Using a mailto link opens up the address to spam galore.

True.

Now there are ways to obfuscate the e-mail address, but since it is the mayor himself who will be the addressee I would definitely go for a contact form.

I use "fast  secure contact form" for my contact forms.

It is a PHP script that is really easy to set up even if you don't know PHP, there is no programming involved.

Just follow the instructions and don't forget to change the extension of your contact page from .html to .php

The script is highly configurable just by clicking the options you want.

Find it here: http://www.fastsecurecontactform.com/

(it is the "PHP Script version" you'll want)

garynng wrote:

 

 

 

1.  You say to name the page .php - the form will be inside a spry tab.  Will this be a problem?  That means the page has to be .html since it houses more than just the form, I would think.  Please enlighten me!

Having an extension of .php only puts the server on notice that the page may have some php scripting to process, it does not effect the html.

 

2.  I would like to track how many people use the form and capture their email so I can send them updates.  Is it wrong to capture the emails without asking?  I know it's poor form to send them stuff if they don't ask for it (spam), but capturing emails might come in handy in the future.  Is there a way to have a checkbox like YES, SEND ME UPDATES?

You would need to set up a database.  I am not familiar with the software EagerBob mentioned, but I would assume it would be able to configure your script to enter the data into the database...but you would still need to build a DB.

There is nothing wrong with keeping track of who tries to contact you, in fact it is very smart.  As long as you follow the rules regarding spam (look up can spam act), you should be fine.

 

3.  Since the email is going to the Mayor, is there a way to moderate the emails (ie: read them first before sending them on) to make sure that there is nothing inappropriate?  Is this poor form?  It's a controversial topic so I would imagine that the opposition could bombard the form and put in lots of misleading emails.  What do you think?

 

You could have the emails sent to you then you could forward them on to the end recipient.

Gary

I wouldn't censor the users input, but there are scripts that will detect "bad words" and replace them with symbols or asterisks. You may want to include a disclaimer in each email that it's being sent from your site, but that the text is that of the user. You could also have sample content that Pre-populates the form, especially if this is a single issue campaign. Or, have different blocks of text the user can choose. They can sendnit as is, or edit it before sending. Finally, you should add CAPTCHA, so that the mayor isn't getting lots of email from the spam bots.