Display Post Date and number of comments in posts
I have come across sites which leave their post dates, or the number of comments visible.
I have also come across sites which DON'T leave their post dates, or the number of comments on a particular post visible.
Does anybody find this practice makes any difference to site visitors in the least?
I know for a fact that if the post date is left there, and the post is a year or two old, or even more, this might put people off reading it, fearing they might be reading 'old news'.
What are you views, or personal experiences, on this?
James
Recent Comments
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I would want to have complete control over whether the dates and comment #s are visible. My content would dictate whether I would these to be visible or not.
Me too. I would also like to have complete control over whether the dates and comments are visible. You're absolutely right.
My theme puts my dates very prevalent, and I would prefer they weren't so noticable. I think I saw a post when I was very new that there is a way to update the date of publication, but don't remember details. Does anyone remember that?
I hear you Carol. If you don't wish your dates to be shown, it can be a pain in the backside, especially more so in your case where your theme puts them in a very noticeable spot. See if you can find a setting on your theme which enables you to disable these if you don't want them. It's always better to do it from within the theme, rather add another plugin to do it for you.
I think I once watched a video by Jay, and this altering the date of the publication was mentioned.
Yes, I think I vaguely remember that video as well. I am not happy with this theme, though, and plan to change it to something that does not have the preview of my posts or the date. I would like your opinion, though, since I did receive a comment that a reader really likes the page showing the preview. It really wasn't the look I wanted, but it DOES really help the reader find what they're looking for without having to click on a list.
Never thought about it. I didn't know you can have control of that aspect. Thanks for asking the question.
Yes, at least I have control over both the comments and also the date showing. It's an option which I can enable or disable. At least the choice is there if I want it... Thanks for your feedback.
No, you probably don't remember their names! Sorry, the little imp that lives inside of me got out of control, and I just couldn't help myself!
Yes, as the Reader's Digest column used to say, sometimes "Laughter Is the Best Medicine." How you doing?
Indeed it is, “it’s good to laugh”, just off to bed. I got around a bit today, to much sun and a little more feeling in the leg.
Good night from here!
Wayne
Glad you're doing better. Take care of yourself. I know you have a lot on your plate. Sleep tight! Carol
I think it depends on the site and what you're talking about or reviewing. If it's recipes for example date doesn't matter but comments might. If it's software date and comments probably matter. If it's how to fix my dishwasher or central ac (which I've done from the net) dates and comments don't matter. So. more info is needed, what is the site about?
I think you're absolutely right about it depending on the site, Steven. That's right, yes, some topics do tend to became 'old' very quickly, and so something like software which has a post written a relatively long time ago, this would matter a great deal.
My site's about cats. These don't really have a 'best before date' on them, so I suppose it won't really matter in my case.
Many thanks for your input, Steven.
Ballroom dancing. I don't think the content is likely to be outdated, but concerned that readers might not realize that.
I don't think date would matter to me on ballroom danceing but what do I know.
I was reading Adriaan Bloem's OffandOnline.net Digital, Social and Content Management blog. The dates are there on his articles and go back to 2013. And, who cares even though tech can get dated quickly his writing and content are great. I've been reading them all, even the oldest articles.
So, as usual content is king.
I agree, Steven. I don't think they matter much on my site, except if someone just wanted to be critical or something. Anyone serious about learning to dance or finding dance apparel and shoes, etc. (in the works, not on paper yet!) would know that it's not time sensitive info. Carol
I have been that person that is put off by old dates it makes you think it is an old post and if you respond no one will see it anyway. So good point maybe it is best not to have dates.
Yes, and I have been that person too. I suppose that if it's a perennial subject, one that never gets old, it shouldn't really matter, but if it's something to do with SEO, I think it would.
Reason behind this is that SEO is changing from day to day, and what was brilliant practice two years ago, is no more nowadays.
Thanks for your contribution...
Do any of you look at the dates when you're looking for something online? I never thought anything about it before WA.
Not sure if the number of comments has any impact on visitors.
Regarding the posting dates, it can be useful. I am looking at them sometimes for planning purposes.
Well, I suppose if one sees the number of comments on a particular post, and these are many, one would probably think that it's a popular post and will tend to have a read. On the flip-side to this, should the comments be few, it might lead to people not even wanting to open the post to read it as 'others don't think it's interesting'.
Thanks for your input, Nadja...greatly appreciated.
I'm not sure that the date makes a huge difference but not having comments is never a good thing.
I think it might do so some people, and yet to others it might not. I've been on sites where they are dated from years back, and I shy away from reading them, or commenting on them.
Many thanks for your feedback, lynn
Good point! I wasn't really thinking about that because I'm just starting to get them, but it does make a difference. It shows my readers that I respond to their questions, research the answers and get back to them. It is very important to me for that to be evident to develop trust.
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You can update the date on your posts just like you can update your posts. You can find training on how by using your search bar. I tried to copy the links for you guys but my cellphone won’t let me. I’ve done it myself with older posts
Grant
Thanks for the feedback, Grant. However, I was actually asking if one should leave the dates showing on one's posts, along with the number of comments, rather than having them removed.
If removing them, or leaving them visible, would have any significance at all to the visitor.
Thanks again.
I haven’t read it, but there’s a training post available saying you should not remove dates. Personally I don’t think it matters much either way, although from personal experience I do occasionally look at the date of a post I’m reading and if I think it’s outdated it makes a difference in my mind.
I understand. Thank you very much for your participation.
Thanks, Grant. Didn't think about using the search bar. It's not a high priority for me, but I do think it needs to be done. Otherwise people won't bother to read them...they'll think they're old hat. Carol