Here is the exact basic configuration I use on my sites, some of which have been using Spam Karma for 2 years.
Download Spam Karma
Here is the basic configuration
Link to full size image.
With these settings I get nice emails every 8 hours for potential spam, those comments between 0 and -20 Karma - first time commenters with javascript switched off typically fall around -5
The first 2 or 3 trackbacks (with a link) from sploggers get through, and from then on they dig themselves into a grave never to appear again with the snowball effect, or I can totally blacklist them.
If you wish to also add some collective intelligence to the mix, then you can use the 3rd party developed Spam Karma Akismet Module
If you are using WP-Cache, it is advisable to also use this fix for Spam Karma with WP-Cache.
For Those That Insist On Using Akismet
Use the Antispam Collateral Condolences plugin from Mark Jaquith of B5 Media (announced recently that he was joining). I can think of so many blogging network and business blog things that Mark's talents could be put towards, and I might have to convince Aaron that he needs them ;)
Engtech's Auntie Spam plugin for Greasemonkey which allows you to search through Akismet spam faster.
Alternative Plugins
Recently I have been hearing good things about using http:BL and the Simple Spam Filter
Some people swear by Bad Behaviour
I have seen lots of people test other combinations, but almost everyone I know who has an in-depth knowledge of plugins (independent of Automattic developers) and who has experience using Spam Karma ends up returning to it, possibly with the use of Akismet as an additional filter.
Comments
*Originally published at AndyBeard.eu