HTML Autoresponder

[eu4ic]

Hi Russell,

Just a quick one to see if your script can send an automatic e-mail to the person who filled out the form. I have an application form on a site and would like to send the applicant an e-mail saying thank you for applying and to show them the information they entered.

Is this possible.

Cheers

Symon.

[russellr]

Hi Symon,

This has major security implications. If such a FormMail exists, then a spammer could use it to spam people. He simply submits to FormMail any email address and the message he wants to send and he's spamming from your server.

However, we believe we have a solution to this security problem and we're working on it for a future release.

[eu4ic]

H Russell,


thanks for that. Do you have any ideas when this new version is likely to be available.

I would be happy to beat test it for you, if you need it.

Cheers

Symon.

[russellr]

The first solution to the security problem we've come up with is:

1. Your form displays an image containing 4 characters (letters and numbers).
2. The user filling in the form must enter the 4 characters that they see.
3. FormMail compares the two and, if they match, it can assume a real human being is submitting the form. Therefore, it's safe to send email to the address submitted on the form.

This technique is commonly used to prevent automated scripts from accessing web resources.

It's a small extra amount of work for them, but do you think it would be OK for your users?

[eu4ic]

Hir Russell,


I have ssen that before. Is it something that you have put in place already or does FormMail still need to be updated.

cheers

Symon.

[russellr]

Hi,

It will be at least a week before we can implement this. The first step is to decide whether it's acceptable and useful for people.

If you think your users would be happy to use the mechanism, that's one opinion that helps us move forward on it.

[eu4ic]

Hi Russell,


Yeah I think it is a great idea, as you say, not only does it get round the spamming issue, it also gives the user a sense of added security.

I personally think you should go ahead.

Cheers

Symon.

[Anubis]

Hi Russell,

This is exactly what I'm after too. We need to provide instant feed back to our customers and also watch spamming.

Great addition to a great script.

[leeolive]

Hi

This would be very useful. Has this been created and where can I download it?

Thanks!
Lee

[russellr]

Hi,

It should be ready in the next couple of weeks.