What are trackbacks?

Posted on January 2, 2006 at 09:19 - Post Comment

Trackback: Many bloggers prefer to use trackback instead of comments. If they want to write about your post, they may do so on their own blog. Instead of using a permalink, the blogger will use trackback, so that you will receive a ping, which lets you know that your site has been mentioned and linked.

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How do I use trackbacks?

First you need to enable them on your blog.

Log into your HSB account.

Click Settings >Trackbacks from the menu.

Under Trackback Default for New Entries change to Trackbacks Enabled

Under Autodetect Trackback URLs change to Enable Autodetect.

Be sure to Save Changes.

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Now what do I do?

To use Trackbacks first look for Trackback URL for the post you would like to link to.  This is usually located at the bottom of the post where is says Post Comment. 

Right click on the Trackback URL. Select Copy Shortcut... from the context menu.

Now Add a New Entry to your blog.

Scroll down below the text area.  Right below that you will see Trackback URL.  Paste the URL in the text field. (Click in the text field, then press Ctrl + V)

NOTE:  You should see the words  trackback.php in the URL.

Click Add New Entry

VIOLA!  You have just added a trackback.

Now if you return to the original post, next to the Trackback URL you will see Trackbacks (1).  That will let other readers know you commented about that entry.

Below the comments in the entry you will see Trackbacks listed.

Now it is your turn.  Give it a try!

Was this tutorial helpful?   Please let me know if you have any comments or suggestions.

Thank you so much for this...

Posted by patintenn on January 4, 2006 at 10:14 - Link

I had no idea what is was or for. I have asked so many questions already, I didn't think I would ask about this. I am going to try it now.
Thanks again!
Pat in Tenn

VERY HELPFUL

Posted by GrandmaRosie on January 10, 2006 at 01:04 - Link

I was completely in the dark as to what a trackback was and how it was used until I read this post. Good work, hope there is more to come. ^..^

Thank you!

Posted by Fern on January 20, 2006 at 09:45 - Link

I have wondered what this meant for a long time too.......

I still have a question though. I went to a couple of blogs and didn't see anywhere to click on trackbacks ....... do I click on trackbacks from my own blog to respond to someone else's blog? I guess I'm still confused!

Thanks so much for helping us newbies!!
Fern

Untitled Comment

Posted by HSB2Tutorial on January 28, 2006 at 01:39 - Link

Fern...

If you don't see the Trackback link, then the user does not have TBs enabled. You might contact them and suggest they enable them.

HTH,
Amy Beth

Trackbacks enabled, but

Posted by christinemiller on February 17, 2006 at 09:09 - Link

I have enabled trackbacks, but I do not have the Trackback URL link at the bottom of my posts, and when others have tried to trackback to one of my posts, the trackback is always refused. So I know I am doing something wrong, but I haven't figured it out yet. Can you help? Thank you!

Untitled Comment

Posted by ThistleCoveFarminVA on March 25, 2006 at 04:41 - Link

I'm almost certain this is helpful. Yesterday I was wondering about trackbacks and now, haven't been able to sleep for a couple of hours, I find your tutorial as I'm wandering HB.

I've saved your site and will try to follow instructions later today...after, hopefully, a bit more sleep.

Thank you and God's blessings on you, yours and the work of your hands.

Hi

Posted by MyThreeDaughters on March 31, 2006 at 01:51 - Link

Thank you for the tutorial.