Friday, January 25, 2013

comments on strike


I have noticed a distinct drop off in the number of comments posted on this blog.

And I am not surprised.  After all, even though the blog is about my life, it is primarily a blog about my life in Mexico.  And there has not been a lot of Mexico since November.

But it may be something more.  This past week I received several email from readers who comment frequently.  They all had the same refrain.  They have not been able to post comments.

In November I upgraded to the new version of the Disqus comment engine.  Apparently, that cut off a number of commenters because their Internet Explorer was not the most recent version.  So, I switched back to the older version of Disqus.

Somewhere in that shift, it appears that some of you are suffering from the "garbled in transmission" syndrome.  But I am not certain how many.  And, if you cannot comment, it is difficult to let me know you are having troubles.

It sounds like a good time for a poll.  We have not had one of those recently.  Here are your options.
  • I comment.  I have no problems.
  • I comment.  I currently cannot leave comments.
  • I do not comment.  And I have no idea what you are talking about.
Before you make a choice, could you do me a favor?  Try to add a comment to this post.  And then make your choice.

After all, your comments are often the most interesting aspect of this blog.

The poll is on the right.

Note:  I have no idea why the poll decided to give its instructions in Spanish.

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62 comments:

  1. Steve CottonJanuary 25, 2013 at 9:48 AM

    According to my statistics this week, 29% of the readers still use a version of Internet Explorer.

    ReplyDelete
  2. sparksJanuary 25, 2013 at 9:59 AM

    Interesting that IE works with some Disqus sites and others not ... yours it does not. Guess I'm less interested in your NOB activities but switch to Firefox if I have the urge. Disqus also quickly forgets me so have to login

    ReplyDelete
  3. IreneJanuary 25, 2013 at 10:05 AM

    This is a test comment as you requested. I hope it works.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Steve CottonJanuary 25, 2013 at 10:06 AM

    It worked perfectly.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Leslie LimonJanuary 25, 2013 at 10:10 AM

    I read, but I don't always comment, because most of the time I'm reading from a mobile device that doesn't let me comment on Disqus, and I know how much of a hassle it can be when a comment goes to the Blogger commenting system.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Steve CottonJanuary 25, 2013 at 10:38 AM

    Thanks, Leslie. For the compliment -- and both comments.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Jose RPHSJanuary 25, 2013 at 10:41 AM

    I comment. I have no problem....that said, remembering the disqus password when I'm using a device other than my home computer is a challenge that I frequently fail.

    ReplyDelete
  8. John CalypsoJanuary 25, 2013 at 10:43 AM

    Gotta go with Joanne - Anyone still using IE is missing the boat (and more). I have NO TROUBLE commenting (and almost ALWAYS do) - but I also use Disqus. AND I voted ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Robert CarterJanuary 25, 2013 at 10:48 AM

    I'm on an Apple iPod touch and can't comment through Disqus on the mobile site. I have to go to the web version to get Disqus. My comments are only viewable on the web version ( I think).

    ReplyDelete
  10. Steve CottonJanuary 25, 2013 at 10:48 AM

    And I am always pleased when you do.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Steve CottonJanuary 25, 2013 at 10:50 AM

    That seems to be consistent with at least one other reader's experience. I wish Disqus would be more mobile friendly. But Disqus does work on my Android telephone.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Steve CottonJanuary 25, 2013 at 10:51 AM

    Remembering almost anything these days is a challenge for me.

    ReplyDelete
  13. AndeanJanuary 25, 2013 at 10:51 AM

    I sometimes comment on your blog and other bloggers Disqus run blogs. But for some reason yours seems the only one I have trouble posting on especially when I use my iPad--noone elses, which is odd.

    ReplyDelete
  14. AndeanJanuary 25, 2013 at 11:02 AM

    I'm not on an iPod. It's an iPad.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Steve CottonJanuary 25, 2013 at 11:04 AM

    But it appears to be the same Apple-sauce.

    ReplyDelete
  16. AndeanJanuary 25, 2013 at 11:11 AM

    And my question is why is it only on your Disqus blog? The Apples are spread all around blog world, and they are welcomed.

    ReplyDelete
  17. TanchoJanuary 25, 2013 at 11:18 AM

    I tried with the IPAD awhile ago and gave up, not a problem with the laptop and Firefox, haven't used IE in about 7 or 8 years, after they made you upgrade it all the time....

    ReplyDelete
  18. Steve CottonJanuary 25, 2013 at 11:54 AM

    I look forward to the experience.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Steve CottonJanuary 25, 2013 at 11:55 AM

    I would hate to lose out on your pithy comments from the mountains.

