Guys, based on my previous post, I have to make an amendment to my Top Commentator widget. There were so many spammy comments these last few weeks that I think it’s time to take a move. Please note that I’ll continue supporting and rewarding you for commenting on my blog posts. Having the CommentLuv plug-in and Top Commentator widget are some of them.
So instead of removing the Top Commentator altogether (which I first considered to), I still have a good news for you all.
Previously, I have several options whether to:
- Remove the Top Commentator widget altogether.
- Keep it, but set all links to no-follow.
- Keep it as it was before.
As of today, my Top Commentator widget will still link to your site with a do-follow however it will be ONLY from the main page (index). For other pages/posts, it will be no-follow links. So you’ll still be rewarded and I think this is the most appropriate action rather than completely scraping the widget, at least for now. This way, you’ll get rewarded appropriately for being the top commentator and at the same time, at least my blog will be a bit more “credible” without leaking too much PageRank.
As you can see on my index page, the links are still do-follow
Meanwhile, I’d always appreciate if you comment genuinely and use your name whenever possible to comment so it’ll look less spammy to me and other people.
To achieve this, I’m using the Top Commentator 2.0 modification from PopularWealth.com based on the original Top Commentator plug-in by Nate Sanden.
Your thoughts?
{ 29 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey Michael,
I understand you on this one and after seeing that post in the zombie game where the person talked about how much fun he had “playing” the game, I understand your rational. This seems like a good strategy and hopefully one that will curb the spam. However, will this really serve as a non-incentive for people? I feel like it might just be better to delete comments that seem silly.
Jodeci´s last blog post..Chasing the Dream: The Case Story
Haha yeah that one was quite hillarious. Well, he/she only gave 1 comment so it’s not really considered spamming (as long as it’s not a comment spam bot)
You however, deserve a pat in the back
You commented so many times and none of them were “spammy” in my eyes
Hah, it’s amazing how acceptable of comments you can make when you actually read the posts
. I enjoy reading your blog as it’s one of the few out there where every post isn’t “How to Make Money Online” with a generic list of hot terms.
But yea, I hear you on allowing the comments when they’re only “sort of” spam. They’re at least good for a laugh.
Jodeci´s last blog post..Chasing the Dream: The Case Story
Hehe yeah and everybody boasts that they know better than the others
This may seem a bit off topic michael, but lately I have been getting comments that are about two lines long that seem like generalized statements that would fit in almost any post. These comments are coming from the same ip address range (the last part of the ip address is different, but the first two are the same). Have you had anything similar to this? Akismet isn’t picking up on it so I’m not sure what exactly to do.
Also, I have a top commentators widget on my website too (although I think it might be the original one, not the popular wealth one). Do I have to change links to have rel=”dofollow” or can I leave them as just normal links?
Megaphase.info´s last blog post..Just activated akismet
Well I’ve been getting some of them although I haven’t noticed whether they come from the same IP address or not
Well it’s up to you really. If you change it to no follow, people won’t probably like it since the Top Commentator is an incentive for them to comment (with the do follow)
I have got a feeling that we all will just have to learn to live with the spam comments, they seem to be here to stay. I do however hope your new plan helps a bit.
Lyndi´s last blog post..Blog Review: Cardiogirl
Let’s hope so too. I think I’ll be more strict with the comments now, however
I always have issues with spam comments, although I Akismet does a pretty good job for me, and if it does miss something, I will usually catch it.
I didn’t even know you used a top-commentator plugin on your blog. I just saw it, and I guess I never looked there before.
I hope your latest change helps with the spammy comments.
Haha I guess I shouldn’t put it at the most bottom part of my blog
I HATE Akismet. I use it on my blog and it’s very effective but it has a few problems too. I’ve been marked as spam on one blog (I don’t know why, I don’t post anything bad and am always relevant), but because of that, almost every blog that uses Akismet now automatically places me in the spam section. This kind of “one strike, you’re out” policy gives bloggers WAY too much power.
Jodeci´s last blog post..Chasing the Dream: The Case Story
Yikes.. feel bad hearing that. I found that Defensio is better than Akismet, but still annoying when you have to double check the spam comments. It defeats the purpose
I don’t care! because i don’t intend to spam you
). I’ve got enough spam comments and trackbacks, so that i decided to set nofollow for all comments (although i really don’t want to). Just keep dofollow for the links in homepage.
Van´s last blog post..Kaspersky Security for Ultra Portables 8.0.0.506 (also known as "Netbooks")
Maybe one day I’ll have to follow the same path like yours, Van
Thanks, Mike. This is what I’ve been looking for. By the way, how do you make the category links ‘nofollow’?
Yan
Yan´s last blog post..Define A Successful Blogger
Hmm I’m not sure, Yan. I just installed and activated the plug-in
Guess it does it for me
Makes sense… spammers are always after the goods. You might consider using the keyword-luv plug-in to make things look less spammy. That way people can still use their name + a keyword for some link love. Just a thought.
-Jack
Mike, I did this couple of weeks back manually instead of using any modified plugin. Just checked the php code and modified to have the same behavior as you have right now.
Nihar´s last blog post..Convert Video Torrents to iTunes,Playstation,Xbox format using VUZE
it does not make any difference. I m your blog lover not top commentator lover.
Hi Mike, its me again Ron, back from long vacation.
Its nice to know that you really are into some “good changes” for your blog. It will be both beneficial for you and your visitors.
Tnomeralc Web Design Toys´s last blog post..The Finest Cavite Caterers
Hi there!
It sounds a good tool I am not a professional commentator, but I comment it for the interest and preparing for my latter development on blog writting and exchange idea with bloger. I also afraid of being a spam commentator. I really need a one like this about avoid the commenting spam. I appreciate to you for sharing the tool . Good luck.
Sanya´s last blog post..Photo Hangzhou Mountain Putuo
are you sure?
the links in the top commentator in this post are still do follow.
Flash Game Downloads´s last blog post..Megaman RPG: Rebellion Demo – Download
Thanks for pointing it out, Deimos. I’ve decided to remove the widget altogether
Sorry to comment in an old post. I am joining the movement right now. Basically i am glad to have another dofollow blog to visit!:-)
I’ve decided to remove the plug-in due to a problem I receive (might have something to do with the caching). I guess you need to take back your word lol
Now all the links are gone =(
Well, at least the interesting articles are still here.
I’m really sorry, buddy
I know you are one of the best commentators in this blog. I hate doing this but it’s needed to ensure the longevity & credibility of this blog
Hi Michael,
I do personally understand your point/position about the removal. And still, even without it, I will stay here and be your regular follower/reader.
Ron
Tnomeralc Web Design Toys´s last blog post..Cited Plans for Cavite Amidst Gobal Financial Crisis
Glad to hear that, Ron. You are one of the most enthutiastic commenter on my blog and I’d hate to lose you