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Discussion Settings

Discussion Settings manages comments on blog articles. This setting becomes default for new articles.

Pre-built articles can have their own different settings.

How to Access​

  1. Entered into Admin Dashboard
  2. Open the Admin menu → Settings → Blog → Discussion Settings

Available Settings​

1. Allow People to Post Comments on New Articles​

If active: New articles will accept comments from visitors

  • A comment column/form will be available below the article
  • Visitors can leave feedback/responses

If off: New articles do not accept comments by default

  • The comments column will be turned off
  • Visitors cannot post comments
info

Changes here only apply to new articles. Old articles still follow their old settings. You can change per article if necessary.

2. Require Users To Log In Before Posting Comments​

If active: Only logged in users can post comments

  • Effective for reducing spam from bots/anonymous
  • More controlled in terms of moderation

If off: Anyone can post comments (if there is no other verification)

  • More open, but prone to spam
warning

For public school websites, it is best to activate this setting to reduce spam and inappropriate comments.

3. Close Old Article Comments Automatically​

If on: Comments will be automatically closed for articles that have reached a certain age limit.

Related settings:

  • Close comments on articles older than (X) days
  • Fill in the number of days

Example:

  • If filled in14, articles created more than 14 days ago are not accepting new comments
  • Old comments are still visible, but new comments cannot be added

Suggested value:

  • 7–14a day for fast-changing news/announcements
  • 30–90day for evergreen/perennial articles (such as guides, FAQs)
  • 0or inactive if you want all articles to still receive comments
warning

This feature is great for reducing spam on old articles. But make sure it doesn't interfere with discussions that are still relevant and need feedback.

Tips​

  • Comment moderation - Enable moderation so that comments do not appear immediately without review
  • Balance between open & safe - Allow comments but with login verification for security
  • Set time limits wisely - Don't close comments too quickly on important articles
  • Regular comment reviews - Delete spam and inappropriate comments to maintain discussion quality