Editor's Desk: New measures needed to clean up Web site comments

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Cancelling Subscription - 2009-10-28 00:01:29

After careful thought and consideration, I have decided to cancel my print subscription (well, actually I'm not renewing it). If the Captial stands by the remarks made by Tom and backed up by Nick's censorship, they will not get any more of my support.

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JJ Thomas - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Rules Equally Applied? - 2009-10-27 19:40:22

I don't know that all bigoted remarks are removed -- A while back I reported a horribly anti-semitic comment, but the forum moderators didn't take note. I was very disappointed when the prejudiced remark remained posted.

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C R - , - Karma: Neutral

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Capitol - 2009-10-27 14:03:08

yes sir re bob. thanks. me thinks I'll vote fer ya!
REALLY....

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David Cross - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent

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thankyou Capital - 2009-10-26 12:30:22

All WITH RESPECT IS ACCEPTABLE

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J L - annapolis, md - Karma: Terrible

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Freedom of Speech - 2009-10-25 17:28:25

Unfortunately, when someone conceives a comment as a "venemous attack" it is someone who is refusing to accept facts and see things for what they are. We were given the right to freedom of speech so we could make a point, but in today's society every thing you say points to negatvie racism. I am a firm believer is seeing things for what they are and I think this article is saying I should not have the right to state facts and give an opinion on them??

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Mary A. - Harwood, MD - Karma: Excellent

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New measures neeed - 2009-10-24 18:59:43

to clean up the ADCC.

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Peter D. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Comment removed by HometownAnnapolis staff. - 2009-10-24 01:05:11

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- Karma: Excellent

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Thank you Capitol! - 2009-10-24 00:32:30

Thank you, Capitol for taking a stance and not tolerating some of the ignorant comments that have been made with some articles. AACO is a great place to live and work the majority of citizens are good people.Most can debate respectfully and disagree respectfully. Then you have the very few who just hate.I doubt if they will give their name,phone# and email because they will not be hidden anymore.Enough is enough.

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A. Barham - crownsville, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Pat M. - 2009-10-23 23:17:15

I'm confused here. You want lurid e-mails? I told you already that I could prove my point. Did you ask the Webmaster? If so then you'd already know. Or do you just want me to do something that is probably illegal just so you can get your jollies? If I were to publish these private mails they'd last a few minutes at best. Nick would take them down immediately as he darn well should to protect his privacy and my wife's privacy as well. The mails are VERY old and are only memories. Just what DO you want? If you're baiting me to fufill your lurid fascinations or to start a crapstorm well, that won't wash. I'm at peace with the Staff of the Capital and I wish it to stay that way.
My dear wife IS miffed at some things that have gone on and I don't blame her a bit. She's standing up on principal and considers herself slighted by Nick. Go ask HER for gosh sakes but she was only trying to support me.
Nick says it's over, I say it's over but YOU want private e-mails for what? To get me kicked out of here AGAIN so you can chuckle? Sorry, I'm not getting sucked into your game and the only reason the whole tired subject was brought up was to expose inconsistancies on how some people are treated differently than others. It's OVER. Get over it.

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Paul O. - West River, MD - Karma: Good

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Paul - 2009-10-23 18:37:38

Frankly I could careless about the emails, but if you say they were private why bring it up. Why call him out in this forum if you were not prepared to prove it. That is all I am saying. I just think it is wrong to accuse someone of doing something and not back it up. If it was private it should have stayed private.

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Pat M. - Arnold, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Pat M. - 2009-10-23 18:03:57

E-mails are private. Even if they weren't I wouldn't post them here just because it isn't right. I am not here to embarass Nick but I will hold anyone's feet to the fire when they say one thing privately then say something else publicly.
I have said publicly and I'll say it again, Nick has a very difficult job that I wouldn't want to have to do. I admire what he is trying to do as well.
I just got an e-mail today from the Capital's Webmaster about the automatic -16 rating. With HIS permission I will disclose it or he can publicly disclose it. I am not here to embarass anyone or to prove anyone wrong though I could but that would be petty. Nick has welcomed me back and I acccept his welcome. He has said this topic is finished and so it is.
I humbly suggest you write the Webmaster and ask him yourself if I was right if you want the details. Somebody made a mistake or was misinformed and it wasn't me is all I'll say.

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Paul O. - West River, MD - Karma: Terrible

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Paul or Emma - 2009-10-23 16:01:08

It does not look good, you level allegations against Nick but do not produce any evidence. All you have to do to prove your point is post the emails that would make a sailor blush and everyone will see Nick for who he is, if in fact that is what he sent you. If not apologize and move on. Post here and enjoy your life.

