IntenseDebate was a commenting platform for websites and blogs. While the specific nature of their "electronic publishing" function isn't easily defined as a singular activity, their core offering facilitated the publication of user-generated content within a controlled environment on client websites. They provided tools for website owners to integrate a comment section onto their platforms, allowing readers to engage in discussions related to the published material. Thus, IntenseDebate acted as a supplementary electronic publishing tool, enhancing existing content with a dynamic layer of user interaction and feedback.

Their services weren't focused on independent publishing (creating and distributing content themselves), but rather on enabling and managing the publishing of comments and discussions by others on their client's websites. This involved features such as: