Let’s Disqus Your Comments

disqus_125As some of you know I’ve been playing around with an external comment system to help improve discussion and community.  Before WordPress added the threaded comments option this was the main reason why these plugins were used.  I played around with it, but in the end decided that it was too much hassle since it only takes a small number of people to fail to use the system properly.  The other issue was not wanting to hand over my comments to a third party.  Luckily, most of these comment tools have taken care of this issue.  In recent weeks I tried again, but had some difficulty syncing the comments.  After the technical problems of last week subsided I decided to give it another shot.  This time things are much more promising.  The only issue is getting the comments from the last five days properly synced.  The customer support system at Disqus is first rate so I am hoping to hear from them soon.  For those of you who have commented on the last few posts please rest assured that your comments are safe.

While you will be able to take advantage of threaded comments, the real benefit is in the way that Disqus fosters community among readers.  I urge you to take a few seconds to set up an account with Disqus.  Of course, you can still comment the old-fashioned way, but an account will allow you to subscribe to the comments of others and your own comments will be archived from around the Web.  I think that is pretty darn cool.  Finally, it would be great if those of you who comment frequently would upload some kind of image to your comments.

I hope you find this worthwhile and you can start by leaving a comment to this post.

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16 comments… add one
  • instrumentals Oct 3, 2009 @ 9:15

    its a lot better than manyof the other commenting systems out there

  • Bob_Pollock Sep 29, 2009 @ 9:40

    OK Kev, all this tech stuff makes an old guy like me a bit nervous, we're all so out there, ya know? But I guess no one can hide anymore 🙂 So, how do you like my avatar? That's me at San Juan Island National Historical Park last summer helping commemorate the Pig War. For anyone who hasn't been there, I highly recommend a visit. Mike Vouri is Chief of Interp and Site Historian and is one of the nicest guys I've ever met. He's written books on the Pig War. He's also into community theater and he wrote a one man play in which he does an amazing performance as George Pickett.

    • Kevin Levin Sep 29, 2009 @ 10:39

      I can appreciate the anxiety that some may feel about registering for another site, but that is the world we now live in. That said, this seems to me to be relatively harmless. I love the avatar and thanks for the San Juan Island plug; it's definitely a place I need to visit at some point.

  • Sherree Sep 29, 2009 @ 5:29

    Kevin,

    Thank you for your kind words.

    I highly recommend Disqus to readers. Also, I believe that, in time, many bloggers will incorporate this feature into their blogs because the feature takes blogging to another level of discourse. Readers become, in a sense, mini bloggers, which offers readers (and bloggers) not only autonomy, but the opportunity to take a broad look at their views and thoughts, as you suggest. This, in turn, leads to synthesis, self reflection, and creativity. (It is also good for a few laughs)

    • Kevin Levin Sep 29, 2009 @ 5:38

      Thanks Sherree. I couldn't have said it any better. It really does take blogging to another level by acknowledging the importance of the reader.

  • acwresearcher Sep 28, 2009 @ 20:06

    OK, I've claimed all my comments. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not, but I did it! As for being able to upload this application to the free blog application on WordPress, I have not been able to figure out how to do it.

    (About 15 seconds later) I also like this edit feature.

    • Kevin Levin Sep 29, 2009 @ 4:24

      I am pretty sure you can only use this on self-hosted WordPress blogs. You might be able to use it on Blogger blogs. I can think of no downside for being able to keep track of all your comments across the blogosphere and have them archived on your own profile page that can be used to promote your own social networking sites.

  • Sherree Sep 28, 2009 @ 16:32

    Ok. I think I am up and running. A Yom Kippur prayer for our nation and our world. Amen. A-ho. Shalom.

    • Kevin Levin Sep 28, 2009 @ 16:39

      You did it! Congratulations! I think especially for those of you who comment often it will be nice to have ownership of your own words.

      • Sherree Sep 28, 2009 @ 16:47

        Thanks, Kevin. That shows a lot of respect on your part. You are a true educator. Geez! I have some really long comments. I need to get more precise. Have a good evening and get over your cold. Sherree

        • Kevin Levin Sep 28, 2009 @ 16:50

          Thanks Sherree. Your comments are long and incredibly thoughtful. I think that is even more of a reason to set up an account with DISQUS since now you have ownership and can track your thinking over time. You may also have noticed that others who value your perspective can subscribe to your comment thread so that any time you leave a comment an email will be sent out.

  • Sherree Sep 28, 2009 @ 5:25

    Kevin,

    This is a little like jumping off the high dive, but I am willing to try it. I have to figure it out first. I tried a tutorial off site and have already messed up, so as soon as the account I set up in error is deleted, I will try again. It is the least I can do in return for the generosity you have shown as a blogger over the past year and a half. Sherree

    • Kevin Levin Sep 28, 2009 @ 5:40

      Thanks Sherree,

      It should be pretty straightforward. Thanks for taking on a little anxiety for my sake. 🙂

  • Jim Epperson Sep 27, 2009 @ 16:52

    OK, I'll add my comments here: The Eagles and Phillies suck! (Just kidding)

    Seriously, I am personally disinclined to do anything that requires me to “set up an account.” Sorry.

    • Kevin Levin Sep 27, 2009 @ 16:56

      Jim,

      Thanks for commenting. As you now know it is still possible to comment on this site the old way. Those of you who comment often and who have a presence Online through other social networking sites will want to take advantage of the Personal Profile options. For that you will need an account.

      Thanks again, Jim. I will take my Eagles win and keep hope alive. 🙂

  • Kevin Levin Sep 27, 2009 @ 11:12

    Hey guys. So check out the interface. Click on my image and it will take you to my profile page. This is another advantage that comes with setting up a profile page. Not only can people read all of your comments, but they can also connect with you through other social networking sites that you belong to. You can also Tweet your comments for those of you on Twitter. Notice the reply button below which will allow you to respond directly to the post. The only way for threaded comments to work is for readers to use it.

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