IntenseDebate, the enhanced commenting system that was recently acquired by WordPress’s parent company Automattic, has relaunched to the public (the service originally opened its doors in late 2007, but reentered private beta as soon as it was acquired). IntenseDebate has also released the public beta of its WordPress plugin, which includes a number of features that make it much more appealing to blog owners.
The most important feature is two-way comment syncing, which copies all comments left on your blog through IntenseDebate’s system to your WordPress install. One common complaint about early versions of some comment systems, including InstenseDebate and close competitor Disqus, was that comments resided on their servers, leaving blog owners in a bind if they ever chose to discontinue the system. Disqus remedied this issue with their 2.0 release in August and IntenseDebate has done the same with this plugin.
Other new features in the plugin include integration with the WordPress admin panel, search engine-optimized comments, setting and profile sync, and trackback support. WordPress will also start integrating some IntenseDebate features into its standard install beginning with version 2.7, though details on the integration have been scant. And while the service is now owned by Automattic, it continues to offer support other blogging platforms, which actually comprise the majority of the service’s installbase.
Besides Disqus, other competitors in this space include SezWho and JS-Kit.
“And while the service is now owned by Automattic, it continues to offer support other blogging platforms, which actually comprise the majority of the service’s installbase.”
How long?
We plan to continue support for other platforms forever, just like we do with Akismet, Gravatar, and Polldaddy.
the speaker really loves his job
I like it. Think this will be worth implementing on a wordpress site.
Sounds intriguing. Look forward to how it turns out!
I added it on the HipMojo.com blog but seem to have lost the option to post in Visual format and am stuck in Code format. I emailed them for a fix… but otherwise, we shall see how it fares. My old captcha was way too challenging.
I signed up for several accounts when they were back in beta. Unfortunately, none of them are working – the plugin doesn’t allow you to manage the settings in WP.
Support admitted they are aware of the issue, but 24hrs later I’m still waiting on a reply/fix.
We’ll see, but so far I’m disappointed.
Sorry we switched support systems – still working out some kinks.
I install ID on my blog and it’s breaking my theme. I’ve sent a ticket and they’re looking into the problem.. Still no reply though
thing is dope.
but… i lost my comments made on disqus. round 1: fight!
… but i’d like my comments back, kthxbai.
Disqus doesn’t sync the comments into your WP database? I thought they had that functionality in their plugin.
How many major blogs use this?
I have intensedebate installed on my site http://socialrumble.com Have had no issues with it
If only they offered an unbranded version. Can the login/signup options be turned off?
I just tested it on a few sites, and noticed that there is lag for it to load… very bad.
Had no luck with the previous version either. Many issues to be fixed yet…
But I’m expecting to become THE standard when they install it on Wordpress.com…!!!!
I’m struggling with the decision of IntenseDebate vs. Disqus
@Alexander I noticed @MichaelMcGimpsey’s site http://socialrumble.com had lag bringing up IntenseDebate comments, anyone find this lag with Disqus?
I apologize for the trouble and inconvenience caused by these bugs. We have identified these issues and are working on fixes for them. If you have emailed support, I will be getting back to you as soon as possible. if you require immediate assistance please email me.
Thanks for your patience.
With the clout that Automattic has with WordPress, we could see stiff competition for Disqus!
Impressive that the ID team integrated with Automattic so quickly. Usually a company gets acquired and then disappears for a year. Well done, guys!
Where is the video being served from? Very nice, clean interface. Love to have a look at that. — Mark
I’m amazed at the progress IntenseDebate has had. I remember when it was just a forum for political debate (hence the name, if anybody is wondering) back 2003-2004, run by Josh Morgan (a long time internet pal).
Good job, guys.
Quick question – how does TechCrunch have my photo? lol
Comment photos are grabbed from Gravatar, which happens to be another Automattic property.
Hello there,
Been reading many us are feedup with the huge ebay fees they are charging. I was too, so thouht I was share my info on how I continue to sell many items and pay no listing fees. After some research a few months ago I found:
TheStreet – This is totaly free to signup, use, list and sell your items and has over 4 million views a day. I’ve found it extremelty usful for UK sales.
CQOUT- Simply put this is Ebay only worldwide competitior, they do charge a $1 signup fee to prove your identity. However all listings are totaly free upto $200 and multimillion views daily from all over the world. This I found is especially good for the US market.
I hope this help some of you improve your sales on this bad time of world econimic markets, so it can only help to get free advertising and sell your items. If anyone knows anymore, please post here so I too can benifit.