Comments, reader polls and audience dialogue

Aeon News can use WordPress comments and supported discussion systems while allowing article-level control. When a full discussion is unsuitable, a reader poll provides a simpler and more controlled entry point.

Comments per article

Comments on/off determines whether a story accepts comments when the global system is available. Comment inserting controls how the discussion is introduced or revealed. A dedicated area above comments can hold rules or newsroom guidance.

Close comments when moderation capacity is unavailable, a subject carries particular risk or legal and ethical concerns require it. An open discussion is an editorial responsibility, not merely a technical feature.

Article poll

Polls and Quiz can add a question, answers and optional closing time to an individual article. Prepare and preview it as a draft, then activate it explicitly only when the question adds value. AI assistance can suggest questions after the article is saved, but an editor must validate the proposal against the reporting and ensure neutral wording and meaningful answer choices. Read article polls and the weekly question for the complete lifecycle.

Weekly and standalone polls

Standalone polls have their own status, kicker, featured treatment and shortcode, allowing placement on the front page or selected content areas. A weekly question should connect to current coverage while making sense without a prerequisite article.

Quiz

The quiz tool supports knowledge quizzes, personality tests, matching guides, opinion compasses and anonymous surveys. It can use an introduction, cover and question images, profiles, weighting, tailored outcomes and result sharing. Use it for knowledge and deeper engagement, not to present uncertain claims as fact. The quiz guide covers choosing, inserting and testing each format.

The optional Comment Agent can assist moderators with prioritisation. Human review and newsroom rules remain in force.