I know it's discussed all over the place, but if you've got a link to an alternative to the classic captcha method of filtering out bots, could you please post it in this thread. The reason being I'm going to be doing a brainstorming session on an alternative for a script of mine, and would like some inspiration. There have got to be some good ideas out there I haven't seen before!
What about sites that use addition or subtraction problems. Also you can use some kind of picture confirmation
or ask nothing at all you create a hidden field in your html code, leave it empty. After submitting the form, you check if the field is still empty, if not, don't proceed, but throw an error. Usually spambots simply fill in all input elements they can find on a form. So if your field is filled in, it means someone (maybe something is better ) is abusing your script
OIOPlus: Great idea is ReCaptcha (recaptcha.net) it is classic captcha, but using it helps to digitalize books
i like that idea unrealed. I also think them simple QandA methods are pretty smart and easy. Like what is "cool" spelled backwards. extremely easy for users to get right, not easy for spambots. What about a series of checkboxes? Like have 6 checkboxes, give 3 of them a css class name, have the css class color the backgrounds red on them 3 boxes. Then just tell the user to "check" the 3 red boxes. What about javascript timeout method that verifies the fields weren't all filled in within like 2 seconds. If they were all filled in instantly, then you are dealing with a bot. What about verify via email? (send a confirmation link via email) Just a few I thought up... I'll try to think of some more tonight
Ohh, I got another idea... What about generating the Form Fields with Javascript... lots of bots only scrape for form fields, lots wont or cant parse JavaScript
everybody can calculate the sum of numbers between 0 and 10, that's like the absolute basis. It's not like you're gonna ask the ln(1254) or (125^2-exp(125))/45^3
Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I've used a javascript solution once before, using the jquery library (tutorial here), and I think it's a good one. It may have combined a timeout element to it too, I honestly don't remember right now. Only drawback (but I don't think a big one) is the use of javascript itself, as some users disable it by default. I've also used the simple math problem (numbers 0 to 20) on my latest work, since it doesn't have to be uber secure.