Site-specific reply option for sites you auto-crosspost to

[reddragdiva]

Title:
Site-specific reply option for sites you auto-crosspost to

Area:
comments

Summary:
As well as "anon", "OpenID" and "DW user", add a comment option specific to any site you automatically crosspost to, as commenters will be coming from there.

Description:
I posted the full rant on my DW: http://reddragdiva.dreamwidth.org/30773.html Update: More detailed user experience reports from frustrated LJ posters on that post.

I have recently set my DW to crosspost to LiveJournal and direct all comments back here. However, it seems that in practice, DreamWidth's OpenID login for LiveJournal users is crappy, annoying and frequently just doesn't work for non-technical users. I'm seeking more info for a proper bug report. But basically, the OpenID comment option has confused non-geeks to the point where they can't work it after ages trying.

The thing about the LiveJournal engine is it's ridiculously easy to use. People who can't work computers can participate with huge success, and geeks don't get annoyed. A successful interface has to work for geeks and anti-geeks.

The OpenID requirement as presently implemented is a Linux c.1998 style solution: tell the user to hand-dig a latrine, then hand them a toilet seat to prop on top, and honestly think you've done something for user-friendliness.

The obvious provider-neutral solution: if someone is automatically crossposting to another site, people will be coming from there — so include said sites as express options for commenting. A box something like "LiveJourna(tm) user: [_______] LiveJournal will confirm your identity." Accept a username, a username with hyphens, a URL, anything unambiguous. IT HAS TO BE RIDICULOUSLY EASY.

This is actually breaking my social network in practice. Inadvertent lockin is just as bad in its effects as deliberate lockin.

Poll #2450 Site-specific reply option for sites you auto-crosspost to

Open to: Registered Users, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 40

View Respondents

This suggestion:

View Answers

Should be implemented as-is.
14 (35.0%)

Should be implemented with changes. (please comment)
9 (22.5%)

Shouldn't be implemented.
7 (17.5%)

(I have no opinion)
9 (22.5%)

(Other: please comment)
1 (2.5%)

Comments

[yvi]

The LiveJournal engine is not ridiculously easy to use, and frequently annoys geeks.

This.

From the OP: The thing about the LiveJournal engine is it's ridiculously easy to use. People who can't work computers can participate with huge success, and geeks don't get annoyed.

Both of these statements are not true for everyone in those groups.