Disqus that whole offsite comment system thing? It’s been around for ages and I’ve always been a bit hesitant about it.
Sure it promises to handle comment loads and spam like a champ but the whole third-party server thing never quite sat right with me.
Plus I’ve heard horror stories about their free plan which supposedly throws in ads and sponsored comments.
That’s a big no-no in my book especially when it comes to my website.
Disqus: A Closer Look
But recently I found myself with a website that was starting to get some serious traffic and the comments were piling up.
My default WordPress comment system was struggling to keep up and the spam was out of control.
I knew I needed a solution and Disqus was staring me in the face.
I decided to give Disqus a chance but I wanted to make sure I knew exactly what I was getting into.
I started by digging into their different plans.
They have a free plan of course but it comes with those pesky ads and sponsored comments I was trying to avoid.
So I decided to go for the paid option.
It’s a bit more expensive but it gives you full control over your comments and ensures a cleaner more professional look for your website.
Installing Disqus
The installation process is surprisingly straightforward.
You sign up for an account on their website which prompts you to create a site name (like something.disqus.com) where your comments will be stored.
Then you need to install the “Disqus for WordPress” plugin.
Once the plugin is installed and activated you’ll see a new “Disqus” menu item in your WordPress admin dashboard.
From there you can connect your Disqus account using an API token and that’s pretty much it.
You’re now ready to start using Disqus on your website.
Disqus vs. WordPress Comments: A Showdown
Now let’s talk about the big question: Is Disqus really worth it? It’s a tough one and the answer depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Here’s what I’ve learned from my own experience:
The Good:
- Performance: Disqus is known for its lightning-fast performance especially when dealing with high comment volumes. It handles the processing on its own servers which takes the load off of your website. This is a big deal if you’re worried about slow loading times especially for pages with lots of comments.
- Spam Management: Disqus does a pretty good job of filtering out spam comments. They have a built-in spam detection system and you can also manually moderate comments. It’s definitely a step up from the default WordPress spam protection.
- Features: Disqus offers a bunch of additional features that you won’t find in the default WordPress comment system including social media integration comment threading and voting/ranking.
The Bad:
- Third-Party Dependence: The biggest drawback of Disqus is that it’s a third-party service. This means you’re relying on Disqus to keep your comments safe and secure. If something goes wrong with Disqus it can affect your website.
- Limited Customization: While Disqus offers some customization options they’re not as extensive as what you can do with the default WordPress comment system. If you’re looking for a highly customized comment experience you might be disappointed.
- Privacy Concerns: Some people are concerned about the privacy implications of using Disqus. Your comments are stored on Disqus’s servers and they could potentially be used for marketing or other purposes.
My Verdict: Disqus for Specific Needs
So who should use Disqus?
Disqus is a good option for websites that:
- Experience high comment volumes especially high volumes of spam comments
- Need a fast and efficient comment system
- Want to take advantage of Disqus’s additional features like social media integration and voting/ranking
However if you’re happy with the default WordPress comment system and aren’t concerned about performance or spam then Disqus might not be necessary.
Ultimately the decision of whether or not to use Disqus comes down to your individual needs and priorities.
If you’re struggling with comment management and want a solution that can handle high volumes and spam then Disqus is worth considering.
Just be sure to do your research and weigh your options carefully.
WP Engine: Your WordPress Hosting Partner
If you’re looking for a reliable WordPress host that can help you manage your comments and keep your website running smoothly look no further than WP Engine.
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We offer a range of WordPress hosting plans designed to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes.
And of course we’re always happy to help you with any questions you have about comment systems or any other aspect of WordPress.
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