Comment Spam and Trolls {Bloggy Basics}

As bloggers, we hear a lot about comment spam and how to prevent it. Blogger recently upgraded its spam prevention. WordPress has multiple plugins with Akismet being the most popular.  So, why all the hubub? And what in the world are trolls?

Let’s take a walk through spam, trolls, and the options we have to protect our blogs.

Comment Spam

Spam is annoying. Just like in email accounts, spam can be a problem on blogs.  It can be jibberish, off-topic,  and make no sense like this:

Hi, i think that i noticed you visited my site thus i got here to return the choose?.I am trying to in finding issues to improve my site!I assume its ok to use a few of your ideas!!  (on a web posting about an upcoming MOPS meeting on our MOPS website – NOTHING about web development!)

It can be an overt advertisement like this (I altered the website that was listed because there’s no way I’ll advertise a spammer’s site!):

Hi,Watch This FREE Video How To Build Over 100,000 backlinks and drove over 500,000 targeted visitors from free traffic source to your sites {removed website}Get Google Top Spot Now

Sometimes it’s a little harder to tell. The comment will have something to do with the post and makes sense, however, the point in posting the comment is for a back-link. As a way to boost their ranking in search engines.  These sneaky spam comments are tricky. Always check the source and check any links included. If you have CommentLuv enabled, check that post.  My guideline is that if it is a comment with a link that advertises something that I wouldn’t advertise myself.  I have been getting repeated very good and relevant comments from one person, but the link has been to things like “hooking up with women” or “nude girls” or other inappropriate things.  Just do some investigating!

Why is comment spam bad?

Besides comment spam being a pain in the rear, it can hurt your blog. Blogs that have a lot of published spam comments may get listed as spam blogs or will be ranked lower than the blog that weeds out the spam.

Comment Trolls

A troll isn’t someone who lives under a bridge. A troll is someone who posts things for the sole purpose of stirring up controversy.  Trolls are commonplace in many online forums (though calling someone out as being a troll isn’t cool).  Trolls can also be found in blog comments.  They post something just to get a rise out of someone. They feed on drama.

I had my first troll comment just this past week. My first reaction was to jump in and defend myself. After reading things a couple more times, I realized this was a troll and by responding, I’d be giving this person just what he or she wanted.

The comment was in response to my post about forgiving like a child. The post was about my mommy-fail where I asked forgiveness from my children, which they happily gave.  I hate to do it, but I’ll post the troll comment. I will not post any identifying information.

WOW! Iam impressed in how well read you are in the bible and how little you apply it. Yes, to be god like is to be child like, period. Stop your preaching and start walking your talk. Otherwise you are nothing more than a hipocrite. GOD IT.????

Goodness – just reading it again gets me all riled up! This person does not know me in real life and by just one blog post about a normal human failure, he attacks me like this. *shudder*

THAT, my friends, is a troll comment. Designed to stir up controversy and anger.  When you come upon one like this, there is just one thing to do – DELETE! Do not feed the troll. If others have responded, post a comment explaining that you deleted a comment for being a personal attack.

What can I do?

There are several ways to deal with spam. It’s not hard and doesn’t take a ton of time.

• Comment message.  You can set a message that appears above your comment form. Say what you like there. It’s a good idea to say something about your stance on attacks or other mean behavior – something simple like “play nice – attacks will not be tolerated and will be deleted” would suffice.  This message won’t prevent spam or troll comments, but it will let your readers know what you will not allow. They will feel protected and will understand if you need to delete a comment in the future.
• Spam protection. Install a plugin if you are using WordPress. Try an alternative comment system if you are on Blogger and not happy with their improved spam protection.
• Delete button. There is nothing wrong with deleting a comment from time to time. It is your blog. Keep it a safe place for people to be. Make it clear to your readers what is ok and what isn’t. Protect yourself and your readers. However, if you delete a lot of comments, readers may be less likely to comment for fear of being deleted. Trust may be eroded – some companies have seen their trust plummet after deleting dissenting opinions from their websites on a regular basis.
• Comment moderation. Some bloggers opt to use comment moderation. Comments are not public until the blogger approves them. I don’t recommend using moderation all the time. It is fine if you use it for a time – especially if spam or troll comments have gotten out of hand or if you are concerned about a particularly hot topic post. Readers like instant gratification – the ability to see their comment as well as others right away.  Readers can better engage in discussions. The sense of community on your blog increases when comment moderation is not used.  If you use moderation, be sure to check your spam folder regularly. For some reasons, one of my favorite bloggers (Donna Perugini) always gets sent to spam. No idea why!
• Captcha. Many bloggers are so afraid of spam that they jump to using captcha right away. Captcha is the comment verification system that requires you to enter random and hard-to-read letters and numbers. I hate captcha. I can never get it right. I often give up and don’t comment because of the captcha. Sometimes, I’ll comment, hit enter, then start to a different web page only to see right as the screen changes that there was capcha after submitting and now it’s too late. My comment was lost.   There are better ways to manage spam than giving readers a headache with captcha. Definitely do not use BOTH comment moderation and captcha. There is no reason to use both together.

Remember, your blog is exactly that. YOURS. You are in charge of your content including the content in your comments. Take control. Protect your blog. Protect your reputation. Protect your readers.

How do you handle spam and trolls? What’s the worst comment you have ever received?

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