Blogger has introduced a new way of commenting! With this option you can now reply directly to a comment, right in your comment area.
As a blogger, you have three options for how your comments appear on your site.
I have long been a fan of “embedded below post” comments as this option does not redirect a blogger to a separate page for commenting.
Recently, I changed this commenting option to accommodate a lovely blogging friend who was having a difficult time posting her comments with this particular setup! Therefore I have been using the “pop-up window” commenting option for the last month.
I have missed my “old” ways and I am hopeful my friend will find these changes have solved the glitch that was affecting her ability to comment and is now able to leave one with this improved option.
Here’s what you’ll need to know:
Go to your Settings area and open the Comment section (marked in red in my screen shot) click on Embedded below post. Then save your settings and you are ready to go.
This is what the comment area looks like after the change: (see box below)
Alex J. Cavanaugh left me a comment; I was able to Reply directly to it; right under it.
If for some reason you need to Delete a comment...you can do it right then and there.
Next...once I wrote my comment, I had the option (as before) to Preview it, or Post it directly. If for any reason I am unhappy with my Reply (which is sometimes the case) I can Delete it and start over, without having to go back and forth, as in the past.
Then...and this is the best part...
If Alex comes back to check if I've replied...he doesn't need to scroll all over the place to find my reply...it's there, right under his comment.
Now...I ask you, "How cool is that?"
So, are you going to give it a try?
Jenny
Why not? :) Good idea!
ReplyDeleteHi Claudia - I am really enjoying this method of replying! I just hope it works for the gal I spoke of - it would upset me if she still wasn't able to leave a comment.
DeleteI switched to the pop-up window for the same reason. This is cool, only I tried using it & it didn't work. Guess there a few bugs to work out. But when they do, I'll definitely switch back.
ReplyDeleteHi Vinny C - It's funny how it affects some Bloggers and not others. Actually, there's nothing really that funny about that at all! You'd think that Blogger would be on top of commenting issue and not let it go on for so long!
DeleteAnyway, I am really enjoying the ability to reply right away and not have to go back and forth between screens and pop-up menus! I hope it finally works for you.
And...thanks for dropping by, I enjoy your visits!
I do like it and it's been working well on my site. I like that it's easier to discern who you're replying to. I'm not so fond of the new dashboard layout because I'm not a big fan of change once I get used to something. I also don't like having my stats and pageviews right in my face like that. It's feeds my already insecure mind when the numbers are low.(laughing)
ReplyDeleteJenn - I'm just new to it as of yesterday - I'm loving it so far...but with me, the tide can turn quickly.
DeleteBlogger often comes up with new things but doesn't always have all the glitches worked out - I guess they rely on us to be the guinea pigs!
I don't worry about any stats - as it is I'm having a hard enough time getting around to the followers I have; if they are kind enough to drop in, now and then, I figure I'm doing just fine!!
I'm still on the old interface, I'm just not a fan of the new look.
I've never liked the embedded because the whole page had to reload - twice if there was word verification. Now it doesn't, which is nice.
ReplyDeleteHi Alex - when I first started blogging, I really was unaware of my commenting options. I did notice the different ways it appeared on other sites but just stuck with what I was doing...until one follower mentioned it was impossible for her to leave a comment with this set-up! I'm hoping things will have improved with the changes made here.
DeleteIt certainly is easier to reply...so far!!
This is actually quite genius Jenny, I'm not sure if I'll give it a try though. Something that's been happening to me is that when I click on a blog it now automatically takes me down to the comment box which is irritating since I obviously want to read the content before I comment, has that been happening to you at all. I'm pretty pleased about these changes definitely as well.
ReplyDeleteHey Matthew...it's not for everyone, hence the options. I think each blogger needs to find what works best for them.
DeleteBesides, I'm a wee bit of a creature of habit - I like change, but mostly when it's of my doing or choice.
Let me know if it's easier to come back and read my reply right under your name!!
Thanks for the info - I'm going to try it! Anything to streamline the commenting/response process!
ReplyDeleteHi Li! Thanks for dropping by!
DeleteYes, do try it! I'd like to hear what you have to say; whether you think it makes things more efficient.
That is a really cool idea. It'd be great for those that don't have emails attached (I prefer to send comments back via email, since it makes it easier than having to check back on posts).
ReplyDeleteHi Cheri! First off, let me start by thanking you for Following - welcome to Pearson Report.
DeleteThe thing I like with this is I feel like I'm not trying to remember what I'm replying to - it's right there in front of me. Very cool!
Also, when I hit "Publish" for each reply I send the reply goes into the same "grouping" in my email inbox, meaning I only have to delete one reply email (since all my replies are grouped together for this post). That rocks too!
Great! This takes care of one of my pet peeves about blogger. Thank you! :)
ReplyDeleteLinda G - I agree, this has been a pet peeve of mine too. I like replying but between reading, writing and replying I found myself stressing about how to efficiently reply, in a timely fashion.
