Since it looks like I'll have to implement a spam-protection for anon-posts for the forum soon, I'd like to explain the possible methods and let you decide which one you'd prefer.

What we need, is an additional field for you to fill out upon submitting a post. (Only if you're not logged in.) That way the script can verify that you're a real person and not a bot. Accordingly, the content for that field will change for every time you have to fill it out, and you will know what to put into the field through some way that only a real person can figure out. There are several ways to do that.

1. CAPTCHA (Those little images with letters and numbers on them, where you have to put what you see on the image into the field.)
2. Equations (Instead of blurred letters and numbers, the image will contain easy to read, simple equations that you have to solve and put the result into the field.)
3. Questions (Simple questions you have to answer. Those questions can be displayed in normal text, no image necessary. Questions could for example be very easy BtVS trivia questions like: "What is Buffy's last name?" )

CAPTCHA is what you've probably seen on quite a few other forms already. It's easy and safe, which is why it is so wildly used. The downside is that sometimes even even someone with good eyesight has problems to figure out which letters/numbers the image shows, never mind someone with bad eyes.

The version with the equations allows for use of clearer images, but it is possible that some bots can figure it out if the images are too clear. Like with CAPTCHA, it will pose a serious problem for people who have to rely on a software to read the website content to them.

The last option doesn't rely on images, so it wouldn't pose a problem for people with bad eyesight. On the other hand, you'll actually have to know the answer, You won't be able to simply read it off the screen. I think this method could still work as long as the questions are really easy, like character names, hometown, occupation, that kind of thing.

Tell me what you think.

Which method would you prefer and why?

Have you seen other methods, besides the ones listed here, somewhere, and if yes what are they and why did you like/dislike them?

Remember this will only effect posts made when you're not logged in; if you never do that, you can of course still give us your opinion, but it would be nice if you'd mention that the decision won't really matter to you so I can take that into account.

I'm one of those who occasionally finds CAPTCHA letters/numbers ambiguous, so I'm not crazy about it.  Equations, it seems to me, might cause issues for people who panic at the sight of math problems. :)  Since our site is a Spuffy site, I would think that simple, fandom-related questions would be the easiest.

As you might guess, none of this will matter to me unless I happen to be on the site from work - which I rarely do.

I'm always logged in, so it doesn't really matter to me either, but I agree with slaymesoftly.

xxx

I've seen plenty that I couldn't read properly as well, that's why I came up with the alternatives. Good point on the equations thing, Patti; I like me some math so I tend to forget that other people don't tend to agree with that sentiment. :lol:

Anyone else want to give their opinion? Maybe some of the ones that usually post as Guest? You're the ones who'll be affected by this, I'd think you'd like to have a say in it.

I'm of the mind that it boils down to whatever is easiest for you since you mods are doing all the work.  If I have to take an extra step or two to participate I'm not going to complain.  Especially if it keeps penis enlargement ads off the boards.  As far as preference goes, I'm easy.  Any or all sound fine - though if the equation thing is actual math I might have an issue.  ;)  But, then again, I have a calculator on my computer so I'll prevail.  I like the CAPTCHA thing probably because I've never had any issues, and the Buffy questions sounds fine as well, but could get complicated if the parameters are extra strict - like capitalization, spacing, etc.  It could be more headache than its worth.  For example, Buffy lives on Revello Dr but answering Revello  or Revello Drive or 1630 Revello would also be correct.  Plus, if the question was just "Where does Buffy live?" the answers could become really annoying for you to have to set up.  I vote for whatever is least work for you to fix the issue and give you the least amount of headache in the future.

~ Q

Even though I don't maintain an account, I visit this site a lot. I think others who happen upon it should be able to join in easily if they want and then move on. So, I like the clearest method of asking a simple question. Just make sure it is simple, cuz some people might not like season six and barely watch it so they don't know the answer but are still a fan, or haven't watched season one because of no Spike, or something.

RE Quark:

When I say equations, I'm talking about stuff like 5+4 or 13-9, noting more complicated than that. :lol:

As for the questions, I'd go with ones that anyone who has even just a passing knowledge of BtVS can answer. Examples would be: "What is the name of Buffy's sister? (First name only)", "What color is Willow's hair?", "What is the name of the town where most of BtVS is set?". Nothing more complicated than that. Also, if you happen upon a question you really can't answer, you can just hit Submit anyway, the comment will not be posted but the effect will be the same as using Preview, the form will reload with all your data still there, but a different question. I'd only use questions with one-word answers and capitalization wouldn't matter, both of which I'd clarify in a note next to the form.

It doesn't really make a difference for me, coding-wise all three options are pretty similar. I just don't want to use a method that ends up locking anyone out of the forum.

I tend to stay logged in these days, so its unlikely to apply to me on a regular basis, but I've been known to forget. ;)  I think the questions would be a neat quirky way to not only keep the spam bots away but also the occasional troll who isn't a fan of the show.   Not sure if that happens here, as I'm fairly new, but I've seen it before.  If the coding isn't that difficult than I'd definitely choose the questions as my first choice, with the CAPTCHA a close second.  I have a healthy loathing for math - even the simple stuff - so I'm kinda biased on the equations. :blush:

~ Q