This article explains how to disable comments on Happeo posts and articles.
What does disabling post comments entail?
Disabling comments on a post or article removes the ability for users to add comments. When comments are disabled, the comment input box is no longer visible – and a clear 'comment status indicator' appears, informing readers that comments are not enabled for that specific post. This ensures that while the content remains accessible, the interactive commenting functionality is removed.
For multi-channel posts, the initial comment setting chosen at the time of publishing is respected across all channels. However, authors can individually adjust the comment settings for each instance of the post on different channels after publishing.
Why disable post comments?
Disabling comments enhances content clarity and audience focus. Some updates, such as policy changes, sensitive HR communications, or critical leadership announcements, are designed to inform rather than to invite discussion. This feature enables authors to:
- Maintain message integrity: Prevent off-topic discussions or unwanted back-and-forth that can dilute the original intent of the post.
- Reduce information overload: Minimize "noise" and ensure that readers' attention remains on the core message.
- Exercise greater control over engagement: Authors can decide when and where interaction is appropriate, fostering controlled and effective communication.
How to disable comments for posts and articles
You can easily disable comments while you're still drafting your content.
For posts
- Navigate to the post field in a Channel
- Write your post
- Click the three-dot icon at the top-right of the post field.
- Select Disable comments.
For articles
- Navigate to the post field in a Channel
- Select Create article
- Write your article
- Click the three-dot icon at the top-right of the article field (it's located below the article header).
- Select Disable comments.
Note: Disabling comments also works when posts and articles are set as announcements. Follow the steps as above, but make sure to set as announcement before publishing. Learn more here.
Disabling comments after publishing
The process for disabling comments on already published posts, announcements and articles is the same.
- Navigate to the published post, announcement, or article.
- Click the three-dot icon at the top-right of the post or article.
- Select Disable comments.
Enabling comments after publishing
If you change your mind and would like to open comments after publishing your post, announcement, or article, you can do so after publishing by following the same process as above.
- Navigate to the published post, announcement, or article.
- Click the three-dot icon at the top-right of the post or article.
- Select Disable comments.
FAQ
Can I disable comments after publishing a post?
You can disable comments on a post either before or after publishing it.
What happens to existing comments if I disable comments after publishing?
If you disable comments after a post has been published, the outcome depends on whether comments have already been made:
- No existing comments: If no comments have been received when you change the settings, nothing will happen to the post's appearance.
- Existing comments: If comments were made on the post, they will all be removed from the post itself.
Will there be an option to keep existing comments in the future?
We are exploring the option to keep existing comments in the future.
How are readers notified or made aware that comments are disabled?
Readers are informed that comments are disabled through a 'comment status' displayed directly on the post.
Can I control comments per channel for multi-channel posts?
When sharing a post to multiple channels within the same workflow, the "disable comments" setting will apply to all of them. However, you can go back and update the settings for a specific version of the post within a channel, and these changes will only apply to that particular post.
When should I disable comments?
You should consider disabling comments on a post-by-post basis, rather than at the channel level. This gives you the flexibility to decide when a particular post should invite discussion. For example, posts containing sensitive company-wide news, such as policy changes, process improvements, or crisis communications, might benefit from having comments disabled.
Is it possible to apply this setting automatically based on the type of post?
No, it's not possible to apply this setting automatically based on the type of post at this stage.
Can I bulk disable comments for multiple posts?
No, you can't currently disable comments for multiple posts in bulk.
Who can disable comments – the poster, or only Channel owners/editors?
Comments can be disabled by the author when they initially post. Additionally, admins, channel owners, and editors can also disable comments on a post retrospectively.
Can editors override comment settings?
Yes, editors can override comment settings.
Does disabling comments also disable reactions?
No, when you disable comments, channel members can still react to the post (e.g., they can 'like' the post).