DeleteAlso, when I go back to a blog to see if there is further dialogue (to my mini novel of a comment) I think this will be so much easier...all I'll have to do is find ME! (love finding me!!)
Thanks for dropping by - always great to have your uplifting energy around my site.
Another trick...loving it...off to do the necessary forthwith
ReplyDeletexx
Great Possum! I hope you like it - keep me posted!
DeleteAnd now I am able to keep you posted!!! Right on the button...or is that write..hehehe
DeleteI'm loving this feature! You are "write" on! And, thanks for keeping me posted!
DeleteAs you know, I've been replying to comments by e-mail recently, but this does sound like a good idea! Have a good weekend.
ReplyDeleteThisisme - I've been playing with that method too - but somehow, as one of my co-hosts (Arlee Bird) mentioned when I had the "commenting" dialogue with him some time ago, it's part of the community interaction.
DeleteI do like reading what others say, and what the author of the blog replies; it does lend something more to the post!
But...it truly is a personal preference and I am in the honeymoon stage with this set-up...let's see if the marriage lasts!
Sounds like a great idea. Like you, I changed to pop-up to accommodate a very lovely blogger who was having a problem commenting on the embedded format. The ability to reply directly under a comment sounds ideal. I will definitely look into it. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi Susan - we do like keeping our followers happy, don't we - it's key to building loyal followers that like reading and commenting on our sites.
DeleteSo far...this is the best setup - easy and efficient!
That is very cool. I saw that in a few other places and was wondering "Hey! How can I get that?"
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jen!
Hey Rev! Glad you like! I think you would love it too over at your awesomely excellent site - Attitude and Pepper Spray...which if anyone is reading this should get on over there and take a read...and follow!
DeleteLet me know if you give this a try...mind you, I'll know because I'm always over at your joint! (grin)
I added it as soon as I saw it here, luv. So glad you are here to keep me up on the latest! (grin, wink)
DeleteIsn't this just the best...
DeleteI'm glad you are on board with this, it will be fun and it seems so energy efficient!
Plus this feature here, that we are using, it really the icing on the cake when one wants to add a little more to the conversation.
Thanks Rev, for coming back and letting me know this info was useful! Always glad to share a little with the "friends"!
I knew there was something different but wasn't sure how different. I did notice that the font is smaller on my comments than it was before they changed it and I don't know how to make it bigger. Now that I look back on my blog I see it is already set up for replies. Now, if you can just tell me how to increase the font on my comments to what it was a few days ago I'd be really grateful.
ReplyDeleteHi Ruth...funny, isn't it, how these things appear and we go about our business and then, as was the case with me, I seen this elsewhere in my blogging travels and investigated it.
DeleteAnd...we all know how much I love sharing these little tidbits - particularly if they make life easier.
I ended up having to change the font for the page text. Than to go with it, I had to change the font for my side gadgets. I just redid my look and it was so pretty. I am not so pleased with this font, but the comments are readable. It looked good for the post, just too small in the comments.
DeleteThank you Thank you Thank you Thank you!! I have been trying to figure this out and you have shown me the way.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you stopped by my blog. I can't wait for the A to Z Challenge. I'm so excited I have my theme this year and I'm following the tips to make sure I finish on time this year. A personal challenge to myself. :)
Hello Melissa! Welcome to Pearson Report - glad to have you on board!
DeleteI've been having a blast replying to comments - it's never been easier! Now...not that luck doesn't always follow me...but I think I will curb my enthusiasm for a wee bit, just in case; Blogger has a way of teasing and then taking away the goodies!
As to having a theme - I envy you! I have my ideas on file, some posts finished, but I don't really have an actual theme.
I do like third person writing and love challenging myself with trying to write something that evokes a definite emotion in 750 words or less! I really had fun with that last year, so it will be what I focus on now.
So glad to meet you! Jenny
It has appeared on mine and I have tried it but I have had one grumble of a blank screen and typically, it is at a time when I dont want to reply too often as I have a giveaway based on someone leaving my 8,000th comment
ReplyDeleteI think it is a great idea, one that will lift blogger a bit
Hey there Ms. Mynx - cute little avatar!
DeleteWell, I can sort of see where this would be a problem with your giveaway, but, and don't hit me on the head...but couldn't you just not count your comments!!!! I know, you want the number to be officially 8,000 but in the name of sanity I think you could work around that!
Anyway, you are getting close so it's just a matter of time and then you can reply this way. It really is so much easier and quite user friendly! Cheers, Jenny
Very cool I will be turning that on :)
ReplyDeleteSo...now how do you like it? Sorry for the delay in replying...life gets in the way with my blogging!
DeleteI've been praying for Blogger to give us the ever so valuable REPLY button for years, and now it is finally here, what a marvelous New Year's present!
ReplyDeleteThe only problem is that some people are now unable to comment at all, but as far as I got it they just have to switch from IE to FIREFOX :)
Hey Dezz - I figured you'd like this feature! I am going to keep it for as long as it's offered; one never knows with Blogger when it might be gone!
