This week, we’re rolling out a new commenting system on ChicagoParent.com, we’d like to take a minute to explain why we think it’s better and explain your options for getting in on the conversation. Read ahead for more details instructions or scroll to the bottom for frequently asked questions.
Contests& Giveaways
On Contests& Giveaways, you’ll see a comment form that looks like this:
Simply type in your comment, and click “Post as…” You’ll be prompted to sign in using your choice of profile logins. We strongly encourage you to connect using your Facebook or Twitter accounts. This application will never share your information with third parties (or with us – it’s completely safe and confidential). If you’d prefer, you may comment as a guest, using a valid e-mail address. We need to collect an e-mail address to contact winners.
You can also subscribe to comments to receive e-mails when someone comments after you or. upload an image to go along with your comment.
Articles, blog posts and other content
On the rest of our content, we’ve implemented Facebook Comments. This application comes directly from Facebook, so there’s no third-party application required. If you’re already loggied into Facebook, you’ll see your name and profile picture automatically appear. If not, you’ll be prompted to log in. You can post your comment to Facebook to continue the discussion there if you’d like.
FAQ
Q: What’s the difference?
A: Lots! For starters, you’ll see your comment go live immediately. Talk about instant gratification. You’ll also be able to be notified when someone else comments on the same story (on our Contests& Giveaways, you can subscribe to the comment feed, and on pages using the Facebook comments, you’ll be notified according to your Facebook privacy settings).
Q: Why are we making the change?
A: We like to know what you think – what you liked and didn’t like about our stories, where you think the conversation should be and how you feel about the issue. We believe this new commenting system will encourage more discussion. We know people like to know when other people have commented on the same story. They like to see their comments go live immediately. And they like to be able to share their thoughts across the networks that matter most to them.
Q: Is Facebook taking over the world?
A: Maybe. But we believe Facebook – and the other social logins you can now use on ChicagoParent.com (Google, Yahoo, Twitter and OpenID) – help us feel more connected to our communities. Remember: You control the information that gets shared. Check your Facebook privacy settings and remember that our commenting software, while it accesses some information like name and profile picture, never distributes or sells that information to anyone. Scout’s honor.
What are you still doing here? Get talking!
