Comments on: Protect Your Blog From Jerks, Asshats & Yourself

By: agsanchez

agsanchez — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:36:45 +0000

What about limiting comments on a social networking site regarding a pending lawsuit against our company? Obviously, WE can no longer comment or respond, but should we allow our community to continue the discussion without us?

By: moritheil

moritheil — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 18:49:26 +0000

I would argue the matter is one of context. I, like you, am extremely leery of cutting in on the self-expression of others. However, as a practical matter, there comes a point (as with trolls) where one person’s self-expression involves destroying everyone else’s opportunities for self-expression.

I do recall reading the the law student libel story when it first hit, and my reaction at the time was, “What were the mods doing?” It’s nice to know that I’m not alone in thinking that was an excellent example of a case where moderation is required.

By: KJ Rodgers

KJ Rodgers — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:29:22 +0000

“…when do you get to tell your community to STFU? When does their right to speak their mind intersect with your right to run a healthy, riot-less community? ”

This is the question any free society has to ask themselves.

By: Olivier Amar

Olivier Amar — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 09:12:50 +0000

Nice. I actually got so totally turned off by the mess with Sean yesterday that I didn’t even bother coming after Rae for dismissing part of my comment later on (by the way Rae I think you’re comparing apples to oranges).
Keeping things clean is important. It’s nice to see you make the adjustment quickly. It’s encouraging to say the least :-) Keep it up. I love having a blog I can read on my phone that I don’t mind paying the 3G fees for.

By: youfoundjake

youfoundjake — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 18:48:36 +0000

When ever I hear about comment moderating, I think about what matt cutts went through on his blog with a certain troll that ended up monopolizing the threads, andultimately disctracting from the thread, to the point that the user was blocked..and having to imagine what matt went through as a highly visible google employee and balancing the reputation management.
But for the good of the community, it had to be done.
If you disagree about something or have a an issue with a post, express it respectfully, it has a better chance of being understood, and flame wars don’t erupt..

By: andrew wee

andrew wee — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 08:30:11 +0000

Re: moderation of blog comments – I see a blog as private property (ie yours) and first amendment rights to free expression do not apply.

Having said that, the bulk of bloggers do allow a free exchange as ideas, the key being the comment being on-topic and relevant to the discussion.

Where history and personal agendas factor into a comment, I’m of the tendency to just wipe them at the root and be done with it.

While it might be fun to do a comment debate/discussion/war over 50+ comments, my time is more valuable, so I go for the simple and efficient solution.

Maybe I might be missing out on the blog buzz/social media goodness, but that’s a hit I’m willing to take.

Live long and prosper.

By: Michael D

Michael D — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 00:34:40 +0000

Wow, I missed all the activity yesterday. Sometimes I feel like such a misfit outsider.

Well, for whatever it’s worth I like comment policies, and I like when they reflect the mindset of the author/s. It should be bold and reflect your style. Reading your policy, it looks straight on to me, could even use more snark.

By: Virginia Nussey

Virginia Nussey — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 23:32:48 +0000

I’ve seriously learned so much about blogging this week. Be open – check. Control flame wars – check. Foster rewarding relationships that make you think outside your comfort zone – check. (And that was not sarcastic. Okay, just checking.)

By: Bob Hays

Bob Hays — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 22:47:38 +0000

I agree with what you wrote, and I think using the term facilitator instead of moderator might provide additional insight into options for redirecting on-line conversations.

Have fun! – Bob

By: Stuart Robertson

Stuart Robertson — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 18:59:26 +0000

I think having a comment policy on your blog is good advice, and something most people (including myself) overlook.