Yes, those stupid spam bots have returned and unless we get proper email address validation on signup, they will continue.
I have seen upwards of 20 new spammers today trying to hit networks that I administer. How can you spot them? They use stupid gmail accounts like this M.artin.a.Bi.erma.n.n0.4@gmail.com
This is only happening for me on newer ning networks...not my own. I am going to keep this post updated from here out with the email addresses that are attempting to sign up. In the comments below, please do the same so that other NCs do not accidentally admits these bots as members to their network.
They seem to all have names with Hair salon and hair related businesses..
UPDATE: Not more than 3 minutes after posting this i got a new member for approval from the following address
S.h.a.quit.a.H.och.he.im04@gmail.com
Permalink Reply by mobile.ning.com on November 9, 2012 at 4:20pm
Permalink Reply by mobile.ning.com on November 9, 2012 at 4:25pm That was my Contribution. I have about 100 of them Banned. This has been going on since September.
What Happens is that if there is not a RIOT, then NING does not take action.
I really do not understand how this is possible. But I do not care that much. Spammers that arrives at my Site, I Banned them without hesitation.
NING SHOULD Create a Data Base from all Networks that have reported Spammers and from that Data base make something that works. Probably tracking the incoming IP. It just and idea other have talk about here
NING will not take action unless NC's continues to cry about this issue.

agreed
Permalink Reply by Analiza Roque on November 9, 2012 at 6:05pm
Permalink Reply by Mothership on November 9, 2012 at 8:44pm Seeing as all of these accounts seem to be coming from GMail, perhaps the problem is one of Google's in allowing so many people to just create a bazzillion random account solely for spamming. It really is rather embarrassing on thier part to have that kind of problem occurring & not doing more to stop it.
Permalink Reply by Scott Bishop on November 12, 2012 at 8:56am I fully agree. I think this is a huge gmail problem. I always get suspicious when i see a new member sign-up using a gmail account. This I why I would never use a gmail account and I don't believe I'm the only one who thinks this way.
I also think that Ning should somehow contact Google and show them our complaints against Google.
Permalink Reply by Janettee McCrary on December 11, 2012 at 1:44am I use gmail and have several legitimate accounts - that I use for personal, work, my network, family, school reunion, Facebook groups, etc.
Permalink Reply by ismail shah on November 10, 2012 at 9:22pm Customize your Sign up Quiz.
What is Our Current President Name ?
What is Capital of Australia etc etc.
Of Course Spammer can,t fill this . :) i JUST Change my Quiz and Write that Quiz in URDU langauge our Own country Language so m not getting a single spammer :P
Permalink Reply by conner on November 11, 2012 at 8:43am Both of my networks have been hit with these spammers the past 2 wks... one has been hit harder though than the other. They all have strange names/usernames and these odd gmail addresses. I've changed the signup quiz/question and I now have also changed signups need to be approved. I had to because the ones that signed on before the change posted a bunch of BS blogs with LINKS all through them.
Anyway, I don't know if there's any way around this... so we just stay busy declining memberships! Is it better to decline them or should we be clicking suspend for spam?
Permalink Reply by Analiza Roque on November 11, 2012 at 2:15pm 
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We've been with Ning for a few years but we're being hit too. We're not the only site. stockpickr.com is inundated with spammers......I mean enormous, page-long tirades about shoes, cosmetics, you name it. It's disgusting and I'm glad I can stop 'em at the door b4 they get in with Ning.
NidaBo.mm.ha.rd04@gmail.com
M.e.lan.ieGa.l.l.a.her04@gmail.com
Sh.aro.ly.nVa.n.d.enbe0.4@gmail.com
Sy.lvia.L.oh.r.f.in.c.04@gmail.com
R.a.cheal.G.oodhine04@gmail.com
M.el.ani.e.Ga.lla.her.04@gmail.com
Maryb.el.l.eGe.n.evie.v04@gmail.com