Blogger Finally Gives OakLeaf Blog Spam Clearance

My August 6, 2006 Windows Live Writer (WLW) review couldn't test the Web Layout and Web Preview features or post directly to the OakLeaf Web site because the Blogger API includes a spam blocker, presumably a CAPTCHA. I sent a message to Blogger requesting removal of the spam blocker the same day as the review.

Today, 18 days after my request, Blogger finally verified that my blog wasn't a splog. This is a test post to see if removing the Blogger API's spam blocker enables Windows Live Writeer's Web Layout and Web Preview modes, as well as publishing posts and posting drafts. Previously only drafts posted. Sure enough, you're seeing WLW here in Web Layout mode.

and here in Web Preview mode.

Not only do I get an instant view of the post, but also no CAPTCHA to complete before manually posting to the blog.

If your Blogger blog requires you to complete a CAPTCHA to post, send a "Non-spam review and verification request for BlogName.blogspot.com" message to support@blogger.com. After a long hiatus, you should receive the following message:

Hello,

Your blog has been reviewed, verified, and cleared for regular use so that it will no longer appear as potential spam. If you sign out of Blogger and sign back in again, you should be able to post as normal.

Thanks for your patience, and we apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.

Sincerely,

The Blogger Team

Update: A newer version of Tim Heuer's Flickr4Writer add-in solves some minor problems:

Technorati Tags: Windows Live Writer, Flickr4Writer, WLW, Blogger