Blogs at Penn State Community

What's a TrackBack?

TrackBacks is a feature in which a blog system sends an electronic message or "ping" to any blog you have linked to. These messages are published on another blog much as your comments are. To "accept TrackBacks" means your blog will listen for these pings and publish links to blogs who have linked to you (it's a way to find out if anyone is reading your blog).

Like comments though, TrackBacks can be used to send spam messages so moderated TrackBacks are suggested.

Check TrackBack Settings

By default, new blogs are set to moderated TrackBacks (anyone can submit comments or TrackBacks, but they are not published until the editor decides to do so). If you wish to change your settings, then do the following.

1. Log in and enter your blog, click Preferences in top toolbar, then select TrackBack.
   
2. To have moderated TrackBacks (they are not published until approved by you), check the following settings. With these settings, you will receive an e-mail for all comments posted to the Web for you to approve.
   • Make sure Accept TrackBacks is checked.
   • Make sure the Moderation option is checked.
   • Set E-mail Notification to On.
     


TrackBack Settings window set for moderated trackbacks.

3. To disable comments completely, turn Accept TrackBacks off.
4. Click Save Changes before exiting the page.

Approve or Delete Comments

If the approve options are set to No One or Trusted commenters, then you must approve comment submissions

1. For each new TrackBack, you will receive an e-mail message including the username and the content of the TrackBack.
2. Click the edit to go to that TrackBack.
   Note: If the link does not work, log in and enter your blog then click the Manage in the upper tool bar and select TrackBacks. Then you can choose from the list given.
3. Change its status as needed.

Disable TrackBacks

Disabling TrackBacks will block all spam, but will also make it impossible for anyone to send you a TrackBack. To disable TrackBacks:

1. Log on to http://blogs.psu.edu. and enter your blog.
2. Click Preference in top toolbar, then select TrackBack.
3. Turn the checkbox for "Accept TrackBacks" off then click Save Changes tht the bottom