I have a love/hate relationship with the comment section.
I like the instant feedback, even dissent, as long as it contains no personal insults or ad hominem. I hate trolls (pictured) and don’t like commenters who hold me to different standards than they hold for themselves and everyone else.
In years past, I considered shutting down the comment section for good (like fellow Vent girl Kirsten Powers – not even trackbacks) I tried it for a week. Didn’t work. I missed the interaction. I don’t know everything, and I’m willing to learn. Intelligent and interesting people read and comment on this blog, and I’ve learned so much from them.
I try to monitor comments, but sometimes I simply don’t have time (like today). Under the cloak of anonymity, people feel bold. Too bold. So bold, in fact, they forget that IP addresses are recorded when they post a comment. Some Dodo birds have posted the vilest stuff from their work computers. Anyway, that’s why I’m glad a federal court affirmed last week that bloggers can’t be held liable for what commenters write. (Source)
Download a PDF copy of the opinion. Also see Section 230 Protections.
Question for commenters (bloggers and non-bloggers):
Why do you comment on blogs?
Questions for bloggers:
1) I’ve learned the true meaning of “Be careful what you wish for” when it comes to an active comment section. If commenter participation on your blog is light, do you wish for more?
2) If participation on your blog is fairly active, how do you deal with trolls and ad hominem?
Related posts:
- Commenting: Pros and Cons
- Troll LBC, Go to Jail!
- Nasty E-mailers and Trolls, Beware
- I Am; Therefore, I Blog
