How The Heck Did You Do That?!? Blogger Tips and Tricks #9

April 25th, 2013 Kimberly Blogger Tips and Tricks 56 Comments

25th Apr
How the Heck Did You Do That?!?

Commenting Systems and Responding to Comments

There are several different types of commenting systems you can install on your blog depending on whether or not you use blogger or WordPress. Each system has its pros and cons. Some popular ones are Disqus, IntenseDebate, Livefrye, and CommentLuv. All of them encourage interaction and eliminate spam removing the need for captcha.

Disqus- allows editing of comments, eliminates captcha, sends your response to comments to users email. Allows you to moderate comments, block users, whitelist users and works on all platforms. Followers can choose to follow topic threads and each other. Has an easy auto-install feature for blogger and WordPress users. You can decide whether to allow HTML codes and links from commenters. Allows users to vote up comments, add a profile picture and links to twitter, facebook, their blog and google+.

IntenseDebate- offers the same features as Disqus. Can be installed on all platforms but requires some coding for Blogger users. Allows users to follow conversations, and choose to receive replies to comments. Cannot edit your comment once submitted.

Livefrye- offers the same features as Disqus but currently only available for WordPress. Tricky setup for users who are bombarded with all comments to a post unless they click not to receive the feed. Cannot edit your comment once submitted.

CommentLuv- A plugin for WordPress, shows blog owner’s last post and offers the same features as Discus with the exception of editing comment.

Regardless of which one you choose based on your platform experts agree that they increase interaction between you and your followers. Unlike blogger’s commenting system where a follower won’t see your response unless they return to your page, the commenting systems allow your response to appear in the follower’s mailbox giving the opportunity for further dialogue. A commenter can choose to follow a thread and comment on other comments further engaging your readers.

I currently utilize Disqus and love the interaction it allows me to have with my followers, spam never appears on my blog, and I avoid using the dreaded Captcha. Believe me nothing screams avoid commenting like word verification. *update on WordPress now and use WP commenting with comment luv.*

Installations of all of these platforms are relatively easy, and some like Disqus will transfer old comments to the new system with the push of a button.

Bloggers, you should have a profile on every system!

Yeah I know it’s a pain in the arse, and all those passwords, I-Yi-yi! If you comment on other blogs you should have a profile on every commenting system you run across. Why?? The simplest answer is that as a blogger you want people to find your blog.

You want me to comment back and visit your blog. Right? You, my friend, are not the only Lisa L or Andrea!  So why do you think your first name and email is enough. Download your blogger icon, add your blog URL or Twitter to the profile. Use the same name on GFC, Disqus, CommentLuv, WordPress etc. It should be universal so peeps recognize you. (like my coffee cup icon and username kimbacaffeinate)

Now, if you comment on my blog and do not have a profile I will try to google search you, especially if you say something like, “Ooh I reviewed this last week and agree on some aspects but not all.” Obviously, you blog and have thoughts on a book and hey I’d like to engage with you. But, sometimes I cannot find you and I can guarantee you most do not bother even trying.

I have discovered some wonderful followers and blogs to follow while visiting my favorite blogs. How? The commenters!! People who are engaging with the blogger, it tells me they are like me but if there is no profile they miss out on a potential follower.

Responding to Comments on Your Blog

Should you comment back when followers leave comments? Abso-friggin-loutely! Engage with your followers and they will come back…I promise.

I know sometimes it feels weird, especially for those that say, “Great review hun!” I mean what do you say to that?!? AWKWARD! Keep it simple and say what you mean, “thanks for stopping by and checking out my review I’m glad you enjoyed it!” Guess what..they come back and the next time they say more *nods head*

I know some folks reply to most comments, but not for giveaways or memes but I respond to all of them! Let me tell you why: I want to engage them and I am not going to miss an opportunity If they took five seconds to say thanks for the giveaway…I can take five seconds and say, you are welcome, good luck and thanks for following. For every ten, I may get one really awesome follower who comments regularly and that my friends make it all worth it. *happy dance* Did I mention that I adore comments and chatting with ya all?

For me, the end result after a year and half of blogging is that I get comments on my posts daily. Wonderful, meaningful interaction with fellow book lovers on a daily basis. Loyal peeps who visit even when I am unplugged and on vacation and that my friends made it all worth it. Truly it’s of my favorite things about blogging.

So that’s my take on Commenting systems and comments!

Do you use a system I didn’t mention? Let me know:)

Do you have a question or tip you’d like me to discuss?

