Contact forms and form mail cgi question

[NiagaraMouse]

I don't understand how using cgi form mail can combat spam when the email address must be placed in the code of the webpage as in the following:

<input type="hidden" name="recipient" value="email@website.com" />

Would someone explain how this works? Is there a better way so that spam bots cannot gather the email address from the coding?

I have found some javascript that I could use to hide the name but do not know how to incorporate it into the page.

[Cheryl D Wise]

That form would not prevent spam. You need to use php, asp, asp.net coldfusion or other server side processed method. Typically cgi forms that use the hidden input method are either the old Matt's formmail or similar and none of their authors recommend continuing to use them anymore.

[NiagaraMouse]

Thanks for your response. What I know about php and the other suggestions I could put under a fingernail. I will start reading up on it.

[Cheryl D Wise]

Not free but reasonable at $30 http://www.bebosoft.com/products/formstogo/overview/ will generate all the options you want including the ability to autorespond and customize responses. The free light version will send emails without all the other options.

[NiagaraMouse]

Thanks Cheryl.