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Pat M. - Arnold, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Great - 2009-10-23 15:43:46

This was a welcomed relief from the few posters that spew forth venom no matter what topic they comment on. I have only posted here for a short time but immediately saw that there were two people that made me sick with their rudeness. AND you know who you are, don't you? I have a feeling that they are very lonely and bitter people that scour the boards to give more purpose in their miserable lives. I will wait to see some positive comments from these two. I may grow old and grey before I do.

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e. corbett - severna park, Md - Karma: Good

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Amen - 2009-10-23 13:26:22

I couldn't agree more. Personally, I believe the venomous attacks that are found on the web, on the television, and on the radio are beginning to have the opposite effect. I believe Americans are sick and tired of all the hatred that is spewed by the minority of citizens in this country and are saying so with their vote and the poll data. However, the guilty ones don't seem to be getting it. Instead of toning it down, these people seem to think taking it to another level will work. It won't.

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Michael T. - Crofton, MD - Karma: Good

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????? - 2009-10-23 10:00:10

Nick,
I DO e-mail Erik. But YOU apparently have access to his account because every answer I get when I mail him is from you. What's up with that?
And no one cannot get an immediate -16 rating a split second after a post is posted. Your answer is riduculous at best. There was a problem with your software some time ago allowing this to happen(which you admitted to) and apparently it's cropped up again. Or the Laws of Physics and electrons have somehow ceased to exist on this website.
And why did you delete my post then quote me?
I was complementing you for the most part and broke no rules at all.

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Paul O. - West River, MD - Karma: Terrible

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entertaining - 2009-10-23 08:36:14

Boy, is this entertaining. What a great debate! Keep it up people, and Nick.
Annapolis and A.A County are alive and well!

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Robert H. - , - Karma: Neutral

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Another quote... - 2009-10-22 21:44:14

'Anyone who doesn't like our decisions can go find another Web site to spew their venom.' The problem with that statement is it assumes that everyone that doesn't like your decisions is one of the 'trouble-makers' that spews venom. Is that how we all (those that do not like the direction in which you are heading) shall be labeled? You guys are going to the extreme, and as a result will run people off and finally have your happily homogenized readership.

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JJ Thomas - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Paul or Emma - 2009-10-22 19:02:01

I would suggest you copy and paste the emails and let's see who's allegations are true and who is not telling the truth.

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Pat M. - Arnold, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Karma? - 2009-10-22 18:34:25

Nick,
A split second after I posted the vote was -16.
What's up with that? I thought that issue was 'fixed' and you explained that miraculously the Left was now somehow clicking down thumb because so many more left of center readers were cliking but some how not commenting. Good guess but if that's true the Laws of Physics have ceased to exist on this website. LOL!
Best regards to the Editor/Nick.

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Paul O. - West River, MD - Karma: Terrible

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Comment removed by HometownAnnapolis staff. - 2009-10-22 18:20:59

Staff message: Why is this comment hidden?

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- Karma: Terrible

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Quote... - 2009-10-22 15:34:01

'Get used to it because that's the way it's going to be.
That is the best you can come up with ? So much for no censorship. You 'deciding' what stories people can comment on - or not. Why even print (or post) the stories?

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JJ Thomas - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Thank you - 2009-10-22 13:19:44

I think it is a GREAT idea.

And thanks for the info about the ignore option. I think that should be reiterated to users every now and then that this option is available.

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Cori C. - Edgewater, MD - Karma: Good

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Andrew - 2009-10-22 13:05:18

I thought when I looked at it yesterday there were comments as well. It looks now if the Capital has removed all comments and one cannot post any comments.

I for one do not believe I have attacked anyone on here and while sometimes I comment in a tongue and cheek way I don't think it has been directed at anyone.

I would like to think that the comments posted here would prompt the Capital to take a harder look at news stories.

I do wish to continue posting under assumed name just because of the amount of crazys out there, that are so self absorbed they think this is all about them. I can tell you it's not, it is a place to post a thought or a comment or maybe some people have an inside track on something that maybe they feel like the Capital might want to look into. In my work I often hear and see things that maybe I would like someone to take a harder look at. Like a news organization. If there is only 10% that can't have some decorum, why throw the baby out with the bath water. Cut out the 10% or just let the 90% ignore them. That's what I do.

Better to let people think you are an idiot, than to open your mouth and confirm it!

