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
“gang of regulars”
there’s your problem.
no disrespect, as i think some of them make quite valid points. it’s just that the same 10 or so posters seem to dominate nearly every thread. many threads seem to get hijacked off track pretty quickly, usually on the same tangents (bull/bear, nabe borders, economy, etc..) that’s got to be alienating a lot of folks.
perhaps a moderator to keep threads on track and on point would be helpful.
Mr. B,
On more than one occasion I have stepped in to defend your right to police, guide, gear the sight however you saw fit as it is your right to do so.
“Nor is the level of discussion going on in today’s Open Thread really where we’d like it to be.”
I thought the basis for your starting the open thread was to give people a place for off topic discussion and friendly banter. This would leave all other core posts open for on topic comments.
You alienate your core commentators and you might see your “clicks” plummet. I’d be very careful not to bite the hands that feed you!
I also wholeheartedly agree with what Montrose said at 11:34, Lechacal and squaredrive at 11:36.
For what it’s worth, I just jumped into commenting head first when I started using the site last year, and didn’t find it too hard to fit in with the regulars … I do try to stay on topic as much as possible tho, and I tend not to comment on threads where I don’t feel I have anything of value to contribute.
I’ll put in my 2 cents as an avid reader and lover of Brownstoner. As you may or may not have noticed, I’ve taken a break from commenting for the past week or so, so I’ve been able to take a step back from it all, so to speak.
I think you’ve got a great thing going here, but we should also realize that Brownstoner.com is a gateway for many newcomers to Brooklyn and New York City. I don’t know about you all…but whenever I hear about someone moving here, or hear someone say they love old architecture or they want to know about a new restaurant opening in Ditmas or wherever, I direct people to this website.
More and more, I hear feedback from these people saying they were turned off by the “high school” mentality of many of the posters here who comment in the Open Thread and elsewhere. It scares them…whether that’s irrational or not is beside the point. I’m certainly speaking to myself as well.
Now personally I have no problem with the Open Thread although I don’t really read it. But we should be more aware that this website is a really terrific “face” of Brooklyn for many new people to this city and our borough who come here to look for information, and we should be mindful of that. Many of these stories get picked up by other media outlets, and are read by a variety of different people all over. I sometimes cringe when I see a brownstoner article picked up somewhere else, thinking about those who might read some of the comments here. I know the other websites are worse, but we should rise above that, and continue to try to increase quality, as Mr. B seems to be trying to do here. It seems to have devolved lately.
I think the idea of having the Open Thread separated in some fashion is a good idea. Not sure how that would work exactly.
Indeed, this is one of the most civil blogs I have encountered. I am all for a wide variety of people posting, not just the same old dozen or two. But it’s always the case with Web 2.0 that 20 percent of people participate and 80 percent of people consume. Ask Clay Shirky. People have to keep in mind that many comments (and personas) are somewhat tongue in cheek, and not to take most things too seriously.
As for Rob, DIBS, What, and most commenters on here, I find them to be amusing and informative and hope they keep posting.
As an very occasional commenter, i find the discussions worthwhile despite having to scroll past a lot of nonsense. There are some very knowledgeable and helpful people on this site, and a lot can be gained from reading the comments section. I haven’t ever felt attacked, although people have answered at times rather impatiently. I do think newcomers who clearly don’t do their homework–by checking the archives first or doing a little research–can get picked on, but that’s the nature of all blogs and it forces people to do a little more of their own leg work.
Perhaps there is a way to put a select group on moderated status, such as those folks who perpetually take the discussion off track or cross the line in some way. I’ve belonged to other discussion boards that follow this approach.
Lucy
Many of the current problems with the site stem from Brownstoner’s being a much smaller pond than it once was. Back in the site’s “golden age”, when it was freewheeling and guest commenting was permitted, it was much harder for a small clique of followers to dominate it. It was really quite the phenomenon at that time and people’s first reaction was to step back and marvel!
If you reintroduce guest commenting, that should solve the problem. However, I get the sense that guest commenting isn’t really on the table.
The only other practical solution I can think of would be the very aggressive moderation of posts. However, I get the sense that moderation also isn’t being considered. (Though, like another poster above, I don’t see why not.)
I don’t think the open threads are improving things. In fact, I think the overall tenor of the site has suffered since you introduced the open threads. Instead of “draining off” the bile and ill will of the regulars to the benefit of more focused threads, the open threads just get everyone worked up and the ensuing nuttiness just infects the other threads on the site. Not good.
If I may speak bluntly, but respectfully…You long ago made the decision to cradle a few hardcore regulars and to make this site a sort of virtual parlor for them. There’s something to be said for this strategy, but it has a cost as you now obviously realize. If you’re unwilling to make any serious changes to the way the commenting proceeds, then I think you’re stuck with the status quo.
Whatever you decide, I will keep my fingers crossed for you and the site!
“Does anyone else find it ironic that the What, in his eternal “hatred” of brownstoner, has probably done more to promote, publicize, and generate readership than any other person associated with the blog? What, does it burn knowing that you are providing a nice living for your “enemy”? The fact is, you love this place more than anyone. As you consider your reply, just think, that post you are conceiving is about to more money in b-stoner’s pocket….”
Are you finished jacking off?? Good! I will tell you “what’s in it for me” Prognostication!
Look just have a “Lounge” feature, a old house section, A Asshat feel-good reach-around section, A financial section and a rant feature and problem solved!
The What (Where is the money now??)
Someday this war is gonna end…
Yes, lechacal, and no one lost an eye. 🙂