PT noticed a while back that the COURIER has begun to include a feature they call STORYCHAT on its online stories. But it doesn't seem to be getting any attention, as far as I can tell -- at least for the stories I check out.
But when I noticed on an Asbury Park Press story (a sister publication of the Courier's) a large number of comments, it occurred to PT what we are all missing out on. See the APP example below.
Comments on an APP story.
This is different from the posing and lurking that goes on over at the LEDGER forum -- which is discussion-thread based. The Courier's is story-based, so all the comments appear at the end of the story. This is similar to the way the big dogs do it -- for instance, the Washington Post.
Getting started is quite simple. PT will walk you through, using my own signup as an example. Remember, you can click on any image to enlarge it.
First, at the bottom of any story where you see the 
logo, simply click on the POST A COMMENT phrase.
Step 1.
The Register or Log-on window.
Here is where you start the sign-up process.
Step 2.
The Terms of Use.
You must indicate that you are over the age of 13 and that you agree to the Terms of Use.
Step 3.
Registration Necessities.
Designate a USERNAME (this will display on your comments), supply your bona fide email address, and create a password. You must type in the characters in the human-verify box just as you see them -- including uppercase or lowercase. This last step prevents automated 'bots' from registering as if they were humans and then posting Viagra ads, etc., to the comments pages.
Step 4.
Registration Niceties and Preferences.
The first box gives you an opportunity to provide other means for other readers to contact you. You do NOT need to give any of this information if you do not wish to. The second box is preferences -- some of which you may choose and some which are set by the Courier as defaults.
Step 5.
The account creation response message.
Once you have submitted your account information, you will see this box. It lets you know that to finally activate your account, you must click on a link in an email that you will shortly receive.
Step 6.
The confirmation email.
The confirmation email shows your username and password and a link to activate your account. Do TWO things: 1) Click the link to activate your account, 2) SAVE the email in case you need to refer to your username and password in the future.
Step 7.
The account activation box.
Once you click on the link in your email, you will be taken to this page acknowledging your account is active and you can start posting comments to any story.
That's all there is to it. Sign up and get busy. At last, there's no excuse for not expressing your opinion about the Courier's coverage of your favorite news -- local, state or otherwise. And you don't have to take the chances your Letter to the Editor may never see the light of day.
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