A blog is not a forum. Both accept reader opinions, but forums require registration and blogs do not. ISTBuilding.com has two forums.

Since last jumping my feed reader to comment, this website implemented Disqus-based comments enabling threading and registration. Personally, I think comment threading is counter-intuitive and unnecessary, but I don’t really have any quibbles with implementing it here. Registration is a deal breaker.

First, let’s not be confused. The comment form prompts readers to “verify my post” before popping a Disqus registration box. Registration and verification are different processes. Verification blocks unwanted activity (i.e. spam) using captchas or similar. Registration blocks unwanted people (i.e. english literature majors) via account authorization. Also, my opposition is singly to comment authorization not author authorization.

Consider that all major blogging platforms do not require comment authorization by default. Why? People will not register to contribute. Occasionally yes, but smart people reached the negative conclusion long ago.

I won’t register. I urge those in agreement to email the editor voicing your opinion in lieu of submission via registration-mandated comments — and to stop contributing until ISTBuilding.com recovers a proper blog.

PS - I tagged Wikipedia, then cleansed it in protest.

Tags: blog, disqus, forum, protest

Categories: Opinion, Suggestions