No more email address in blog comments
From beginning of my blogging days I was always puzzled why is it necessary to leave your email address when you want to post a comment?
Do you as a blog owner ever use that email address? I can’t see why would it be handy. It can even be used for wrongful purposes by people who do not care. And it sure makes writing comments a longer and more complicated procedure.
So from today on, here on this blog there are no more email address requirements. Keep your email safe where it belongs. If you wish to contact me you can always use the contact form.
If you wish to disable this feature too, it is done in Wordpress options, under Discussion section. Uncheck the option “Comment author must fill out name and e-mail”. Unfortunately that means that Name will not be required too but at least everyone leaves their name by habit.
Just say no to email in comments!
Well what if I want to keep updated to this blog post I can’t if you don’t have my e-mail address. In the end this will cause less traffic and return comments on your blog.
Best of luck!
Cheers,
Blog Engage
Good point I added the email box below the submit next to email subscription.
Yeah, the first big one is subscribe to comments, no one can ever be notified unless they use the feed, which I never do.
Also, some people ask a question or something, don’t subscribe and then I want to send them an update or answer.
You have the notify checkbox below, but I’ll never be notified I guess.
Good thinking now, as I had to sit here and wait for a reply, have you checked out my site bro? I would love to see you submit your blogs I will vote for them :)
I do like the idea of making emails optional. It makes commenting a bit easier if you’re not familiar with the blogger.
I think if you’re asking a question on a blog, and expect an answer, you should probably check the comments again to see if someone answered, unless you specifically requested to be emailed (or signed up for the optional email notification).
It’s the same as a forum: Don’t post a question if you’ll never return for an answer.
Occasionally, I want to communicate with a commenter privately. Some stuff put in the comments would be like yelling “Your fly is open” across a crowded room. ;-)
How often is occasionally ?
I know it can be useful but also it can be a pain to every time type it. Besides, you still have an option to leave an email address if you wish.
Not much on my personal blog, but about once a week on a group blog that I’m on. Most blogs that I comment on (including this one) stash the info so you only have to type it once.
In the “mommyblogging” community in which my blog resides somewhat, emailing commenters back privately is a very common practice.
That can bring your blog more comments, now I see. I will concider that aproach for my blog, too. Although, I had few commenters so far who wanted some answers by mail, private. So, mail box can exist but to be optional, though.