[Macsee]

I too use user promotions. New users can't edit profiles, can't have a signature, can't do most things. Heavy restrictions. All their posts are moderated before going public.

I get 40-100 new accounts registering every day.

One thing I do differently to most forums is that I require every new user to make a top quality first post - "prove yourself or we'll kill your account". One liners, fluff etc., attract an immediate account deletion. No infractions! At regular intervals I also delete all zero post accounts. Idiots don't read the welcome email. Everybody else either does what is required ... or dies.

I get less than 10 spam posts per week. The rest of the forum is really thriving despite what may appear a less than friendly approach to new members. What's more, we're getting a steady flow of new members who can meet the quality standards.