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 don’t think that anyone feels “intimidated” by the regular posters here. I think a lot of people wonder why they should bother to post when they feel the thread will inevitably deteriorate into chaos, but that’s something quite different.
Dave, you’re right. But I’m not talking about banning anyone, just forcing them (myself included) to make informed, well-rounded comments. The details would have to be worked out and maybe lowering someone’s limit to once a day is a bit much. I’m all for freedom of speech, but the question we’re dealing with is how to make people who don’t tend to comment (but may have something good to say) feel “welcome”. Inevitably, I think, that means lowering the number of less useful posts.
A few ideas from other successful web communities I know of:
1. Use software with an Ignore function. If registered users and put other registered users on “ignore”, this allows people to actively participate without being actively annoyed.
Ignore buttons also help avoid boring recurring flame wars.
2. Consider recruiting unpaid moderators from the more reasonable and more active regular posters. Not all will have the time or energy to do so but some will.
3. Use software that allows “infraction” points and various levels of disciplinary activity (temporary bans, “read only” account status, permanent bans, etc.).
4. Use software that allows people to have avatars, titles, signatures, and shows statistics like “total post count” or personal info that they chose to reveal like “Location: North Slope”.
5. Use software that allow avatars and signatures to be hidden.
That’s all for now… real job calls.
Oh, but some new commenters would be good. Too many of us are just repeating the same viewpoint too often.
Exactly my strategy, DIBS. And that “kinder, gentler place” involves actually working. Some of the people on here all the time might try it.
Also to add to my point – I find sooo many posters here are truly helpful and talented, just to name a few:
masterplumber/adamdahill/Montrose/Dibs
These 4 people capture the essence of Brooklyn but in 4 very different ways – I would like to hear from them more often – perhaps allow them to have a piece of your pie and give them a daily thread where Montrose can inform us all about the history of certain neighborhoods or Dibs can blog away about the economy and Adam&Master can talk about mortgages and plumbing
I think you have a VAST readership here Mr.B and it’s time to take advantage of the talent.
Maybe have one of the local real estate brokers partake in their own thread where they can divulge what’s really happening in the real estate world or feature a weekly stint of a certain person…
again – my 2 cents – but I would like to see this blog expand as I look forward to reading it every day but as MM stated it’s gotten a bit dry b/c there really isnt too much happening positive with the economy/Real Estate world…
I have an actual suggestions Brownstoner.
Why not give certain people you know and trust the authority to monitor the comments. They can remind people to stay on topic, delete the inflammatory and inappropriate posts and shut down threads when things get really bad.
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.
not sure what the answer is, but this conversation is definately a start.
I posted the below comment in the Open Thread, but I’ll go ahead and paste it here:
Right now I’m riding the line between offended and annoyed. I’m also starting to think, really think, about something the What has been shouting for a long time. I feel like we are being baited. Active vs. Lurker, Informed vs. Uninformed, Projects vs. Cozy Condo, etc. Is that “comments” thread a true attempt to figure out an issue? The conversation has been had before. Or, is it a way to get more clicks? Yeah, all of us click like fiends all day, but what better way to up it than to invite occasional lurkers to click today and keep coming back for the update on “As the Blog Turns.”
Mr. B. will never move the Open Thread to another site all together. That would screw up the number of clicks he gets on B’Stoner and therefore mess with his advertising money.
We all took the bait on this thread. Happy now, Mr. B?
What, hand me some skittles.
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.