One rule of thumb for journalists is to write about what people are talking about. While this is not the most effective method, it usually works because if people are talking about something, then most likely they will read about it.

One thing people are talking about is the content of our new Web site, more specifically the online comments left by readers. If you don’t have access to the Internet, then you are just out of the loop.

Regardless of your opinion on the comments feature, whether you think it’s a good thing or a bad thing, it has got people talking.

“Did you read the online comments today?” people will whisper.

It seems everywhere you go, somebody has something to say about it.

At least 10 minutes of Monday’s Chilton County Commission meeting was devoted to our online comments.

“That’s just terrible,” people will say if they are offended by a comment.

Most people would agree, however, that it’s better to offer this service than to not. You just have to understand what comes with the territory.

You can’t expect people to always stick to the subject, and you certainly can’t expect to change people’s minds by being confrontational. But the comments do give you an idea of how people think.

I have enjoyed reading many of the discussions on our site. When people get into a healthy debate on something, then we can say it has served its purpose.

While you shouldn’t believe everything you read, I guarantee that you will find this feature to be useful. If you have not already, why not give it a whirl?

– Scott Mims is the news editor for The Clanton Advertiser. His column appears each Friday. He can be reached at scott.mims@clantonadvertiser.com.