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Pat M. - Arnold, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Thank you - 2009-10-22 12:42:58

for taking these new desperately needed measures! In the not-too-distant past, I have felt compelled to report appallingly abusive, discriminatory, tasteless, wildly off-track, rude and offensive comments several times now. I am quite pleased and relieved that the editorial staff acknowledges the growing commenting problem and has resolve to tackle these issues as much as possible when they arise with a greater sense of urgency. It discourages, saddens and scares me that we have such vocal ugliness perusing HometownAnnapolis.com (even some comments in THIS thread are outrageous) and while we are all free to speak, some out there really shouldn't. For shame, they don't know who they are.

I could not have been more disgusted and dismayed by the comments that followed the story of the Starr family with the impending loss of their beloved husband/father/uncle when they needed understanding, uplift and support from the community and for a large part, got anything but. My heart ached for the relatives that created accounts just to plead the unspeakably ugly commenters to quiet... to no avail. That had to be the worst but I have witnessed this problem when following other stories of late as well.

These actions could not be more sorely needed and while I dont comment all that often except when I really have something to say, I am one user who has immediately updated my profile with my address and number and has a list of those offenders I am quite eager to block from my view. Too few actually contribute comments consisting of valuable, tactful, articulate, intelligent, enlightening and commonsense discourse but those are the gems that I look forward to reading. As for the others, I do believe these changes could not have come fast enough. Thanks again!

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Rachel R. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Pat M. - 2009-10-22 12:29:45

I read the fire bomb story yesterday and it contained several comments. One in particular went into detail about the 16 year old boy in the story. The user stated the youth's name and claimed he indeed had involvement with the Jones beating. I would assume it was removed to protect the teenager and the ongoing investigation.

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Andrew G. - Annapolis, md - Karma: Neutral

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Is the Capital - 2009-10-22 10:50:15

going to only allow commenting on certain stories as well? I notice that there are no comments on the fire-bomb story. This entire story line has always been a heavily discussed story.

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Pat M. - Arnold, MD - Karma: Excellent

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RE: Robert M... - 2009-10-21 23:13:31

Clearly you haven't had anything of the sort happen to you or your family. I have, and am ultra-conscious of how my actions (or words) can have far reaching consequences. If you cannot handle being made aware that these types of situations exist, please, by all means place me on 'ignore'. I am confident that the only post i've had deleted was at your behest, anyway.

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JJ Thomas - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Comments - 2009-10-21 21:22:17

Nick,

My question on data protection was to find out to what lengths will the paper protect my information from a technical standpoint and legal one. If the big boys can get hacked...

The other question regarding responsibility continues from the previous question with regards to stupid lawsuits. What prevents some bozo who is ticked off with me to request my identification from you on the grounds of online harassment or defamation? Are you going to fight it or just turn it over? It is one thing to try this against say Verizon, it is quite another thing against a local newspaper with limited resources.

I'm not so much worried about myself since I'm pretty sure I can circumvent your checks. It is more about other posters who may actual have something really important to say or disclose.

And good luck trying to get any meaningful discourse on sensitive subjects. Who in their right mind would post something if there is even a slight chance of getting outed.

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mark d. - annapolis, md - Karma: Neutral

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What to address ? - 2009-10-21 19:27:56

People should depersonalize and discuss issues and ideas. Let's say I was a major player on the world stage and I was descended from the most dominate ( fittest) lineage of ape that will ever exist. Let's say I personally funded all of Mommy Theresa's mission while simultaneously working as a fire fighter and serving my country as a tireless warrior in the Us Military. Of what import is that ? It of little.
what matters is ideas and accuracy of facts. Many are against anonymity--so be it. But my highly specialized work ( impressed yet ?, neither I am I ) involves ideas, patterns, statistics, and careful yet lightning-fast analysis.

I really don't care about names. I think the assumption is that if one is required to reveal his/her legal name the discourse will be civil and well reasoned. As one can see from the post directly below this one, Clearly that is not the case.

