~terry
Thu, Jul 25, 1996 (14:15)
seed
WebForms -- Like many HTML Editors, WebForms presents users
with an intuitive and easy to use interface for developing web
forms. It then takes this process one step further by also processing
the responses from your web forms. You can use these forms for
order taking, surveys, comments, suggestions, and more.
Responses are received in the form of an e-mail message which then
needs to be imported back into WebForms for processing -- the
responses will often not be readable enough for use with just your
e-mail client.
The WebForms Form Generator allows you to develop any type of
form, from a simple 'comments box' to the most complex
combination of scrollable lists, radio boxes, and check boxes. In
addition, you can modify the source code after generating the form
for even greater flexibility. All of this is done without the need or
use of CGI scripting -- all you need is an e-mail account to send the
form to. In addition, there is extensive online help for introducing
users to web forms development and for explaining the multitude of
features found in WebForms.
WebForms is a great client to use if you lack access to CGI
scripting or lack experience in this area. It works best for
processing surveys, orders, and similar items that usually don't
require replies. However, for developing forms that you want to be
able to easily reply to, WebForms may not be your best option,
especially if you get many responses. This is because every e-mail
response must be imported into WebForms for processing and then
exported back into a text file that you can use for replying to. A
new feature that directly imports forms into your mailbox
automates the importing aspect of the time-consuming and
redundant process, but overall the process can still be quite a chore.
For this reason you might want to check out the alternatives
available as well. For surveys and orders, however, WebForms will
likely be your best bet for creating effective, professional-looking
forms for your web site.
Pros: Simple, easy to use interface for creating web forms without
advanced scripting
Cons: Forms processing can be redundant and time-consuming for
many users
New: Scrolling status bar messages, message confirmation boxes,
more flexibility in control layout
Version Reviewed: 2.1a
Date of Review: 2/27/96
~terry
Tue, Jul 30, 1996 (06:25)
#1
I believe WebForms may have a way to convert all those email messages
into a Microsoft Access format. The emails it generates are pretty
cryptic, and you may have to upgrade to get the Access interface. Also,
make sure you "plan ahead" when you use WebForms!
~time
Fri, Dec 13, 1996 (12:13)
#2
I read your good review on WebForms. I will be using a form for readers to send me their e-mail address, copyiny e-mail addresses for use in an e-mail distribution list, and then automatically replying to the sender. You mention
that for replying to the sender, I may want to consider the other alterntives.
What are those alternatives?
~time
Fri, Dec 13, 1996 (12:15)
#3
I read your good review on WebForms. I will be using a form for readers to send me their e-mail address, copyiny e-mail addresses for use in an e-mail distribution list, and then automatically replying to the sender. You mention
that for replying to the sender, I may want to consider the other alterntives.
What are those alternatives?