Some of our readers may have noticed recent issues affecting the comments section of the UK Defence Journal.
Due to a change in the backend system that manages user engagement on the site, there were temporary disruptions — most notably, a lack of notifications for replies and a noticeable increase in spam.
We understand how important it is for readers to follow conversations and engage meaningfully with each other, and we’re aware that these issues have affected that experience.
We’re pleased to share that we now have a robust anti-spam solution in place. Just as importantly, we’ve introduced a new system to provide notifications when your comment has been replied to. Users can simply select the option when posting by checking the box stating “Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment.”
Our goal is to ensure that discussions can continue in a respectful, well-managed, and technically stable environment. As always, we appreciate your continued support and patience.
Thank you for being part of our community.
Thank you for the work you put in on this. I know we moan a lot, but we do appreciate it.
+100
Could I ask that “notify by email” isn’t reset every time and the previous preference is saved? One less box to untick for those who don’t want it.
Agreed ! Well done, George !!
Good effort getting things working again.
Can the length of the reply threads be increased from four? I seem to recall that it is a setting in the plugin?
Thanks for this but can you also crack down on the bots aswell please?
This isn’t a real comment
Comments are cool.
Did it work?
My only frustration is the consent box, if you forget to click it of course it goes to error and you have to go back which, if fair enough worked the first time I did that but often when you then click it and repost it goes to error with ‘prove you are a human’ which of course isn’t an option (anyway why can’t visitors from Betelgeuse comment herd 👽). Only option is then to copy your comment refresh and try again, though last time I did that even though the process seems to work smoothly the comment never appeared.
Yes, I’ve fallen foul of that a few times.
Should be fixed now.
Might be worthwhile getting UKDJ to remember how you had that box (ticked or unticked) last time and pre-fill accordingly.
‘Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment’ seems to be autifilling fine when I’ve checked on different devices.
It’s working for me, but can the consent box be made to auto fill?
Would be really nice if we could do ‘no-click’ comments.
I’ll ask the team and let you know.
Thanks so much for the suggestion regarding the GDPR consent on our comment form. I checked with the team, and we’ve now implemented the change based on your feedback. The consent message is displayed clearly in dark red, ensuring it’s noticeable before users click to submit their comments. We also removed the checkbox to simplify the process while still maintaining compliance.
We really appreciate your input on this – it’s made a positive difference! Let me know if you have any more ideas or feedback.
Thanks George for the quick change!
Checkbox definitely gone at my end and all boxes autofilled, UKDJ comments section is well and truly back!
Many thanks George and team, it’s good to have normal service restored.
In the past, most of my comments and replies have been posted on the site almost immediately. However, more recently, some have been held, awaiting moderation – then I think Cripes! What have I said?
George, I can’t remember ever seeing any guidelines on content, or subjects which might require moderation. Could you enlighten me, please?
For me, UKDJ is a must-read, every day. I’m really impressed by the quality of your reporting and one-off articles; plus the depth of knowledge of many posters here is quite incredible. Keep it all coming, George!
Hi Roy, you, and all others, had to have comments approved manually for a period of time as we sorted out the spam (all with our comments person being off on leave) so hundreds fell through the cracks. All fixed now.
Many thanks, George.
great news
Thanks Lisa and George.
My only gripe is the “consent “ button at every reply/ comment. No way to leave it ticked once and for all?