[Michael J Elliott]

Hi
I opened my emails today and found a comment from someone who visited my author site, unfortunately it was in French and their website was a porn address. I really don't want to get spammed in my comments section and I definitely don't want it for my mailing list, my question is, should I set up catcha (sorry if it's spelt incorrectly but you know that feature where you have to imput numbers and letters to leave something)
and should I add the double opt in feature for my mailing list, the video tutorial I watched to help me install SumoMe (my sign up plugin) said don't bother. Also how do spam filters work and can anyone recommend a plug in filter for WP (org not com)
Thanks KBoarders

 

[♨]

A CAPTCHA can be a good idea, but you have to be careful to choose one that doesn't make it too difficult for visitors to leave a comment.  Another alternative is a comment spam plugin that will automatically detect spam comments.  Akismet used to be a popular option, until they went to a paid model.  I think there are free alternatives out there though.

As for confirmed opt-in, I think it is generally a good idea.  Without confirmed opt-in, anyone can enter any eMail address into your mailing list sign-up.  You won't be sure the eMail address provided is valid, that it belongs to the person who submitted it or that the person whose eMail address it actually is really wanted to be on your list.

With confirmed opt-in, they have to receive and confirm that they want to be on your list.  Confirmed opt-in also gives you additional proof that the person did in fact opt-in to your list, which makes it easier to defend yourself against spam complaints.

So, bottom line, in my opinion, you can go either way with CAPTCHA, but confirmed opt-in for a mailing list is a really good idea.

 

[Michael J Elliott]

A CAPTCHA can be a good idea, but you have to be careful to choose one that doesn't make it too difficult for visitors to leave a comment. Another alternative is a comment spam plugin that will automatically detect spam comments. Akismet used to be a popular option, until they went to a paid model. I think there are free alternatives out there though.

As for confirmed opt-in, I think it is generally a good idea. Without confirmed opt-in, anyone can enter any eMail address into your mailing list sign-up. You won't be sure the eMail address provided is valid, that it belongs to the person who submitted it or that the person whose eMail address it actually is really wanted to be on your list.

With confirmed opt-in, they have to receive and confirm that they want to be on your list. Confirmed opt-in also gives you additional proof that the person did in fact opt-in to your list, which makes it easier to defend yourself against spam complaints.

So, bottom line, in my opinion, you can go either way with CAPTCHA, but confirmed opt-in for a mailing list is a really good idea.

Thanks Dan,
Your logic is impecable lol. I was leaning towards the opt in model as my preference and I will definitely use a spam filter. I'll go to my WP site and look through the plugin options, thanks for your help

 

[Patty Jansen]

Wordpress anti-spam plugin.

Not stupid captchas (which you can't read half the time anyway), no inconvenience for the user.

 

[Michael J Elliott]

Wordpress anti-spam plugin.

Not stupid captchas (which you can't read half the time anyway), no inconvenience for the user.

Thanks Patty,
I've just set up my mailing list with SumoMe and I'm hoping I've done it correctly so it is synched with MailChimp. I decided against capthcas and installed a great antispam WP plugin that had some excellent reviews so hopefully no more Parisian porn lol