Trying Out an Interactive Commenting System
An increasing amount of blogs are implementing interactive commenting systems that encourage readers to engage in conversation — not just with the blog’s author, but with each other.
I’ve enjoyed participating in these forums on others’ blogs, and after evaluating several commenting systems, I installed Disqus (dis·cuss • dĭ-skŭs’), a free, easy-to-use comment moderation tool.
You can use Disqus on many popular platforms, including self-hosted WordPress (the platform I use), Blogger, Moveable Type, Tumblr, and more.
Disqus gives you all sorts of one-click customization options. It also ramps up social media sharing for the truly narcissistic by allowing commenters to broadcast their comments to their Facebook and Twitter feeds.
When I installed the Disqus plug-in, it captured the existing comments on my archived blog posts, so I didn’t lose any of my previous comments (you should back up your database before doing this, just in case).
So, let’s give Disqus a test-drive. In the Comments area of this post, tell us the most interesting thing you’ve done/learned in the last 24 hours.
I'll get things rolling… the most interesting thing I've done during the last 24 hours is to plant about 2 dozen trees and perennials (with help from my teenage sons) in our “new” front yard. We hired a landscaper to give our yard a much-needed makeover, and we're planting all the trees and so forth ourselves to save money. We're more than halfway there, and so far, it looks awesome (I'll share before-and-after pix when we're completely finished).
I'll get things rolling… the most interesting thing I've done during the last 24 hours is to plant about 2 dozen trees and perennials (with help from my teenage sons) in our “new” front yard. We hired a landscaper to give our yard a much-needed makeover, and we're planting all the trees and so forth ourselves to save money. We're more than halfway there, and so far, it looks awesome (I'll share before-and-after pix when we're completely finished).
I installed Ubuntu 9.10 in VirtualBox, on my Vista Home Premium laptop yesterday at lunch time. Then, I hooked into WiFi at a meeting and updated everything (about a half hour) while attending a union meeting.
So far, am liking it. Sound, internet, etc. all working fine, unlike Windows 7 RC I had previously been running in VirtualBox.
I installed Ubuntu 9.10 in VirtualBox, on my Vista Home Premium laptop yesterday at lunch time. Then, I hooked into WiFi at a meeting and updated everything (about a half hour) while attending a union meeting.
So far, am liking it. Sound, internet, etc. all working fine, unlike Windows 7 RC I had previously been running in VirtualBox.
Those union meetings truly encourage productivity, don't they? (usually, though, in ways the union leaders don't foresee).
Those union meetings truly encourage productivity, don't they? (usually, though, in ways the union leaders don't foresee).
I've been thinking blogs need something like this. Also, more specifically, a place where a reader can post something that isn't necessarily a response to a blog entry. Kinda like writing on a FB wall.
I've been thinking blogs need something like this. Also, more specifically, a place where a reader can post something that isn't necessarily a response to a blog entry. Kinda like writing on a FB wall.
So, does that mean that WA is on it's way to spring? It's supposed to be in the 80's in San Jose, and was yesterday. I know you won't have much sympathy, but we've had a great deal of rain this winter.
So, does that mean that WA is on it's way to spring? It's supposed to be in the 80's in San Jose, and was yesterday. I know you won't have much sympathy, but we've had a great deal of rain this winter.
The most interesting thing I've done in the past 24 hours is learn a new technique for tying / knotting leather cord for a bead bracelet.
The most interesting thing I've done in the past 24 hours is learn a new technique for tying / knotting leather cord for a bead bracelet.
Actually, I just started it running before the meeting started. Participated fully in the discussions regarding layoff language and retirement issues, even though I am no longer part of the negotiating committee, by my choice, I still interact with those still on it.
I try to do more than one thing at a time, as long as they do not interfere with each other. For example I am now editing one of my newsletters, so I can get it out to the printer next week, as well as replying to you.
Actually, I just started it running before the meeting started. Participated fully in the discussions regarding layoff language and retirement issues, even though I am no longer part of the negotiating committee, by my choice, I still interact with those still on it.
I try to do more than one thing at a time, as long as they do not interfere with each other. For example I am now editing one of my newsletters, so I can get it out to the printer next week, as well as replying to you.
Katie, Your comment makes me glad I'll be in SJ this week! Spring has officially sprung in Washington state (as of March 20). It has been sunny and in the high 60s. OK… well, today it's raining (just the usual sprinkle), but YESTERDAY it was sunny and in the high 60s. And all the flowering plum/cherry trees are blooming. That means spring.
Katie, Your comment makes me glad I'll be in SJ this week! Spring has officially sprung in Washington state (as of March 20). It has been sunny and in the high 60s. OK… well, today it's raining (just the usual sprinkle), but YESTERDAY it was sunny and in the high 60s. And all the flowering plum/cherry trees are blooming. That means spring.
I hadn't thought of that, but it is very similar to writing on a Facebook wall. Good call.
I hadn't thought of that, but it is very similar to writing on a Facebook wall. Good call.