I need a new guestbook for my site that will prevent spambots from leaving messages. The only way I could think to do this would be to have people sign in or use some sort of password to prove that they were a real person before they could sign. I haven't been able to find anything suitable yet though. Anyone have any reccomendations?

you could try one of those thingies that make you type the distorted looking code in a box for every comment left. that way people wouldn't have to create an account, they could just type the code and continue on their merry way.

not sure where to get the generator though… I suggest you call upon &KEIFER for that info 8•D

fine… so I'm a tad obsessive… it's called captcha. (scroll down to the bottom for more info including free generators). More info including code generators found here

I probably don't have the know how to integrate something like that into the site... what I really need is a guestbook with the capability to prevent spam built in. I don't know if there are freeware versions like that or not, there are so many around. Thanks for the effort though Cat.

PS I noted on that wikipedia article there are more links to sites that claim to have "broken" the captcha thingy than links to captcha sites. You can't win can you...

hotscripts.com - Remotely Hosted Guestbooks

thefreesite.com - Webmaster Freebies - Guestbook_Services

e-guestbooks.com - best little guestbook service on the internet

webdevelopersnotes.com - free guestbook

Just google results .. there are more, of course .. I know nothing about them .. but there are people here that could probably get you set up

Thanks Keifer. I found one pretty quick and I'm trialing it now.

see? I TOLD you he was the right person to ask!

if you do end up having some hurdles for guest bookees to jump .. be sure to explain that it's for spam purposes .. and that it protects their eyes and ears as well .. since you're probably lucky to get people to sign it as it is ...

I can't believe the number of people that take the opportunity to advertise something while there .. it's a guestbook fer cryin' out loud