Fred Shubbie

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Fred S. - , - Karma: Terrible

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Gee Nick, which lie to address? - 2009-10-21 18:55:09

Dearest Nick,
The only truth you told was saying that my husband could re-register. But why bother after you permanently banned him?. So why did you do it in the first place? Anger issues are my observation. When he tried to re-register you had his name blocked. Thanks for nothing.
This after he spent many dozens of hours out on the Bay looking to rescue the owner of the Capital after his sailboat was found off Herring Bay. Yes he's a Coastguardsman and did his damnest to save your boss's life and put his OWN life on the line not knowing the man was already deceased.
All he ever wanted was a description of the car thieves that shut down Shady Side peninsula. Facts that you HAD but refused to release and refused to do a followup story on. He called you a Jacka$$ because as we later found you ARE one because your nasty and snarky letters since then prove this beyond the shadow of a doubt.
See a doctor for some Meds or go back to photojournalism for less stress.
Who am I? I'm a Paca and a Giles descendent. Two White House spokespersons were close coworkers. One was a protege'. I was a spokesperson for a U.S. Senator and a U.S. Congressman. My grandfather was an Aide to FDR. I write for a national paper and website and once in a blue moon you can see me on Fox News. You figure it out or don't because we don't really care. Or are you just obsessed with me but not Fred Flintstone or the dozens of other monikers used here?
You DO owe my husband an apology. Several actually but why quibble over numbers? He serves the country and community every day and puts his life on the line. You on the other hand just write snarky letters and insist on being right. He'd pull your drowning carcass out of the water but you wouldn't grab a squirt gun if his head was on fire.

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Emmaline Giles - West River, MD - Karma: Terrible

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you guys over react - 2009-10-21 10:35:32

i made a remark that including a very tame statement about race and lawsuits....you deleted it.... i have seen your ability to try and steer the conversation the way you want...you are not big brother ...unless i cuss i should not be deleted...i agree on the comatose case...that's sick... but you handel race wrong.... you try to pretend people are not different colors.... they are...get over it....we can cure racisim by paying attention....not ignoring like you want to do....obamas black....we have shown we can look past color.... you need to grow up and get a set....truly...

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stanley d. - mayo, md - Karma: Terrible

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Amazing - 2009-10-21 09:41:30

What people will say, when they don't have to speak to you face-to-face. The keyboard and fake name[s], give them bravado to type utter nonsense and in some cases just to stir the pot. Its an long time problem with the internet, and while I applaud the paper's decisions to try and curtail it. I realize they can only do so much.

Its an age old question. Freedom of speech, vs. censorship.

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Rick M. - Laurel, Md - Karma: Excellent

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Violence - 2009-10-21 07:29:16

I can't help but notice when certain people post on here all they talk about is someone getting angry and hurting the poster or posters family.I've seen three topics where this person has advocated violence toward others.That is one poster that should have his account cancelled.

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robert m. - , - Karma: Bad

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making subscibers support democrati - 2009-10-20 21:04:06

The editors who support a system of democratic cesorship are no better than those who suppress underepresented group. The general consensus is our social justification and euphamism for incorrect and biased. Those with the correct idea usually find themselves in the minority. But, those who can should be encouraged to be a gadfly to those whose loudest shout mentality has corrupted their logic. Tell me how that can sell papers, and I will tell you how to fix the problem. We don't need annother ACLU lawsuit against the city.

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christopher l. - annapolis, md - Karma: Terrible

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not sarcasm or hyperbole- shubbie - 2009-10-20 20:30:48

Although as homegrown as the local news, my views arent as distorted and "snarky". Just read them and take a literal interpretation, it will help you with clarity of the message. Free press is a double edged sword, one we cannot do without.

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christopher l. - annapolis, md - Karma: Terrible

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Emma G - 2009-10-20 20:08:42

I have written the Capital several times about the way they handle 'adversarial' comments. Each time I have presented the facts and stated my analysis. They never wrote me back, yet given the recent turn of events and editorials they seemed to have listened to me ( and/or my ilk)

And Emma you say "there is very little about Mr. Nick that is less than rough and mean spirited if you deal with him on an e-mail basis"...ok well good, he may be the last of the real newspaper men of yesteryear-- you really think he has time to be polite or that you are so important he would 'research' you?
This paper ( online version at least) has the potential of becoming a significant source of insider information if we can refrain from personal attacks like --" Nick has a bad hair day pretty much constantly" , and challenge each others ideas....

