Disqus is a popular commenting platform that many websites use to manage and engage with their communities. While Disqus offers numerous features, it also comes with affiliate link monetization by default, specifically through a service called VigLink (now known as Sovrn //Commerce). For some website owners, this monetization feature might not align with their goals, and they may prefer to disable it. This article will guide you through the process of disabling Disqus affiliate links and removing VigLink from your site.
What Are Disqus Affiliate Links?
Disqus, by default, can automatically convert regular outbound links in your comments into affiliate links using a service called VigLink. This means that when a user clicks on these links, the website may earn a small commission if the user makes a purchase through the link. While this can be a way to generate revenue, it might not be suitable for every website owner, especially if it compromises the integrity of your content or user experience.
Why Remove VigLink?
There are several reasons why you might want to disable VigLink on your Disqus comments:
- Control Over Content: Some website owners prefer to have full control over the content and the links that appear on their sites. Allowing Disqus to convert links into affiliate links might interfere with this control.
- User Experience: Affiliate links can sometimes lead to a poor user experience, especially if users are redirected to unexpected destinations.
- Monetization Strategy: You might have a different monetization strategy that conflicts with VigLink or prefer to keep your site ad-free.
How to Disable Disqus Affiliate Links (VigLink)
Disabling affiliate links in Disqus is straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Log in to Your Disqus Account:
- Go to Disqus.com and log in to your account using your credentials.
- Navigate to the Admin Panel:
- Once logged in, click on your profile picture in the top-right corner and select “Admin” from the dropdown menu. This will take you to the Disqus admin dashboard.
- Select Your Website:
- If you manage multiple sites with Disqus, select the site where you want to disable affiliate links.
- Go to the “Settings” Tab:
- In the admin dashboard, locate and click on the “Settings” tab for the selected site. This is where you can customize various aspects of Disqus for your website.
- Access the “Advanced” Settings:
- Within the settings, navigate to the “Advanced” tab. This section contains more detailed settings, including those related to affiliate links.
- Disable Affiliate Links:
- Scroll down until you find the “Monetization” section. Here, you’ll see an option labeled “Affiliate Links.” Uncheck the box next to “Enable affiliate links to support your site through VigLink.”
- Save Your Changes:
- After unchecking the option, scroll down and click the “Save Changes” button to apply the new settings.
Verifying the Changes
Once you’ve disabled affiliate links, it’s a good idea to verify that the changes have been implemented successfully.
- Clear Your Cache:
- If you’re using a caching plugin or service, clear your site’s cache to ensure the changes take effect immediately.
- Check Your Site:
- Visit your website and check a few links in the comment section to ensure they are no longer being converted into affiliate links. You can do this by hovering over the links and checking the destination in your browser’s status bar.
- Test with a VigLink Scanner:
- You can use online tools like a VigLink scanner to check if VigLink is still active on your site. This will help you confirm that the service has been completely disabled.
Additional Tips
- Consider Alternative Monetization Methods: If you disabled VigLink because it didn’t align with your site’s goals, consider exploring other monetization strategies, such as direct advertising, sponsored content, or affiliate programs that you have more control over.
- Regularly Review Your Settings: Disqus and other third-party platforms occasionally update their settings. It’s a good practice to review your site’s settings periodically to ensure everything is configured according to your preferences.
Disabling Disqus affiliate links is a simple process that allows you to take greater control over the content on your site. By following the steps outlined above, you can remove VigLink from your Disqus comments, ensuring a better user experience and maintaining the integrity of your content. Whether you’re focusing on a different monetization strategy or simply want a cleaner, ad-free comment section, this guide will help you achieve that.
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Reference: How to remove unwanted viglink-links from site. · Discuss Disqus · Disqus