Please email me or leave the question in the comments below.

update: Some of you who use IE or have followers who cannot comment because they have IE issues (remember this is some not all) This link offers a quick, easy fix for both parties: Starr Guide

Copyright (c) 2011-2013 Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Photo of kimbacaffeinate
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

56 Responses to “How The Heck Did You Do That?!? Blogger Tips and Tricks #9”

  1. Heather

    I’m waiting and waiting and waiting for my comments to import. In the meantime it seems that the ability to comment at all has completely disappeared now that I’ve added Disqus to my blog. I like all the options and the ability to reply to everyone so they know I’ve replied but I’m worried my Monday morning post won’t be available for comments. I started this Friday night after I saw your post from Blskoiners Book Blog. I gave you both credit on my blog post about it. I think it will be fantastic if it works!!

  2. Jennifer Bielman

    I totally agree with you. I hate the blogger commenting system. I want to change it so my commenters get an email when I reply but I am scared of Disqus. It rarely works on IE. I have to go on Chrome to comment on your blog and other blogs with Disqus. I am kind of waiting to see if this ever gets fixed. I know it’s not my IE because I followed the directions to make IE Disqus friendly. And even if it is me, that means other people will have the same problem and wont want to take the time to fix it like I have tried.

  3. Marlene Harris

    Whoever said they can’t comment on any blog that uses Disqus while at the office, I’m in the same boat. As long as there’s a google or facebook or twitter option, I’m okay, but if Disqus is all there is, I can’t comment on my lunch break, and I won’t remember when I come home.

    My problem is getting back to everyone on my own blog. It’s my new week resolution every week.ARRGGGHHH!

    Marlene @ Reading Reality

  4. kimbacaffeinate

    I added a fix to mine, and I can comment from IE now..it just seems to be an issue for some IE users..did you try the fix I mentioned at bottom of my post?

  5. kimbacaffeinate

    huh? I wonder why it changes..i did the fix to my blog and changed it to IE8. I am going to investigate for you, I think i will ask the dude who recommended the fix and discus. I will update you. I do know that I tried all of the pc’s in our house with IE and discus works on them, gah, so weird and so many companies, like B&N and are using it too.

  6. Jennifer Bielman

    I did try to fix you suggested at the end of the post. It didn’t work for your website. But it did work for another website that has Disqus, but the setting wont stay changed. The Document Mode keeps going back to IE7. Is there a way to make it stick?

  7. Christine

    Great tips! I will admit, I’m on blogger and only set up profiles on the other platforms fairly recently — prior to that I did just type in whatever the generic form asked for — sometimes it’s confusing to use a platform you’re not familiar with, but it was bugging me that all my info didn’t show up when I commented — definitely worth it 🙂

  8. Blodeuedd

    I will stick with my blogger system cos..I am lazy 😉

    And yes comment on everything is so important! Sometimes I see blogs and the owner has not commented on anything. That kind of feels like talking to air.
    Even if I am not the best commenter myself, I am a woman of few words

  9. kimbacaffeinate

    thanks Ellen, I am blogger but found its commenting system to restrictive and the spam issue drove me insane. Disqus is easy to install and if you have further questions email me. I reply and visit if the person is a blogger as well.

  10. kindlemom1

    I definitely need to add a reply button on my blog, I was really surprised Blogger didn’t have one already. Thanks for posting about this. I wasn’t quite sure how to go about it but I am so doing this now!!

  11. Dana

    I switched back to the regular blogger commenting platform. I had disqus but it was keeping people from commenting…several of my regular readers didn’t want to sign up for yet another thing. I didn’t realize there were so many platforms to choose from…interesting post!

  12. Dee

    Thanks so much for sharing this. This has been such an issue for me, I get so much spam. One weekend I got over 350 spam comments, I thought I was gonna lose it. Not sure if switching will help, but it’s worth a try. I’ll definitely be checking these out.

  13. kimbacaffeinate

    I agree, I have a dear blogger friend who participates and doesn’t mention me but links up..i have let it go, but others I warn once and then delete them.

  14. Heidi

    Sorry my blog ate your comment. Got yours today. If it does it again let me know. I swear if it isn’t one thing its another. Still trying to get the Bloglovin thing sorted out. I addressed the whole commenting thing in my upcoming TMST post for this week so you will see my thoughts. The one thing you forgot to mention was how rude it is when people add their link to a meme i.e. Sunday Post and they don’t actively particpate. Not even return the comments they receive. If you are not going to participate and comment add don’t add your link. I too struggle with people not having their url embedded in their name when I try to return comments. It is such a big deal. Anyway great to read your thoughts on this.

