Hugh W. Roberts

Are You Getting ‘Anonymous’ Blog Comments? How To Stop Them.

Published on Jan 29, 2024Jan 30, 2024 by Hugh W. Roberts96 Comments

Encouraging visitors to join the conversation on my blog posts and those of other bloggers is a must for me. Personally, if I can’t quickly leave a comment on a blog post, I’ll move on to the next one.

It’s one of the reasons why I use WordPress, as I’ve found it difficult to leave comments on other blogging platforms. What about you?

I firmly believe that we should prioritise making it effortless for blog visitors to leave comments. It’s crucial not to burden them with unnecessary obstacles when they want to engage with us. But that comes with the cost of receiving comments from anonymous readers. But is that a problem?

Light blue image with the words 'Are You Getting 'Anonymous' Blog Comments? How To Stop Them.' in white text. — Or should you make it easier for visitors to leave comments?

I’ve always received comments on my blog posts from visitors using ‘Anonymous’ or ‘Someone’ as their display names. But it has never bothered me because I can spot spam comments easily and guarantee that none will reach the comments section of my posts.

Here’s an anonymous comment I received recently.

Image showing what an 'anonymous' comment on WordPress — Do anonymous comments annoy you?

I wasn’t concerned when it appeared because it was left on one of my recent Wordless Wednesday posts about leftover chocolate, so I knew it was genuine.

Not knowing who the comment is from could pose a problem, but if it sounds genuine and has no uninvited or suspicious links, I’ll reply and approve the comment.

However, I’ll mark it as spam if it looks or sounds like a spam comment or contains any uninvited links. Oh! And I never approve comments that say ‘Nice Post.’ ‘Nice’ or ‘Great photo,’ regardless of who left them.

How do I make it easier for visitors to leave comments on my posts or prevent them from being anonymous?

In the blog settings of WordPress.Com blogs, there are settings which users can turn on or off to make it easier for visitors to leave comments or to prevent comments from being shown as anonymous.

To find these settings on your blog’s dashboard, go to Settings – Discussion and scroll down to the ‘Comments‘ section on the ‘Discussion Settings‘ page. I’m using WordPress on an Apple iMac desktop computer in these screenshots.

Image highlighting 'Settings' - 'Discussion' on a WordPress blog. — Click on Settings – Discussion

Image highlighting the 'Comments' section on the discussions settings page of a WordPress blog. — Scroll to the ‘Comments’ section.

If you want to make it easy for visitors to your blog to be able to leave comments, ensure you have the first two settings in the ‘Comments‘ section, ‘Comment author must fill out name and email‘ and ‘User must be registered and logged in to comment,’ switched off.

Image showing the settings to turn on or off depending how easy you want to make it for visitors to your blog to leave comments. — Switch on or off depending on how easy you want it to be for visitors to leave comments on your blog.

If you do not want comments on any posts showing as ‘Anonymous’, ensure those two settings are switched on. However, beware that turning these settings on will make it more difficult for some users to leave comments.
Turning these settings on means that users must either fill out their name and email address or be registered as a WordPress user and logged in to be able to leave a comment. Some users may not like giving this information to be able to comment.

Make sure you click the ‘Save Settings’ button if you make any changes.

And that’s it. Only you can choose whether to have these settings on or off. Go with what you feel most comfortable with.

Do you make it easy for visitors to your blog to comment, or do you prefer to only allow those willing to give their information to be able to leave comments? Is WordPress the best platform for engagement and for leaving comments? Let me know in the comments.

Is your blog as secure as it can be? Take this final step to make sure nobody can hack it. Take a look at my recent post for more details.

Is Your Blog Safe? One Security Feature You Must Have

Layout, content, settings, and format might differ on self-hosted blogs.

Click the buttons below to follow Hugh on Social Media

What Signs Of New Life Have You Spotted Recently? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

Published on Jan 24, 2024Jan 24, 2024 by Hugh W. Roberts46 Comments

Wordless Wednesday – No words, just pictures. Allow your photo(s) to tell the story.

Photo of some snowdrops in a garden. — New Life – New Beginnings

Not sure what Wordless Wednesday is or how to participate? Click here for full details.

Are you participating in Wordless Wednesday? Although I am not hosting this challenge, you can leave a link or pingback to your post in the comments section to help promote it to other bloggers.

To help those with eyesight-impaired vision, please remember to complete a description of your photo in the ‘alt-text’ and description boxes of the picture in the WordPress media library. For more details, check my post, Adding Images Or Photos To Your Blog Posts? 4 Essential Things To Do.’