Fred Shubbie

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Fred Shubbie - , - Karma: Terrible

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Nick and Tom - 2009-10-20 18:35:51

Both have difficult jobs and have to roll with the punches.
However I hope Nick would NEVER say to my face what he's written in some of Nasty-Grams to me or my husband. A simple question gets a diatribe that would make a sailor blush. There is very little about Mr. Nick that is less than rough and mean spirited if you deal with him on an e-mail basis. Mr. Marquardt backs Nick up every step of the way (As he should) but without ever reading posted comments or e-mail copies.
Nick also spent an inordinate amount of time researching my name and place of residence (He called me a liar on both counts) and has a bad hair day pretty much constantly.
He does not like me.
Of course it's to be expected because my husband called him a Jacka$$ a year or so ago.
My husband and I decided Nick and Tom were small fish and decided not to be nasty back. You see, my boss buys ink by the tanker and not by the barrel as the Capital does. It aint worth it.
When ever friends come to town and are looking for local enjoyment I insist they buy the Capital because it's the best paper to get local goings-on bar none.
But whatever you do don't e-mail Nick or Tom unless you plan on doing major butt-kissing or you'll get a letter that will crack mirrors or wrinkle paint. And don't ever let your children read it!

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Emmaline Giles - West River, MD - Karma: Terrible

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Nick - 2009-10-20 18:24:31

What about an option to ignore a specific user. If everyone thinks I am FOS or have nothing to offer, why not allow the user to ignore me and simply not see my comments?

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John F. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Comment on comments - 2009-10-20 14:04:36

When I set up my account on here, the Capital required commenters to register with their real names (while allowing the choice to display your full name, first initial/last name, or first name/last initial when making comments). Later this policy was changed, allowing users to register with pseudonyms. Granted the original policy was probably next to impossible to enforce, however I never understood why it was changed. Shortly after it did, we started seeing more and more obviously ficticious names.

I'm pretty sure the Capital has always only allowed one account per email address. Those setting up more than one account are doing so by first creating additional email accounts. That's also next to impossible to stop. You can try banning users at an IP address level, but most people these days do not have static IP addresses, plus they can simply log on from another location (home, office, coffee shop, college computer lab, etc.).

What has seemed to work well on other news sites I've seen, is enabling/disabling comments based on the type of story. Keep the comments section for general news stories, and of course op/ed pieces. However, stories that profile a particular person or family (excluding public figures) should not have comments enabled. By these I mean articles such as the First Baby story, Home of the Week, Teen of the Week, and even the recent one of the Pasadena man in a coma. These stories generally don't focus on topics of public debate, and enabling comments on them only invites negative personal attacks against the subjects being profiled.

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Scott S. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Great move - 2009-10-20 12:22:13

Why so many people are "concerned" I do not know. Well I have an idea. They probably have never been on the other end of a bigoted or personal attack, in person (in school, on the job, in your community, at a place of business, etc) not online. And if they have, then they should understand why the paper wants to keep that sort of thing off its website. Even freedom of speech only goes so far.
The editor expressed clearly that they will not censor views because they are unpopular or disagree with the paper's view. Personal and bigoted attacks are what he is referencing. Have no fear, he even explicitly pointed out ignorant comments will be left for all to enjoy. Someone offered up censoring specific words. Bigotry and personal attacks go beyond a specific word or words. Its the intent and content of the comment not use of a specific word that makes it inappropriate. And really regardless of who is being attacked and why, there's no place for it on a website like this. Why subject someone to it and why allow it? Will the removal of racist, bigoted, or personal comments by readers really deprive you of knowing whats going on in AA Co?

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Jason S. - Glen Burnie, MD - Karma: Neutral

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I wonder.... - 2009-10-19 21:38:52

I wonder what will happen when someone gets hurt by some nut that just happens to 'snap' after reading a comment they disagree with? Freedom of information will make it pretty easy to find someone if you even half try. This will water down the real voices (at least those that are concerned with the safety and well-being of their families). I DO think associating IP's with accounts will help clear up the numerous posters here with multiple accounts. The curious shift to the left last week was almost laughable.

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JJ Thomas - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Bad idea - 2009-10-19 21:21:18

Tom,

This is a bad idea. While I understand your reasons for the changes, I think ultimately you will end up with fewer and less frank comments. Trolls have been on the Internet since day one. And they will continue to troll no matter what countermeasures are used. It is an unfortunate fact of online life. I for one am living to put up with it just to have the open and frank talk. You know how to get rid of them? Ignore their comments. Get your readers to learn to ignore the trash. Why do you think the trolls post in the first place?

So, will you call me at home to make sure I'm the poster? What happens to my personal data? Will it be protected? How? Can you guarantee my safety if I post with my full name? Am I now liable for something I say since my identity is available online or at the very least in the newspaper's database?

Let us know when the changes will be in place so I can go somewhere else.

I eagerly await your response.