  15. Jane Reads

    I started a “Blogger” blog on 4/13, and am dissatisfied with the way comments are not displayed. I am looking forward to adding Disqus. Thanks for the tip, Kim!

  16. kimbacaffeinate

    Now see, my sister’s both use IE and they have no problem commenting, its weird, I did offer an update with easy fixes for those users who have issues (on this post)

  17. Melissa

    I’ve tried to get set up everywhere. But I do a lot of commenting, or at least I try to, so I think I’m everywhere I can be. lol.

  18. Barbara Mckinney

    Awesome stuff.Knowing that people can share, comment or create in their own space (with their own friends) means that the value of a comment on the Blogger’s environment is not only the highest of praise, but it could well be one of the highest forms of engagement.Thanks for sharing this post!

  19. kimbacaffeinate

    Whoo-hoo. It takes up to 72 hrs. You will love it. I am in my car with hubs taking him away for the night for his birthday but will check out your site tomorrow.

  20. Angelas Anxious Life

    I am on blogger and mine has a reply on it.. though I have no idea how it got there.

  21. Angelas Anxious Life

    Also.. not sure if you mind.. but can you easily find my blog?

  22. Angelas Anxious Life

    I never thought about people coming back to continue the conversation. Looks like really the only option for those of us who use blogger is Disqus. Though I just looked and the blogger comments can be followed by email. So I guess if someone really wants to chit chat they could do that. I am going to have to think about this….

  23. Trish Hannon

    Great post, I like to chat too and will usually check back on a blog to see if they have replied to my comment. On my own blog, I try to answer them all, I think if you took the time to write something, its only fair to acknowledge that. And comments make my day! I can’t comment on Disqus on my computer but I’m OK on my android. I’m afraid if I switch it will make it harder for some folks to comment and I don’t want that to happen.

  24. Melissa (Books and Things)

    I have thought of using one of the other commenting systems out there. However, I just do blogger. It does what I need and I don’t worry too much about the rest. I do love what you have to say and I figure if I do another type of blog, I just may go to one of the other commenting systems. Great post!

  25. Jessica-Literary, etc

    I’m glad you brought this up. I just moved from the free wordpress to self hosted and I’m still deciding if I want to go with a different commenting system than the standard WP. I like the option of responses getting back to a user, etc.

  26. Aurian

    Great post Kimba, but I really dislike Disqus. I cannot comment on blogs who use it while at the office, and I still have not found out how to receive replies and other comments in my mail. And I really miss that. I love seeing other peoples responses.

  27. Barbara Walker

    I used to use Akismet on WordPress but I was getting so much spam that I added a spam blocker (can’t remember the name). Then when the rumor that Feedburner was going to stop supporting email subscriptions, I went and switched everything to JetPack, which supports commenting with a good, responsive spam blocker, email subscriptions and a lot of other widgety things.

    I’ve always had terrible luck trying to get a Disqus commenting account. I can never get my name to display correctly and they won’t let me open a new account, so I just log in through Facebook or Twitter. One of the other things I made sure I did was open an account with Gravatar and associate my avie with all of the emails I might use to comment if I didn’t sign in with FB or Twitter.

  28. Pnrurbfantasyreviews

    What a great post, Kim! I try like heck to comment back on EVERYONE who leaves a comment on my blog. I may not do it right away, but I will eventually get there. As far as responding to my comments on my blog, I never really do it, not because I don’t want too, but it’s because I have no time to do everything. 🙁
    As of May and maybe the rest of summer I’m going to be working on doing less tours, and covers. etc. and try to get back on reviews and doing different(me) posts, and commenting more, hopefully.

  29. karina

    Blogger is such a pain in the butt, Kimba, I can’t tell you! 🙁 I can’t even reply to individual comments because their pluggin is not compatible with my template. I’ve been thinking of switching to other commenting platform but the feedback of the possible problems so far outweighs the pros. I’ll definitely do something when I’ll switch to wordpress eventually.

  30. kimbacaffeinate

    Lola, I have no idea why, but I got all of your comments on my blog from over the last 6 months in my email. So I am so sorry if you ever thought I didn’t respond to you. I am seeing the new Google+ commenting system and it shares your reply. I am not sure if I want Google that far into my blog since one day I would like to self-host.

  31. Lola R

    huh I thought I remembered you responding to me on this topic, weird not sure what happened.