Are we being too strict?
Published Monday, November 24, 2008
Our new web site has been active for more than four months now. We've had some great feedback from our readers. There has been some off-color things on our site, but overall it has been good. I know we've had to remove a few comments. Then we have had some interaction with our readers. Tell us what you think. Are we being too strict in removing comments, or are we not being strict enough? Are we watching too closely for swearing or even innuendo of swearing? Please let me know what you think.
Comments
I think ya'll pretty much should know where to draw the line when considering whether story feedback is too graphic or not. If you haven't already, I would suggest that The Clanton Advertiser staff come up with a documented policy, in which you all agree on, that will "grade" which comments or words thereof, will be acceptable on your website.
During this process, I would really think about the kind of newspaper you want to have in terms of integrity and reader satisfaction. You won't be able to please everyone, but as long as YOU are comfortable with your 'grading system", that's all that counts.
Brent,
Overall the comments section has been a positive thing. There are a few people who believe that stirring up controversy is the best means of stimulating real dialog. Though I disagree with them (on that issue and on many of their other positions), it is rare that they seek to truly offend.
Most of the time they are victims of the fact that a person's tone can't be heard when the words are written instead of spoken. Tongue-in-cheek and satire are often misunderstood when typed.
If you find someone attacking in lieu of debating, remove the attack and warn the user. If they don't clean up their act, disable their account. I would also view users who post with more than one account as suspect.
There have been some libelous statements made about posters and about some of our public fugures. I don't know if allowing those posts to remain on the site exposes the Advertiser to lawsuit or not. I think you should research that if you haven't already.
My biggest issue is with those who make posts such as some I see this morning about our new Chief of Police Brian Stillwell.
At the very least, if people are going to put such out they should have the nerve to use their real full name, not hide behind anonymous or some alias.
My feeling is such slander should be immediately removed and the posted warned. A second offense should cause them to lose the privilege entirely.
Overall, a great idea and I appreciate the opportunity to share my views.
Brent,
I think this forum has been a great way for citizens to voice their opinions. Anytime you give "a voice" to the public, you are going to have some problems. I have had an entire comment removed myself-- ( I did not use a cuss word!!)-- I do wish the comment, minus the word you said was a cuss word, had been posted. When people get involved in the discussions, it can get heated and should not cause someone to be offended. I agree that if someone uses the site to slander someone, the poster should be warned. However, everything negative is not slander! Anyone involved in public office or anyone giving their point of view are opening themselves up to questions! I do have a suggestion, why doesn't the Advertiser staff give a topic of discussion for the readers? I think you would have a good response from this! Thanks for giving the readers a chance to respond the events as they are happening.
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