Did you miss last week’s Wordless Wednesday?

What’s Leftover In Your Life? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

Do you have anything left over you’d like to offer others?

Let me know in the comments section.

For Wordless Wednesday, share a picture of something leftover.

by Hugh W. Roberts Jan 17, 2024Jan 30, 2024

Follow Hugh on Social Media. Click on the links below.

If you enjoyed this post and want more like it, click the ‘Subscribe’ button to stay up-to-date with my latest content.

True Stories: Confessions Of A Gay Man – Boyfriends

Published on Jan 22, 2024Jan 4, 2025 by Hugh W. Roberts66 Comments

Wednesday 24th May, 1989.

‘I’ve grown wary of men over the last few weeks since that awful evening when Stephen told me he had got back with David. I still remember that smirk on David’s face as they held hands after announcing the news. It was that kind of smirk that I wanted to wipe off his face. How I resisted not punching him that evening, I’ve no idea.

Light blue image with the words 'True Stories: Confessions Of A Gay Man - Boyfriends' in white text. — True Stories about living as a gay man.

My love life continues to cause me problems today when I bumped into Stephen again, and he asked, ‘Would I see him again?’ after telling me he’d made a dreadful mistake returning to David.

To say I was somewhat taken aback is an understatement. I was gobsmacked and didn’t know what to say. Ultimately, I asked if I could have some time to think about it. He’s handsome, but the fact that he went back to his partner over me rings alarm bells.

But worse was to come when Bob walked into Bromptons* tonight. Butterflies immediately started fluttering around my stomach.

Bob was with the guy I’d been hearing about. I’d heard rumours weeks ago that he was seeing somebody but didn’t believe them. Now I know that all I wanted was ‘NOT’ to believe them.

I don’t know who he is, but he looked miserable with Bob like he didn’t want any attention from him or, for that matter, anybody else in the bar.

So, here I sit tonight writing this entry, knowing that Stephen and I both seem to be heading for unhappiness. Stephen, because I’d be a fool going back with him (wouldn’t I?), and me? Because Bob completely ignored me. It’s as if the relationship we once had never happened. I still do not know why he ended what we had.’

*Bromptons was a gay bar in Earl’s Court, London.

Notes from the author.

That was the last entry in my diary from 1989. It was as if my life ended that day. But, of course, it didn’t. I simply stopped keeping a diary after that day, but I don’t know why.

As a very close friend from the time of this final diary entry once said to me – ‘There is no such thing as an ending. It’s just the point where we leave the story.’

After reading this entry, I’m still determining who Stephen is. I can’t remember him, but he obviously made an impression on me in the late 1980s.

Nor can I remember who the guy was with Bob.

However, I still remember Bob, what he looked like, how he talked, how he smiled, what he did for a living, and the address he was living at the time. I still remember what he wore the last time I saw him, what happened on our first date, and the first time our eyes met.

People enter and leave our lives daily. Some travel with us for a long time, whereas others swiftly cross our paths, never to be seen again. Do those who stay around and engage with us and who impact our lives do so for a reason? Do they protect us, warn us, guide us? Or do they enter our lives to put a stop to something?

Even though some people take us on journies to Hell and back when they enter our lives, those journies are probably life lessons that we should never forget. Unfortunately, we do because we end up making the same mistakes.

Fast forward to today, reading the diary entry took me back to my days as a young gay man living and working in London. What scares me more than anything is that I referred to Stephen going back to his partner as ‘alarm bells.’ Whereas I didn’t seem to think that alarm bells accompaned me when I started dating somebody who was already attached. Now I wonder how many people who entered my life back then heard those alarm bells.

At the time, London seemed like the safest place to live in the UK for a gay man. I felt a protective wall built around it kept us all safe. It was like a big comfort blanket. That’s why, in 1986, I chose to go and live there. But it wasn’t always safe. Nor was it always comfortable and protective.

Next month: – Jobs. Some jobs were easy – you could be yourself. But other jobs came with a warning if you were different.

If you enjoyed this entry, you may also enjoy reading, ‘True Stories: Gay Memories – The Day My Life Changed.’

Please feel free to ask me any questions by leaving me a comment.

Click the buttons below to follow Hugh on Social Media

What’s Leftover In Your Life? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

Published on Jan 17, 2024Jan 30, 2024 by Hugh W. Roberts41 Comments

Wordless Wednesday – No words, just pictures. Allow your photo(s) to tell the story.

Photo of a bowl containing foil-wrapped Father Christmas chocolates — What do you have left over?

Not sure what Wordless Wednesday is or how to participate? Click here for full details.

Are you participating in Wordless Wednesday? Although I am not hosting this challenge, you can leave a link or pingback to your post in the comments section to help promote it to other bloggers.

Did you miss last week’s Wordless Wednesday?

Strike A Pose! Who Or What Have You Captured A Pose Of? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

You’ll never guess who I found posing. What’s your best pose?

Let me know in the comments section.

For Wordless Wednesday, share a picture of a favourite pose.

by Hugh W. Roberts Jan 10, 2024Jan 9, 2024

Follow Hugh on Social Media. Click on the links below.

If you enjoyed this post and want more like it, click the ‘Subscribe’ button to stay up-to-date with my latest content.

Is Your Blog Safe? One Security Feature You Must Have

Published on Jan 15, 2024Jan 15, 2024 by Hugh W. Roberts63 Comments

You wouldn’t leave your doors unlocked if you were the last one to leave the house, would you?

Would you give a stranger the password to your online banking account?

Would you share or give a stranger the password to your blog?

Protecting your blog is just as important as protecting your home and online bank accounts, yet many bloggers share personal details about themselves on their blogs and on social media, which can be a treasure trove for scammers. Be careful what information you share.

Before sharing any information, ask yourself, ‘Would I share this information with a complete stranger?’

Light blue image with the words 'Is Your Blog Safe? One Security Feature You Must Have' in white text. — Adding this feature will give your blog an extra layer of security.

Although we’re all encouraged to use a strong password to protect our blogs, did you know that many blogging platforms, including WordPress, offer users an extra layer of security when it comes to protecting their blogs?

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to enter a code or use another device in addition to your password. For example, you can use an app like Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator to generate access codes for your blog.

WordPress offers users two-factor authentication security. Follow the guide below to set it up for your WordPress blog. For this example, I’m using an Apple iMac desktop computer.

How to set up two-step authentication for your WordPress blog.

In the top right of your blog, click on your profile picture/avatar.

Click on ‘Security‘ in the menu on the page’s left side.

Image highlighting the 'Security' tab on a WordPress blog. — Click on the ‘Security’ tab.

Select the ‘Two-step Authentication‘ option.

Image highlight the Two-Step Authentication tab on a WordPress blog. — Select Two-Step Authentication

Select which method you would like to receive the two-step passcode generated by WordPress, and click the ‘Get Started‘ button.

Image highlighting the 'Get Started' button when setting up Two-Step Authentication on WordPress. — Click the ‘Get Started’ button.

Follow the onscreen instructions depending on your selected method to receive the WordPress two-step authentication passcode.

Once enabled, logging into WordPress.com will require you to enter a unique passcode generated by an app on your mobile device or sent via text after adding your username and password.

You will receive an email from WordPress confirming that two-step authentication has been enabled.

Image showing an email confirmation from WordPress confirming that two-step authentication has been set up. — You’ll get an email from WordPress confirming that two-step authentication has been set up for your blog.

That’s it! Access to your blog is now protected by an extra layer of security.

I’d recommend adding or checking that the recovery email address and recovery SMS number for your WordPress blog/account are also correct when switching on two-step authentication.

Are you making the most of Two-Step Authentication to safeguard your blog? Need guidance on setting it up? Share your best practices for securing your blog in the comments below.

Did you miss my post giving details of what plans I have for my blog in 2024? Check out my post, ‘2024: Exciting And Positive Things Happening On Hugh’s Views And News‘, for complete details.

Follow Hugh on social media. Click the buttons below.

Layout, content, settings, and format might differ on self-hosted blogs.

Flash Fiction – The Time Traveller’s Husband

Published on Jan 14, 2024Jan 14, 2024 by Hugh W. Roberts32 Comments

January 9, 2024, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a recovery story. What instigated the recovery? What is being recovered? Data, athletes, illness — expand the idea of recovery and find your story. Go where the prompt leads!

You should read last week’s piece of flash fiction first. Then today’s piece of flash will make more sense.

Flash Fiction – Red Or Yellow?

The Time Traveller’s Husband – by Hugh W. Roberts

Hell was too hot for me, but the men were so hot!

“You don’t know how pleased I am to see you,” shouted my husband’s voice. “But how did you get here?”

