Tech Update: Comment Auto-Trash (Hopefully) Solved!
Folks,
I was lucky enough to be watching as a commenter’s comments get auto-trashed/disappeared. I’ve looked into this issue a number of times in the past after-the-fact, even solving some of the issues for some commenters. Unfortunately, there remained a frustrating issue for many folks as well as a sore point-of-pride for me.
Today I believe the issue is resolved! I say believe because it is too early to know for sure, but being able to investigate the issue “live” meant a lot. When it comes down to it, it looks like a combination of one or more bugs in WordPress, coupled with some errors in blacklist entries, the trigger being (I suspect) part of the commenter’s email address.
Like many things, it was a cascade of events. In this case, I edited the blacklist and so all should be better. Please let me know if your comments still disappear. Being held in Moderation is not the same, you are informed of that event. The issue I solved is more like a black hole – you submit the comment, and poof – nothing is ever seen again.
I wonder if the virtual landfill where we stashed all of our auto trash would be a great location for Amazon’s 2nd North American headquarters now that we’re not using it. Perhaps we should put in a bid.
I’m impressed that we have a blacklist. Good job btw
Can you bring back the auto play ad?
@Major Major Major Major: It’ll return (again) once it plays nice, like it’s supposed to!
@Alain the site fixer: https is part of playing nice, you know.
Thanks, Alain! It’s happened to me a number of times, so I really appreciate this. Funny how it always happens when I have the most well-written, erudite comment possible, isn’t it? ;-)
Yay Alain!
You are the best we’ve ever had, Alain.
@Major Major Major Major: I can’t force them to do that, but it will be a growing problem for them. We’re the only ora.tv ad site I know that is https. And you and I both know that’s the right way to be, and more sites will make the jump once they see the Google referrals drop.
@geg6: Yes, you’re one of the lucky duckies, as I recall seeing lots of your comments in purgatory. If they do it again, let me know – I have a strong hypothesis, nothing proven, but I did act on it.
Wow, if you fixed that your already godlike status gets a shiny upgrade!
This is a test, only a test.
Thank you Alain!
Couple things I’ve noticed, may or may not relate:
– While writing in the comment box, if I used the back arrow several times to move around some of the other comments. Then finished and tried to post my comment.
-If I was interrupted while writing a comment, then returned to finish and posted (ie writing took too long).
-In the past: if I accidentally had bj open in more than one window, and then posted a comment I’d written in the earlier window.
–eta Not sure but: possibly a post that used some slightly complicated combination of quote boxes, links, italics
Wherein I try and try again.
After 42 years in IT, I’ve come to translate that as “I hope this fixes the problem”.
Good catch, watching it as it happens.
@Alain the site fixer:
Will do!
Alain – if we have a Blacklist does that make you Red Reddington or would that be John?
Seriously thanks for everything you do to keep the site running smoothly.