Comments on: HaloScan Hell

By: Bryan

Bryan — Fri, 30 May 2008 02:26:57 +0000

The newest version is much better that the 2.0 that I started with here, and I close posts after 30 days, which was the real spam problem. Still, from time to time I have to do some work.

I’m working on a PhP, mySQL project, so some of it is related to the project I’m involved with, even though the project is not going on the ‘Net. The client has decided that it is easier to deal with his people using a browser and an HTML interface, than a stand-alone program. His choice, his money.

By: Badtux

Badtux — Fri, 30 May 2008 01:37:33 +0000

One reason why I’ve stuck with Blogger commenting (I’ve used Haloscan on previous blogs) is because a) it’s simple as dirt, and b) *usually* Blogger catches the comment spammers (occasionally I have to remove a few by hand, but it’s rare). I’ve run my own blogging software in the past, and frankly, just did not have time to keep ahead of the spammers, scammers, script kiddies seeking security holes in my installation, software version updates to deal with same, and general bad guys. So now I let someone else do it and pop over to post nonsense from time to time just on the general principle of being a misanthropic penguin.

My problem with WordPress is with the fact that once again I have to get into all that software configuration, customization, blah blah blah stuff. Just not enough time in the day for my real work without making more work for me…

– Badtux the Bloggin’ Penguin

By: Bryan

Bryan — Thu, 29 May 2008 18:35:41 +0000

Someone just switched to Disqus, and the big problem seemed to be too many choices. If I was to switch, I would be looking for something simpler.

By: Michael

Michael — Thu, 29 May 2008 06:03:47 +0000

Disqus seems to be a good alternative as well.

By: Bryan

Bryan — Thu, 29 May 2008 05:23:55 +0000

If it hadn’t become so flaky lately, I was seriously considering switching after the last bout of garbage comments started flowing in dozens at a time,

By: Steve Bates

Steve Bates — Thu, 29 May 2008 04:27:09 +0000

Even for HTML adepts with server-side scripting skills, commenting systems are far too complex to develop on one’s own… too much effort for too little reward.

HaloScan has two advantages: a) it is independent of the blogging technology or other technology from which it is invoked, and b) in situations that require the first advantage, it is, as far as I can tell, just about alone in the field… in other words, apart from adopting full-blown blogging software with built-in commenting, there’s only HaloScan, take it or leave it. I take it, but it is bloody annoying much of the time.

By: Bryan

Bryan — Thu, 29 May 2008 01:23:51 +0000

It is a lot less hassle than WordPress when it works. I assume it’s growing pains [OK, scaling, as you are supposed to say when you are professional].

By: Fallenmonk

Fallenmonk — Thu, 29 May 2008 00:09:52 +0000

Sorry Bryan but us less than competent in the arcane world of HTML and all the java and stuff have to rely on someone like haloscan to give us comments that work like we would like. I”ve looked at just using the built in comments from blogger but I lose too much functionality. Our other option is to vacate blogger for WordPress or something but the techy stuff is the show stopper.
Honestly, I think I could figure it all out with some time but that is one commodity that is in short supply.
You go to blogging with the commenting engine you have or something like that.