Persistent 403 errors

[BasiltheBatLord]

@wdwmagic For about a month now, I get a 403 error every time I try to access the forums. The only way I can get around it is by using a VPN (I live in Japan).

Can anything be done?

 

[wdwmagic]

Yes try now.

 

[BasiltheBatLord]

Yes try now.

Still getting it unfortunately.

 

[mkt]

Hey Steve, I'm having the issue as well - I'm presently in the Caribbean island hopping. Issuesoccured in the Dominican Republic, British Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico - currently only able to access with a VPN.

I attached a screenshot.

 

[tdrmania999]

I've been asking you via the help page, on x and more... but no reply.
And the problem isn't even fixed how disappointing...
At least please acknowledge the problem and update us if possible.

 

[wdwmagic]

I've been asking you via the help page, on x and more... but no reply.
And the problem isn't even fixed how disappointing...
At least please acknowledge the problem and update us if possible.

The issue is that there has been a massive amount of bots originating in certain parts of the world and I have had to block entire countries unfortunately. The severity off the bots has taken down the entire site, which led to the drastic action of blocking countries. I am continuing to test more selective blocking, but it is proving extremely difficult and expensive.