Can anyone shed some light...

[IS_Bunny]

Hi to all,
Can anyone shed some light, direct me to the proper scripts, tutorial, anything... on how I may be able to accomplish the two tasks below? (Or, what would be the smartest/easiest way to do both?)

1. ----------------------------------------------------------

I have some documents that I would like visitors to be able to download, BUT only after they fill out a form and sign a confidentiality agreement. I would also need to verify their email address "before" they can move on to the download page.

My original thoughts were:
1. Individuals will fill out a form that includes their email address
2. An auto-responder is automatically sent out to their email address, with a link to the Confidentiality Agreement page/form.
3. They agree to the terms and are then able to move on and download my documents.
4. If they have NOT submitted a correct email, they can go NO further.

I should say that I "do" know how to create a form.

So, should I set up a unique email address with my host for "that form" and also set up an auto-responder with my host? Or, should I use a script and if so, does anyone know of "free" one that will send the results to both the address entered and mine?

Is this the best way to do this, or, is there an easier/quicker way to verify an email address?

2. ----------------------------------------------------------

Another thing I would like to do, is capture the info of that form in a text file, and not in a database. Meaning, each time an individual fills out the form, their info is added to that text file and that text file keeps growing.

I remember seeing something like this, or a script that does this, but I just can't remember where and/or it's name. Does anyone know anything about this?

----------------------------------------------------------

And lastly, does anyone know of a very good "free or minimal cost" detailed stats program? (I'd like to monitor who's downloading, visiting, from where, etc...)

I'd really appreciate any advice, links, comments, etc.. that anyone would like to offer. Although I have the ability to understand the concepts, I am somewhat new at all, so, I'd like to hear any and everything.

Thanks in advance to all,
Bunny

 

[Albino]

ok first one is easily done with php. Check out how to email with php.

second one is also easily done with php, check out how to write to files using php.

www.statcounter.com is very good, to check the amount f downloads, id just make a custom php script.

sorry, id explain more, but im short of time. If you still need help, ill be back later and i can guide you through/make some sample code for you if you want?

 

[IS_Bunny]

Hi Albino,

Thanks very much for responding and offering your assistance with some sample code. The Stat Counter link you posted is excellent and exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!

Logic tells me that steps 1-4 in my original post is the only way to verify an email address, correct? I found a free script that looks promising, but I am unsure if it will work well. Have you or anyone else used or know anything about this script?

-- http://www.bizmailform.com --

The only thing that has me turned off about this script. is that I would rather have the info post to a .txt file, that continues to grow each time the form is submitted. (It posts to a .dat file)

Can you offer any suggestions? Would this be wiser then trying to write my own? Remember I am pretty new at all this. (But willing to dive in.)

Thanks again,
Bunny

 

[Albino]

that script looks pretty good actually, exactly what you want.
if you can modify it, just change where it saves and loads the data from. Im sure the code on saving data into a file is the same for a .dat and .txt.

hope that helps, if not, your going to have to create your own, which shouldnt be too hard.

 

[IS_Bunny]

Thanks Again Albino!

Okay, so I think I am going to try it then. I'll let you (and anyone else following this thread) know how all turns out.

Let's see if there's anything on saving the info to a -text file instead of a -data file, in the script's installation notes. I didn't see any reference of such in the FAQ's, but I'll also be able to check his message board.

Bunny