    ReplyDelete
  20. NWannabeJanuary 25, 2013 at 1:01 PM

    I have same problem as Tancho with iPad

    ReplyDelete
  21. NWannabeJanuary 25, 2013 at 1:02 PM

    Not sure if that other message went or not BUT I am having the iPad issue also since you switched

    ReplyDelete
  22. NWannabeJanuary 25, 2013 at 1:16 PM

    Y mucha problemas para mi

    ReplyDelete
  23. Gary DennessJanuary 25, 2013 at 3:02 PM

    Let's try commenting in the latest stable Chrome release...

    ReplyDelete
  24. Marc OlsonJanuary 25, 2013 at 3:08 PM

    I appears that I have no trouble leaving a comment here.

    A few readers have had some comment troubles on my blog in the past (I do not use Disqus), but I never have been able to identify a pattern.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Gary DennessJanuary 25, 2013 at 3:10 PM

    In IE10 (Win 8) the comment box is replaced with a 'sorry your browser isn't supported' box. Tut tut Disqus. IE10 has been out a while now, and it's not too bad a browser.

    I like Disqus, a lot. So, so much better than Google's standard commenting system. And every now and then I think of upping sticks to a self hosted Wordpress blog and installing Disqus. I could add more features. But then I change my mind, because I do appreciate the simplicity and stability of Wordpress' standard product.



    Poll options are in Spanish? I see English. But Google is weird like that. It used to annoy the hell out of me when I went into a net cafe in Mex City, signed into Google and then got search results in Spanish. I've selected results to be in English a million times! But every time I use a different PC....


    I also hate cash machines that make you type in the pence. What the hell? Did ATM's ever dispense coins?? Ever?!

    ReplyDelete
  26. AndeanJanuary 25, 2013 at 3:34 PM

    I am sending this comment from my iPad, the only difference is I am using the "View web version" which you see at the bottom of your blog. Let's see if it gets sent to the dungeon or appears immediately as it does when I use my Apple laptop (that I happen to love).

    ReplyDelete
  27. Shannon CaseyJanuary 25, 2013 at 3:42 PM

    I comment but now your blog locks up my computer. I have to ctrl/esc to exit and then go back and the second time it seems to work.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Steve CottonJanuary 25, 2013 at 6:49 PM

    One of the joys of blogdom. Plenty of mystery.But I am glad you have found an option. I will give it a try myself.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Steve CottonJanuary 25, 2013 at 6:51 PM

    We will see if there is a pattern. I suspect I will not be able to do much about it.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Steve CottonJanuary 25, 2013 at 6:53 PM

    Voilà.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Steve CottonJanuary 25, 2013 at 6:57 PM

    Apparently, Disqus needs Internet Explorer 9 if the Microsoft option is chosen.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Steve CottonJanuary 25, 2013 at 6:58 PM

    Maybe not as much as you think. For some reason Disqus dumped you in the pending basket. I keep adding you to the approved list. Does Disqus know a secret?

    ReplyDelete
  33. Steve CottonJanuary 25, 2013 at 6:59 PM

    Apparently, choosing "web version" offers relief.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Felipe ZapataJanuary 25, 2013 at 7:07 PM

    Well, looky here. You write this, and half the universe chimes in. As for the topic of the post, I have no problem commenting here, but I have a Disqus account, which likely helps.


    And, as you know, most readers never leave a comment. Shame on them. It's like going to a live theater, seeing a good performance and not clapping.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Felipe ZapataJanuary 25, 2013 at 7:14 PM

    Wordpress is far superior. But the transition from Blogger can be quite sloppy. I would just start fresh at Wordpress, and include a link to the old Blogger if anybody wanted to delve into the dusty shelves. Few people would.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Felipe ZapataJanuary 25, 2013 at 7:17 PM

    Your niece, plus me.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Kim GJanuary 25, 2013 at 9:05 PM

    I haven't commented much lately, but that has to do with your Oregon rather than Mexico theme.

    But I commented yesterday or the day before without problem. I use Firefox v18.0 on Win 7 Home Premium on a Tosh laptop. And I agree with the "horrors" comments on IE, though I will aver that it's better than it used to be.



    Saludos,


    Kim G
    Boston, MA
    Where we've also noticed a dropoff in the frequency of Mexico Blog posts in general. Not yours, but others'.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Kim GJanuary 25, 2013 at 9:08 PM

    I'm with you on the typing in the extra zeros on ATMs and have often thought the same. Coins? I've been using ATMs since the 70's and they've NEVER offered coins.



