Nowadays it is a must to moderate your blog so that you can filter and delete spam messages that are unnecessary to your page.

I definitely have to moderate my blog, or else I'd be getting spam comments left at times. Unfortunately, once some people are aware that a blog isn't moderated, it attracts even more spam comments.

if you do not want you blog to be flooded with spam then moderation is a must.

Originally Posted by fma001

Someone asked me about this and I said I don't like moderated blogs because I feel that they interfere with conversation flow.

If you don't moderate, the conversation flow will be washed down by great guys with names like:

- local mobile advertising
- maternity photographer
- Guaranteed Seo Services
- New York City Hotel
- Magento Development India

who'll add "valuable" thank-you-for-this-valuable-post one liners.

Originally Posted by fma001

Someone asked me about this and I said I don't like moderated blogs because I feel that they interfere with conversation flow.

Well no matter what happens a moderator is necessary for a blog because people post spamy links.

For example: The Blog A has a place to put up your website link and comment in the comment box only without leaving a website link in the comment box.

Most of folks put links in between comments as a fool's paradise that they will get traffic and forgetting the fact they are only wasting theirs as well as moderators time.

Originally Posted by Jim Gillum

Yes for moderation...or the spam will dilute any value from the comments...

Quite right, Jim, spam has to be moderated out. But I think that the question meant whether comments should be held for moderation before publishing them. If somebody is keeping a close eye on the blog, then they can omit holding comments for moderation.

I agree C0ldf1re - there is one blog I read every week that does hold comments for moderation. It seems to work because he has a loyal fan base that comment all the time.

The blog owner writes weekly blogs about child murder cases. (during the Casey Anthony case there were 2 a week because he attended the trial every day) The comments are always intelligent, thoughtful and lively - there is usually 50-70 responses on each one. (except the Anthony case there were always 100 or more)

He does have someone help him with the moderation so your post is usually up within an hour or so. He doesn't allow spam or bizarre posts to go through so you never see any. I think its essential to moderate for the reasons Jimbo stated but not necessary to hold for moderation however I think this particular blogger does it right because there is so little wait time and no junk.

I guess my question to you is when you said if someone is keeping an eye on it you don't have to hold for moderation. Does this mean the junk posts can be deleted after they post like we do here even though its not forum software that's used?

I forgot to mention that the Huffington Post holds all comments for moderation but you can actually see your post with a shaded background until it becomes permanent. I'm guessing you're the only one that sees your posts in waiting because I never see anyone elses shaded like mine. Also they're up usually within 15 minutes and it seems that they only check for spam. In fact, they encourage members to report offensive and rule breaking posts by awarding merit badges to those who do.

Originally Posted by Mystical Pippin

... I guess my question to you is when you said if someone is keeping an eye on it you don't have to hold for moderation. Does this mean the junk posts can be deleted after they post like we do here even though its not forum software that's used?

Yes. On a WordPress blog, you can delete spam after it is posted. If you are working online anyway, you can keep an eye on your blog in a browser tab.

You can also easily switch between allowing comments to be posted without waiting for moderator approval, and holding comments for moderation before posting, e.g. so that spam posts do not accumulate overnight.

Oh cool that's good to know. I'm still deciding where I will put my blog. I've been leaning towards Word Press. From everything Ive read so far it looks like it has everything I need.

Originally Posted by Mystical Pippin

... I've been leaning towards Word Press. From everything Ive read so far it looks like it has everything I need.

Yes. I've tried a dozen types of blog, and chosen WordPress.