“I have the same time machine as you, but, unlike you, I always read the instruction manuals first,” I smiled.

I watched as my husband gathered his belongings.

“What makes you think I’ve come here to recover you?” I asked.

“Well, who else would you be here for?” came his reply.

The look on my husband’s face was priceless as I escorted Satan to my time machine.

Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.

***

Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘Glimpses.’

Glimpses

28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.

Available on Amazon

Paperback – £4.99

Kindle – £0.99

***

Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.

Strike A Pose! Who Or What Have You Captured A Pose Of? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

Published on Jan 10, 2024Jan 9, 2024 by Hugh W. Roberts54 Comments

Wordless Wednesday – No words, just pictures. Allow your photo(s) to tell the story.

Photo of a fox sat in frosty garden looking directly at the camera. — Do you think this fox knew it was having its photo taken?

Not sure what Wordless Wednesday is or how to participate? Click here for full details.

Are you participating in Wordless Wednesday? Although I am not hosting this challenge, you can leave a link or pingback to your post in the comments section to help promote it to other bloggers.

Did you miss last week’s Wordless Wednesday?

What Can You See In The Dark? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

What can you spot in the darkness in this photo?

Let me know in the comments section.

For Wordless Wednesday, share a picture of your favourite nighttime shot.

by Hugh W. Roberts Jan 3, 2024Dec 30, 2023

Follow Hugh on Social Media. Click on the links below.

If you enjoyed this post and want more like it, click the ‘Subscribe’ button to stay up-to-date with my latest content.

Flash Fiction – Red Or Yellow?

Published on Jan 7, 2024Jan 8, 2024 by Hugh W. Roberts39 Comments

January 2, 2024, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story using the colour red. It can be a descriptor, a setting, a character, or a metaphor. How far can you get in a story by expanding “red”? Go where the prompt leads!

Red Or Yellow? – by Hugh W. Roberts

Red walls? The time machine had red walls!

It also had a large red ‘inviting-to-touch’ button.

I could smell smoke and see flickers of flame before deciding whether to push the red button or the smaller yellow one. But that must have been my drunken imagination playing tricks again.

“Here goes!” I yelled as my hand with red-painted nails pushed the red button.

My eyeballs bulged when the time machine travelled down rather than up or sideways.

“You should have read the instruction book before pressing the red button,” cackled a horned being. “There’s no way back from Hell.”

Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.

***

Image of shades of red — Image Credit: Charli Mills

Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘More Glimpses.’

***

32 short stories and flash fiction pieces take readers to the edge of their imagination.

More Glimpses

Available on Amazon

Paperback – £4.99

Kindle – £0.99

Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.

What Can You See In The Dark? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

Published on Jan 3, 2024Dec 30, 2023 by Hugh W. Roberts42 Comments

Wordless Wednesday – No words, just pictures. Allow your photo(s) to tell the story.

Photo taken at night from a garden of a building that has lights on in some of the rooms. The lights give an orange glow. There is also one bright, white security light shining. — Photo of a building with lights on taken at night.

Not sure what Wordless Wednesday is or how to participate? Click here for full details.

Are you participating in Wordless Wednesday? Although I am not hosting this challenge, you can leave a link or pingback to your post in the comments section to help promote it to other bloggers.

Follow Hugh on Social Media. Click on the links below.

If you enjoyed this post and want more like it, click the ‘Subscribe’ button to stay up-to-date with my latest content.

Did You Miss Any Of These? Monthly Round-Up – December 2023

Published on Dec 31, 2023Jan 30, 2024 by Hugh W. Roberts

Did you catch these 6 blog posts that got everyone talking, discussing, and wondering? Maybe you were part of the conversation, but if not, jump in and share your thoughts!

Do you like this tree as much as I do? Share some photos with me of some of your favourite festive trees.

Have You Seen A Festive Tree As Cool As This? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

Performing these 7 jobs on your blog now will bring you and your blog excellent results in the New Year. Plus, are you planning to take a blogging break during December?

December Can Be Quiet In The Blogging World. 7 Essential, Easy Ways to Help Your Blog Through It

What, in your opinion, are the best festive colour combinations? Let me know in the comments section. Share a picture of your favourite festive colour combination.

What Are The Best Festive Colour Combinations? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

Poetry is the hardest form of writing for me. Yet, this short Christmas poem is one of the first things I published on my blog. Why have I never written and published more poetry? What do you find the most difficult thing to write?

Footprints In The Snow – A Poem For Christmas