FXDX

Nice that guys are still using bots to game the system.

I'm guessing that the bots are still somewhat effective partially because you don't have to put in a code every time, just at random times. Maybe the more you query the system the more often you have to put in a code.

These bot users have made the system painful enough with the random code entry, I hope they don't keep it up and make us have to put in the squiggly codes every time we need to take a look at a trip.

Hope they don't completely hose up the system for everybody else.

kwri10s

Yeah, real time trip trading would solve most of this. If when I input to pick up a trip it processed, then less people would get earlier time stamped because the trip would no longer be there, and less aggravation.

SuperMario

Fat chance. This would encroach upon CRS's rice bowl, which they dearly protect, so it's a 5 minute to 6 hour processing wait for all of us.

boost

The company's ridiculous response to bots was to implement what is called a CAPTCHA. For those of you that dont know what this is click on the link.

Only the company with their 1990's style computer skills decided to implement the most basic hacker friendly CAPTCHA on the planet. So what happens is the bot guys implemented OCR software into their bots. So when they are prompted with the annoying 6 digit code, their bots take care of that for them. So they sit there and let their bot autotrade for them while us suckers are typing in those stupid numbers.

Is it possible to beat the bots, of course but you better be in front of your comp 24/7 and have a quick mouse finger!

So basically what the company's "prevention" plan has done is further advantage the guys with the bots and further disadvantage the guys using readily available software like bidx, fastbid, magicweb. Thanks for a great solution you morons! You could grab any college kid and they would do a better job then whatever tech team is in charge of our website.

As I have said repeatedly, they need to pick a standard and enforce it or the guys with the bots will forever be with an advantage.

Kooky

I do not believe that any of the above mentioned software's have incorporated the CAPTCHA reading capability. Anyone know this to not be true sound off.

FlybyKnite

"Bots" covers a lot of ground. It includes everything from the guys simply using FireFox with the "Reload Every" add-on macro all the way up to the guy(s) with the super 'get all trips' program. My public 'pilot website secretary' falls in between and does more for me than just examine open time AND doesn't read the codes.

The system has already become hosed and the pain inflicted is uniform and unwelcomed by most all of us. IMHO, the current Captcha ControlCode was implemented as a simple and low cost method to manage 'public' resources (squiggly codes probably cost to much ). It also comes with the threat/fear factor of locking out those who are too inquisitive, too often.

Attended programs can be made to work with the current limitations. Overcoming/automating the controlcode takes a large amount of specialized talent and effort, and IMO, crosses a line that invites squiggly codes or worse. For now, the ControlCode seems to be adequately serving its purpose to restrict non-human access to certain VIPS elements.

Playing the open time 'game' has always been a question of personal motivation. Today many are playing not for pure greed (which is still there) but simply to keep their heads above water.

Born2AV8

As a former FireFox Re-loader, the Captcha ControlCode definitely shut me down. I truly believe that everyone else using BOT like programs have been shut down also. I could be wrong. I think there are just more people hawking open time trying to make up for the reduction in BLG.

boost

You guys are clueless or just sticking your head in the sand to pretend that it is not happening but, IT IS HAPPENING!

People in our company have software that can autobid for them and automatically input the CAPTCHA code. They take it from other applications and modify it to fit ours.

Call it what you want, but when guys are still picking up mil charters while airborne, and can seem to do it every single month, it is more than coincidence.

The new "enter the 6 digit code" CAPTCHA has done nothing but help the hardcore bot users. No squiggle, no blur, same file name for all unique characters, doesn't take a genius to break that one.

How come the same 7 guys in the MD11 FO seat get every new mil charter, ridiculous DH trip, hmmmmm. Until these guys get their dream schedule none of us have a chance at picking up open time.

A more difficult CAPTCHA would put a momentary halt on the bots, until then have fun trading OT sh*t like me.

Gunter

Beat the bots or Beat the odds?

If I check open time 1 minute after a trip enters open time and you checked it 1 minute before, I'll beat you. Doesn't matter how slow I enter the trade because my trade would be in before you even see the trip. I can see that burns you up. I bet you're a real joy at the blackjack table too.

Besides those pain in the butt 6 numbers, isn't there a 500 hit limit for open time? Can't check open time every minute of the day, bot or not. But good job at the conspiracy theory. I'm sure you spun someone up on that, just not me.

If you want to pick up a trip you have to put in the time looking at open time like everyone else. And, yes, you need a quick mouse finger. Do not attempt when you are drinking. And don't expect to get every one you see because it just isn't possible.

DLax85

Not a bot user, but just wondering where you heard this #...???

I don't recall it being published anywhere.

Thanks