If you’ve commented on Hatchet stories lately, you may have noticed a change.

The Hatchet is now using a platform called Disqus for our commenting system, though not too much will change about how you post a comment. (Our commenting policy, which remains the same, is here.)

What will be different? To comment on a Hatchet story, you have to register your email address with Disqus or log in through Facebook, Twitter or Google+. If you register with Disqus, you can maintain anonymity but must verify a valid email address.

We’re still rolling out this system (including adding Disqus comments to this blog), and are working out a few kinks. But we hope this platform spurs more in-depth discussion and debate on Hatchet stories. It will elevate the level of debate and discourse, which creates a stronger community of Hatchet readers. Fewer trolls, less spam, more insights.

As always, thanks for reading (and discussing).