No new members will be allowed to make new topics until they have 5 posts under their belt.

It might annoy some, but it's the only way I can think of right now.

I think you could simply make it so that all new members who are joining must be validated before they becomes members. Also, you should make it that Guests are not able to post at all... Other than this, I think your 5 post thing is good, but unnecessary. Perhaps make it one?

-> Note: I am jealous of Angrite at this point in time. Sorry if I go nuts on some stuff in the meanwhile. Don't worry, though, I won't spam or anything.

I already have guest posting turned off. Also, most of the people who spam sign up and then come back ages later to spam, so it wouldn't really help to validate. Also, check your PMs.

'Kay. Checked it.

And as for the whole members returning to spam, as long as they sign-up and you've verified that they're not bots and have posted at least once, I think that's a good enough solution to the spam.

Seems like a great idea to end this crap. I've been gone too long, this stuff never happened on any of my old boards... and I don't quite remember it being on this old board.