Stopping spam in wordpress blogs - it really builds character.

Step by step, here is what you can do to help eliminate spam from your blog.

• #1.) Make sure you have activated Akismet. It comes with your wordpress installation.
• #2.) Install and Activate ReCaptcha.net . It makes users fill in two words prior to submitting comments.
• #3.) Install and Activate Douglas Karr’s Enhanced Wordpress Contact Form with Spam Protection. It forces users to fill out a challenge question whenever using the contact form.
• #4.) Install and Activate Simple Spam Filter. It will automatically reject comments that have 5+links, nothing but links, etc.
• #5.) Create a Fake Comment Form. Only spambots see this.
• #6.) Install Bad Behavior. Thanks to Jake McKee below who alerted me to this! Bad Behavior blocks actual vandalism to your site as well as blocks many e-mail address harvesters.
• #7.) Use TimeStamps to Reduce Spam. This prevents rapid-fire posting. However, if the person mistypes the Captcha, she or he will have to wait the prescribed time. I changed mine to slightly less and edited the error message:
  • Error: you must wait at least 15 seconds before posting a comment or correcting a CAPTCHA error. Our apologies for the delay, this is how we help verify you are a real live wonderful human bean.

That’s a good list with which to start…I’ll post more later!

It’s later!  Check out this great posting, 46 tips for reducing Wordpress Spam. 

Now, what if you’re not a techie and want to use all of the above? There are several great wordpress plugin how-to resources, including:

• How to Install, Configure, and Use WordPress Plugins

The main key here is you need to first save plugins on your local computer, and then upload them to the

• /wp-content/plugins

of your server’s wordpress installation. This requires using an FTP program to transmit your files…but not to fear! There’s lots of free ones you can use like:

• FireFox FTP (if you’re using FireFox)
• FileZilla
• WarFTP
• How to use FTP Tutorial

Spam can be quite a problem on Wordpress blogs….but as you can see, there are always ways to combat it.

Enjoy,

Barbara

About The Author

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Barbara Ling lost 45+ pounds during 2007 and now reveals her secrets to a Safe and Successful Weight Loss Strategy that anyone can do. An avid writer, she is the author of 25 books/ebooks and has been lauded in the Wall Street Journal, Inc. Magazine and more. Her book will show you exactly how to craft the perfect weight loss plan that simply cannot fail.... as it's targeted to your needs, and your needs only.

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