Comment Spam (a lam a lam a ding dong)
I just today started using the ImageAuth Hack for Wordpress (found at Wellard’s World via the always entertaining White Noise. All this means is that in order to comment on anything, you need to type in the human-readable code you see before you can post. This will help eliminate the ridiculous posts from the likes of Mr. Cialis, Texas Holdem, or Al Argepenis that I’ve just recently discovered when looking through old comments.
One thing I don’t like about it is the fact that if you screw up typing in the code (you thought a ‘1′ was an ‘l’) you are directed to a new page informing you of your error, and that you have to go back. When you go back…wham, your post is gone. If you’ve taken the time to write 5 paragraphs, you’ll likely be pissed. I’ve heard that this doesn’t happen in all browsers, but it happens enough that I think it should be taken care of. I’ve seen a few suggestions on fixing this, but none I like. Here are a couple of ideas I have (anyone who knows anything about JavaScript, please take note):
- Grey out (or hide) the Submit button until the correct code is entered in the security field. Once the code is correct, you will be able to submit your comments. Sort of like the little check that shows up if you’ve entered a working serial number into a piece of software. This would help eliminate any loss of posts.
- On submit, flag the field(s) that are incorrect by coloring the label red and focusing on that form field - in this case, it’s most likely that it will be the security field. In this case too, he user never leaves the page.
- Pop up a JavaScript notice (”Incorrect Security Code!”) if the field value of the security field doesn’t correctly match the required code.
- Jeremy suggested at least passing a hidden form field containing the body of your post to the error page, and then repopulating that field when you go back. This would probably work, but I’m a fan of never leaving a page unless you have to (witness my use of dropdown comments and expanding div’s on this site).
I don’t know how feasible any of the above solutions are, but I know as a user I would appreciate notice of my error immediately and not having to possibly retype my post. I suppose if you’re going to comment on this post, at least until a modification is made, make sure to “Select All” and copy it before posting, just in case.