Part 7: Interactions Are Crucial
Ever come to a properly magnificent free thing? I never did. To be honest, I am sick on searching for free scripts. Why do free things always come in bad condition? I wish to have a comment form in this website. I love to interact with my visitors. I want you, my visitors to be able to comment my content. Thus, adding comment scripts will create a significant impact.
None of them came close to my satisfactory level—on controlling spam specifically. Sigh… I finally gave up.
I’m tired searching for free scripts. Time for moolah. Yes, you read it right. I almost spend some moolah on paid script. There’s a website selling it at USD$20, without installation (installation alone is USD$25. What the f**k?). The script output is indeed worth mentioning, but hey, isn’t USD$45 is too much for such script? All I need is just a workable script for this static page--with some aesthetic as a bonus.
Stuck! Smash my head to the wall. Stuck again! Well, that all ends after I found scripts.oldguy.us a.k.a Talkback. Created by a retired IT Manager, Richard Williamson; I decided to give this free script a try. Let see how it performs…Hmm... Not bad. In fact, I am surprised. It’s a rare gem--given to me for free.
Installation Process
The installation is done without too much hassle. All you need to do is create a new MySQL database, upload the installation folder to your server and call the file on the web browser i.e. yourdomain.com/talkback/install.php, follow the instructions and it's done. Yup! It installed itself successfully. Then, I tweaked some codes particularly css and php. Should you have any doubt, Richard provides tons of documentation bundled with the download file.
Configurations & Monitoring
While most free scripts come with only basic features, Talkback is not. Browsing the admin control panel, the script has it own configuration settings--namely ‘Maintenance Menu’. The configurations were divided into several sections that are clearly self-explained. What surprised me the most are its ability to setup spam prevention, optimize/backup database, purge comments, smileys and basic html comment form. Spam prevention utilizing powerful AKISMET from WordPress. In fact, you can have the required key from WordPress for free. If you need any, get your Akismet spam key here. This is another cool feature bundled with TalkBack.
Default error page
Customised error page
Default comment form
Customised comment form
Customizations
Did I forget to mention that this script is customizable? Yes, you read it right. You can customize the php and CSS files—only if you have the appropriate skill. It is well documented for the users. Even the settings were explained thoroughly. You can modify the comment form itself, the general settings, the login page, whatever! Modify it, alter it as much as you like. As long you stick to the documented guides, you won’t go wrong. Don’t believe me? See the samples below.
Settings & Maintenance
Despite powerful admin/user tool, the ability to control the posted comments is not something to be ignored. I find it very convenient being able to control how the comments going to be displayed. The option is yours to make and it’s all done with just a click of a mouse. Let say, every comment posted need to be approved, click the option box and you are done. Or you need to limit the numbers of comment displayed, enter the number e.g. 15, 20, 25, 100; update the configuration and you are done. Let me tell you this. It can be done without editing the whole page!
Help & Support
What does free script’s creator doesn’t provide you? I can hear you loud and clear. It’s HELP & SUPPORT! This is where the creator of TalkBack earns my utmost respect. He’s actively helps the users should they encounter any problem. Choose whatever method you like. The creator has a forum to help you out and/or give him a private message if you wish to be discreet. I did encounter some technical errors during setup and his forum really came to the rescue.
Million thanks to Richard for the help and support. This is a great script even hackers wish to whack its reputation out.
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"I'm Assad. A commoner who designed and operate this website.