I am not entirely convinced.

This is a specific type of spam you are talking about, spam generated when you add your email address to some web site or other, and a spam bot, (robot), comes along, trawls your email address, and then you get spam.

Spam is generated in other ways to, but I will keep this to your example.

For me the simple answer to this particular problem is, do not post your email address over the web. I don't, and I don't get spammed in this way. In fact, in these forums there is a bold warning in red font above each post/submit window that says;

"Note: If you're asking for technical help, please be sure to include all your system info, including operating system, model number, and any other specifics related to the problem. Also please exercise your best judgment when posting in the forums--revealing personal information such as your e-mail address, telephone number, and address is not recommended".
{my underlining}.

Most genuine and reputable forums will give the same warnings, and most reputable chat rooms and so forth should do the same.

That works for me without having to use an image tool that you are seeking comments on.

But don't get me wrong. There will be some times when you must provide an email address, for example, online stores. but even there, the web pages are secure pages, (they start with https and not just http), and they are safe from spam bots. I do not shop anywhere online where checkout or registration is not secured by https security.

On occasion I have had to provide an email address on an unsecure web page, eg in these forums. If I must, I do it in the form of;

myname {AT} myISP.com

Spam bots are not programmed to recognise or decipher such typing as email addresses.

So all in all, I don't see the need for this.

One more comment about this from me. That shortened URL address. They scare me a little. There are too many scams and bug-ridden web sites around where links to them are given in short URL format. The only way to check that 'next page' for most normal users like you and me is to click the link. But if that link hides the true nature of the web site, then you are already too late.

Finally. I intend no disrespect here, but I notice that the Review you gave a link for was posted by "Admin" on Feb 15 2010. That's today. I notice your own post was today, and by my clock (here in the UK), you posted at 01:46, shortly after midnight. It also seems you registered for these forums today just to make this post.

That makes me suspicious that your post is, in itself, spam.

Mark