DISQUS vs IntenseDebate – Which Is The Better Comment System
When you’re operating a blog you want to make the most of the commenting features. Many years ago when I built some of my first websites, I’d search for solutions which would allow ways for people who visit my pages to interact with me. Back then, one of the best options was to use a program called Matt’s WWWBoard. When I first found this script I felt like I had landed on a goldmine. And as it had turned out, Matt had many other scripts that I started using at the time as well. FormMail, GuestBook and the Free for all Links were some of my favorites. The crazy thing is that many of these scripts is that are still used today!
A lot has changed since then. Today, we have blogs… mainly WordPress. These broadcast and publishing platforms are much more powerful, automatic, and economical compared to the methods of the 90′s (aka. NotePad.exe). Out of the box, WordPress, Blogger, and Tumblr provide a commenting system that offers more ease in interacting with site visitors. But, things have stepped up even higher. Today we have systems that enhance things even further. The question remains, which system is the best for your blog?
Two of the more popular ones that I have tested are called DISQUS and IntenseDebate. Both have the same goals in mind, but both also have their own unique flavors. I’ll point out a few of their features, but in the end, it’s up to you to decide which one is best for your blog. To rest your mind, I’ll tell you up front that I prefer IntenseDebate. The reason why is because in my experience, DISQUS simply didn’t perform well with fighting spam. That might not be the case with your blog, so if you decide you like the features offer by DISQUS better than the ones offered by IntenseDebate, you should give it a shot.
I’ll start by mentioning some of the things I like about DISQUS. For starters, I really enjoy how they split their system into DISQUS Comments and DISQUS Profile. This is clever because not everyone has a blog of their own and yet these people comment on an array of others. The DISQUS Profile system keeps track of comments made on multiple blogs and the discussions within. The DISQUS Comments system is for blog owners. Inside here, you’re able to moderate comments (something I found myself doing a lot), reply directly to comments made on your blog, and a few other tasks. All in all, I am impressed with DISQUS; however, their lack of support with preventing spam caused me to eventually switch to IntenseDebate.
IntenseDebate offers some very promising features unlike DISQUS. For starters, IntenseDebate offers a quick and simple way for readers to subscribe the the RSS feed and comments. Something else worth mentioning is the fact that IntenseDebate is practically native to WordPress. The Automattic team (creators of WordPress) had a hand in developing IntenseDebate. As it turns out, it works very nicely in WordPress. Secondly, it fights spam hard! When I removed DISQUS from my blog, it literally took me hours to review existing comments and remove spam comments.
IntenseDebate, in many ways, might be too strong. Meaning, I spend a little more time approving comments that I would like. But in my opinion, I would rather approve comments rather than remove comments. I feel like once a spam comment is approved, slight damage is done. While it’s obvious that I like IntenseDebate more than DISQUS, don’t let that influence your decision. I recommend that you try both and see which one is best. To level the playing field, IntenseDebate doesn’t offer the Comment / Profile system like DISQUS. Give both a try, and then drop a comment and let everyone know which one you like the best.
December 9th, 2009 at 11:32 am
You made me re-think, Garry! I am using disqus comment system right now.. but I assume it's very much popular and has some seo benefits it seems (that's what I read as I was perplexed whether to go with Disqus or Intense debate)..
So far, it's been 2 months of easy commenting solution provided by disqus and I really like the system as well as the twitter support.. as you have tried both of 'em can you tell me the significant traffic changes observed from your side?
Take care..
December 9th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
Thanks for the post Garry, we appreciate it! We're currently working with our colleagues at Automattic to improve our Akismet integration and spam protection (and to reduce false hits).
I'd like to point out that we do offer commenter accounts. Commenters can create an account at right here from the comment section or at http://intensedebate.com/signup . Screenshot at http://bit.ly/6rmlJC .
