Friday, October 11, 2013

New Ayeron Coming! Plus Options for Blog Comments, Halloween T-shirts, Want to be Interviewed?, and the Ninja News

Today I am visiting Misha Gericke with an account of my journey to publication. (It should really give you guys hope!)

Upcoming Epic Music Release!

Ayreon - The Theory of Everything
Release date – October 29

The trailer says they return to earth to explore the most complex creation ever – the human mind. After their AMAZING album, The Human Equation, one of the greatest concept albums ever, I am stoked for another that delves into the complexities of humans.


And Arjen Lucassen, the genius behind Ayreon, has a huge lineup of guest performers, including:
Tommy Karevik from Seventh Wonder and Kamelot
Cristina Scabbia from Lacuna Coil
Keith Emerson from Emerson, Lake, and Palmer
Rick Wakeman from Yes
Jordan Rudessfrom– Dream Theater
Steve Hackett from Genesis

And here’s the amazing trailer:




Ninja News

I am looking for two more people to interview for the A to Z Blog. If you participated in this year’s Challenge, posted around a theme, and are interested in a Challenge Participant Feature, let me know! I have November 4 and December 2 open.

Roland Yeomans just released his latest, Her Bones are in the Badlands. You can find it on Amazon. Roland is an incredibly talented writer, so check it out!


This weekend Captain Phillips comes out, and rumors of an Oscar nomination for Tom Hanks are already circulating.

Jen Naumann is revealing the cover for next book today. The Time Zombies Became the Least of my Worries comes out next month.Congratulations, Jen!



Jeremy, you’ll appreciate this! From Blastr - 18 T-shirts you can wear for Halloween if a costume seems like too much work. Here’s a couple – see the site for more!





Cover Reveals Results

The comments from Wednesday’s post revealed a wide variety of opinions, from those who really liked cover reveals to those who were burnt out on them. The overriding consensus was that they needed to be unique though, with something different on every participating site. I’ll still do cover releases, but I will limit them to my closest blogger buddies.

Comments

Next topic – comments! Because there is a wide variety of options for comments now.

Blogger recently changed their imbedded comment box. (And every time I use one, I worry that I’ll hit the ‘sign out’ button by accident!)

Blogger also has the pop-up comment box, which is what I use. (So far that one remains the same.)

There is also an option that takes you to a blank page and you can click to view the post.

Some people use the Disqus comment system. You can register to use it several different ways or post as a guest. Of course, comments continue to appear in your email afterwards...

Some have switched to the Google+ comment system. (And if you don’t check the little box, your comment also posts on Google+)

Wordpress and other blogs have a variety of different options. I know some people have problems commenting.

They all have their good points and bad points. Which one is best? Which one do you use? I like the popup box, because then I can still see all of the comments and the post with minimal scrolling. And since I reply to people in batches, I don’t have to keep scrolling back down to the comment box – I can have it off to the side.

Are you a fan of Ayreon? (Or any of the other bands Lucassen has started – Guilt Machine, Star One, Stream of Passion…?) Want to be interviewed for the A to Z Blog? Picked up Roland’s book? Seeing Captain Phillips? And what is your favorite comment gizmo?

Don’t forget to visit Misha Gericke!

131 comments:

The Perks of Being a Librarian said...

I want to present you a new project: www.theperks0fbeingalibrarian.blogspot.com
Here you can find some book reviews and we hope you like it! However, even if you don't like, we will ask you to leave a comment. Your opinion it's important! Of course: if you like it, you can start follow us :)
Thank you! <3

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

I've had a good deal of problems with Blogger's comment box on my blog and am working to transition to WordPress (although I've run into some obstacles getting it set up.) I'll be curious to see what everyone's feedback here is.

I don't know Ayreon! I have a feeling I'm seriously out of the loop...

Vanessa Morgan said...

If I see a blog with Disqus, I don't comment because I'm not registered yet. I read blogs to relax and if I have to try to find out how to comment and/or am obliged to register, then I give up quickly. I never used the Google+ comment box before either, because I was afraid that if I left ten different comments, I would start to spam my Google+ audience with unnecessary info. Thanks for mentioning that I can opt out.

Anonymous said...

I like the pop up box comment box, I can understand that. I would love to be interviewed for the A to Z especially as I was the first ever to sign up for the first one but will be either getting ready for Branson or there.
Great post as always, something for everyone.
Yvonne.

