A Thought on Comments
We received an email from a long-time reader over the weekend that we thought deserved attention. The reader pointed out that, in his opinion, the comments are so dominated by bickering among a handful of readers that (a) there is rarely coherent on-topic discussion and (b) he feels like it’s a private party that he’s…
We received an email from a long-time reader over the weekend that we thought deserved attention. The reader pointed out that, in his opinion, the comments are so dominated by bickering among a handful of readers that (a) there is rarely coherent on-topic discussion and (b) he feels like it’s a private party that he’s not particularly welcome at. While many of the most frequent commenters add a lot of substantive comments along the way, we agree that the off-topic bickering has gotten a little out of control, and we’d like to urge everyone to make an effort to stay on-topic and to refrain from personal attacks and insults. Sound like a plan?
Thanks for your co-operation.
Mr. B
I also agree with “long time reader.”
I have been asking myself why I even check the comments.
agreed
and great idea to have an “anything goes” thread
It will get boring if tempers are not allowed to flare to the level of insults. Personal attacks atre different. I think the What should be able to post but not in the Forum. The latter is for people seeking advice and shouldn’t be muddied with his crap.
In fact the point regarding the insults and personal attacks IS largely aimed at the What. He did it today already. I asked him to apologize and he acts like a school child.
The off-topic banter we will try to limit…or relegate to the open thread. I can’t disagree with you on that one.
I have to agree with the What. The idea that this is about him and him alone (or mostly) is way off. I also have to say I strongly oppose the idea of blocking people you don’t happen to like, as suggested by Prodigal Son. This thing would get boring and dull so quickly it is depressing to even think about it. It also has that childish, unfortunate echo of high school peer groups closing their ranks over differences. Bleh.
It’s The What, It’s the What fault, The What The What! See what I mean?? This topic was about the same Asshats that talk about nonsense!
“) there is rarely coherent on-topic discussion and (b) he feels like it’s a private party that he’s not particularly welcome at.”
Look I have all day Monday is my day off! We can discuss this like adults or I can change the rules of engagement and let off. What’s it gonna be? Already 10 post and it’s The What show, damn!
The What
Someday this war is gonna end..
300+ post on this puppy!
“(a) there is rarely coherent on-topic discussion and (b) he feels like it’s a private party that he’s not particularly welcome at”
I agree with both sentiments.
There some interesting topics that do not get discussed at all even though they have 40+ comments and often the discussion consists solely of socializing and bantering.
Apologize about the Mexican crack. I don’t think you’ve ever actually been “on topic” What. It’s always the same old cut and paste crap about the MAB. Besides, greed will kick in as soon as the market crosses its 50 day moving average. Don’t get left behind.
Mr B,
This may be a huge undertaking code wise but perhaps you can install a blocking system where you can block comments from certain posters? Look at Craigslist discussion forums. They have that ability. Don’t like someone? Block them from your thread.
Again, technically this might be a huge undertaking.
Good luck, Brownstoner has become a bit high school lately. You gotta remember though, all websites go through this dynamic…more visitors, more assholes.
Great idea and easy to do. Look out for the first Open Thread momentarily!