Commenting systemGetting started
1. If you frequently comment on news websites then you may already have a Disqus account. If so, click the "Login" button at the top right of the comment widget and choose whether you'd rather log in with Facebook, Twitter, Google, or a Disqus account. 2. If you've forgotten your password, Disqus will email you a link that will allow you to create a new one. Easy! 3. If you're not a member yet, Disqus will go ahead and register you. It's seamless and takes about 10 seconds. 4. To register, either go through the login process or just click in the box that says "join the discussion," type your comment, and either choose a social media platform to log you in or create a Disqus account with your email address. 5. If you use Twitter, Facebook or Google to log in, you will need to stay logged into that platform in order to comment. If you create a Disqus account instead, you'll need to remember your Disqus password. Either way, you can change your display name if you'd rather not show off your real name. 6. Don't be a huge jerk or do anything illegal, and you'll be fine. 7. Got questions? Can't figure out how to create an account? Click here for frequently asked questions. 8. If you can't find an answer there, email us at webeditor@timesfreepress.com and we'll get you pointed in the right direction. 9. Have fun!
Dear Readers,
We hope you're enjoying the new Chattanooga Times Free Press online experience. We continue to add new features and listen to your important feedback. Keep those great ideas coming to webeditor@timesfreepress.com!
As you may have noticed, rolling out a brand new web platform while preserving hundreds of thousands of existing stories, photos and videos is not always a seamless transition.
One area of concern highlighted by our readers has been the temporary Facebook comments plug-in we used as a placeholder until we finalized our new commenting system.
That new commenting system is now ready. It's called Disqus.
The net effect of this system is that thoughtful, interesting comments will float to the top based on the community's direct input. You can even sort comments by "best" or just look at the most recent comments if you choose. We think that's pretty awesome.
Plus, once you create a Disqus account, it's usable on any site that employs Disqus comments. You can even comment from your smartphone.
Disqus is used by many major media outlets, including CNN, NPR, The Atlantic, Politico, MSNBC and Bloomberg. Disqus is also popular with community-driven enthusiast blogs and niche sites like Destructoid, Entertainment Weekly, Boy Genius Report and even Top Gear.
So what's so great about Disqus?
For one, it's really easy to get started. You can create a Disqus account with a simple email address, or you can use an existing Facebook, Twitter or Google account to quickly register.
After registering through a social media platform, you may receive a confirmation email with a link. Click the link to confirm your account, and you're ready to go.
You'll now have the ability to create a custom avatar, reply directly to others' comments, view your friends' profiles, receive notifications when your best friend or nemesis makes a comment, and even share their comments on a social networking platform of your choice.
We'll let you post rich media, such as images and video, to help make your point, and you can easily find the most recent comments or hottest topics on our entire website with the click of a button.
A few of you are concerned about using your real name. With Disqus, you can change your display name in Disqus settings if you'd rather keep your identify private.
Another wonderful Disqus feature is its community moderation features. That means that readers rule the roost in two big ways:
1. If you're logged in, you can upvote or downvote other users' comments, which over time will be factored into how those comments are displayed on the site.
2. If a comment violates the Times Free Press comments policy or appears to be spam, it's easy to flag a comment as inappropriate.
We hope you enjoy all the cool new features offered through this new platform. If you don't already have a Disqus account, sign up and give it a whirl. If you have any questions, drop us a line at webeditor@timesfreepress.com.
Most importantly, stay tuned because there are tons of great new features like Disqus coming to TimesFreePress.com in 2015.
Happy holidays,
The Web Team
Times Free Press Comments Policy
The Chattanooga Times Free Press web sites include interactive areas in which users can express opinions and share ideas and information. We cannot and do not monitor all of the material submitted to the website. Additionally, we do not control, and are not responsible for, content submitted by users. By using the web sites, you may be exposed to content that you may find offensive, indecent, inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise objectionable. You agree that you must evaluate, and bear all risks associated with, the use of the Times Free Press web sites and any content on the Times Free Press web sites, including, but not limited to, whether you should rely on such content. Notwithstanding the foregoing, you acknowledge that we shall have the right (but not the obligation) to review any content that you have submitted to the Times Free Press, and to reject, delete, disable, or remove any content that we determine, in our sole discretion, (a) does not comply with the terms and conditions of this agreement; (b) might violate any law, infringe upon the rights of third parties, or subject us to liability for any reason; or (c) might adversely affect our public image, reputation or goodwill. Moreover, we reserve the right to reject, delete, disable, or remove any content at any time, for the reasons set forth above, for any other reason, or for no reason. If you believe that any content on any of the Times Free Press websites infringes upon any copyrights that you own, please contact us pursuant to the procedures outlined in the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (Title 17 U.S.C. § 512) at the following address: Copyright Agent The Chattanooga Times Free Press 400 East 11th Street Chattanooga, TN 37403 Phone: 423-757-6315 Email: webeditor@timesfreepress.com