Just like our blog admin accounts, commenter accounts keep track of your entire comment history; Gravatar, Twitter, FriendFeed integrations; along with other profile goodness. You can check out my profile by either hovering over my avatar and selecting "View Profile," or at http://intensedebate.com/people/michael .
One other thing you might interested in are our Plugins and Plugins API – http://intensedebate.com/plugins – in particular our After the Deadline spelling and grammar checker plugin (the latest Automattic acquisition). Details at http://wp.me/plsX6-tz . Thanks again, and sorry for all of the links!
December 9th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
Thanks for the post Garry, we appreciate it! We're currently working with our colleagues at Automattic to improve our Akismet integration and spam protection (and to reduce false hits).
I'd like to point out that we do offer commenter accounts. Commenters can create an account at right here from the comment section or at http://intensedebate.com/signup . Screenshot at http://bit.ly/6rmlJC . Just like our blog admin accounts, commenter accounts keep track of your entire comment history; Gravatar, Twitter, FriendFeed integrations; along with other profile goodness. You can check out my profile by either hovering over my avatar and selecting "View Profile," or at http://intensedebate.com/people/michael .
One other thing you might interested in are our Plugins and Plugins API – http://intensedebate.com/plugins – in particular our After the Deadline spelling and grammar checker plugin (the latest Automattic acquisition). Details at http://wp.me/plsX6-tz . Thanks again, and sorry for all of the links!
December 10th, 2009 at 2:13 am
Hi Michael. Thanks for taking the time to stop by and write this up. A lot of great info in your comment and I'll be sure to check it all out, as I am sure everyone else reading will do the same. I like the grammEr Cheaker (hehe) I know for a fact that one will come to use for me.
December 10th, 2009 at 2:17 am
Off hand, I didn't see any increases in traffic from using DISQUS… not to say that it doesn't happen. My main issue on this blog, my personal blog, and a few of my own client's blogs was uncontrollable spam. I understand the benefits of using DISQUS or IntenseDebate, but my interest immediately goes away if spam becomes an issue. I can say that I am very pleased with IntenseDebate… I wanted DISQUS to work, but I couldn't invest any more time into trying to make it work.
December 11th, 2009 at 1:41 am
It's my pleasure Garry. Thanks again for the post. Feel free to give me a shout at support@intensedebate.com with any questions.
December 12th, 2009 at 10:34 pm
As someone who used both, Intense Debate and Disqus I decided to go with Disqus. Part of the reason are my two complaints are really minor issues I'm sure they will fix in the future. One being lack of an ability to subscribe to a full rss comment feed, and secondly the problem of easier moderation control. The moderation control is easy for a blog like mine. I might get 2-3 comments a day if lucky… so I just need to check daily… but the RSS comment feed issue does bother me.
January 19th, 2010 at 4:42 am
IntenseDebate seems to be giving me weird snippets on my search results, most notably the infamous %3A54%3A14. If you google “%3A54%3A14″ it’ll give you a list of blogs that use intensedebate. See how it screws up their search result snippets. IntenseDebate is in my opinion extremely BAD for SEO and should be avoided like the plague.
January 22nd, 2010 at 11:00 pm
I started with Disqus and set up dozens of clients with it. Then, I tried IntenseDebate and fell in love with its ease of managing CSS, embedding images, embedding YouTube video, and the overall GUI and user-environment. Disqus is a good product, but IntenseDebate seems to understand what the heck it is that I, and my clients, truly need. What's worse, though, is that the guys of Disqus told their users in 2008 that "we" would have the ability to embed images and video by summer 2009. That never happened, and we were all disappointed.
Another little thing about Disqus that I just couldn't stand is the fact that links opened in the same window. I iframe a lot of my threads for clients as part of a managed content service. It is frustrating as hell to have destination links open inside of the iframe. Intense Debate developers were smart enough to think ahead and make sure that all user-embedded URIs and URLs opened with _blank by default. Very smart.
