I just started with the TypeKey option in TypePad. Some minutes ago I ‘installed’ this option. Rather say, checked the check box with one click. That’s all and quite simple. But what is the functionality? Steve Rubel thinks that using TypeKey gives more hassle. I do not agree. Because TypeKey can be used optional by readers. So people who do not want to sign in can just comment on the same way as normal. Of course if I want I can turn on the signing in as obligatory. The advantage of TypeKey is that there is a authenticity proces both interesting for the one who is commenting as it is for the weblogger who is moderating the comments. The advantage for the reader is that he need not fill in name a.s.o. and that his emailaddress is not displayed. It is just a link to the profile of the TypeKey user in which he can decide what information is displayed. Even the emailaddress can be skipped. Above is my TypeKey profile.
In this way the TypeKey user is prevented from identity spoofing, because there is not much information (such as emailaddress) on the comment. So it enables you to verify and protect your identity on the internet. For the moderator of the weblog it is possible to see the profile of the person who is commenting and is therefore able to decided whether or not he approves the comment or better the one who is commenting. This gives more authenticity and trust. Nevon is also using the TypeKey feature.
That’s a good assessment, Hans.
As you mentioned, I’ve also enabled TypeKey on my blog. For the moment, it’s voluntary – I don’t want to place too many hurdles in front of people who want to comment. Much will depend on how the system works and how willing people are to support it.
I have not implemented comment moderating. Unless you have major spam issues, it’s overkill. I’ve seen a number of TypePad bloggers who have now done it. I think most of them have because they can. Plus, you have to spend additional time reviewing and approving each comment before it gets posted.
Big hurdles for everyone!
I think you are right Neville. Moderation does not make sense when you have no problems with spam. I tested it and it works fine. For now I disabled it. This TypePad feature is very strong I think. I hope a lot of people are going to use it.
Hans,
You state “The advantage for the reader is that he need not fill in name a.s.o. and that his emailaddress is not displayed”.
On your blog you have the “Remember personal info”-checkbox and the email-address is not displayed anyway.
So from a user perspective I don’t see THE REAL ADDED VALUE of this function for anyone that wants to comment on your posts.
@fred: yes you are right for my blog 9for those who have an url), but in many blogs I see that my emailaddress is displayed. If they should use the TupeKey function the emailaddress was not displayed. For readers who do not have a website/url the emailaddress is displayed. Using TypeKey is will not been displayed.
For the ‘remember personal’ info I do not know exactly how that works, but I think with cookies or something. Leaving tracks of me somewhere. With TypeKey it does not. I just log in in TK and authentication is done. It is a centralized way of managing your identity/authentification proces. We will see how it works. If nobody implements it it will be no benefit.
Clear! I wait for the results and your conclusions 🙂