Unknown said...

I just use the basic comment box and it works okay for me. Too many options ends up creating glitches. That said, I hope they don't force us to use the Google+ comment form.

Natalie Aguirre said...

I'm not registered on disc but do use that box to comment on blogs that use it. I don't like it because then you get other people's comments in your e-mail. I can't figure out how not to have that happen. Maybe if I register but I don't really want to.

I think you have to join Google + to use that box. I haven't and it always asks me to join if I try to leave a comment so I don't.

So I really like the current pop up box because it's so much easier to comment.

G. B. Miller said...

I prefer the pop-up for commenting, as I often like to read the comment that I'm responding to. That way, I don't sound like a schmuck because I happen to write something that was totally unrelated to the comment I was responding to.

Unknown said...

Maybe you would be interessted in interviewing Minnie? I have tried several different kinds of comments options but I think I might go back to the pop up comments. Have a nice week-end Alex!

Unknown said...

I like your comment box, but as I've mentioned in the past, sometimes when your blog doesn't finish loading, the comment box won't load for me.

Now that I'm actually using my reader better (goodness...it took a year to do that!), I don't have as much problem with the blog loading, so your box always comes up. But, for instance, Robyn's is different. I cannot access her comment box through Bloglovin for some reason.

I hate the G+ comment boxes. Too many things to double check before sending.

And I've been scared of hitting the "sign out" button too!

M.L. Swift, Writer

mooderino said...

A good comments system (for me) would be one that encouraged people to read comments other than their own and start a conversation.

Happens very rarely and I'm not sure the best way to get it to happen more.

mood

Kyra Lennon said...

I'm sorry I missed the question about cover reveals! I am one of those who has stopped noticing them now, because so many people are doing them. I think it has become ineffective.

Huntress said...

I'll definitely check out the music. I've already hit the 'sign out' button on another blog. How annoying!

Jen's book title is a winner, btw. Going to check that out.

Sheena-kay Graham said...

I love the pop up option and the click that takes you the comment page directly. I can do either A- date if you're still looking. It would be nice to share my first time doing the yearly April challenge. Jen is a cover master. Glad to see myself in the top twenty again and enjoy your weekend Alex.

Elise Fallson said...

I like the pop up box for commenting because I sometimes refer back to the post while I write my comment. The ones that take you to a different window and do not allow you to see the post at the same time are the ones I prefer the least.

And congrats to Jen and Roland! (:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Elizabeth, Ayreon is European, so a lot of people haven't heard of the band.

Vanessa, yes, just uncheck the box.

Yvonne, I will send you an email.

Anne, hope they don't either.

Natalie, I don't know how to turn it off either!

GB, my thoughts exactly.

Siv, I would!

Mike, good to know it's not me! And I had issues with Bloglovin' at first (I don't use it now) but before clicking on the comment box, you have to right-click and tell it to come up in a new window.

Moody, some people read. But not many.

Carol, sorry about that!

J.L. Campbell said...

You're not the only on in danger of hitting that sign-out label. Did it once already. :)

Congrats to those with new releases!

Optimistic Existentialist said...

I really do not like the Disqus comment option. I may change to the pop-up option like yours though!

Melissa said...

Re: Blogger... I *have* clicked the sign out button a couple of times. LOL

I disagree about the reduced scrolling with the pop-up box, though. If I get here later rather than sooner, I have to scroll down through all the comments to get to the 'post a comment' button, then scroll all the way through them again when the box pops up.

But I happily do that for you. :)

Sarah Foster said...

I like the embedded comments for my own blog, since I only get a few comments per post as of now and I can reply directly to each comment. I imagine I might change my mind once I get more traffic.

I wouldn't use Disqus for my own blog, but it's not a problem with other blogs since I can just sign in through my Twitter account. Although the emails can be a tad annoying.

Rusty Carl said...

I have signed out by mistake many times lately. My 'done' button on my phone is so close to the sign out button that I can cover them both at the same time with my finger when I finish typing a response. Stupid phone.

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

I prefer the pop up comment box but something happened on my blog (maybe when I changed the template?) that made it not usable or too hard to use, so I use the imbedded one now and it's okay.

LOVE that zombie shirt! :)

I want to see CAPTAIN PHILLIPS but not sure if I'll get to it in the theaters. I'm hoping to see GRAVITY soon, hopefully in 3D.

