GrowMap

Map Your Path To Grow Your Business

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • G.A.S.P
  • Press
  • Portfolio
  • GrowMap Services
  • PostsComments

Akismet Configuration: How to Turn Off Akismet Automatic Comment Deletion

July 14, 2010 By Gail Gardner 41 Comments

UPDATE: the new GASP Anti-Spam WordPress plugin has been released and is available in the WordPress Plugin Repository.

THIS is the ALTERNATIVE TO AKISMET that provides the SOLUTION to being Flagged as a Spammer! Spread it throughout the blogosphere and your comments will work again.

Why Akismet is a Black Box
Akismet is a Black Box

Most bloggers do not realize that there is a setting in Akismet that automatically deletes comments before you ever seen them.

If you do not want Akismet to delete comments you never see, use these instructions to check your Akismet configuration:

Locate Akismet Configuration
Locate Akismet Configuration

Table of Contents

  • HOW TO CONFIGURE AKISMET
  • MORE ABOUT AKISMET on GROWMAP:
  • BLOGGERS POSTING THEY’VE BEEN FLAGGED BY AKISMET:
  • Gail Gardner
  • Latest posts by Gail Gardner (see all)

HOW TO CONFIGURE AKISMET

  1. Log into your blog
  2. In the left sidebar click on the arrow to the right of Plugins
  3. Click on Akismet configuration (shown in the close-up image to the right –>)
  4. Look for the checkbox that says “Automatically discard spam comments on posts older than a month.”

If you have that box checked and someone who has inaccurately been flagged as a spammer by Akismet leaves a comment, their comment will be immediately deleted. Read comments from Alex from Automattic.

You will never see it and they will be taken to a blank white page. Read what Alex (from Automattic who appears to the be public spokesperson for Akismet) wrote about commentators seeing a white page after commenting.

The full screen capture below shows where the Akismet Configuration can be found in the left sidebar and where the check box is located in the main section of your blog dashboard. See the next image for a closeup of that checkbox.

How to Configure Akismet
How to Configure Akismet

If you do NOT want Akismet to delete comments before you see them UNCHECK THE BOX shown in the close-up below!

Close-up of where the Akismet Configuration Check Box is Located
Close-up of where the Akismet Configuration Check Box is Located

There are similar but even less obvious settings in WordPress hosted WordPress.com blogs. To change them use this process:

  1. Log into your blog
  2. Find Setttings in the left sidebar column
  3. Click on Discussion Settings
  4. Find Comment Moderation and check the box in front of Don’t discard spam on old posts that looks like this:
Comment Moderation

 

Don’t discard spam on old posts

How many of you would have any idea that checking that box would immediately delete valid comments you have never seen? That IS what it will do. Here is a screen capture of that page. I will get red arrows added to point to the appropriate settings when I can.

If you DO NOT want valid comments to be deleted before you see them CHECK the Don't discard spam on old posts box
If you DO NOT want valid comments to be deleted before you see them CHECK the Don’t discard spam on old posts box

While you are editing your configuration we recommend these other settings:

  1. Turn on threaded comments at least three and ideally either four or five levels deep.
  2. Enable Before a Comment Appears: Comment author must have a previously approved comment.
  3. Do require commentators to use a name and email address.
  4. Do NOT require commentators to be registered and log in – doing so greatly decreases your comments. Busy people do not have time to log into every site they visit every time.

Special thanks to Ron Cripps of AffiliateXFiles for adding the red arrows to the images used in this post. If you want to know the REAL truth about Affiliate Marketing read his blog. Ron is one of the three Ethical Affiliate Marketing Experts I recommend.

