Let's Talk About Commenting
We twittered about this a few days ago, but we’d like to open it up for discussion: What can we do to improve the overall the quality of comments on the blog, to encourage lurkers to get involved without alienating some of the more active and, um, spirited commenters? We hear quite often from regular…
We twittered about this a few days ago, but we’d like to open it up for discussion: What can we do to improve the overall the quality of comments on the blog, to encourage lurkers to get involved without alienating some of the more active and, um, spirited commenters? We hear quite often from regular readers who feel uncomfortable, even intimidated, with the prospect of commenting. This isn’t surprising given the verbal beat-down one new commenter received from a gang of regulars a couple of weeks ago. Nor is the level of discussion going on in today’s Open Thread really where we’d like it to be. Short of active comment moderation, which really isn’t a practical option, what do you think we can/should do to elevate the quality of discussion and make newcomers feel more welcome? We’d be particularly interested to hear from some folks who usually hang back on the sidelines. It’s in the best interests of the blog and everyone who reads it to have as many people contributing their knowledge and opinions as possible.
Thanks,
Mr. B
I dont care if anyone reacts in a less than civil manner to my posts/queries – as long as I receive real advice , good faith suggestions and tips by others. That’s what is brilliant about this site…. I had never looked at the Open Thread forum until right now and frankly I dont get it. It has nothing to do about brownstones, real estate. A total distraction..BTW shouldnt all you open thread folks be working or studying or doing something productive ?!!! Thank goodness I finished college and grad school long ago, before the era of blogs, or I too could have gotten sucked into irresponsible blogdum…
Oh, yes, let’s please put the ACLU on notice, DIBS. This is about a poor a comparison as you can possibly make. And I don’t hear anyone saying they have a problem with poeples’ comments–more along the lines that they are tired of the same 8 people making 50 comments (inane or not) on one post.
babs, I’m posting from work right now. Most of us are actually. You may think that sad or unproductive but it is what it is.
If the What or rob were to be banned that would be tantamount to the Supreme Court revoking the first Amendment. If you don’t like what they have to say or their delivery either skip over them go to a kinder, gentler place, if there are any.
Man the meds are working, Damn! I agree 100% with this statement!
“i am neither a girl nor a clown. i was purposely trying to point out the obvious- that this site has become a boys club of sorts. and all it took was a childish insult to get “the regulars” to bite.”
Hi Randolph just a little chum bring the Asshats out, LMMFAO
“What, hand me some skittles.” *** The What throws ISNH a pack of skittles***
I have to run (Meditation class ** Dave is a Asshat Om…. Om… Om…)
The What (Pick up some skittles on the way home)
Someday this war is gonna end…
Why would anyone want to rate poster’s comments? It’s someone’s opinion, not the user friendliness of the latest gadget. Seems to me, that’s a good way to keep people off the site – you give your opinion, and a host of anonymous people decide you aren’t worthy. Yeah, I’d post again. Not.
Much of what we discuss is just that, opinions and observations. This isn’t the Economist Masters of the Universe website, or even the Architectural Forum. It’s mostly ordinary people with a wonderful variety in professions, expertise, and backgrounds commenting on the one thing 98% of us have in common – we live in Brooklyn, have lived in Brooklyn, or want to live in Brooklyn.
I’VE GOT A GREAT IDEA!
How about everyone that posted on this thread so far and on NO OTHER thread today on Brownstoner, GO POST ON ANOTHER THREAD AND STAY ON TOPIC.
That might help a bit, here.
Personally, I thought twice about commenting on THIS thread, but not for most of the reasons stated by Mr. B. My hesitation to comment on ANY *actively running* thread stems mostly from a lack of time today and most days, and my OWN limitations in being an active participant regarding replies. Even if I had the time, it’s clear I couldn’t keep up with the banter of “the usual suspects,†though I’d find that an entirely bizarre criterion for hobbling exchanges. Do many posters have interests and standards that are different than mine? Absolutely. Do I find the large number of intentionally rancorous exchanges unpleasant? Yes to that too. Do I have the time right now to sift through all the comments that preceded mine. No, today, not in the least, and my apologies to those who I’m ignoring, repeating or contradicting without follow-up.
Many of my interests, experiences and heartfelt beliefs differ from many users of this site. That said, what I’d also like to say—loud and clear—is that when I have the time and inclination I thoroughly appreciate the levity and distraction of the open thread, conveniently and abundantly available throughout the day. I absolutely recognize the existence of an “in-crowdâ€, and the degree to which I and others might find that off-putting, intimidating, or distasteful—OR NOT!…depending on time and day. Concerning this site, I especially value the knowledge, insight, experience and useful information of Brownstoner forum posters, where I try to limit the contents of my posts to the useful. Mr. B: I’d be really interested in hearing specifics from you regarding YOUR opinion of what would elevate the quality of discussion and make newcomers feel more welcome. I think if you could be more forthcoming about your personal hopes and vision, and set a stage for this discussion rather than simply opening the door, it might help create a cooperative result.
Also it’s hard to comment during the day because of work. If only Brownstoner posted all threads nights and weekends! But I realize that’s not practical.
randolph…when I said “girl” I meant female. As for a clown, that’s what you told me your business was, rightly or wrongly, operating a clown service.
You don’t enter a discussion calling everyone “pathetic losers” (whether we are or are not is not the issue) and expect to be part of a civil conversation.
As far as baiting to get the “boys club” or the “regulars” to bite, maybe all you’re looking for is attention.