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Opening up a can of SPAM WhoopAss with the TypeKey
Currently there is quite a hoopla over the TypeKey Authentication Service that is going to be a part of Movable Type 3.0. I definitely want to upgrade this site to MT 3.0 when the times comes in late April but I need to decide what level of comment options I want to go with.
With Movable Type 3.0 you have options.
1.Only accept TypeKey-authenticated comments where the commenter sends an email address
2.Only accept TypeKey-authenticated comments
3.Accept TypeKey-authenticated and moderated comments
4.Accept TypeKey-authenticated and regular comments
5.Accept moderated comments
6.Accept unmoderated comments
7.Accept anonymous comments
Currently in Movable Type, 6 and 7 are the only two options. 1 through 5 have been added to create a varying degree of accountability.
I am planning on going with Level 3 : Accept TypeKey-authenticated and moderated comments.
If a person has signed up for an authenticated TypeKey account they can post comment to their hearts content and it will enable me to have options since it will be on a robust authenticated system. However for those who are not interested in signing up for an authenticated ID system they can post comments but they will not show up live until I will have had a chance to check them out and make sure they are not posting Spam or being a super bastard. Also that way if the system ever goes down people can still post comments that will be manually reviewed.
I suggest checking out the TypeKey FAQ. From what I have read I think it is going to be a great tool for web publishing and will allow great reader interaction while providing the tools to prevent things from descending into complete N00b L4M3R Anarchy.
TypeKey implements many of the suggestions that I made about the comment Spam problem. The Author of MT-Blacklist thinks that TypeKey is the best thing since sliced bread and plans on using it and halting the development of MT-Blacklist. That is a hell of an endoresement.
So what do you think? Is this something that you can live with or is it too Orwellian?
Jake at March 23, 2004 
Nerd
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Comments
I can't freaking WAIT for MT3. I'm going with option #2.
MT-Blacklist refuses to work on my server. For the last two weeks I've been under siege by spam (as much as 20 - 30 a day) and there's nothing I can do about it short of disabling comments (which I refuse to do).
Posted by: jason at March 23, 2004 12:36 PM
Well, it sounds like it could have promise, especially if they gear their login system to be as transparent and painless as possible (ie, even allowing .net passports).
I'm hoping you don't have to bounce through their page for a simple login, being able to login to their server from the Weblog you are currently viewing would be far less intrusive.
The fact that it will be included in MT3 is very promising though. That pretty much guarentees a certain high level of adoption.
Posted by: Nick at March 23, 2004 2:52 PM
They will not use .Net Passports because TypeKey is SixApart's own system. There would be added security holes if it were going to be compatible with Microsoft's authentication format.
I will have to modify the comment form design when it comes time.
Posted by: Jake at March 23, 2004 2:58 PM
When MT 3 comes along, it'll be time for me to redesign my blog and I'll probably install MT3.
But I am wary about having another password to remember - I rarely visit blogs that use MT as their CMS. To have TypeKey will require me to constantly log in under another system, always having to type another password in (since I clear my cache several times daily) just to make a comment.
When the time comes, I will re-evaluate the system. For now, on paper, it's another layer of red tape to go through to state an opinion.
Posted by: Matt at March 23, 2004 7:49 PM
not being all THAT savvy about these things i have to agree with those of err on the side of saying that it sucks only becuase the best thing about MT is that it's on YOUR side.
i also don't like the idea of being centralized. of someone having the ability to see where, when and what i leave as comments - but that's just because i'm paranoid about big brother - funny since i'm on the internet all the time leaving my little tracks behind - but there is a point to be made somewhere in there.
when i think of the sheer horror of the time it takes me to visit blogger sites and has taken me to visit some typepad sites - i cringe at the thought of the massive man power that would have to go into running something of this magnitude. i'd much rather have it be on my side, that would make me feel more comfortable...but alas, what do i know?
Posted by: girlwonder at March 23, 2004 8:24 PM
I see your point and that is why I want to make it optional by allowing people with out TypeKey accounts the ability to post comments but they will be approved by me before they go live.
Think of the letters to the Editors in a newspaper. Anyone can write one but it is up to the newspaper to decide what ones they want posted to their publication.
Posted by: Jake at March 23, 2004 10:30 PM
"defiantly"? or "definitely"?
Posted by: Anita Rowland at March 24, 2004 7:38 AM
"definitely" My bad. I can't wait for MT 3.0
Posted by: Jake at March 24, 2004 8:38 AM
I understand the want and need to be able to moderate what comes through on the comments. However, I am tending to agree on the red tape aspect. I, myself, do not use TypeKey, probably never will, and the idea of sending a comment that will eventually make it onto the blog, loses the aspect of real time. If there is a debate going on "right now" I would like my comment to be heard "right now." Maybe that is selfish of me in a way.
Posted by: Mici at March 25, 2004 8:43 AM
Well Mici how do you think we should deal with "the stupid flaming troll" issue?
Posted by: Jake at March 25, 2004 9:19 AM
See, that is why I said I understand the need for the moderation. I was just stating the other side of it. I am sure I am not the only person who comments on this site that does not have access to TypeKey. To be perfectly honest, I don't even know what it is. And since I am currently not doing the website thing anymore, I don't see a reason to use it. I am not sure there is an answer for "the stupid flaming troll" issue that covers everything 100%. And to be honest, no matter what option you go to, I will continue to visit your site. I just may not comment as often :)
Posted by: Mici at March 25, 2004 11:34 AM
Well I am just mulling my options right now. It will be interesting to know how TypeKey will be recieved in several months after it comes out and people are actually using it and learn more about it.
Posted by: Jake at March 25, 2004 11:43 AM
I just got yet another new comment spam. Thus increasing my desire to use TypeKey.
Posted by: Jake at March 25, 2004 12:13 PM