Unknown said...

I still use the blogger comment box but I agree the sign out button is unnecessary.

Donna K. Weaver said...

I need to look at my comment options. I didn't realize there had been all these changes.

Love that Zombie T-shirt. lol

Brian Miller said...

ok, the album sounds cool...putting it on the list...i hate the new comment box, i do hit the sign out button far too often...inconvenience...but i hate disqus even more...i cant access it on all platforms....and i have tried dumping cookies...it helps for a bit but...ugh...

Livia Peterson said...

I like the imbedded comment box - it's more convenient for me, but it can be more difficult on mobile.

I am seeing both Gravity and Captain Phillips this weekend. Obviously, I am more excited for Gravity. You know what, Gravity will make around $41 million with 27% decline. Captain Phillips looks intense and I think Tom Hanks will give an Oscar-worthy performance.

Are you seeing Captain Phillips as well, Ninja Captain Alex?

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sheena-kay, I will send you an email!

Elise, that's why I have a popup box.

Joy, I'm sorry!

Thanks, Melissa. I need it so I can comment with the person's comment in front of me.

Rusty, bummer.

Brian, the album will be awesome. Need to remember the dumping cookies trick if I get stuck.

Livia, I am seeing it today!

Livia Peterson said...

Have fun, Alex! If you want, we can compare notes and thoughts on Sunday night after I see it. :)

Luanne G. Smith said...

No surprise, I've never heard of Ayreon. But what a cool name. :)

And the only preference I have on comment boxes is that people turn off word verification. Hate that. SO MUCH. And I also like the "reply" to each comment feature. Sometimes, for conversation sake, it's better to respond to a comment directly instead of in the stream of comments, if that makes sense.

Laura Clipson said...

I just use the basic comment box, which seems to work alright. I don't really have a preference, although I quite like these pop up comment boxes, because it means I can go back and re-read the post as I comment.

Juliana Haygert said...

Love that World of Lovecraft shirt! I need it!

River Fairchild said...

All the different comment boxes give me a headache! Some make me jump through hoops, some I have to use my Twitter account because it's arguing with WP or Google or...? Yours is still easy to use. Now I need to go check mine. :)

Chris Desson said...

I read and comment on several blogs. I actually like Blogger's embedded comment box. It's my favorite and it allows me to comment on my phone. The popup box doesn't bother me until my laptop flips over to the main page and then I have to hunt & find the popup page I was on the middle of commenting or when I read blogs on my phone I can't comment. I dislike Disqus. It's annoying, I have to interject my information each time, and I've had problems with it. Google + is my enemy.

Cathy Olliffe-Webster said...

It's too early for me to comment on comments cohesively net.. er, yet. More coffee...

Unknown said...

I am excited about Roland's Badlands book I need to pick it up.
As for as comments on the Blogs I have signed out on blogger a few times! "Homer" Doh!!!
Disqus on my blog was a no brainer for me since I have been using it on so many different sites for a while now.

Jo said...

I like the pop up box too. I didn't know you could make a choice, I will investigate that.

Sorry, not my kind of music I don't think, that is if it is all music. I just watched the trailer.

Would like to see Captain Phillips, maybe later when it comes out on DVD

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

LG, I'd reply to each one, but wow would that be a long list of comments then!

Laura, exactly!

River, good to know.

Christine, all the different methods make it a challenge.

David, you're not the only one to sign out.

Julie Dao said...

I like the idea of wearing a t-shirt instead of having to come up with an entire Halloween costume!

Anonymous said...

lol I like the Run! Zombies t-shirt.

I have signed myself out while commenting. I don't know how I feel about the new form. lol

Yolanda Renée said...

T-shirts are awesome! Need to order them as gifts for the boys and hubby!

I like the pop up box for comments but also prefer the ability to reply to each post individually. Scrolling is a pain but that personal touch so much more fun!

Have a great weekend!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Ooo, new Ayreon!

I love the Lovecraft shirt.

Embedded comment boxes just mean I have to keep scrolling back up to the post when I'm leaving a comment.

Cherie Reich said...

Already stopped by Misha's!

I used to use the pop up comments' box, but then I had a few people have problems with it, so I switched to the imbedded one. I still prefer the pop up one, but as long as I can comment, then I'm cool with whatever people have.

