Resurrecting Site From Spammer Hell, advice needed

[imported_animus]

Hello!

I am in the process of reviving a site, that has long since died and become a haven for spammers - www.vcuchat.com

The main page layout is something we would like to continue, and I am looking for suggestions as to bring this site back up from its current state.

Portal - vbadvanced, using it as a front page/directory.

Essentially, I would like to use the front page as a place to constantly post new events, and also have a directory listing for restaurants/nightclubs/etc - is vbadvanced the correct solution for this, and is the "paid" version the only thing able to store a database of restaurant listings, things of this nature? Are there other options available, different portal solutions?

In it's current state, version 3.0.6, and the incredible amount of spam, is the correct procedure to "redo" the site just to nuke everything, and start from scratch? (I have no problems doing so, just needing advice from the community).

It's been years since I've touched vbulletin, and I'm excited to see the new features and options available today. Having just renewed, I am anxious to get started. Any advice and criticism would be more than helpful!

Thanks,

-Sam

[Alfa1]

Start by upgrading to vb3.7. That has a spam cleanup function. You do not have so many threads and a lot of spam comes from the same members(all gone with a few clicks)

You can always decide to empty a forum, like chatterbox and delete all threads there.

Make sure that your moderators check new posts every day or at least do this yourself. Spam decreases if you clean it up fast.

For a directory, it is good to have software that allows reviews. The only product that I know that does this is GARS, but if you find an alternative then check that out first.

Clean it up first. Then add things that are attractive to your audience. Then plan a campaign to get members in. Once you have members you should be able to get companies involved and get them to post attractive deals, news and advertise on the site.