I have two questions:

1. I am using web form builder to allow people to contact me through my website. Will my e-mail address (that the web form sends the info to) be readable in the code, such that people who know what to look for can find it?

2. I also plan to have some downloadable pdf files on my website. In these pdfs, I might show my phone number and e-mail address (with a live link to the e-mail address). Can automated systems pick up the personal contact info on a pdf? Maybe I should just put a link to my website's contact page on the pdf files instead.

Suggestions, anyone?

There's no full proof method but to not publish your email on line.

Melodie,

The E-Mail does not show up in the code that is placed on the website, but it is within the files. And yes, hackers, spammers, cons, and cheats can steal any information that you place on the Web... There is no stopping them... But you can deter bots from finding some of the information. Simply by placing the contact E-Mail, Phone number and address in the PDF as an image. Bots can not read images, so they do not know what they are...

Hope this helps.

People can read the image.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c19/dalarson41851/Winkingsmlieyguy.gif

Eric its a winking smiley

Thanks for your responses.

So... Is a text box considered a graphic image for purposes of defeating bots? Or is creating an image (to contain my contact info) more complicated than that?

To your question #2 in your first post: You can stop bots to download e.g. a pdf file by placing a captcha before the download link.

Inger, How would I place a captcha before the pdf download in VSD?

I would just go ahead and use your contact form as the main resource for getting a hold of you. If they found the PDF then more then likely they found your site. That's a good idea to put a link to your contact form right in the PDF.

It sounds like using my contact form exclusively is really the best way to go. Thanks, Rolly.