Part 9: Mailing Form On the Go
I have successfully find myself a new host. Still, a local host and I find them pretty reliable too. I'll explain this later in the next chapter.
I used to install mailing form from the 'Installatron' but I'm not satisfied with it. So, here goes my hunt for free mailing form. It was quite frustrated to see that most of php form out there look similar--using captcha to weed out spams. Not that I'm against it but I don't like the way it relies totally on javascript. I need something more flexible and usable to the non-javascript visitors.
Here goes, my next wonderful script list, built totally using php language--GBCF-v3 PHP Contact Form by Mike Cherim. This is the third version and still under massive testing. The form itself has been downloaded 8001 times compares to the previous version; 15,145 times.
What's so special about it? Well, too many. This form is decent, sophisticated, powerful, flexible, and easy to install provided you follow the instructions carefully. My experience using this form best described here:
- Installation : This form does not require you to setup any database. All you have to do is change at least two variables--particularly on send/reply email. Once it done, upload the whole folder into your server. Don't rename anything unless you have read the FAQ. This is very important or else the form will fail to function.
- Configuration : If you need to change the color schemes, language, or legends, you only need to modify the codes written in config.php and defaut.css. Always create a backup--just in case you ruin it. For the time being, the form supports up to 20 languages being English is the default. Basic explaination is well documented should you need to modify the fields.
- Variables : In the default form, Mike has made every field visible. This is for those who needs to obtain extra information from your visitors--well, business in particular so those extra fields surely come very handy. I choose to turn on basic fields while keeping the rest off. All this can be done via a very simple command--"yes" or "no". Everything can be controlled from config.php. This is where you control the form appearance while default.css on the styling.
- Security : The form relies neither to Akismet nor captcha but worry not, the form itself is hardened against spam 'bots', header injection, cross-site scripting, email harvesters, and in some cases blocked IP users. It even provides the right answer shall you got it wrong but still, you need to key it in. This form is for human, not robots.
- Statistics : Ever wonder how many peoples and/or robots have abuse your contact form? Using prevention technology, this form records every attempt whenever someone wants to spam you. If you turn this function on, it was displayed at the bottom of the form, where the author's credit resides (you can opt to turn it off too).
- Support : Being the owner, you can have as much support from the Mike. Quoted from his weblog, "I'm told I offer great support, but I do like people to first try and help themselves.". The reason is, he needs you to test run the form so that he'll be informed what's troubling the form's functionality. This is very handy as not only you are using a secure form, you also making it more secure.
- Free to use : What can I say? It's free to use! However, donations are highly appreciated.
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"I'm Assad. A commoner who designed and operate this website.