Comments on: New comment system on the Seattle Times: Not good enough

By: Jason Preston

Jason Preston — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 18:22:02 +0000

Michael – Thanks for the offer. I’m currently planning to use the built-in WordPress system on Eat Sleep Publish because:

a) it’s simple
b) it has a great back-end control system
c) I have COMPLETE control over the data, and
d) I’m lazy

But if those change, I’ll take a look at IntenseDebate. Of course it might become moot if your system gets built into WordPress standard.

Daniel – Thanks!

That’s actually an excellent list of recommendations on comment systems. I try to respond to every comment that I can because it helps give that feeling of reward, and I want people to feel like their comments are appreciated (which they always are).

Maybe I should hit you up for an interview on the principles of a good comment system?

By: Daniel Ha

Daniel Ha — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 22:21:33 +0000

Commenting on most places is usually quite the effort. To entice audience interaction, it’s always going to be most important to remove any barriers at all to getting started.

No registration is the biggest thing. Remembering commenters is also important. Another key thing is giving the person a feeling of reward after posting, which may usually be specific to the website.

Good post, Jason.

By: Michael Koenig

Michael Koenig — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 20:54:58 +0000

Jason, how about giving IntenseDebate a try? We’ve got all the features you listed above covered.

We leave it up to the blog admin when it comes to allowing your readers to comment without having to create an IntenseDebate account. If you post a comment without creating an account you’re only required to enter a display name. However you can also include your email and URL.

Please email me at if you’re interested in testing out ID.

By: Jason Preston

Jason Preston — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 20:06:01 +0000

Paul – You do have a good point. And I’ve said before that I think making people use an identity is important in reducing trolls, but there’s a difference between allowing anonymous comments and not requiring users to register.

I’m advocating for the latter, not the former.

By: Paul Balcerak

Paul Balcerak — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 19:32:35 +0000

I have to disagree with you on one point: “Users are required to register to comment.”

I know the registration vs. no registration argument has been beaten to death and I know that no registration = more hits, but as far as “the reader experience” is concerned, I think registration is a good thing. Sure, it’s a bit of a hassle the first time through, but it lessens the frequency of “drive bys,” which I think is a big reward for the loyal, everyday readers of the Times.