MORE ABOUT AKISMET on GROWMAP:

  • Akismet is Deleting Comments Bloggers Never See
  • Find Out if Akismet Has You Flagged as a Spammer
  • Business Friendly Akismet Free DoFollow Blog List

BLOGGERS POSTING THEY’VE BEEN FLAGGED BY AKISMET:

  • Blog Template Designer ~ BlogsWithWings ~ My Comments are Not Showing Up Because Akismet is Blocking Me
  • DragonBlogger ~ Get Off Akismet Spam List
  • Zemalf ~ How to Stop Your Blog Comments From Being Blocked by Akismet
  • AndyBeard ~ Akismet False Positives and SpamKarma Configuration (Published May 31, 2007 – this problem has been around a LONG time!)
The following two tabs change content below.
  • Bio
  • Latest Posts
My Twitter profileMy Facebook profileMy Google+ profileMy LinkedIn profileMy Pinterest profileMy Tumblr blogMy YouTube channel

Gail Gardner

Small Business Marketing Strategist at GrowMap
Gail Gardner is the founder of GrowMap.com. She is a Small Business Marketing Strategist who mentors small businesses, bloggers, and freelancers. After 23 years in the field with IBM and 5.5 years managing AdWords accounts, her focus shifted to small business marketing strategy. GrowMap.com is listed by Cision as a Top 100 Site for Marketers and has received three Small Business Influencer Awards from Small Business Trends. Named by D&B a Top 50 SMB Influencer on Twitter, you can follow Gail @GrowMap and on LinkedIn.
My Twitter profileMy Facebook profileMy Google+ profileMy LinkedIn profileMy Pinterest profileMy Tumblr blogMy YouTube channel

Latest posts by Gail Gardner (see all)

  • Free Mentoring: How to Use the Inexpensive CRM Bigin to Increase Income - December 9, 2020
  • How to Create a Blog to Promote Your Services - December 9, 2020
  • Influencer Marketing Guide For Maximum Business Growth - November 26, 2020
Tweet1
Share
Share2
Pin
Share
Share
Pocket
Flip
3 Shares
« Find Out If Akismet Has YOU Flagged as a Spammer
Buying a Car Shouldn’t be Torture »

Filed Under: WordPress / Plugins / Akismet Tagged With: Akismet, blogging best practices, WordPress / Plugins / Akismet, wordpress plugins

Comments

  1. Inspirasi Blogger says

    January 26, 2014 at 12:23 pm

    Before attacked a spammer, Akismet is better plugin for block spam. but, I’ve simply trick & minimally used wp plugins. Enough added spam quiz under comment box. & so far, be better & I cant finding spam on my blog 🙂

    Reply
    • Gail Gardner says

      January 26, 2014 at 10:55 pm

      Akismet is useless for blogs like this one. It does not block spambots and they were leaving 1000 comments A DAY here. That is why the GrowMap anti-spambot plugin is essential for this site and others like it.
      Gail Gardner would love you to read ..Guest Blogging is Dead; Long Live Guest Blogging; NOT Done!My Profile

      Reply
  2. Ankit says

    January 12, 2014 at 10:11 am

    I have not used Akismet before. But, having comments deleted after a month is disappointing for any audience.Thanks for sharing these instructions. I have a wordpress.com blog so I need to check to see if there are options in the Akismet settings.This is something I can suggest for those blogs that have these kinds of issues, at least I can tell them what to do.Thanks Gail… 🙂

    Reply
  3. Amit says

    November 9, 2011 at 3:17 pm

    Brilliant. Was not getting two hours worth of spam but enough to make me want to go crazy. Thanks for this. Keen to see how it works out.

    Reply
    • growmap says

      November 9, 2011 at 10:57 pm

      Hi Amit,

      GASP works really well as you can tell by searching for reviews online or checking out the tab on this blog. Are you connected to prepaid365? I am seeking a solution that would allow us to open PayPal accounts for specific blogs and send debit cards to partners in other countries. If you can answer any of my questions about prepaid365 please let me know? Thanks.
      growmap would love you to read ..Why We Need Group Geo-Targeted Niche BlogsMy Profile

      Reply
      • Amit says

        November 10, 2011 at 4:25 am

        Hi,
        I do indeed work with Prepaid365 but we are a reseller of prepaid cards. You ought to look at solutions like Neteller – which allow issuance in multiple countries – in fact they have cards in 8 currencies – http://www.prepaid365.com/neteller-prepaid-card.html. The other one to consider for payouts and agents is Payoneer – http://www.payoneer.com/.