Lydia Kang said...

My current blogger set up doesn't have an option to write comments. I wish it did, though!

Cate Masters said...

I wish Google would leave well enough alone. I've considered moving to WordPress, and haven't ruled it out.
Off to Misha's...

Cassie Mae said...

I'm a pop-up boxer :) And I missed the cover reveal question post. Now because you have the pop-up box, I can scroll down and read it real quick...

Oh man, I think I agree on the overload. I've had four cover reveals just for me this year, and at the last one I just said, hey, I'm putting this up on my blog, feel free to share. Because oh my heavens, it's just too much! Also why I didn't do a blog tour this last time around. That would've been my third this year and ugh... I mean, even I'm getting sick of myself.

The way you do it is nice and simple. Like, hey, check out these new covers. I swear only a select few people actually read the blurb, lol.

ilima said...

Love the t-shirts. Love the music trailer. Love Jen's book title, haha. Don't love worrying about things changing in the bloggy world like comments or effectiveness of cover reveals. Sometimes I wish everything would remain the same because I just figured out how to use it, lol.

Pat Hatt said...

You know the cat's feeling on the stupid comment crap. Easy and nothing complicated or the cat will flap his yap lol

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I like the pop up box too. Probably not going to see Captain Phillips but might finally see Gravity.

Sylvia Ney said...

Alex, I can do an A to Z interview for you if you wish. Just shoot me an email: writinginwonderland (at) gmail (dot) com

Leovi said...

I'll get on Spotify now album Ayreon - The Theory of Everything. If you RECOMMEND sure is good !

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Julie, so do I!

Debra, you're not the only one.

Diane, I'd be doing a lot of scrolling here.

Karen, I can place the popup box next to my comments and reply without having to go up to the comment and then back down to the box over and over.

Thanks, Cassie. It does get to be a bit much.

Sylvia, I will!

Leovi, Ayreon's albums are sheer musical genius.

Theresa Milstein said...

I have so many problems using Disquis on people's blogs. Often, I can't comment. I used to use the Blogger pop up window on my blog until I set up that whole reply page, so bloggers get a response in their inbox. Now I like that best.

I can't listen to the music now because I'm at work. I'll have to come back.

Unknown said...

those are some cool designs, i am having trouble with people using images and names of characters... i cannot do it, i know it's considered artist interpretations. someday someone might look at my stuff that way...

Robin said...

I didn't know that I had multiple options for comment boxes. And I don't know which I have. The embedded one maybe??? These posts remind me of how little I know about this site... still.

The Angry Lurker said...

Anything that doesn't use Captcha is a bonus!

D.G. Hudson said...

Don't like Disqus, and am starting to avoid those pages with word verification. Approved comments do the same thing.

I'm going to be reading Roland's 'Her Bones are in the Badlands' next, after 'Lucifer's Orphan' which I'm reading now. Great for Halloween tales and beyond.

I'd like to see any film that explores the human mind. Perhaps we can discover a way to use more of that part we don't use now (for ESP, teleporting, etc., you know)

Carrie-Anne said...

I'm not really a fan of Discus, and I'm loath to leave a comment on any blog that requires signing up for a particular comment service. The worst are blogs where you have to decipher catchas to leave a comment.

Suze said...

Now I understand why a couple of people have been signing out instead of publishing their comments by accident.

Shah Wharton said...

I'd love to be interviewed! shahwharton at gmail dot com. Regarding comment gizmos - I just want the ones where I can put my URL in. I don't want to have to sign in all over the place, and fear that if peeps go to my G+ account they'll end up at some other blog? Grr!

Shah X

shahwharton.com

Suze said...

Oh, as for helpful feedback, Disqus is pretty much awful. WordPress is kind of a pain but it's a pain I'll abide for blogs to which I'm faithful. Word veri is a hassle but it feels too rude to mention it to people who still have it.

For what it's worth, commenting on your blog is problemo-free.

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

I no sooner think I've figured out the commenting thingy and they change it! I can't get Diqus to work. And sometimes I can't even find the comment access to click on. Am I just comment illiterate? Maybe. But I think it's a mystery why some bloggers simply don't make that part of their blog user-friendly.

Andrew Leon said...

Cpt Phillips is also already receiving a lot of negative backlash (is that redundant?) and it's not even out yet. I don't quite get why.

