Why do some Realtors insist on making it difficult for your blog visitors …
… to leave comments on their real estate blog sites?
Some real estate agents just don't get it 
I think they might be worried that they will have to engage with the online equivalent of this guy!
The big difference between a static web site and a Web 2.0 site in the built in two way interaction made possible by the platform.
You want visitors to interact with you, to ask questions or take issue with your opinions (you have an opinion right?) – it's a real chance to show you are a real person with expertise and knowledge.
WordPress has by default a nicely done comment function that is easily configurable. But if you make the wrong selections you make it hard to comment and you will put off your visitors.
Here's how: While logged into your WordPress blog, go to Settings and Discussion -
- Anyone Can Register – check the box
- Users must be registered and logged in to comment - don't check the box
- New user default – choose "contributor"
Under email me whenever anyone:
- Posts a comment – check the box
- A comment is held for moderation – check the box
Before a comment appears:
- An administrator must always approve a comment – do not check the box
- Comment author must fill out name and email – check the box
Here is a visual – click the image for a larger one
So let me expand on that a little:
Anyone can register: No good reason to restrict who can register, you want it to be easy for people to comment on your articles.
Email me whenever anyone posts a comment. I like to know if I have received a comment. If it is a good comment, I would like the opportunity to respond to the comment. If it's spam or trash, I would like to know so I can get rid of it quickly.
I want to be emailed so that I can click on their comment and it will take me to my blog dashboard.
Now you know what to do to set up WordPress comments properly, go ahead and make the changes. Be sure to let us know if interaction on your site improves.
Make sure you add Facebook' "Like" button on your site too because it looks like there is a trend to take the conversation over to Facebook.
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