GSA has decided to remove the comments functionality on the USA.gov blog after growing tired of sifting through a high volume of spam-type comments intended to siphon traffic and bolster search engine rankings on other sites.
It said that since the USA.gov blog launched in 2011, the comments increasingly became less constructive and engaging, and more inclined toward spam. In a blog post on digitalgov.gov, GSA social media strategist Jessica Milcetich says users are more likely to respond to content using Twitter or Facebook, rather than try to drive a discussion on a more narrowly focused website.
Many agencies have implemented comment functionality as part of an effort to engage with their “customers” but it remains to be seen whether it’s worth the trouble if social media platforms can provide enough of an overall forum and sufficient communication channels.
Visitors on the USA.gov blog are now directed to share feedback on Twitter, Facebook or Google+.