        Hope this helps .

        Cheers

        Amit

        Reply
        • growmap says

          November 10, 2011 at 1:30 pm

          Thank you Amit,

          Yes, that may help. I need to find a way to open PayPal accounts for specific Joint Ventures and am hoping a prepaid card could be the way to do that.

          If anyone else has ideas on the best way to do that please chime in.
          growmap would love you to read ..Why Your Geographic Location IS a NicheMy Profile

          Reply
  4. Satrap says

    October 27, 2011 at 5:18 pm

    Gail,
    I am just so glad I found GASP. I just hated akismet. I know the creator were trying to do something good, but it was just awful. After I got CL premium and GASP in it, things have become so much easier and faster. So, thank you for GASP.
    Satrap would love you to read ..How to Make Money FastMy Profile

    Reply
    • growmap says

      October 28, 2011 at 12:32 pm

      Hi Satrap,

      You and me both! We have Phil Hollows at FeedBlitz and Andy Bailey at CommentLuv to thank for GASP. It saves me at least two hours a day moderating comments.

      Reply
  5. Azhar says

    September 1, 2011 at 3:18 am

    I think Akismet is only for blogging plate form not for website but I am running website. I think this plug-in is for blogging environment.

    Reply
  6. Danny says

    August 31, 2011 at 10:43 am

    I’ve turned Akismet off. Trying to see how it goes with just GASP turned on. So far so good. Akismet is overhyped.
    Danny would love you to read ..Black & Decker NPP2018 18-Volt Cordless Electric Pole Chain SawMy Profile

    Reply
    • growmap says

      October 9, 2011 at 1:01 am

      Hi Danny,

      Akismet benefits from being part of what I call “The Borg” – the tools favored by the wealthy elite promoted by what they control online – like Google, Yahoo, AOL, Facebook, Twitter, Google+, etc.

      Most people ASSUME that whatever they hear about most is best when the truth is whatever they hear about most gets free publicity from the major sites and major media.
      growmap would love you to read ..Blog Outreach ServicesMy Profile

      Reply
  7. Smith says

    August 18, 2011 at 1:52 am

    It happened a lot of time with me that I commented but the page appeared blank. I never know why it is happening but today secret has opened to me.

    Reply
  8. allan says

    August 2, 2011 at 7:12 am

    Akimets actually spammed all the comments on my website which is a bit strange. After reading your article I just disabled it which I think it is better.Thanks alot

    Reply
  9. John Knights says

    June 22, 2011 at 2:20 pm

    Gail,
    I have not used Akismet before. But, having comments deleted after a month is dissapointing for any audience.
    This is something I can suggest for those blogs that have these kinds of issues, at least I can tell them what to do 😉

    Reply
    • wny glass block windows says

      July 15, 2011 at 2:22 am

      yes, it’s been dead for quiet a while now..im disappointed with it but.Im glad GASP is here to protect me from Spammers
      wny glass block windows would love you to read ..Glass Block Window ShowersMy Profile

      Reply
  10. tonyknuckles says

    October 17, 2010 at 10:45 am

    Hey Gail, thanks for the informative post on the quirkiness of Akismet. I’ve always wondered about the dreaded “white page”. Now that I know, I’ve simply removed Akismet altogether and guess what.

    The tons of spam have stopped heading my way. Adding your GASP, has been a breath of fresh air.

    All the best!
    tonyknuckles would love you to read ..Still belong to the 1 in 7 impoverished in obama’s AmericaMy Profile

    Reply
  11. mark says

    September 28, 2010 at 3:09 pm

    If I use the wrong domain on a blog that’s using akismet, the commend gets deleted immediately, not after a month.

