Civility, please
I realize that the discussion occasionally gets a bit, well, intense in the comments on our letters-to-the-editor blog, but please, folks, let's try to stay focused on ideas rather than personalities. This is one area in which the N&R should not try to emulate such better-known publications as Newsweek, whose online chat with its reporter in Iraq, Rod Nordland, produced this gem:
Hopatcong, NJ: Do you, Masland and Dickey mean "------g Murderers" when you say "insurgents" and "fighters" in your STUPIDITY? I've grown sick and tired of you "politically incorrect" reporters. Why don't you have the gumption to call a spade a spade?Rod Nordland: OK, you're an idiot. How's that?
Yes, I think we all can do better. Let's please try.
Comments (6)
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And you're not going to link to clamor? You're going to make us find it for ourselves? What is this, a click generator? *grin*
Posted on February 16, 2005 3:44 PM
"Yes, I think we all can do better. Let's please try." Them's fighting words! Hey, with the recent posts and I've gotten some of the local community riled, I guess I'm no better than Rod Nordland. Wait, I didn't push direct attacks. Okay, maybe somewhat better. *laugh*
Posted on February 16, 2005 4:32 PM
Lex, Your post had what I imagine was an unintended effect: I sure enough clicked around over in the Letters to the Editor area to find the abusive posts.
Didn't find any, but proves the old adage about wanting to watch a car wreck...
Or, the new media version of "not safe for work" or "content may be offensive." It usually guarantees more clicks...
Posted on February 16, 2005 5:52 PM
Jim, they're there, just in the comments to a letter from ... uh, last week, now.
Posted on February 17, 2005 6:27 AM
Suggestions for ya'll @ the N&R.. if i may so humbly.
1) Post a *clear* policy of conduct and use for all online stuff. Make sure everyone knows where it is. (if you haven't already :)
2) Implement technological solutions to control behavior that does not follow your policy. I don't know your software so I can't be more specific.
3) Pay several part-time enthusiastic people to moderate your online forums 24-7.
4) Encourage participants to ignore trolls. Heck reward them for staying out of a fight with them.
I wish we could keep all comments on the web open and free to *any* writing but some folks just don't know how to play nice. I realize the definition of 'playing nice' is VERY OPEN to interpretation.
Bottom line: Be Kind, encourage peaceful conduct, and act with purpose.
Posted on February 17, 2005 1:39 PM
We will post general guidelines on for online letters and comments soon and see how that works.
Sorry to see some of you were disappointed that the "auto wreck" wasn't as bloody as you expected.
Nobody has threatened anyone with a WMD yet and wee certainly don't want it to get to that point.
Posted on February 18, 2005 5:47 PM