![This helps JotSpot prevent [any] registrations](http://static.flickr.com/9/76031895_cb6cf16bb8.jpg)
Do not ever use CAPTCHA on your web site! And don’t use sites that do.
Some time ago, when WordPress.com was an invite only beta except for Flock users, Matt and I were discussing the challenges with dealing with spammers automating signing up at WordPress.com. I suggested using CAPTCHAs.
A CAPTCHA is a type of challenge-response test used in computing to determine whether or not the user is human.
CAPTCHA – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Matt explained that captcha are problematic for people with visual disabilities.
Of course, CAPTCHAs are. It is obvious when you think about it. This is fools’ wisdom.
PS. I do not mean to pick on JotSpot. The image above is old, I wish them all the best and hope JotSpot is no longer using CAPTCHAs.
Services on my greylist:
- Facebook: 20060504, registration
Maybe ok services:
- Blogspot: If you click on a difficult to click because it is small “accessibility.gif” your computer, if you have speakers, will read the captcha to you.
technorati tags: usability, captcha, literacy, design, web design, craptcha
I’d be interested in knowing how you and Matt propose dealing with the problem of spammers and bot posting on blogs if you don’t use captcha, though I can empathize with the problems visually impaired users have.
It is not just visually impaired people I empathize with. The craptcha has become increasingly “sophisticated” such that I get it wrong from time to time.
I consider it spammers victory when to combat them I use technology that negatively affects my experience.
Matt and crew are not just making proposals, they are doing it. You don’t see any craptcha when you register at WordPress.com and Akismet has made comment and trackback spam a minor problem.
You know, after I posted my comment, I remembered Akismet, and it is a tribute to Matt and his band that I forgot it, because it is so unobtrusive and I forget that it’s there. Because of it though, I’m never bothered by spam on my blog. So hoorah for their work. And I must admit that like you, with these aging eyes, I have to enter the captcha letters more than once on many occasions.
“Matt explained that captcha are problematic for people with visual disabilities. Of course, CAPTCHAs are. It is obvious when you think about it. This is fools’ wisdom.”
This is why above my captchas are links to email the admin if you have trouble reading it. I think this is acceptable for creating user accounts on low traffic sites.
I don’t agree with captchas for more dynamic ‘discussion’ actions such as posting a comment.
What are your thoughts on this solution to the problem? via akismet and captcha’s on the sga forums I’ve eliminated spam from everything that I administer.
Clint, your community and the people that want to be in your community and use your services, are the people to ask.
WordPress.com does not use CAPTCHAS anywhere, but I am certain it is at a high cost and a continuous battle to stay ahead of people that want to abuse the system.
It is understandable when volunteers or small operations have to make compromises like the one you have in this area, but not highly profitable services.
Yes, captchas are annoying. I have the really hard time figuring out the 0′s and the o’s. And on a large screen I fail them.
My friend uses “monkey math” on his, where it draws an equation on the screen, and you have to write the correct answer down to be considered as “not spam.”
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