Last week I asked some folks on Twitter about their thoughts on using WordPress comments versus a third party application such as DISQUS. The questions sparked some interesting discussion and debate, but 140 characters can only do so much so today I’m opening the floor to discussion. Some thoughts…
WordPress: Is there value in simplicity?
There are pros and cons to both – and as you can see here, I opt for the old school WordPress based comments. I have used DISQUS in the past, and there is something about relying on a third party application to store ALL of your blog comments that just doesn’t sit well with me – couple it with the fact that there is little you can do to customize the aesthetic’s of DISQUS and there are reoccurring issues with their servers being down and people temporarily “losing” their comments – it doesn’t spell out to something I’ve wanted to throw onto my own blog.
DISQUS: More options for the win?
That’s not to say there isn’t an argument for using DISQUS or some other similar application. It does allow for threaded/nested commenting which all WordPress themes do not support. It gives you the ability (after logging into DISQUS.com to view, moderate, and edit all of the comments you have left around the web (on all blogs, not just your own). And – probably the most desirable feature in my mind is the fact that you receive automatic email notifications when someone replies to your comment. With WordPress – you need a plugin and your commenter’s must “opt in” to receive email notification of a reply.
What do you think?
I’m seeing more and more people go the DISQUS route – I’m not sure that one is better than the other, but I’m interested to hear (and I think a lot of others are as wel) your opinion(s) on what you use, which you prefer, and why.
WordPress or DISQUS? Speak your mind below…