it's a spam issue. the current version of vbulletin running doesn't control spam that seems to trace back from social media linking, etc. which may not bother most but it's a tedious and un-celebrated chore/task for the moderators/admins to control. were talking several hundred to thousand + bogus registrations, etc. in a 24-48 period. yes, it sucks. hoping this can be resolved with an update to the VB running but that's on a timeline that i am not privy to so in the mean time, have to manage it with less than preferred methods. i know it's a hassle for you guys, it's certainly not fun for the admins either. if anyone with VB expreince in dealing with this has suggestions, please feel free to contact us. i am eager to return to the day of linking without concern myself.