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mark d. - annapolis, md - Karma: Neutral

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Reinventing the wheel? - 2009-10-19 21:04:26

Jeffrey Haines has some good points; but I also wonder if you are not trying to re-invent the wheel here.

Censor words...you know the 7 you can;t say on television..and others, have they automatically parse and appear as ****.

When people register, which is required, have your settings for only one email address per user name. WIll not stop all but some.

ANd then the ones that are abusing it with multiple email addresses, identities, etc. (and there are not that many of them) ban their IP addresses and be done with it. The only manual work you will be the last bit.

Christian M also has good points, is the moderator all of a sudden made to be the ultimate voice on what is and is not proper?

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John F. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent

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nice work - 2009-10-19 17:00:04

I think these changes are a good idea. I wish you luck with them.

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D R. - severna park, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Choosing what to allow - 2009-10-19 16:57:57

HometownAnnapolis.com is one of my primary sources of staying current with what is happening back in my home town and state while I live far away, to include the tenor of public opinion on issues. I find it very disturbing that a media outlet purporting to provide a fair and balanced source of local news would simultaneously "filter" the commentary. While I do agree that civil discourse should be maintained, so as not to divert attention away from the issues, you walk an extremely thin line in deciding what is "strong" and what is "offensive." Far too often have I witnessed commentary degenerate into a very lopsided viewpoint, artificially created by the moderators who are either afraid of pressure groups or simply don't agree with the removed posts. What remains is a sense of "Hah! We won that battle because we are so right!", when in actuality it is merely an abuse of power and censorship.
Tom, I'm not trying to imply that you are prone to doing this, but that it is a concern when any non-special-interest news source takes such an approach. The fact that some of your articles today have already been blocked from receiving any comments at all is not easing that concern. Omit the profanity and personal attacks, but let those who are bigoted, ignorant, or simply fools keep their posts for the rest of us to acknowledge as such.

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Christian M. - College Station, TX - Karma: Neutral

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Fred / Tina - 2009-10-19 10:04:04

Did you actually read the whole article? I think you fit into the 10% category.

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Rick M. - Laurel, Md - Karma: Excellent

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christopher I - 2009-10-18 19:52:14

Please explain to me what you are trying to say without the hyperbole and awkward word use.

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Fred Shubbie - , - Karma: Terrible

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negative press vs. civility - 2009-10-18 19:42:04

If you are afraid to get dirty, you will lose. Seeing the presidential campaign run by American genius Lee Atwater should force your hand to deal with the residents here, not as your social circle condones, but as they are. Staying a step ahead of those social undesireables by creating prerequisites for you to hear their views only magnifies your social superiority, and makes those supressed angrier and harder to deal with. Make your stand and be tough, but don't let the mudracking drive you away from a free press which provides a means propoganda to all.

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christopher l. - annapolis, md - Karma: Terrible

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Write on TM !!! - 2009-10-18 18:28:47

I completely agree with you Tom. The venom directed toward and disregard of certain opinions is appalling. It must be an awesome task deciding whom to censor and whom to allow, whom to ban and whom to allow to continue to post despite public opinion against the posted opinions. And then there is the problem of alienating an entire community of like-minded people by appearing to take a stance against them.

It is for this reason that--and the complex laws of publisher's liability and editor's liability--that many well-known news outlets take alaissez faire approach. They delete only obscene posts and spam.

you are clearly not in an enviable position, but I dare say that heavy-handed censorship is never a good idea.

Fred Shubbie

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Fred Shubbie - , - Karma: Terrible

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Comment Policy - 2009-10-18 11:37:17

All newspapers have had to deal with anonymous comments on their sites sparking race, political, and even fan debates that degenerate to levels that the average person probably thought we were past as a society! If people have controversial opinions, I think they could at least discuss them civilly, without using slurs or hatred. Kudos to The Capital for continuing to allow strong comments (as long as they are not personal or bigoted attacks) to stand. I'm not sure if following up on all new registrants for the site with a phone number will help much (or if it is feasible!), but it is a step in the right direction.

There has been much debate across digital media fields about online avatars and how they should be tied to a person's actual self--especially across sites. If a person's comments were tied to their profiles on LinkedIn and Facebook, they would probably be less likely to spew vitriol for the sake of controversy, since it would affect how they are perceived by their friends and employers. OpenID has tried to solve this problem, but there still isn't a great way to work it into smaller sites, in my opinion.

I've seen a lot of great comments amid the trash, and I'm glad The Capital will continue to have a commenting system as they move online.

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Jeffrey A. Haines - Millersville, MD - Karma: Good