Number signs convert to asterisks in forums. Why?

[Jailhouse]

Why is a number sign (or hashtag, if you prefer) converted to an asterisk in the Illustrate forums? It breaks links containing the symbol and causes confusion when one sees something like track * or catalog *.

[Spoon]

Re: Number signs convert to asterisks in forums. Why?

Because the forum uses it to insert programmable html, so spammers use it to hide spam text as white, it is replaced with * so it does not hide.

[Jailhouse]

Re: Number signs convert to asterisks in forums. Why?

Spoon, thanks for the explanation. The behavior is still annoying, but at least there's a valid reason for it.

Damned pesky spammers....