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
“DIBS, you and I even managed to push each other’s buttons in person! :)”
– Posted by: lechacal at March 27, 2009 11:42 AM
Please move this to the Open Thread 😉
I totally agree with the commenter above who stated that the constant presence of the “usual suspects” really prevents me from commenting to a greater degree. It just seems like no-one but them is reading the comments, and I really don’t have any interest in joining in on their very closed conversation in most cases. I thought the Open Thread idea would keep them busy talking among themselves, but they’re everywhere.
There are some commenters who alays seem to have something useful, constructive, and/or interesting to say, and I’ll read their writings all the time, but there’s a lot of unnecessary and (I hope for their sakes) deliberately provocative crap to wade through to get there.
I mau occasionally take the plunge and attempt to add something, but the provocateurs in question don’t seem to want to actually enage in any sort of discussion, only to air their ignorance.
And it really just seems like all of these commenters really have nothing else to do with their lives.
DIBS, you and I even managed to push each other’s buttons in person! 🙂
is the What defending Brownstoner?
OK, I’ve said enough. Actually I have to run out and get a sandwich and will be back ASAP.
I bet Biff wishes he wasn’t on vacation today!!!!
“Maybe you should take a poll and see what topics people that post, read, lurk on here would want more of.”
I think Mr. B can likely already see this activity. In web stats, page views etc.
Poll/suggestions of what people might like to read is a great idea.
What Lechacal said at 11:36.
There’s nothing wrong with any of us, What included, until we say something inappropriate. It happens to all of us. We each have our buttons that get pushed and the ones we like to push.
Has there been any other internet community so anonymous that eventually decided to meet up in real person, I think not.
To some degree, b’stoner, I think you have to take the good with the bad. You could end up alienating your most loyal posters/community members if you take draconian steps to ‘elevate’ the conversation. I think you’d be better off if they stick around.
Personally, I’d reformat the open thread off the front page, so that this section is clearly differentiated as a social part of the blog. This would probably help lurkers feel less like the blog posts are meant for the same 10 posters who dominate that area.
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….