New Commenting System on Blurt: Introducing Disqus
With a new year comes a new way of leaving comments here on Blurt. We've installed the Disqus commenting widget, which you may have seen before — more than a million websites use Disqus to handle their comments now. We're considering this a trial run, so if it fails miserably, we'll switch back to the old way or do something new. But we like Disqus so far, and we think you'll like it too.
Here are some preemptive answers to questions. If you have other questions, leave a comment in the shiny new Disqus widget box below, or email me (tyler at sevendaysvt dot com).
Q: What's so good about Disqus?
A: Lots of sites use Disqus, and just one Disqus account allows you to comment on all of them. Disqus also allows you to "like" individual comments that you agree with, and replies are "threaded," which should make conversations easier to follow. Having a Disqus account also gives you a dashboard on which you can track the replies and likes your comments get.
Q: Do I have to register for an account?
A: Yes, but it's really easy. You can log in with your Facebook, Twitter, or Google account for maximum ease, or start a new Disqus account. As stated earlier, if you've made an account on any other blog that uses Disqus, you can use that here.
Q: Do I have to use my real name?
A: No, but if you choose not to use your real name, you'll still have to pick a single, consistent pseudonym to use. Users who create multiple accounts or use a fake email address will be suspended from commenting here.
Q: What happens to the old comment threads?
A: The spirited discussions/flame wars of old have not been disappeared from the Internet. They're still there, beneath the new Disqus threads.