    Reply
    • growmap says

      September 28, 2010 at 9:57 pm

      Hi Mark,

      If you are flagged as a spammer and the blogger has the option explained in this post checked your comments are immediately deleted IF the post where you leave them was published more than 30 days prior to you leaving your comment.

      That check box does NOT mean your comment gets deleted after 30 days (although that IS how many of us read it) – it means that your comments will be immediately deleted if the post is 30 days old or older and go to spam if the post is less than 30 days old.
      growmap would love you to read ..Probably The Best Blogging CourseMy Profile

      Reply
      • mark says

        September 28, 2010 at 10:25 pm

        I see now. Thanks for explaining it.
        Basically if a post is more than 30 days old we shouldn’t even bother commenting when using a domain that has been flagged.

        Btw, I read of some blackhatter commenting to his own blogs using his competitor’s domains and then hitting the spam button on the comments.
        They are using this same technique in other ways (duplicate content can also be a weapon to shoot down competition) but I don’t want to divulge all these bad things, true thing though… anything that’s used to fight something can be used against us by the same forces that we are trying to fight.
        Anyway, thanks for allowing me to post backlinks on your blog 🙂

        Reply
        • growmap says

          September 29, 2010 at 1:54 pm

          Hi Mark,

          Yes, that would be true. Some have been successful at getting unflagged for a while but the way Akismet chooses to set up their algorithm it will only be a matter of time before you get flagged again.

          There is no limit to what selfish people will do so I am not surprised that they would use such an easy way to hurt others. There is no doubt in my mind that Akismet is intentionally set up to hinder the usefulness of backlinks created by commenting. That is why we removed it.

          We are testing an awesome custom anti-spam solution. Please leave a comment there (dofollow, commentluv & keywordluv enabled so well worth it!) so we can roll it out as soon as possible to as many other blogs.

          Reply
          • COMMODITY TRADING COURSE says

            January 14, 2011 at 2:32 pm

            I cannot believe some could be so callous, but wait, yes, I can. It is just wrong, and I am sad to hear that. There is enough readers for us all. 😉

  12. Plants Pages says

    September 14, 2010 at 11:50 pm

    I was getting 80-100 spam comments daily in one of my blogs. I then installed Akismet like plugin ‘Defensio’ . It is working fine with me.

    Reply
  13. growmap says

    September 9, 2010 at 9:56 pm

    Hello,

    One of the major issues with Akismet is there is no consensus among bloggers on what is spam and what isn’t.
    .-= growmap´s featured blog ..How CommentLuv Grows Businesses and Blogs =-.

    Reply
  14. Sushie says

    August 6, 2010 at 9:57 am

    I’m using Akismet since a few months, i didn’t know we can do that, but i think they should change the blank page because people can think that it is a technical problem from the blog and not a “spam detection”.

    Reply
    • growmap says

      September 9, 2010 at 9:54 pm

      Hello,

      From the comments their rep left in this blog it appears that the blank page is their intention and they’re not concerned with what real people who see it think.
      .-= growmap´s featured blog ..Support Small Businesses =-.

      Reply
  15. Udegbunam Chukwudi says

    July 29, 2010 at 12:38 pm

    I wonder when they are going to get rid of that white page. It would be so much better if they displayed some notice alerting the commenter that his/her comment was tagged as spam and that they should contact the blog admin to rescue their comments.
    .-= Udegbunam Chukwudi@Blog Setup Service´s featured blog ..How To Organize Your WordPress Posts In Categories =-.

    Reply
    • Gail says

      August 11, 2010 at 9:59 pm

      Hi Chuks,

      Alex from Automattic clearly indicated that the white page is intentional so they are probably not going to get rid of it. It is intended to derail bot activity but what it does to real people is inappropriate.
      .-= Gail @ Support Small Businesses´s featured blog ..How CommentLuv Grows Businesses and Blogs =-.

      Reply
  16. Chris says

    July 28, 2010 at 8:25 am

    They should really make that option more clear as it does sound like a beneficial setting if you don’t know exactly what it is doing. And especially thanks for the post because I didn’t think I had that box checked yet when I just looked now it was!
    .-= Chris@Sports Cars for Sale´s featured blog ..2007 Porsche 911 GT3 RS for Sale =-.