I like the pop up box because I can place it next to the post if I'm trying to comment on something specific or to several different points. It also makes it easier to respond to my own comments.

Roland D. Yeomans said...

I still think I have the pop-up kind of comment. Like Joylene, I have a hard time figuring out Blogger when they keep changing! Word Verification hurts my eyes. Thanks for the shout-out for BADLAND. Sam tips his Stetson to you. Meilori blows you a kiss. :-) (Yes, she is in BADLANDS and she puts the BAD in Badlands! :-)

S. L. Hennessy said...

I'd be happy to be interviewed if you still need someone. I definitely had a theme - character tropes and types. It was so much fun.

Unknown said...

Cute T-shirts! I haven't heard about Aeryon, but I have a great fondness for Yes (Yessongs) and ELP - those guys are from my era (plus the Alan Parsons Project, my fav!). Congrats to Jen and Roland!

Liza said...

Yep. Pop-ups for me. Google+ frustrates me...became I'm not using it and can't comment on folks who are.

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

I think I still have the pop-up window for my comments. May as well go with what works.

Mark Means said...

I tried the Google+ blog comment thing for about a day and went back to just using Blogger. I'm not a huge fan of Disqus either, but find it better than G+.

Love the "World of Lovecraft" shirt, too! :)

Stephen Tremp said...

Its great to see these old timers still rocking. Rick Wakeman takes me back. I still watch live Yes videos on YouTube.

And I'm looking forward to the day I have someone develop my own Web site. But for now I'll stat with Blogger for its familiarity.

Christine Rains said...

I'm a fan of the pop-up box. For some reason, I can't get Disqus to work for me. It says I'm signed in, but it never posts any of my comments. (So I hope those folks don't think I'm ignoring them!) I've heard other problems with Disqus too. If you still need folks to interview, I volunteer. Or if you need some spots to fill next year, feel free to ask any time. :) Have a great weekend.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Jeremy, I haven't seen any of those yet.

Robin, you have the embedded one.

Fran, Amen!

Carrie-Anne, yes they are.

Thanks, Shah!

Suze, it's so easy to hit the sign out button. And good to know it's easy to comment here.

Joylene, sometimes I encounter blogs where I can't find the comment box...

Andrew, that's exactly why I use the popup box!

Roland, you're welcome, and I bet she does!

SL, thanks.

Lexa, you'd like Ayreon then.

Liza, I'd wondered about that.

Sandra, you do, and it works.

Stephen, if I weren't lazy, I would've already designed my own...

Thanks, Christine - definitely working on next year now!

Budd said...

I have always had problems with disques working. I like the pop up box.

L.G. Keltner said...

Love the "Run, zombies are coming!" t-shirt. I may have to consider getting one.

VikLit said...

I have problems with Disqus or at least every time I can't remember my Disqus log in. I like your blogger pop up :)

SC Author said...
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SC Author said...
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SC Author said...

I usually go on my iPad and the comment box hasn't changed there. (Third time I'm typing this since autocorrect messed me up D:)

T. Powell Coltrin said...

The pop up comment means I have to again scroll to the bottom.

I have never accidently signed out on the other. Sign out means sign out. :)

I'm okay with any comment box even the ones where you have to prove your not a robot.

Nick Wilford said...

I use pop up comments too, but never thought to keep the comments in the background and the popup box over to the side. I keep scrolling up and down in the box!

Disqus seems tricky. I just post as a guest. And I really wish people didn't still have captcha, of course.

Great t-shirts! I like the Lovecraft one, because not everyone will get it.

mshatch said...

I've found that certain blogs require you to be a member of google plus in order to comment. Which means I can't comment unless I sign on. I also don't like google plus because when i click on someone's name who commented instead of taking me to their about page where I can find their blog or website, it takes me to their google plus page which makes me wade down through to find their blog. I do it, because I like to comment back to those who visited me but it's very time consuming!

I vote for whatever is the easiest way for the most people to leave a comment.

Ray Rousell said...

I saw a trailer of Captain Philips the other day, it does look quite good, a typical Tom Hanks film by the look of it.
I've had no probs with commenting recently, but I don't like the Google + comment box, why mess it up when it already works??

Cathrina Constantine said...

Arjen's trailer is quite phenomenal. I'm off to check you out on Misha's blog Alex.

M Pax said...

Congrats to Roland and Jen!

