---
title: "Managing Comments"
source: "https://docs.nexcess.com/software/learndash/academy/managing-comments/"
description: "[wp101 video=\"comments\"] In this video, the instructor explains how to use the comments feature in WordPress to engage readers, build community, and manage disc…"
vertical: "Software"
area: "Academy"
topics: ["General WordPress", "How To", "Settings", "WordPress 101"]
date: "2023-02-22"
last_modified: "2023-02-22"
---

# Managing Comments

\[wp101 video=”comments”\]

In this video, the instructor explains how to use the **comments feature** in WordPress to engage readers, build community, and manage discussions effectively.

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#### **1. Why Comments Matter**

- Allow readers to **respond to posts**, ask questions, share resources, or give feedback.
- Encourage **discussion and interaction**, making your site more engaging.

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#### **2. Managing Comments**

- The **Activity module** on the Dashboard shows new comments awaiting moderation.
- Actions available for each comment: 
    - **Approve/Unapprove**
    - **Reply**
    - **Edit** (e.g., fixing typos)
    - **Mark as spam**
    - **Move to trash**
- Approved comments appear on the post.
- Visitors who aren’t logged in will see a **comment form** requiring name and email for added security.

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#### **3. The Comments Screen**

- Lets you **bulk manage comments**: 
    - Approve/unapprove
    - Mark as spam
    - Move to trash
- Search and filter comments for easier moderation.

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#### **4. Discussion Settings**

Found under **Settings > Discussion**, these control how comments and notifications work.

Key options include:

- **Pingbacks & Trackbacks** – Notify other blogs when you link to them, and vice versa.
- **Default Settings** – Allow comments sitewide (can override per post).
- **Author Identity** – Require name and email; logging in is optional.
- **Close Comments Automatically** – After a set number of days.
- **Threaded/Nested Comments** – Organize replies under parent comments (up to 10 levels).
- **Pagination** – Split long comment threads into multiple pages.
- **Order** – Show newest or oldest comments first.

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#### **5. Moderation and Spam Control**

- **Approval rules**: 
    - Manually approve all comments, or
    - Auto-approve if the author has a previously approved comment.
- **Link restrictions** – Hold comments with multiple links (common in spam).
- **Keyword filters** – Hold or blacklist comments containing flagged words.

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#### **6. Avatars (Profile Images)**

- Enable or disable avatars beside comments.
- Set a **maximum rating** for profile images.
- Choose a **default avatar** for users without one.
- To use your own avatar across all WordPress sites, create a profile at **Gravatar.com**.

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### **Key Takeaway:**

Comments in WordPress provide a powerful way to **engage readers in two-way conversations**. With moderation tools, spam filters, and avatar customization, you can foster meaningful discussions while keeping your site secure and professional.