    Reply
    • Gail says

      August 11, 2010 at 10:03 pm

      Welcome Chris,

      Several experience bloggers misread what that option does and I could swear I turned it off in one blog and when I checked it again it was back on! So if you use Akismet, do recheck regularly and especially any time you update that plugin or WordPress.

      Do check out the post I’ll feature in CommentLuv on Local Search Directory Listings – they would be a perfect way to get more free visibility for your business from major sites like Google, Yahoo, Bing, SuperPages and dozens more.
      .-= Gail @ NO Akismet´s featured blog ..Local Search Directory Listings =-.

      Reply
  17. John Alden says

    July 22, 2010 at 7:09 pm

    Thanks for the post Gail. Akismet is disabled for a long while for me since i was getting pissed off when it just deleted most of the comments, it’s nice to know that i have an option if i ever decide that i don’t have the time to moderate comments myself & When i’m in need of a computer’s assisstance 🙂

    Reply
    • Gail says

      August 11, 2010 at 10:06 pm

      Hi John,

      I have disabled Akismet is all my blogs and just realized that this setting was checked in other blogs I co-manage when my latest comment was deleted! Even if you are an Admin in a blog Akismet will delete your own comments if you’re not logged in.

      There is no way I’m going to use Akismet any more but I have to find a way to deal with the spam.
      .-= Gail´s featured blog ..Proper Ways Your Business Can Use Social Media Channels =-.

      Reply
  18. rob sellen says

    July 16, 2010 at 12:51 pm

    Hi Gail, seems mine was already set up this way, didn’t need to uncheck that box. 😀

    Glad about that, seems maybe it’s only checked on blogs created before a certain time.
    .-= rob sellen´s featured blog ..Commented here Thanks- added another benefit =-.

    Reply
  19. Roezer says

    July 16, 2010 at 12:38 am

    I am currently not using Akismet what I am using is the lines below in my ht.access file because most spam comes from nowhere one example today someone arrived directly on my contact page but I do not have one so he got a 404.
    But why would anyone land directly on a blogs contact page unless they wanted to send spam to the Administrator it would also help reduce email spam if you renamed your contact page to something else like get in touch or something like that readers will still understand but bots will not so easily.
    RewriteEngine On
    RewriteCond %{REQUEST_METHOD} POST
    RewriteCond %{REQUEST_URI} .wp-comments-post.php*
    RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} !.*mydomain.com* [OR]
    RewriteCond %{HTTP_USER_AGENT} ^$
    RewriteRule (.*) http://%{REMOTE_ADDR}/$ [R=301,L]
    .-= Roezer´s featured blog ..When to use your Twitter Profile in Blog Comments =-.

    Reply
  20. Jayce says

    July 15, 2010 at 2:08 am

    Too much SPAM comments lately. I will keep the auto delete on.
    .-= Jayce´s featured blog ..Top 10 Sprint HTC EVO 4G Tweaks and Hacks =-.

    Reply
    • growmap says

      July 15, 2010 at 8:15 pm

      Hi Jayce,

      If we expect others to publish our comments and links we have to be willing to publish theirs. That is why I believe there will soon be totally separate communities with very little overlap.

      Those who are generous and selfless will interact with others like themselves and avoid sites that want links TO themselves but not FROM themselves.

      There will ALWAYS be spam and the more successful you get the worse it gets. ALL sites get spammed – not just dofollow sites.

      You actually want someone else to automatically delete comments even if they are from your regular readers and commentators? That IS what that function does and I for one will not treat my readers that way.

      Remember that Akismet could very well flag YOU as a spammer and start deleting your comments too.
      .-= growmap´s featured blog ..Find Out If Akismet Has YOU Flagged as a Spammer =-.

