Do Bloggers Need a Solid Comment Policy?

by on Mar 20, 2009

Since posting about using Akismet and the need to check your spam queue, I’ve found that all comments in response have been found in my Akismet spam queue. I think it’s quite indicative of the types of sites the visitors linked to in their comments and the keywords used in the names they provided. What are we, as contentious bloggers, to do?

One option is to implement a comment policy that clearly states that comments where keywords are used in names, or links provided to certain sites will not be approved. While this is a sure-fire way to curb the spam that gets through, I have no doubt that it will also adversely affect the level of activity that I have come to appreciate.

The other option is to do nothing, allow all decent comments through, because people may be willing to provide a quality response, but want something in return. Since I already use the dofollow, CommentLuv and Top Commentators plugins, I am not opposed to providing incentive for visitors to contribute.

While I believe the most effective tool against spam is moderation, some sites like BlogHerald.com do not use it and have a comment policy similar to my own existing spam prevention philosophy where comments are censored or deleted if they are abusive, off-topic, contain ad-hominem attacks, promote hate of any kind, use excessive foul language, or is blatantly spam.

As expected, ProBlogger.com has a comment policy, but seems to be much less formal. It’s more of a narrative response than an outline of what’s acceptable, or not.

The AriWriter.com policy is similar (some parts are identical) to that of BlogHerald.com, but takes it a couple steps further by disallowing the use of handles and adding a legal disclaimer.

So, those are the obvious options, but what else can possibly be done? What does a fair yet effective comment policy allow? Or, am I overthinking this?

  • http://gormetdogtreats.com Nina Ottosson

    I think you maybe overthinking things a bit. I think you know what should and shouldn’t be allowed when moderating your comments. Its important and makes articles more interesting when there are follow up comments and keeps you in touch with your readers so it is important to allow comments. I always use my best judgment on my sites.

  • http://drivelocity.com drivelocity

    Nina, Thanks for the comment :)

    Compared to some bloggers, I’m pretty lenient. As long as it’s not blatant spam, I’ll let it through. On the positive side, many spammers are stupid. It’s really obvious when there are a ton of links, the comment isn’t on topic, the comment is short and doesn’t contribute anything (i.e. “nice,” or “I agree”), or there are five identical comments in a row queued up for different posts… But some are smarter and put more manual effort into it.

    The crux of the matter is, do I want to appear like I allow spam? What I mean is, is there a downside to having comments from people with usernames like “Holdem Poker Casino,” “Acai Berry Diet,” or “Singles Dating?” Or, is it in our (bloggers) best interest to disallow keyword loaded usernames entirely?

  • http://www.4maximumhealth.com nutrisytem

    Another no-brainer, but so many companies overlook this. It shows your readers that you are actually paying attention to their comments, and want to hear what they have to say. And the more comments a post has, the more likely readers are to check out the comments.

  • http://first100dollars.com First $100

    Most of the time, our blog entries and being bump with spammers, but I believe though some may be too obvious to be a spammer, there should also be a fair judgement among the commenters. Though one could not a spammer he/she can just simply say, nice post!, I agree or whatsoever.

  • http://www.thependrive.com Consumer Electronics

    In my opinion, I don’t think you need to do anything. I think its the fault of Akismet for putting decent comments in the spam area.

  • http://drivelocity.com drivelocity

    nutrisytem, I was thinking along the same lines.

    First $100, I usually don’t bother approving one or two word comments, especially if the name is keyword loaded, or the site they link to is shady.

    Consumer Electronics, Akismet aside, if you were to have to use something other than the keyword loaded name you chose, would you bother commenting?

  • http://www.marblehost.com/dokuwiki.php DokuWiki Web Hosting

    Well, Infact all the big spam filter will not do as good as moderisation. As all of them are inhuman they cannot think like a normal human being. They works only on basics , they cannot think beyond it, but an human being can do it.

  • http://baltimorerealestateinvestingblog.com/ Ned Carey

    >do I want to appear like I allow spam? What I mean is, is there a downside to having comments from people with usernames like “Holdem Poker Casino,” “Acai Berry Diet,”. . . .

    I don’t think spammers notice, They come and leave a comment and never come back.

    I allow keywords if it is a legitimate comment, but I will often check a site out like Acai berry diet. If it is spamy I may deactivate the link or delete the comment.

    I have a comment policy you can check out at my blog.

    Ned Carey´s last blog post..Exponential Wealth Conference

  • http://drivelocity.com drivelocity

    Ned, Good point. Thanks! I’ll be sure to check out your comment policy.

  • http://www.interlinguisticsoftexas.com Translator Dave

    I prefer entries to be screened. I actually want to be exposed to somebody else’s views, not get a great deal on viagra.