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January 26th, 2010 at 1:41 am
Has anyone encountered the same problem as me… Intensedebate sometimes stops working and there is nothing you can do unless you create a new account? It won't work in both IE and Firefox…
February 7th, 2010 at 7:59 pm
I started using JS-Kit… and I have been using Disqus until now. So I would not speak about IntenseDebate vs. Disqus with prejudice… But talking about spam, I feel like Disqus had already worked it out, and still working on improvement. So far, I'm comfortable now with Disqus…
March 20th, 2010 at 1:56 pm
i like intensedebate it has really good community features and allows for great interaction.
May 25th, 2010 at 1:36 am
Thanks for writing a review comparing IntenseDebate and Disqus. I like to read what other peoples opinions are on the topic.
Personally, I love running IntenseDebate with CommentLove.
June 21st, 2010 at 10:51 am
Blogs and websites that have installed IntenseDebate have experienced a noticeable increase in reader engagement around their content.
June 29th, 2010 at 1:54 am
I started with Disqus and set up dozens of clients with it. Then, I tried IntenseDebate and fell in love with its ease of managing CSS, embedding images, embedding YouTube video, and the overall GUI and user-environment. Disqus is a good product, but IntenseDebate seems to understand what the heck it is that I, and my clients, truly need. What's worse, though, is that the guys of Disqus told their users in 2008 that "we" would have the ability to embed images and video by summer 2009. That never happened, and we were all disappointed.
Another little thing about Disqus that I just couldn't stand is the fact that links opened in the same window. I iframe a lot of my threads for clients as part of a managed content service. It is frustrating as hell to have destination links open inside of the iframe. Intense Debate developers were smart enough to think ahead and make sure that all user-embedded URIs and URLs opened with _blank by default. Very smart.
July 16th, 2010 at 7:36 am
I would have to say, I set up loads of blogs for people and disqus works first time every time, intense debate is a hassle to get to work. Seems the people saying readership increases with intense debate lol all I'm going to say is… it is probably just your own hits whilst trying to get it to work lol!
August 4th, 2010 at 8:19 am
I am using intensedebate and the only question is how to keep comments if I change article URL ^_^'
August 16th, 2010 at 7:54 pm
Thanks for the article, very nice.
August 19th, 2010 at 3:59 am
Have you ever considered adding more videos to your blog posts to keep the readers more entertained? I mean I just read through the entire article of yours and it was quite good but since I’m more of a visual learner,I found that to be more helpful well let me know how it turns out! I love what you guys are always up too. Such clever work and reporting! Keep up the great works guys I’ve added you guys to my blogroll. This is a great article thanks for sharing this informative information.. I will visit your blog regularly for some latest post.
September 4th, 2010 at 12:06 pm
I didn't see any increases in traffic from using DISQUS… not to say that it doesn't happen. My main issue on this blog, my personal blog, and a few of my own client's blogs was uncontrollable spam. I understand the benefits of using DISQUS or IntenseDebate, but my interest immediately goes away if spam becomes an issue
September 4th, 2010 at 3:21 pm
I went with IntenseDebate too. I've been trying to find an updated review on the web but everything seems to be from at 6 moths ago.
Everything seems great so far.
September 4th, 2010 at 10:41 pm
I'm using IntenseDebate in my WordPress blog and I really enjoy it. I've never tried Disqus before, but I don't think I have to. As for SEO purposes, the virtually seamless way that ID integrates into WordPress means that my comments are still search engine friendly.
September 4th, 2010 at 10:42 pm
Thanks for the review of these two commenting system. I am currently using Disqus and am quite happy but all these comments about intensedebate (and holy cow does it ever merge nicely into the WP Dashboard), will have me taking a closer look.
Now all I need is hundreds of commenters!
September 9th, 2010 at 10:06 am
Yeah, I have the same problem. It would be really nice to have hundreds or even thousands of people commenting on my blog articles!