    Freakin' lazy programmers!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Kim GJanuary 25, 2013 at 9:13 PM

    P.S. It seems that a few weeks (maybe a couple months) back, you stopped accepting anonymous comments. So in a bit of a huff, I did sign up for a discus account, which has worked flawlessly ever since.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Steve CottonJanuary 25, 2013 at 11:18 PM

    I drove away in a Huff once. Terrible gas mileage.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Steve CottonJanuary 25, 2013 at 11:19 PM

    I have noticed the frequency issue, as well. Iintend to do my part starting with the Oaxaca and Chiapas trips.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Steve CottonJanuary 25, 2013 at 11:20 PM

    I wish more people would comment. But it is as it always has been.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Steve CottonJanuary 25, 2013 at 11:23 PM

    She is a wise young lady.

    ReplyDelete
  44. mic neilJanuary 26, 2013 at 5:51 AM

    Well that didn't work. Trying again

    ReplyDelete
  45. Christine DuboisJanuary 26, 2013 at 9:20 AM

    I have been busy planning my own trip to Mexico

    ReplyDelete
  46. Steve CottonJanuary 26, 2013 at 9:58 AM

    I wonder what is up with that? I may need a new format.


    Good to hear from you again.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Gary DennessJanuary 26, 2013 at 11:14 AM

    IE10 is a huge improvement on 9. The horrors seem to be condemned to the past, for now. To be honest, I'd actually use IE10 in preference to Firefox. But not in preference to Chrome or Opera.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Gary DennessJanuary 26, 2013 at 11:26 AM

    I've swapped Platforms three times now. I'm reluctant to do it again. The RSS feed breaks, and you'll lose a few readers. Your Google Pagerank and general net visibility disappears and has to be rebuilt - you'll get fewer new people dropping by and not commenting! Some formatting will go awry. Links may go wonky. And, depending on how you've attached videos and images, some of those are going to break as well.


    Is Wordpress better than Blogger? It's actually a lot less powerful, customisable and flexible. WP is good at simple, functional and polished. It's rubbish at search though. But if you want to go the simple and functional route, that can be done in Blogger.


    Importing from Blogger into WP is reasonably simple, although give yourself a fair bit of computer time to get it all done. And I personally would definitely go that route. It keeps everything in one place. It'll help establish your new blog and get a decent Pagerank. I suspect that you, like me, enjoy referring back to old pages now and again.


    Would I switch to WP if I were you Steve? In all honesty, no. There are pros and cons to both platforms. You either have to put in a whole load of work, or abandon a whole load of work, for not an awful lot of real gain.

    ReplyDelete
  49. JohnJanuary 26, 2013 at 11:58 AM

    Dear Steve,


    I have not en[IRGHJ GHIFSH 29DFJQ0 osting m2345 on your blog//'/s ave I not been able to recrei49=2 2948t9284ments 1rom others.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Steve CottonJanuary 26, 2013 at 11:32 PM

    Nice.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Steve CottonJanuary 26, 2013 at 11:32 PM

    It is one of my favorite features.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Steve CottonJanuary 26, 2013 at 11:32 PM

    Tell us more.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Steve CottonJanuary 26, 2013 at 11:35 PM

    Thanks, Gary. It helps.

    ReplyDelete
  54. DonCuevasJanuary 27, 2013 at 5:07 AM

    Testing, testing, uno, dos, tres.

    Saludos,
    Don Cuevas

    ReplyDelete
  55. Steve CottonJanuary 27, 2013 at 11:08 AM

    Esta bien.

    ReplyDelete
  56. jennifer roseJanuary 27, 2013 at 2:10 PM

    Those who write clearly have readers. Those who write obscurely have commentators.


    Albert Camus

    ReplyDelete
  57. Joanna van der Gracht PowellJanuary 27, 2013 at 6:24 PM

    I too have had issues posting comments on your blog and others too. Let's see if this one makes it... By the way, I have enjoyed your stories of the move. All that decision making makes me realize I don't want to have to do that, so I'll stay where I am.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Steve CottonJanuary 27, 2013 at 6:45 PM

    That, of course, is the reason Camus fell back on the faulty premises of existentialism. If he had remained a Socratic, he would have enjoyed the banter.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Steve CottonJanuary 27, 2013 at 6:46 PM

    For some reason, Disqus keeps putting your post in the pending folder - even though I have put you on the approved list several times.

    ReplyDelete
  60. Mommy with Commuter HusbandJanuary 27, 2013 at 8:16 PM

    I have had probs ...

    ReplyDelete
  61. Steve CottonJanuary 27, 2013 at 10:32 PM

    Yikes! Have you noticed a pattern?

    ReplyDelete
  62. Mommy with Commuter HusbandJanuary 27, 2013 at 10:41 PM

    Well I went out to Disqus and updated my profile and merged a couple profiles so perhaps my problems were self-inflicted!

    ReplyDelete