DeleteI haven't heard back for the gal I mentioned in my post - hopefully she will drop me a note, one way or the other!
PS...more squishy hugs coming your way...you know why!!
I've been noticing it all over the blogs today. It really is a cool feature! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Golden Eagle - thanks for stopping by and checking this out - I'm loving it!
DeleteI hope you do too! I often wonder how you handle so many comments, over at your place, and I think this may definitely make things easier.
I saw this "reply" feature on other blogs and was wondering how to enable it, so I was excited to read this. I then realized I already use the embedded option and - lo! - my blog now has the feature, without me having to do anything. How cool is that?
ReplyDeleteN.B. It wasn't there yesterday, so I guess it is being rolled out to blogs over a period of time.
I noticed it around other blogs too - that's what caused me to dig a little deeper and see what was going on!
DeleteI hadn't noticed on mine as I was using the "Pop-up window" option - and it doesn't work there, hence going back to this style (which I've always liked)
Thanks for stopping by and adding your thoughts!
I will certainly give it a try! I closed comments on my blog today because I was featuring a guest post on another blog so I missed all the excitement. I kept seeing these reply buttons elsewhere and wondering what happened. I prefer the embedded comment form over the pop ups. I've had a lot of trouble with pop ups freezing my computer.
ReplyDeleteHello fellow co-host! I'm so stoked you're on the A to Z team. You'll see I've added you to my list, back on my intro post!
DeleteNow, interesting isn't it, some of us have no problems with the setups, others have a glitch with one of the three...weird, but hopefully this helps fix those problems; one can always hope.
Given the volume of comments you get this should really be a blessing!
Ya know, I think I just did. Or sent my financial information to Nigeria.
ReplyDeleteIs that bad?
Al...focus...what do you think you just did, hmmm? Did you do what I think you did - which would be just sit back and relax because over at your place you've already got the right setup for your comments and just need to press that little "Reply" button.
DeleteIt's easy Al...go ahead, give it a try...you can do it! :P :)
I love it when you drop by!
I LOVE this and find it easier to use. Yay for Blogger
ReplyDeleteHi Carole - it is fun, isn't it?
DeleteThanks for dropping over and checking this out!
I am off to check this out right now! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI love it, I'm a happy bunny :-)
ReplyDeleteSarah, I'm glad you checked it out and are loving it!
DeleteI'm always happy when a little bit of information is so helpful. Nothing like making the commenting and replying process easier!
And...if you had wanted to you could have replied to your own message and started a little conversation going! That's the real beauty about this gadget...
I think once we all have it up and running this blogging world will take on a whole new energy around leaving comments and replying to them as well.
Thanks for dropping by and sharing your positive energy!
I am totally loving it!! I also changed my comments to the embedded option. Like just now...it is so nice that it just pops up and I can start typing instead of paging through all of your 52 comments! :-) Have a fantastic week!
ReplyDeleteHi Tracy Jo - You've put a smile on my face...with "loving it" - thank you for always bringing such wonderful enthusiasm and energy over to Pearson Report! You brighten up the place and that, my dear, is what it's all about! Hugs to you and an equally fantastic week is my wish for you too!
DeleteThis is good to know. I switched from blogger to DISQUS for the very reason that I wanted to be able to reply to a comment within the comment. The way my blogger comment form worked, I had to leave a separate comment as a reply and the end of all other comments. I loved Disqus at first, but many people have told me they have a difficult time leaving a comment. Also if the person leaving the comment is not a DISQUS member then they have to fill out the section that ask for name, email and blog url. If they don't fill it out their name (comment) is in a different color and I cannot link back to their blog from their comment so I have to find them in my follower section and hope I can link to them that way.
ReplyDeleteI am switching back to blogger but I am waiting until after my "Get Fired Up" contest so I don't lose any of the comments from bloggers who have entered.
Hi Melissa - welcome to Pearson Report.
DeleteIt is hard finding a blogging site that gets the commenting component right, isn't it? Now that Blogger has come up with this option I think they may have finally hit the nail on the head, rather than our thumbs!!
Thanks for dropping by and sharing your insights on life over at DISQUS - and I welcome you back to Blogger after your contest. I'll be dropping by your place to check it out. :)
Oh no, i followed the instructions but its not working. What am I doing wrong.
ReplyDeletefabulosityreads@gmail.com
I may have to switch to this method--I like it, but I've gotten so many complaints about the embedded comment box. But it all works good for me now.
ReplyDeleteLee
An A to Z Co-Host
Tossing It Out
Twitter: @AprilA2Z
#atozchallenge
Blogging from A to Z
Hi Lee - Comment options are so personal. When I first started this was the format that appeared; I got used to it.
DeleteThen it started giving a few followers grief; I switched to another style but this is still my favourite. Now that I can reply to each comment, like this, I am very happy!
I had started replying directly to the email comments, but not everyone has an email address so it still meant I had to come back to the comment section.
Now I'm back to this style and am very happy!