Glad you're stoked about an album.

I think I'm going to see Gravity next week.

As to comments, I'm stuck with how the theme is set up for my template. I've debated changing my template, but my brother might kill me. :D

There are stupid computer reasons why sometime comments are tough. For the longest time I couldnt comment on Angela's blog. i have no idea why.

Oh, and i have hit sign out by mistake. What a pain!

Rachel Schieffelbein said...

I like Jen's zombie title! Very cool. :)
I read your interview at Misha's. :) It was fun to hear more about your journey!

Arlee Bird said...

I hit the sign out button several times so far. Now I'm more careful. I'm usually fine with either Blogger option, but usually not so keen on Disqus and other options unless they've made it easy for my comment to go through.

Lee
A Faraway View

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

I've hit the sign out button. As for comments, I guess I have no opinion really. The way your blog is set up to handle them works best for me, but I'd be willing to adapt.

Survivormama said...

Alex you are my most famous bloggy friend...I usually don't know or am not familiar with what you write about but have to say I'm in awe of you my friend. Btw I love the poster Run zombies are coming...ha ha ha...my daughter has been obsessed with all the zombie runs she has been reading about...we need one for our part of the country. Blessings and hugs!
http://runningsurvivor.blogspot.com

Suzanne Furness said...

I've had problems with commenting on Disquis and Google + the standard blogger comment box works for me best.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Budd and Vik, I shall continue to use it.

SC, sorry!

Teresa, you have much patience.

Nick, you've learned a new trick. And I certainly get it.

Marcy, I feel the same way! Wading through a Google+ profile is yet another step. Sometimes many.

Mary, yours works fine.

Lee, knocking on wood that I don't hit it!

Thanks, Shannon. And you two should do a zombie run. It would certainly motivate you to run.

Anonymous said...

Hey Alex, I had a theme this year for the A to Z challenge and would love to do an interview if you're still looking for those elusive last two. ;) My email is patricialynne07(@)gmail(.)com.

Wanda said...

Good break down about available comment options. I'm not really a fan of the Google+ comment in that it seems to really limit who can actual post a comment.

Tina said...

I'll continue to use the embedded comment box because for me I like it the best. It stays open and I can refer back to it to see who is next on my list to visit, and it's not new or weird or requires extra registration or produces oodles of extra emails which I for one do NOT need.
Feel free to interview me (tongue in cheek) if you run out of takers ;-)
I'll watch anything Tom Hanks.
Heading over to Misha's!
Tina @ Life is Good

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

Jen's book title is a winner!

I like comment boxes that require the fewest steps to leave a comment. Disqus drives me bonkers. I don't understand it. Likewise the Google+ page drives me bonkers, because I have to hunt for someone's blog.

Anyway, happy weekend, Alex.
xoRobyn

farawayeyes said...

My favorite comment gizmo is the one that's easiest to access both when I'm commenting and on my blog. I get seriously frustrated when I visit a new blog and find some interesting informatio, and then it becomes too complicated to comment. Personally I like the drop down.

klahanie said...

Hi Alex,

Been to Misha's and commented. Cause for a double celebration, me thinks. For your good self and Misha's publication.

The A to Z Blog? I participated in the Z to A. Perhaps we could have an interview that had the ending at the beginning.

Although I still do cover releases, I do think that the ones that involve a large tour may diminish the impact. I have actually featured some who aren't on blog tours.

The new imbedded set up on the comments as to how I have them, like in your photo, is doing my head in. Another problem I find is that when rechecking what I'm about to publish as a comment, it skips all over the place. I might change to the pop-up box.

I hate the Google+ comment system. And I hate clicking on somebody's icon and getting redirected via Google+, just to try and get to their blog. Can be a magical mystery tour.

That's it. Enjoy your weekend.

Gary

H. R. Sinclair said...

I have been so worried I'm going to accidentally sign out too! It's such an off layout.

I don't like Disqus as almost every site that uses it hangs before it loads, especially on Blogger. Popup or embedded doesn't matter to me I scroll either way!

Oh, I missed the cover post. I like the way you do it here, tucked at the end of an original post. The post-clones are too much - and I'm not just talking about covers.

J E Oneil said...

