2008.12.01
One newspaper eliminates anonymous blog comments
The Raleigh News & Observer has banned all comments from unregistered posters. Actually, my headline's a bit misleading. Commenters may still use anonymous screen names, but before they can post they must register with the newspaper so editors have their real names, e-mail addresses, phone numbers and zip codes.
If we had the software capability to do that here, that's the system I would prefer and a standard I believe all newspapers should aspire to.
Some day.
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A lot of newspaper, tv news, magazine news, and other sites have that requirement in order to leave comments...and sometimes to view more than a simple snippet of content. I don't see a problem with it either...with websites like the Drudge Report and others that cull their content from other sources and provide links so their world-wide readers can see it, often times comment sections are overwhelmed with hundreds of comments when there is no registration required, and I've heard that it has crashed some small server systems due to the overloads. Making registration a requirement greatly cuts down on that, because most folks won't bother with the extra steps to throw out a random comment on a news story.
Comment by Other John — December 1, 2008 @ 3:11 pm
I agree completely with that system and I think that is the least someone can do for access to a forum like this. In fact, I'll go you one better. I personally see no problem with a site charging a fee for that "subscription". This is an enjoyable, entertaining, microcosm that is thought (or anger) provoking forum and there are too many anonymous posters who go from site to site stirring up trouble and talking trash as opposed to wanting a genuine dialog or discussion. This is a privilege and registering is a tiny price to pay and some accountability goes a long way. I appreciate the check valve also, mine does not always function so well.
Comment by Sandi Saunders — December 1, 2008 @ 4:01 pm
I think it is reasonable to ask for identification behind the scenes and let people use screen names. Otherwise, I could still set up multiple email addresses and flood a blog with posts from seemingly different people.
Comment by joe(not the plumber) — December 1, 2008 @ 4:10 pm
Interesting since the RTEB thinks that identifying voters is not necessary.
Comment by Henry — December 1, 2008 @ 4:36 pm
A fee might be the way to go since most papers are in trouble.
It is a way for revenue.
According to my conversations with D. Howell and Frank Batten at Landmark communications The Roanoke Times falls into this cat.
Comment by Herb Krebs — December 1, 2008 @ 4:49 pm
Not sure why you don't do that. The best blogging software available is all free... and has all of those capabilities and more.
Is this software home-grown or something?
Comment by Jack — December 1, 2008 @ 6:39 pm
Sandi... I think you have your internet terminology confused. This is not a forum, it is a blog.
On a blog, a few "special" people, like the editorial board in this case, post their topics and thoughts and then the rest of us comment.
On a forum, anybody can start a topic and anyone can comment on the thread.
This is definitely not a forum.
Comment by Jack — December 1, 2008 @ 6:42 pm
Technically, you are correct, Jack. But remember that we post an open thread every day on which anyone can post about pretty much anything. Also, when there have been topics of specific interest, we have at times posted comments in response to readers wishing to have a place to talk about it. We're a blog, but we have some forum traits.
Comment by c. trejbal — December 1, 2008 @ 6:45 pm
"b: a public meeting place for open discussion c: a medium (as a newspaper or online service) of open discussion or expression of ideas" Good enough for Merriam-Webster and for me. Thanks for the attempt to educate my poor ignorant self, all the same.
Comment by Sandi Saunders — December 1, 2008 @ 6:48 pm
Christian,
I think you guys should switch to forum software. That would allow you to keep track of who is who through registration, but people could also subscribe to threads which they are interested in.
With this comment on a blog type of thing, it is difficult to go back and see who later responds to a comment that you made about something, especially if it is a few days back. If you subscribed, you'd be notified via email that a thread you are watching has new responses.
I think it would be better all-around.. you guys could still moderate messages, or just new thread starters... whatever.
Comment by Jack — December 2, 2008 @ 9:56 am