Make the most out of the Stray Ferret's comment section

At the Stray Ferret, we’re committed to providing quality journalism that covers the news that matter most to residents across Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon, Boroughbridge, Pateley Bridge, Masham and beyond.

Part of that promise is to provide a platform for readers to address these issues and topics, encouraging transparent, open and valuable conversation.

As many people will know, the comment function of social media sites like Facebook and X aren't well regulated and do not always facilitate productive or insightful debate.

Before we launched our new website and subscription service, commenting on the site directly below an article was a highly requested feature, and one that we’re pleased to have delivered.

Subscribers to the Stray Ferret can have their say, share opinions or advice, and engage constructively with other subscribers on our articles, using the names they've signed up with - no anonymous accounts.

The aim is to make the Stray Ferret a place of safe, public debate and discussion, where subscribers feel able to actively participate on a moderated platform.

We’ve made the process of commenting as simple as possible – here’s how to start the conversation. 

Step one – make sure you’re logged in

To comment, you have to make sure you’re a subscriber to the Stray Ferret. If you’re not, consider signing up for £4.99 a month or £49.99 annually.

You’ll have to make sure you’re signed in first, which can be done by clicking on the icon in the top right hand corner of the website or app, that looks like the head and shoulders of a person.

When prompted, the email address and password you’ll have created the account with.

Step Two – find the story you’d like to comment on

Click into the news story you’d like to comment on. You won't be able to comment if you haven’t accessed the full article.

Step Three - scroll to the bottom of the article

After you’ve read the article, scroll to the bottom of page. Underneath the Read More section and  below the ‘share’ function, you’ll see a ‘comments’ subheading, and a text box which you can then share your thoughts.

On the mobile app, the comment section is found below the advertisments - keep scrolling until you've reached it. 

Below the grey rectangle comment box, it will say 'commenting as [your name here].' That's the name your comment will published against. 

This DOES NOT mean you've commented already - rather, this is how your name will appear when you've submitted your comment and had it approved.

We have do have participation terms and conditions which you may want to familiarise yourself with beforehand.

Step Four - submit your comment and wait for approval

Click into the grey box to start typing your comment. When you've finished click the arrow button on the right hand side of the box.

This will then submit your comment for publishing. If you don’t see it appear immediately, it could be that one of our team hasn’t had a chance to approve it yet.

When your comment has been approved, it'll appear alongside your full name which will show up in red. No other details about your account will be shared, and only other subscribers will be able to see your comment.

If you've got a more to say on a subject, you can always send your thoughts in to be considered for our Readers Letters column - it's also free to read, even for non-subscribers.

You can submit your views at letters@thestrayferret.co.uk. 

This article is free to read. If you enjoyed reading it then please subscribe to read all our content. Subscription costs £4.99 a month or £49.99 if you pay annually. 

That works out at less than a pound a week. You will also enjoy exclusive subscriber discounts. Click here to get started.