      Reply
  21. Ileane says

    July 14, 2010 at 8:17 am

    Hi Gail, thanks for sharing these instructions. I have a wordpress.com blog so I need to check to see if there are options in the Akismet settings there as well. I’ll stop back and let you know if they are the same or in what way they might be different.
    .-= Ileane´s featured blog ..Introducing WordPress 30 via WordPresstv =-.

    Reply
    • growmap says

      July 14, 2010 at 11:54 am

      Hi Ileane,

      I had intended to add the instructions and screen capture for WordPress hosted blogs too. I updated the post to include how to stop those blogs from deleting comments too.

      As soon as I can get the image edited I will have where to click on that screen capture highlighted too.
      .-= growmap´s featured blog ..Find Out If Akismet Has YOU Flagged as a Spammer =-.

      Reply
  22. Nabeel says

    July 14, 2010 at 8:12 am

    Great tutorial!

    Gail, you are really helping a lot of us in understanding the whole situation. You are helping us realise that Akismet is not such a thing called ‘set it and forget it’, and there are many problems with it.

    So thanks a lot for raising your voice regarding Akismet, and thanks for giving us all these tips.

    Kindest,
    Nabeel

    Reply
    • growmap says

      July 14, 2010 at 11:41 am

      Hi Nabeel,

      Three out of four experienced bloggers misread that setting and did not intend to delete comments they had not reviewed. That is why I wrote this post. Now whenever we are out commenting and see a white screen we can send the blogger this post so they will know why comments are going missing.
      .-= growmap´s featured blog ..How to Build a Successful Blog Based Business =-.

      Reply
      • Mexican Drinks says

        July 5, 2011 at 5:16 am

        i agree..it’s not that the comments are not accepted…great explanation of this problem
        Mexican Drinks would love you to read ..A Simple Quesadilla RecipeMy Profile

        Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts
You can add a link to follow you on twitter if you put your username in this box.
Only needs to be added once (unless you change your username). No http or @

Search

UPC CODES don't fall for fakes

Categories

Recent Posts

  • 4 Ways To Improve Your Email Marketing Campaigns
  • What You Need to Think About When Building Your WordPress Site
  • The Importance of Relaxation When Starting a New Company
  • Stay Afloat: Reduce Monthly Expenses Using These Tips
  • Free Mentoring: How to Use the Inexpensive CRM Bigin to Increase Income
Don't Miss Your Path to Growth!
Enter your email to receive new
blog posts:

Did MOZ Drop Your Site’s DA?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iv_cL50MpZA

Popular Posts

What You Need to Think About When Building Your WordPress SiteWhat You Need to Think About When Building Your WordPress Site
The Importance of Relaxation When Starting a New CompanyThe Importance of Relaxation When Starting a New Company
4 Ways To Improve Your Email Marketing Campaigns4 Ways To Improve Your Email Marketing Campaigns
Free Mentoring: How to Use the Inexpensive CRM Bigin to Increase IncomeFree Mentoring: How to Use the Inexpensive CRM Bigin to Increase Income
Influencer Marketing Guide For Maximum Business GrowthInfluencer Marketing Guide For Maximum Business Growth
How to Create a Blog to Promote Your ServicesHow to Create a Blog to Promote Your Services
Stay Afloat: Reduce Monthly Expenses Using These TipsStay Afloat: Reduce Monthly Expenses Using These Tips

Greatest eCommerce Competitive Risks to Small Businesses

https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=bmlJmDYaax0

Serpstat: What it Does

https://youtu.be/rjIfKdIWk7M

GrowMap Policies

  • Disclosure Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • GrowMap Guest Blogging Guidelines

Connect With Growmap

growmap on twitter growmap on g plus growmap on linkedin growmap on pinterest growmap on facebook growmap on stumbleupon growmap on skype

Copyright © 2008-2021 Growmap · Centric Mobile Responsive Theme by StudioPress · Genesis Framework · Site maintaned By MarketingTilt

We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website.

You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings.

GrowMap
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

You can adjust all of your cookie settings by navigating the tabs on the left hand side. Read our complete privacy policy.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.