The interface is not all that different from the default Blogger commenting system, and many things work in the same way. Here's a general overview of how it works.
If you read posts on the main page, you can go to the comments the same way by clicking on "No comments" (or how ever many comments there are):
You can then type your comment in the box. Standard HTML formatting will still work, just like the old interface (for example, <b>bold</b> <i>itaics</i>, <a href="linkurl">Link text</a>, etc.). The new system also supports the uploading of photos, in case the need arises:
You can then sign-in to comment with a Disqus account, or a Facebook, Twitter, or Google account by clicking the appropriate button. If you currently comment using an account here, chances are it's a Google account and you can sign in easily with just two clicks with that option. If you're already signed into Facebook, Twitter, or Google in your browser, you don't have to enter your username/password again, just follow the instructions that pop up in the window:
If you don't have any of those accounts, or you would rather not use them, you are free to comment as a guest. Enter your name or screename in the "Enter a name" box and then it will expand to allow you to enter a valid e-mail.
At this point, you can either enter a password to sign up for a free Disqus account (which you can use on this site and other sites that use Disqus). If you sign into any of the accounts, you can have the service "remember you" and you won't have to sign in/enter your name each time.
If you don't want to sign up for a Disqus account or you don't want to sign in through any of the services, you can still comment anonymously with just your name like you could under the "Name/URL" or "Anonymous" on the old system. Simply check "I'd rather post as a guest," the password field will go away, and you will be able to comment without having to sign in or sign up for anything:
After that, just click that arrow button to submit your comment and it will appear straight away. All comments under the new system are still subject to The LIRR Today's Comments Policy. All old comments have been imported to the new system, so any previous comments are still there. There might have been a couple lost in the transition, but feel free to leave your comment again if you'd like.
And the same basic steps apply to those who browse posts on their mobile device. The comments box is a bit smaller, but it works virtually the same way it does on the desktop browser version.
Hopefully the new system will be easier for everyone to use. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to leave a comment or shoot me an e-mail with any concerns.
