Newbie Question...

[jeffintx]

Hello,

I'm trying my touch at designing a website and have a question that I can't seem to find an answer to...

Do I need a special script to allow visitors to post information (such as a narrative) and a photo on my website?

The theme of the website will allow visitors to post their comments and if they would like post a photo too.

Any comments on how I can accomplish this would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You,
Jeff

PS. Please feel free to email me too.

[ADAM Web Design]

I've never seen a ready-made script per se that would allow for something like that, but I have seen components such as ASPUpload that will allow you to upload the pics.

The rest would be up to you and your knowledge of server-side programming.

[wrmineo]

Does your web host / server support PHP?

This is option I could see that would allow and support this without lots of time on your part which is what I'm guessing you're trying to accomplish - allow users to comment and post without having to have you push each one?

Another might be to have a blog? This could be done via a 3rd party (like blogspot) and either hosted by them or through your own "ftp" (sorry, it tries to link if typed by itself)

Either of these could be done, if supported, via a separate directory or even a subdomain - again, if supported.

[webhost1]

Sounds like a guest sign in book script.

[megahertz28]

Like wrmineo said if your host supports PHP try http://www.phpbb.com/ (FREE) it will allow your visitors to comment and attach files (if you configure it that way.) You sould be cafeful allowing people to upload items though. Out of 100 uploads about 5 of them tend to be condusive to the aim. The other 95 are from *(&^&^$^#%#*&(**^%!!!!!
An example of the PHP message board can be found at my Springfield site - http://topologies.net/phpBB2/index.php (no longer allows file uploads though :)

[NetZooms]

Hello,
When you open up your site to allow posting and uploading you are also open for attacks by ill-behaved visitors. PHPBB is a really great website tool and allows you to atleast limit the type of interaction a user can have with your site, likewise the above mentioned blog can (if it has a secured member section capability) provide the interactiy you are seeking. However, having fixed more than 50 sites (running various programs, custom and free available) that were hacked due to to software or security vulnerabilities, I am offering strong caution that if you select a software package, make sure that it is something that is supported and maintained by your hosting provider (crucial word is maintained) and not just provided or something that you install willy-nilly.

Best of luck.
John

[vwebworld]

A forum could be a solution for your needs.
Check with your web host to see what forums they support (phpBB or others). You can "control"
access and what is posted too...and you can
incorporate a forum into your website.

~Roland

[roban]

PHPWebsite is a great script and if your host has CPanel you can probably have it installed in about 5 minutes. If not, it's free and you'll have to install a SQL database. I have 2 sites online that use it:

http://www.ehacc.org

http://www.eyeonthehamptons.net

[thusmann]

This script looks like it would work

http://www.abynex.com/NewTemplate/fl...age=guestbook2

It allows the user to upload their image and add their comments.

The http://www.ibuilt.net website builder suite also has guestbook option, but it does not allow users to upload an image. You should check out the 10 day free trial, it will save you a lot of time and headaches if you are looking for robust server side features...

[bj]

Why couldn't they just use images that reside on their own server? That's what I just did here!

That means you can use phpbb like webproworld.com does.