Comment Section FAQ

Place Media Group’s comment section has been revamped to encourage constructive and engaging debate. Here’s what you need to know.

What has changed?

Readers will now be required to register before leaving a comment
Readers can reply directly to a comment and create a thread
Readers can upvote a high-quality comment, which will bring it to the top of the comment section. Conversely, poor-quality comments can be downvoted
Readers will receive real-time feedback on their comment as to whether it will be approved or rejected
Readers will have their comments published faster, thanks to our partnership with moderation specialist OpenWeb
Readers can have a say in comment moderation by flagging comments they think should have been rejected
Readers can also appeal to Place’s editorial team if they think a comment has been unjustly rejected

Can I still post anonymously?

Yes and no. To register as a comment user, you’ll need to provide a name and an email address. This email address can remain hidden to the public.

While we encourage people to use their real names, you are allowed to use a pseudonym or username. You’ll notice many of our readers have already done so, such as Liverpolitis and GetItBuilt!.

If I can use a pseudonym, why require me to register at all?

Registration provides greater accountability over what is posted. You will also be able to develop a presence on the site with a history of remarks. On a moderation side, it makes it easier for us to spot bad actors.

There is real value in being able to post comments under a pseudonym and we are confident our new system enables that – while still making for healthier and more engaging conversation.

Where are the old comments?

We are still working on integrating some of the more recent “old” comments into the new system (you will find those from several months back have already been brought in).

Will you bring back the comment counter at the top of the articles?

Yes. We are working on this.

I liked reading the most recent comments on the homepage. Will you bring this back?

Yes. This is on our to-do list and our technical team is actively coordinating with OpenWeb to bring this feature back.

What is your comments policy?

Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas in a safe space.

In order to do so, we’ve created a simple set of rules that will improve your experience.

Simply put, keep it civil.

Your post will/might be rejected if it contains:

Spam
Insults, profanity, incoherent, obscene or inflammatory language and threats of any kind
Attacks on the identity of other commenters or the article’s author
Potentially libellous or defamatory comments, which might unduly damage the reputation of an individual or a company

User accounts will/might be blocked if we notice:

Continuous attempts to re-post comments that have been previously moderated/rejected
Racist, sexist, or homophobic comments
Attempts or tactics that put the site security at risk

So, how can you be a power user?

Stay on topic and share your passion. Feel free to elaborate to get your point across.
‘Like’ or ‘Dislike’ when you are filled with emotions!
Protect your community. Use the report tool to alert us when someone breaks the rules.

I have another question not answered here.

Feel free to drop it in the comments below or you can email publisher Paul Unger directly at [email protected].