I use the embedded comment because you can reply to posts there. I like to reply to each person individually and if they haven't connected their email to their blogger ID, I can just reply in the post. Although I'm not sure how many people check back for replies.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I like using the popup on other people's blog, but I opted for the reply option, so that only works without a popup unfortunately. I've already 'signed out' once by accident. So frustrating because you lose the comment you'd just typed.

Danette said...

I like the pop out comment but I also like the reply feature in the comments that are built into the post so I don't think I will change it. I tried Google+ comments and I liked it but I got some flak from a commenter so I changed it back although knowing that he/she can opt out of it being on the board... maybe I will put it back, I hadn't noticed that either. (There are just so many decisions on a blog- it boggles the mind. People have no idea! ;)

Cheers!

Helena said...

I'm really looking forward to seeing Captain Phillips.

I used to know musicians and groups really well and even subscribed to Rolling Stone (years ago!), but now I'm really pretty ignorant. So maybe it's time I caught up on a lot of the music recommendations I've been getting, especially yours, Alex.

Elizabeth Seckman said...

I have no idea what I use. I just comment. I do prefer having the reply option...I tend to forget what I want to say when I try to do the bulk replies. That's sort of sad, I know.

Empty Nest Insider said...

Sometimes I have trouble finding blogs on Google+. For some reason, my comments never go through on Disqus. I'll check out your hopeful post at Misha's!

Julie

DiscConnected said...

Alex-

Looking forward to Ayreon...there's a new Transatlantic due early next year!

Thought Chamber was just released (prog metal with Ted Leonard on vocals)

Prog may not sell a lot, but it is sure as heck not dead.

Larry

Anonymous said...

It sometimes seems like a hassle to comment. I have Disqus and Wordpress accounts. What I don't like is Google+ since I can't comment after deleting my Google+ page.

Rhonda Albom said...

I use the default comment system with my WordPress theme. I quite like the google plus one and may switch if it is WP too. As for the AtoZ, my theme was Travel Tips, and Nov 4 in the states is Nov 5, here in New Zealand which is my birthday!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Patricia!

Robyn, agree with you on the Google+ page.

Gary, I just might take you up on that!! And yes, sometimes there is still information coming up and it shifts. With you there.

Holly, you're right that it hangs. And thanks, I never want to post exactly what everyone else is posting.

JE, most don't check back. My comments are already really long - can you imagine if I responded that way?

Lynda, you are not alone...

Danette, Google+ is limiting in that one has to have an account.

Helena, it's a well known band in Europe, but not so much here.

Elizabeth, that's why I like the popup box - I can scroll through the comments and type in my replies in bulk as I read.

Larry, it doesn't sell well here, but in Europe, it's HUGE.

Rhonda, well isn't that convenient!

Anonymous said...

Gah! I have been so absent from Blogger and Google lately that I am sorely behind on all of the changes. Thanks for the heads-up!

P.S. Hope all is going well with your new release, Alex. :)

cleemckenzie said...

I'm doing battle with Blogger and seriously considering jumping ship and going to WordPress. I want reader comments to appear in my email, but will they? No! Maybe Disqus is the answer. Have to check that out.

Off to see Misha's post. I'm sure you already have your interview slots filled, but if you don't I love to talk!

Love that album trailer, BTW.

Misha Gerrick said...

I like the embedded comment box because I can leave replies to each comment on my blog. But the new form and my tablet don't seem to like each other.

Anonymous said...

I am getting burned out on cover reveals, but some still pop out at me and it makes me want to buy the book! As far as commenting, I just click on the wordpress button. I guess I've never really explored the other options.

Chancelet said...

Interesting idea, especially for a blog like yours that has so many different topics.

If it's not too late, I'd be interested in being a guest blogger for the A-Z Challenge for December. I did the challenge, but had no theme. I'm open to the "Challenge Participant Feature." Writer’s Mark

Ella said...

Internet issues-sorry I am late to the party! I guess having internet around corn n' soy fields creates a lot of lag~

I too wouldn't mind being an interview! ;D I am a Green gal after all~

Hope life is good for you and Mrs. AC
stay cool Captain!

I'm off to a band comp in VA-it is pouring out-ick!

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hi, Alex,

Hope you're enjoying your weekend. Thanks for the reminder about the service page on the IWSG....
I sent my info over to the new site.

IF you still have an opening for the A-Z I'd be interested. My intros were pretty popular... still are. LOL.

Congrats to Roland, Misha, and Jen!