September 10th, 2010 at 5:20 am
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September 10th, 2010 at 5:58 am
Yes, it is. I also have the same opinion. I will keep up your post in my desired roll.
September 11th, 2010 at 5:14 pm
I currently use Disqus on my multi-author blog but because of the automatically synced commenting feature that makes a reconsideration an inevitable possibility.
September 16th, 2010 at 7:56 pm
vibram five fingers kso would gather the so big is the nine air jordan 22 nine days on air jordan 15 secular Wipe tears with clothes "who are you, you are not XiaoYue while you look like I know you're not her Said ZhuoFu also said "oh dragon own house/apartment you back Strength is divided, with evil This is for Regardless of the future or she have what you like ZuLong you are sleeping, but your soul now here But not in uplifts sent one out It XuLiang is completely removed Only in the office light a dragon days when the teacher came into my officeDragon days return to absolute being asked again, "then I came here in my adirondack ugg dream is to be done?"Red dragon answered, "because only here can let you spend precise condensed blood ZuLong early awakening The answer dragon daysOkayDragon ZhaoXiaoJing push toward heaven "sorry ZhaoXiaoJing Originally it was But is not against them with the tao Xiaoyu teacher didn't say anything more turned out of the classroom Can remind himself in last night's arms is so
October 23rd, 2010 at 12:30 pm
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December 5th, 2010 at 6:23 am
I would definitely go with Disqus.
December 7th, 2010 at 12:17 am
I totally agree with the post. I always think worse of any
adverts that are next to inappropriate content.
December 13th, 2010 at 3:11 am
I use Disqus and I love it. It is because its friendly user interface and lovely "Reactions" segment. IntenseDebate is confusing for a first time user like me.
December 20th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
I am with DISQUS now. If it doesn't work out I have a backup – thanks for the info.
December 20th, 2010 at 1:27 pm
I like IntenseDebate and i put it into my blog. when all my comments over the net are in one place it is very useful, i think
January 4th, 2011 at 8:43 am
I also using Intensedebate in my blog. However, it is very spend lot of time when deleting comment. Hope they will add bulk comment delete soon
January 13th, 2011 at 9:44 pm
Just switched to IntenseDebate, but checked out DISQUS as well…we'll see how it goes, but IntenseDebate seemed easy to use and easier to track comment threads.
January 31st, 2011 at 12:18 am
I think Disqus and IntenseDebate are most likely the same. However, IntenseDebate we can control our comments and follow friends. For Disqus, it is not convenient in control comments, and most of the are nofollow with link.
February 5th, 2011 at 2:44 am
Nice article, but you made me re-think, Currently I am using disqus and no spam comments found. But still I have to check intensedebate too and finally decide which is best for me. Thanks for your article
February 10th, 2011 at 7:01 am
Disqus isnt's so heavy than Intense Debate, but both are great.
February 13th, 2011 at 10:52 am
I prefer disqus. It is more effective and convenient,
February 22nd, 2011 at 12:27 pm
Good review
March 15th, 2011 at 3:46 pm
Would be great if you could update such a great post from time to time as things evolve
I am considering using one of these comment plugins on some of my websites.
thx anyway
April 13th, 2011 at 5:46 am
Hi Bob. I checked Disqus and the comments are not indexible. Can you tell me if the ID comments are? Thanks
April 17th, 2011 at 11:21 pm
Discus is better system for commenting.
April 19th, 2011 at 11:33 pm
You talk about IntenseDebate's spam prevention system yet I see a bunch of spam in the comments section!
May 12th, 2011 at 4:09 pm
I don't use any of them but only the built-in WP features with Akismet. It usually works well.
May 15th, 2011 at 10:22 pm
I vote for Intense Debate. I think it is better than disqus, because it has good spam protection.
May 15th, 2011 at 10:23 pm
i also has good spam filter too ^^
May 16th, 2011 at 3:42 am
legal eu procurava isso lol
May 30th, 2011 at 11:36 pm
Hi,
My name is Adam. Thank you for sharing the invaluable piece of information. I am currently using disqus on my blog and it is awesome.
