# Setting up Cactus Comments (optional) The playbook can install and configure [Cactus Comments](https://cactus.chat) for you. Cactus Comments is a **federated comment system** built on Matrix. The role allows you to self-host the system. It respects your privacy, and puts you in control. See the project's [documentation](https://cactus.chat/docs/getting-started/introduction/) to learn what it does and why it might be useful to you. ## Configuration Add the following block to your `vars.yaml` and make sure to exchange the tokens to randomly generated values. ```yaml ################# ## Cactus Chat ## ################# # This enables the backend (appservice) matrix_cactus_comments_enabled: true # To allow guest comments without users needing to log in, you need to have guest registration enabled. # To do this you need to uncomment one of the following lines (depending if you are using Synapse or Dendrite as a homeserver) # If you don't know which one you use: The default is Synapse ;) # matrix_synapse_allow_guest_access: true # matrix_dendrite_allow_guest_access: true ``` ## Installing After configuring the playbook, run the [installation](installing.md) command again: ``` ansible-playbook -i inventory/hosts setup.yml --tags=setup-all,start ``` ## Usage Upon starting Cactus Comments, a `bot.cactusbot` user account is created automatically. To get started, send a `help` message to the `@bot.cactusbot:your-homeserver.com` bot to confirm it's working. Then, register a site by typing: `register `. You will then be invited into a moderation room. Now you are good to go and can include the comment section on your website! **Careful:** To really make use of self-hosting you need change a few things in comparison to the official docs! Insert the following snippet into you page and make sure to replace `example.com` with your base domain! ```html
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