Guest Comments Are Dead

R.I.P. GuestCommenting on Chicagoist is now limited to registered users. Registration is easy — either click the Create an Account link at the top of this or any other page on Chicagoist, or easier yet, create an account right at the bottom of the entry page that you want to comment on. So easy! All you have to do after that is confirm your e-mail address and you're good to start commenting.

A note about privacy: the new system does require a working email address to complete registration. It does not require you to share your real name, or any other information about you. Gothamist will not sell your email address to third parties.

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Comments (11) [rss]

Is this Chiagoist-only or standard across the Gothamist network? Also, is there a link to the rationale behind the change? I'm not arguing against the change, but I would be interested in hearing about some of the thinking behind it. (Spam, rude commenters, etc.)

This was certainly a move to get rid of everyone who disagrees with my way of looking at things!

You guys *really* need to put up an official privacy policy... I'm a bit more trusting (or stupid, take your pick) than some, but I'm guessing the lack of one is keeping some from registering...

http://www.gothamistllc.com/commentpolicy.php

Guest posts are like harmless zombies with out the apocalypse. I'm glade they're dead!

user-pic

Does that privacy policy extend to contest entries as well?

If anyone wants to register without giving their e-mail address, they can use Mailinator or other temp. e-mail services that will allow you to confirm without using your actual e-mail address.

I'm really gonna miss guest3.

To answer your questions -

Is this Chiagoist-only or standard across the Gothamist network?

This is a change that is being made to every site in the Gothamist network.

Also, is there a link to the rationale behind the change?

From Gothamist's post today on this change,

We've decided to do this because the vast majority of bad behavior (trolling, spamming, incivility, etc) seem to come from the guests. That's not surprising: as many internet pundits have observed, total anonymity seems to make even the nicest person act totally insane.

You guys *really* need to put up an official privacy policy.

As Laura pointed out, our privacy policy is here.

Does that privacy policy extend to contest entries as well?

Yes, the only reason we ask for information when you enter a contest is so that we can get in contact with you if you win.

But it looks like they still work.

Indeed. Hooray for Guest!

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