Comments for Disqus Revamps its Look and Improves Integration

Disqus Revamps its Look and Improves Integration

2008-08-12T18:15:50Z

We've mentioned Disqus here on ReadWriteWeb numerous times. You can even preview Disqus' popular commenting system across numerous personal and major blogs. It's been taking off since it hit the scene with advocates such as Steven Hodson and Louis Gray. Now, they're taking their platform to the next level with a new look and improved integration.

]]> Fresh Redesign

There are numerous updates to the Disqus site design. As of today, Disqus has went from this:

to this:

You'll notice that there is an entirely new layout and color scheme for everything. However, one thing fans of Disqus will appreciate is the emphasis that has been placed on the most important aspects of the service. For example, there's a lot more emphasis in the site design on management options for comments and threads. It's a lot easier to jump directly to the original comment's link and options that used to appear hidden are much more noticeable now.

A Shift in Perspectives

The site has also shifted to the user as the focal point instead of the sites that are being managed using Disqus. This could be due to the fact that users are starting to sign up to the Disqus service to claim their comments, but not integrate their commenting system into their blogs. In doing so, the profile page for Disqus users has an entirely new meaning and design. The profile page will now serve as a comment blog for users and the redesign only serves to confirm the shift.

Much More Under the Hood

Disqus as also released new APIs for developers to allow for deeper and better Disqus apps and integrations. New platform integrations include:

SEO friendly comments

Automatic data sync between Disqus and the local database

Seamless import/export of old and new comments

Comment moderation from the WordPress Admin

Disqus now hosts comments for over 30,000 websites. With a substantial amount of growth and backing from numerous major hitters including Robert Scoble and two writers from ReadWriteWeb, we expect to see more great things from Disqus in the future!

Comment from Nancy Cole on 2008-08-12

2008-08-12T19:52:20Z

Corvida,

A quick point out that JS-Kit announced SEO support and sync with WordPress AND Blogger last month in numerous places:
Mashable (http://mashable.com/2008/07/08/jskit-acquires-haloscan/),
TC (http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/07/08/js-kit-acquires-commenting-sytem-provider-haloscan/)
Center Networks
(http://www.centernetworks.com/jskit-acquires-haloscan-sync).

Since then, JS-Kit imports/exports comments with Disqus and Intense Debate as well.

Finally, I want to point out that Khris Loux has advocated from the beginning for the user as the focal point, and not having a destination site for community that is away from the blog. Most recently, he guest posted on the Faster Future blog on the topic and did an interview with Scoble and data portability advocate Chris Saad:

http://fasterfuture.blogspot.com/2008/08/guest-post-khris-loux-on-threat-of-free.html
http://qik.com/scobleizer

Cheers,

Nancy @ JS-Kit

Comment from Nigel Eccles on 2008-08-13

2008-08-13T12:23:37Z

Great release from Disqus. I like the shift in focus from blogs to commentators. Any plans for RWW to integrate it? I would love to be able to claim my comments.

Comment from Douglas Karr on 2008-08-13

2008-08-13T18:09:19Z

I'm surprised at all of the buzz that Disqus continues to get. I've been using SezWho and it's syncing has been flawless. What a difference PR and marketing makes!

Comment from San Nayak on 2008-08-14

2008-08-14T16:08:21Z

I know always the knowledge doesn't flow from the writer, it also depends with the commenter and they do feed the most valuable content ever. There is a huge potential in COMMENT part of the web 3.0. I will try this.