While we don’t have a lot of commenters here, we have a few who make their voices heard from time to time, which is why I’m posting this.
Andrew and I are considering switching from Discus to Facebook comments. Here’s the rub:
Compared to WordPress comments, Facebook comments require commenters to use their real identities. This would eliminate a large amount of spam that I get and would optimize my time for blog writing as I would not be needing to moderate as much as I do now.
Here’s why we’re thinking about it:
Now when you comment on HowToMakeMyBlog.com, your comment also appears in your Facebook stream with a link back to the post you commented on – this is an extra traffic source for me.
Another benefit would be the hateful comments that get moderated out would likely decrease as people would have to use their real name.
I know most of our commenter use an online nom de plume, so I wanted to check to see if you would stop commenting if we made this switch. I also know at least one of our commenters isn’t on Facebook yet.
So I need your input. Andrew is using it on his blog right now and after commenting there, my comment appeared on my Facebook page, along with a link to his blog. Now over 2800+ people who are my Facebook friends will have that blogpost show up on their Facebook Home page.
That’s a big incentive to make the switch, but if it will cost commenters, I don’t know if it’s really worth it. While we might be able to pick up new commenters, I hate to throw away the ones we have.
So speak up and let us know. Your voice is important to us.
Thanks
As I am one of the infrequent, yet vocal people who comment on your sight, I would be against it only because I avoid Facebook, Twitter and others like the plaque. I honestly haven’t signed onto Facebook in over 1 1/2 years. None the less, I will follow and throw a comment here and there as warranted because yours is one of the sights I follow for solid info.
Joetote (My name is Joe, BTW)
I don’t comment that often but do put the occasional comment out there. If you switched to Facebook, I would no longer be able to comment. I read during the day if I’m taking a break or having lunch (while at work). Facebook is blocked at work.
Don’t you already have the ability to comment with facebook here? I mean, Before I log in to Disqus, I have the ability to comment with Facebook, Twitter, and Google. Even to the left, I have the ability to share this with Facebook, Twitter, and Google. Would this be a switch to ONLY Facebook comments or Facebook as the primary commenting tool?
It would be Facebook’s commenting system.
This is the first time in days that discus has allowed me in to comment. I hate facebook even more.
That’s odd. Disqus hasn’t caused me any problems at all. And you know it has in the past.
I’m starting to see a trend. I’m guessing the switch isn’t going to happen.
Just fyi – I don’t have and will not get a facebook account.
I would comment more often. I find the constant logging in a hassle and I am most definitely not afraid to have my own name connected to my own opinions.
Tim Torrence
Count me out as a reader if you switch to Facebook. It has demonstrated a total disregard for privacy and security. It has released invasive new features and hidden the ability to disable them so often that people are now writing guides to Facebook privacy settings.
There has been a large outcry online regarding Facebook’s self-serving approach to privacy and security and their willingness to compromise it for ad revenue. Why would you even consider swimming upstream against that movement?