14 DAY TRIAL // Facebook is apparently close to launching a revamped version of its commenting plug-in for third-party sites. The new plugin version has been in the works for at least a few months. The main advantages of the new Facebook Social Commenting plugin is the use of real identities, since it's linked to users' profiles, and a credibility score based on how others rate their responses.
Cnet reports that the revamped version is now a few weeks from launch, based on sources close to the matter. The new plugin will be able to completely replace the comments system on blogs or websites, competing directly with existing products like Disqus or Echo.
Facebook confirmed the new product, it has been in testing at least since last fall, and it is currently live on the Facebook Blog and the Facebook Developer Blog.
"Based on feedback from developers about ways to improve our existing comments plugin, we’re testing an updated plugin that leverages authenticity and social relevancy to increase distribution. We’re testing the plugin on our Facebook Blog and Developer Blog but have no further details to share at this time," Facebook said.
In a surprising move, the Social Commenting plugin will enable users to log in with their Google, Twitter or Yahoo credentials.
The most interesting feature of the commenting platform is the possibility to vote replies up or down. This is not unique to Facebook, but, because the comments are linked to a real account, it makes users more accountable for their actions.
There will be a credibility score which will be based on the total number of likes and the number of down votes. People should be more mindful of what they say since the score will carry over to any site which implements Facebook's plugin.
It also discourages fake or throw-away accounts since, if you have a small number of likes any down vote will weigh heavily on your credibility score. This solves a possible weakness of the system, while Facebook requires real identities, though it doesn't always enforce the rule, you can create a Twitter or a Google accounts in minutes.
But because new accounts will get a low credibility score with only a few down votes, they won't be much use for spamming or trolling. Facebook has not confirmed a timeline for when the new platform will be available to all developers.