Comment boxes can get complicated sometimes. I just keep the basic, but I do like the ones where a comment can be left to a specific commenter. It certainly does invite interaction between commenters which is great. So I may change to that one, if I can figure how. LOL.

Unknown said...

I can never ever use disqus. I don't know why but it never lets me in. I have changed the way I comment on a blogger blog (as my own is wordpress) I used to sign in with wordpress but there wouldn't be any pretty picture etc so I've started using my google account to comment. I have no idea of this leads back in any way to my own blog but it felt more personal having that photo up there. Technology is never happy unless it's changing!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Liz, things are going great!

Lee, I know how to make that happen.

Thanks, Nancy!

Ella, thanks!

Michael, I will check the IWSG email! And I can't reply to all - can you imagine how long my comment area would be..?

Rebecca, I think it leads back...

Leovi said...

Yes , I also use the popup . It's the one I like because they screen ierdeo the page I am commenting !

Mark Koopmans said...

I'm sticking to the pop-up comment box...

I'm already the world's worst commenter, so I'd hate to make it harder for myself!!!

Unknown said...

Thanks for bringing the changes to my attention Alex. I will have to check my settings.

Like others, I have found sites using Disquis hard to comment on. I just don't seem to gain access.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Leovi, it works best for me as well.

Mark, you're not!

Carolyn, Disqus is hard on most people.

Anonymous said...

Don't keep calm -- RUN! Nice.

Sherry Ellis said...

The Theory of Everything looks great! I don't like Google's new comment box, either. I've "signed out" a few times by accident, too.

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Thanks for sharing the Ayreon trailer. I love the scenes on it!

RaShelle Workman said...

Love the Zombies are coming meme!!! Great info. =)

Shell Flower said...

Never heard of Ayreon, but it sounds cool from your post! I also don't like the new blogger comment box, and Disqus is scary due to the google+ auto-post thing if you don't un-check it. The pop-up is best, IMO. Sounds like you have found your A-Z interviewees, but I would have volunteered had I been quicker. I'm still trying to not spend too much time blogging these days.

Intangible Hearts said...

I always enjoy Roland and Misha's blogs. Just downloaded one of Roland's books but it wasn't the latest one. I often wonder why I can't reply to all blog comments through email. Oh well. Have a good one.

Toi Thomas said...

I've never really given much thought to what my preferred commenting method is. I have encountered them all and do find some more user-friendly than others.
I don't mind the Google+ commenter, but you have to be conscious of the box and whether you really want it checked or unchecked. I like the pop-box for the reasons you mentioned, but the truth is that I'm pretty easy going about commenting, now that I'm not completely terrified to do it.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sherry, you're not the only one.

Mary, the trailer is really cool.

Shell, yeah, those positions went quick.

Desert, no idea on that one.

Toinette, then you are in a good place!

Denise Covey said...

Hi Alex. I love Jen Naumann's cover. I am a bit over cover reveals - really, get to the point. Have something else as well like a good intro by Michael di Gesu.

Comments? I'm glad you don't have embedded comments as there'd be too much scrolling, but I like embedded with Reply as I like to reply to each commenter and often other commenters reply to commenters, so it can become interactive. I never go back to read a bunch of replies on a pop up comment box, sorry, as you might spend ages trying to find a reply to yourself and there's none there and if someone has ticked the 'email if there's a reply box' the bulk reply as you do would not activate I don't think.

I hate that Google+ is trying to forces their comment system on blogspot bloggers, but I feel they will eventually say that's it folks! Google + it is! Suck it up!

Denise

Anonymous said...

Good information...

Annalisa Crawford said...

I use the embedded comment box, and I love it. I don't mind using the pop up box on other people's sites, but Disqus really annoys me because I never remember my password!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex .. I use the pop up box - and do because like you I can see comments as I reply ...

I don't like Disqus; Wordpress is fine .. but I have an account - and that might make a difference.

I do hate being 'forced' to use things - and G+ is a pain ... I'm sure 'sod's law' will come into play and we will have no choice ...

Cheers Hilary

Patricia Stoltey said...

I have actually made the mistake of signing out of Google instead of publishing a comment. I guess it helps to pay attention. As for Google+, I'm trying my best to avoid it, but it's not easy. I like the pop-up box from Google best, but I no longer enable anonymous comments because they were 100% spam.