June 3rd, 2011 at 6:14 am
nice summarization thr.. and i do agree with your point on approving comments is better than removing them..
cause dont know how often you would like to clear spam from your bog..and if its long enough then it might actually damage your blogs reputation..
June 8th, 2011 at 6:07 pm
it was interesting to read, what I don't like about instance debate that it has wordpress.com login icon (compared to other icons it's too big) which is basicly isn't that bad for what it gives you, but I find it to be irritating because wordpress.com isn't a social website it's a blogging website system, and it's kinda sad that you cannot find facebook login button. well my choice for now is between those too is disqus but anyway I prefer to use self hosted comments with anti spam system.
June 25th, 2011 at 10:56 pm
What is the best commenting system for seo
July 1st, 2011 at 2:36 pm
nice post.
July 8th, 2011 at 5:52 pm
Thanks, I am considering which comments systems I need to use for my student blog/ To be honestly, your post helps me a lot. I think I may give shot to both DISQUS and IntenseDebate
July 19th, 2011 at 12:35 am
Hi,
this is a very important how does visitor to visit my website.Blog commenting is very easy way for visitor visit our website.This is a very important rule for seo.When we are doing seo for any website blog commenting is a very important.
August 2nd, 2011 at 12:40 pm
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August 9th, 2011 at 6:25 pm
I prefer InteseDebate over Disqus but I have to admit that Disqus does two things better, it looks better and it has the "Reactions" feature.
August 31st, 2011 at 4:21 am
I found here something new and interesting. Thanks
bao ve
September 13th, 2011 at 12:33 am
Honestly fantastic blog I'll certainly be returning to check it day-to-day in the future
September 13th, 2011 at 2:43 am
Thank you for that information
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September 13th, 2011 at 2:43 am
Very good site. I like it. Thank you.
Bao ve
September 13th, 2011 at 2:44 am
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September 13th, 2011 at 2:44 am
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September 13th, 2011 at 2:45 am
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September 13th, 2011 at 2:45 am
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September 13th, 2011 at 6:42 am
Looking at the spam on the comments, I wonder if your comment systems are doing their job? Didn't see Disqus as an option…
March 31st, 2012 at 6:49 am
The bottom of the box was made of a steel grate. A light would shine in the box accompanied by a sound.
April 15th, 2012 at 2:04 pm
Hedge funds are great vehicles for their managers to enrich themselves while leaving little alpha for their investors. Of course there are some exceptions but most hedge funds lost money last year.
April 28th, 2012 at 11:16 am
Cash and cash equivalents are the most liquid assets found within the asset portion of a company's balance sheet.
June 15th, 2012 at 8:58 am
Both have advantages and disadvantages. Actually, I prefer intensedebate
July 8th, 2012 at 6:17 pm
oi
August 22nd, 2012 at 1:43 pm
Intensedebate!!!! I love it!
September 8th, 2012 at 2:38 am
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October 7th, 2012 at 7:15 am
Microsoft Windows is a series of graphical interface operating systems developed, marketed, and sold by Microsoft.
November 2nd, 2012 at 3:21 am
I prefer intense debate Commenting System. I do not like Disqus because they have changed there commenting system and Comments does not post properly. It is hard to post comment on Disqus.
December 4th, 2012 at 7:57 pm
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January 6th, 2013 at 11:19 am
You are right. I Agree with you.
January 6th, 2013 at 11:19 am
A very good and informative post indeed . It helps me a lot to enhance my knowledge, I really like the way the writer presented his views.
January 19th, 2013 at 1:53 pm
I am happy to find so many good point here in the post writing is simply great thanks for sharing.
March 5th, 2013 at 8:44 am
I must go with intensedebate just because I am more used to it and it has some killer features to bring engagement to your blog.