FormMail Character Revue, Part 1

 
Like a storybook, FormMail has
a cast of characters. These
character determine the character
of FormMail itself.

FormMail is really a character-
driven story. It is the characters
that move the story along.

In this particular case, I'm referring
specifically to NMS FormMail,
though, when it comes to a cast of
characters, any FormMail will do. That
is to say, each version of FormMail will
also have a cast of characters, though
not precisely the same as these characters.

The first character we should consider
is the @allow_mail_to array. More
than being a single person, this is an
association of sorts. It's a club.

Everyone in this club can receive a
copy of the submitted form. This is
very similar to the To Field in
an email. The @allow_mail_to array
determines who can receive the filled-out
form as an email.

The @allow_mail_to array determines
who can receive the form as email, not
who will. In this sense it is like a
country club where all club members are
are eligible to play golf but not all
will.

The next character to consider is the
%recipient_alias hash array.
This character works just like the
@allow_mail_to array except that
this character works undercover.

Whereas the @allow_mail_to array
openly publishes its membership, the
%recipient_alias hash array is
secretive about its membership. Basically,
the %recipient_alias hash array is
a secret society.

Again, %recipient_alias hash array,
is a recipient array only in terms of potential.
Not everyone on the list will receive the filled-out
form as an email.

Why? Because in the case of both the @allow_mail_to array
and the %recipient_alias hash array receivership
is determined by who actually gets their email address
listed in the HTML form itself.

That's where secrecy comes in handy. If you would
like to hide your email address from spambot harvesters,
you will prefer the %recipient_alias hash array
over the @allow_mail_to array. The %recipient_alias
hash array hides your email address by describing it
with an alias rather than publishing it directly in
the HTML of your form. This foils spammers who
would like to put you on their list to receive more
spam.

What's the lesson here? Know who you can trust. If
you know you can't trust everyone, you will not be
inclined to publish your email address in a place
where it can be read publicly.

Your website and consequently, your HTML Form
is a public place. Anyone can read it as HTML Anyone
can pick up your email address this way.

Using the %recipient_alias hash array
solves the problem. This array keeps things
simple for you. Only the FormMail program
itself knows your email address, not the general
public.

Ed Abbott