serves the converted version of my blocklist: https://arkas.quest/post_your_invoice_number.blocklist.txt
It's all very new and very much vibe coded. But it looks like it's working.
How about hide threads by list url from a specific host or general hiding?
It does that, I call them discussions.
At that it does not do. Sounds doable, I need to talk to my guy.
If I'm not automatically on the block list I will report this program to the proper authorities.
Right, so my guy made the change.
I had to shout but he coped on eventually.
I've updated the script on da hub.
Now the filters accept this format:
$1234where 1234 is the discussion number.
I have added a https://arkas.quest/demo.txt which can be added as a second filter and contains this:
It blocks @shallownorthdakota 's comments and discussions, and the Russia vs Ukraine thread.
Ok, update.
I have given up on the extension thingy.
The tool to generate blocklists for an adblocker remains.
I publish the blocklist to remove threads opened by providers who partake in the "post your invoice number" spam here: https://arkas.quest/post_your_invoice_number.blocklist