Changes On Blog Comment Format

When we started the news blog there was a good amount of thought put into the options of either a moderated comment section (i.e. all comments are reviewed before being posted into the news) or an straight to site format where comments go directly on as they are made. There were many pros and cons for both but at the end of the day a decision was made to encourage our readers to actively participate through the later option.

Unfortunately over the past week or so things are have off the rails and bit and a disturbing trend is forcing us to rethink using a moderated format. We think we have a highly intelligent and enlightened readership but our basic comment premise has worked along the line of -

Comments are encouraged, be they good or bad, positive or negative. If question arise or complaints even we pass them on to the organizations concerned and ask them to respond either directly to the initiator or else post on the site. Our news covers all the aspects of the hotel and property business here in Greater Phuket and its not with rose colored shaded or a repetition of press releases. When reader give us ideas for stories or ask questions, we like the feedback and the exchange of views even if we do not share the same opinions.

What is not tolerated is any form of comments containing profanity, sexism, racism or any 'ism' for that matter or personal comments or attacks on organizations, companies or individuals. If you have an axe to grind do it privately, this is not the appropriate place to do it. There are a number of freewheeling forums out there which allow this and perhaps it's a better venue for these types of vents.

Going forward it looks like there is going to be no choice but to go to a moderated format in the future. We respect our readership and continue to enjoy an exchange of provocative and alternative views which will continue to see the light of day in the comment section so please continue to read and continue to post.

Thank you for your support of the online blog, it's truly appreciated and I hope you will appreciate our intentions to continue to improve content and format in both a respectful and responsible manner.

DO YOU LIKE THIS?

Not sure I understand the point, isn't it just as time consuming to moderate every single post than deleting unwanted posts.
Then there is the time delays, I prefer a real time system and think that's often the only way to follow the comments thread in sensible order.

Ben Hobbs, 27 May 2009 | 8:28 pm

well to b honest, this is what a blog is all about, free speach and allowing anyone to make what comment they feel free to make, if you can not stand the heat etc, then dont set up a blog site. anyway thats my comment, lets see if it gets published !

Bill Barnett responds:
Thanks for the comment and yes this is being published. In terms of a blog most have their own guidelines and ours were very specific about racism, profanity, sexism or personal abusive comments not relating to a story or the newsline at all these have been deleted as a matter of respecting our readership and acknowledging our follows want to be updated on relevant topics. If someone has a personal axe to grind its best done directly wiht the person they feel has aggrieved them. We dont shy away from negative comments or suggestions or topics. At the same time he have listened to our readers who commended that moderation was appropirate and is not being implemented. We hope you keep reading but if not there are lots of other good blogs out there so viva la difference, thanks as always for the opinion.

Microburst, 25 May 2009 | 3:28 pm

An understandable move. Whether its your own writing or that of an anonymous commenter, by law you are responsible for all content published on your site, so, yeah, no need to take on that kind of liability! Hopefully, it will encourage more thoughtful comments and keep the crazies out.

Lana, 25 May 2009 | 1:00 pm

well i am one to say lets keep the format as is. i saw what happened during the week and it was disapointing, but that was one incident, i believe you should ke things how they are and monitor it, if it gets out of control again then take the steps. maybe take a poll of your readers and c what they think ?

Bill Barnett responds:
We received a number of direct comments on this and the large portion thought it was best to make it easy to comment without signing up or in but also moderating and getting them on line as early as possible so thats going to be implemented shortly. Unfortunatley after the post we did receive some posts which did go contrary to our blog guidelines so the wait and see approach was not practical, think the new format will be easy for our readers as well.

Craig Whip, 25 May 2009 | 7:03 am

Yeah Mitch!

Bob, 23 May 2009 | 1:41 pm

Well stated

Mitchell Napack, 23 May 2009 | 1:07 pm