I expect it will slowly build back up.

However, the Civil platform needs to fix the problem of requiring 3rd party cookies to function. After registering and numerous failed attempts to log-in over several days, I finally took the time to go digging through Civil's documentation and found the requirement for 3rd party cookies. If I want to comment, I temporary turn on 3rd party cookies, then turn them off when I'm done.

Accepting 3rd party cookies reduces privacy. I'm willing to do that on a limited basis with the Herald and Civil situation, but I guarantee most users who block them give up on trying to login without ever learning why it's not working for them.

Getting rid of 3rd party cookies will require closer integration between Civil's platform and the Herald website, but no more so than what was necessary for Disqus.