Comments on: A comment about comments

By: Lauren Do

Lauren Do — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:05:12 +0000

Hi Michele:

I know it’s difficult to make the hard decisions regarding comment moderation. It’s a tough position to be in, but you’re doing a great job.

By: Jon Spangler

Jon Spangler — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:10:40 +0000

Michelle, I agree with your approach. We all need to own what we say, ands we benefit from considering our words carefully before we utter them. Hate speech, froth, gibberish, cheap shots, innuendo, slander, and similar negative speech do not add to the civil debate and discourse, and do not help build a community. (If you were face to face with someone, would you still say the same words that you might use anonymously in cyberspace?)

I agree with Audrey and Tom: think about what you have to say, own your thoughts, and sign your name–or at least be consistent in using a recognizable handle or screen name. Accountability helps.

By: Audrey Lord-Hausman

Audrey Lord-Hausman — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 04:09:41 +0000

Well said. If we can’t own our words, then they are not worth printing.

By: Tom Schweich

Tom Schweich — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:58:36 +0000

Back in the Middle Dark Ages, when Al Gore first started the Internet, we had a saying, “You own your own words.” I think that meant you should be willing to sign your name to what you type and send out.