>> This is semantic silliness. As I'm sure you realize, the author >> simply pointed out that it is the "human test" provided by TMDA that >> allows us to block spam. Blocking spam is the goal; Turing tests are >> the means. While not the only method, TMDA is quite effective >> despite its inherent shortcomings. > > But TMDA does not just rely on a "turing test". TMDA also > rely's on the fact that spammers forge From addresses, that the path > of spam is often one directional.
I really don't see how TMDA relies on spammers spoofing their addresses. The latter is unfortunate, but TMDA hardly relies on it. It's more of a grudging acceptance of reality. Most challenges are sent to spoofed addresses, but there's not much anyone can do about that. It's more important to make sure that (a) recipient in-boxes aren't inundated, and (b) valid correspondents are able to get through (albeit after going through the challenge). >> If spammers automate C/R responses, C/R solutions such as TMDA will >> respond with a more involved Turing test that will be very difficult >> to automate. > > Hmmmm. I've corresponded with someone who finds basic C/Rs > "extremely" annoying (his word, not mine). Don't we all? > He refuses to respond to them on principle. He claims he is not alone. I'm sure he is not alone. But I personally have little desire to accommodate obstinate folks. That type of response sounds to me like: "Sorry, but my time is more important than your time." As has been said by others many times before, I refuse (on principle) to allow my in-box to become a hell-hole just because a few curmudgeons can't take five seconds out of their day to do a one-time confirmation that they're human. > He would probably find a more elaborate response requirement even more > annoying. Undoubtedly. But as Ole and others have said, if it's not worth it to take a few moments to help stem the spam tide, then I can't say I'm going to miss hearing from said individual(s). > I'm not saying he's right, just that he exists, and I, or you, > might someday want to exchange email with him. Nobody questions whether C/R is annoying. But to shun it on principle is to deny us the one truly useful weapon we have in this war. If you're not part of the solution... > Please don't get me wrong. I think TMDA is darn nifty. I > really admire it. I'm just wondering how much farther it can go. We would all like to live in a world where TMDA and its ilk are not needed. Somebody shoot me a note when the pigs start flying, would ya? ;) Justin _____________________________________________ tmda-users mailing list ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) http://tmda.net/lists/listinfo/tmda-users
