tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311697705437855137.post1168345921153224076..comments2021-02-24T10:47:44.767-05:00Comments on Inside Story: We are changing how readers comment on our site Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger172125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311697705437855137.post-64232481497860639202013-07-21T06:57:30.069-04:002013-07-21T06:57:30.069-04:00Actually one CAN set up a fake Facebook account. A...Actually one CAN set up a fake Facebook account. According to CNN, FB itself estimated last year that about 83 million of its accounts were duplicates, fakes, businesses set up as personal accounts, pets and the like. So that part doesn't matter to me.<br /><br />Here's what's more important: Comments should be MODERATED, just as the old "letters to the editor" were moderated. And why does every story deserve a comments section? If the facts are suspected to be wrong, one can quietly alert the newsroom as you've said.<br /><br />Intelligent people are turned off by the endless droning of conspiracy-minded nut cases, racists, self-appointed religious prophets and various other unschooled and rude people who can't use apostrophes correctly. Those types flock to sites that allow endless anonymous comments. Back in the prehistoric print days, the editor would occasionally allow one letter by someone stating that God allowed a hurricane because of interracial marriage or some other perceived grievous sin, but now, these unctuous lunatics get an unmoderated forum. Enough already.<br /><br />Those who wished to remain anonymous could explain to the editor why they wanted their names withheld -- for example, if they thought their employer might target them for taking a certain stance. Now, it's all anonymous, with no limits, and I've seen more intelligent debates on the walls of a bathroom stall.<br /><br />We've already seen the howls of protest over "free speech." Well, you have free speech. You can go stand on a public corner with a sign about how everyone who disagrees with you is a leftist, a commie, Satan, immoral, whatever. You can start a church. You can distribute tracts and flyers. You can talk about the "good old days" where women were property, clerics defended slavery, legislation restricted the teaching of science, the peasants had no rights and segregation was enforced by mobs and ropes. You know, the golden era when America had "God's" blessing.<br /><br />And if you lean left, you can go march in a May Day parade, wear a Che Guevarra t-shirt, and blame the Koch Brothers, gun manufacturers and corporations for everything like you do in YOUR screeds.<br /><br />In other words, everyone has free speech rights. But that doesn't mean you have the right to free speech HERE. This is a privately owned website. If you don't like the rules, you can make your case but there's nothing in the First Amendment giving you an unfettered right to comment HERE.<br /><br />I want to read thoughtful, fact-based comments in a context that's respectful and reasonable. I'm sure I'll be harangued as a leftist or worse, and that's the problem. Unmoderated comments sections encourage the tribalists and extremists. There are plenty of sites that appeal to them. I actually can't applaud the change to FB comments because they can still be anonymous and allowing them is no substitute for comment moderation.<br /><br />I'm sure there will be a swirl of comments following mine accusing me of being a liberal, a radical, coroporate tool, spy, fanatic, immoral or maybe even a reporter (ha ha). That doesn't bother me really. I'm grateful for the opportunity to use an unmoderated forum to ask for more moderation. Even if it means moderating ME. Enjoy the irony and have a great day.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311697705437855137.post-34015569576197145492013-07-06T22:22:59.215-04:002013-07-06T22:22:59.215-04:00Very valid point that invades privacy. Very valid point that invades privacy. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311697705437855137.post-68845474976383435362013-06-21T07:58:17.763-04:002013-06-21T07:58:17.763-04:00Requiring one to make their Facebook identity avai...Requiring one to make their Facebook identity available to one and all f they chose to comment makes them vulnerable to their employer. This is a particularly salient reason to prohibit participation especially from educators as their jobs are already too subjected to the whims of capricious leadership and a community that won't partner with teachers but is ready to blame at the drop of a hat. I'd say this move regardless of your desire to have "authenticity" will have a certain chilling effect from probably your must authentic readers or there will be an increase in fake Facebook accounts. This is a big brotheresque move.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311697705437855137.post-15967313426877697092013-06-18T11:34:39.069-04:002013-06-18T11:34:39.069-04:00This will be my last visit to this site. I will n...This will be my last visit to this site. I will not support an organization that tries to force me to subscribe to something I literally despise: Facebook. I don't want to have any part of it, including supporting it by reading the Observer. It's obvious that they are obsessed with it. Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen $.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311697705437855137.post-68784699542006427742013-06-08T23:42:02.030-04:002013-06-08T23:42:02.030-04:00Finally!
The old curmudgeons that posted every si...Finally!<br /><br />The old curmudgeons that posted every single day on the CO will be gone...or be exposed! Now we won't have to read comments from the same old white religious, conservative minority, as they were simply the 'anti-everything' crowd. This city is moving forward, and if you don't like it, we will now know your name. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06024572638602768610noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311697705437855137.post-91079753051567060382013-06-08T13:08:09.608-04:002013-06-08T13:08:09.608-04:00CO can do what it wants but this change will elimi...CO can do what it wants but this change will eliminate most comments ....which may be what the CO wants. Not going to sign up and let the crazies start "friending" me or tracking my personal information. This change is a VERY BAD idea.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311697705437855137.post-35719636633704296952013-06-08T09:15:56.534-04:002013-06-08T09:15:56.534-04:00I never use my legal name when I write a letter to...I never use my legal name when I write a letter to the editor, I use my nickname that family and friends know. I found back in the 90's how intolerant of differing opinions the 'tolerant' left is. They will look you up and harass you by phone and snail mail.<br /><br />Now they can harass your friends and Employer too.Skylark Thibedeauhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10214629605035062337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311697705437855137.post-47093353473877926312013-06-08T08:26:22.993-04:002013-06-08T08:26:22.993-04:00Good luck C/O. You're going to need it now.Good luck C/O. You're going to need it now.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311697705437855137.post-58829031171473352792013-06-07T08:37:10.660-04:002013-06-07T08:37:10.660-04:00Some of you have noted that the feature at the top...Some of you have noted that the feature at the top of a story specifying the number of comments posted is not always accurate. It appears that this count now does not include replies to posted messages. There may be some other bugs with the feature. We are checking into it. Meanwhile, let me say again, you will NOT have to have a Facebook account to see the user comments. They will appear for all users, regardless. You only need a Facebook account if you want to POST a comment. Thanks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311697705437855137.post-14163392955501603172013-06-06T23:47:07.298-04:002013-06-06T23:47:07.298-04:00The comments section was the only thing worth rea...The comments section was the only thing worth reading. Shame I won't be doing even that here anymore. I was once ban avid reader of The Observer, but as they've clamped down on dissenting opinion, I've moved on.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311697705437855137.post-82307258956990198882013-06-06T23:17:03.888-04:002013-06-06T23:17:03.888-04:00Bad idea CO (what's new there)? The only one h...Bad idea CO (what's new there)? The only one hiding behind a mask is the CO. In the guise of promoting civility, you try to intimidate the majority of readers that dare to call you out on your liberally-biased beliefs. What's different from what your doing and what the IRS did to conservative's freedom of speech...BiBrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06548716159593846958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311697705437855137.post-1350425617137576642013-06-06T12:07:20.744-04:002013-06-06T12:07:20.744-04:00This "freedom of speech" line is nonsens...This "freedom of speech" line is nonsense. You are absolutely free to say what you want to say - people will just know YOU said it. It's taking away your freedom to hide, if anything.<br /><br />One person stated that he didn't want his real friends (facebook) to know where he stands on certain issues. Dude, if they don't know where you stand on important issues, it is likely they are not your "real" friends.<br /><br />Good job Observer! I've always thought the posters who would go to an 'open' article and blog the complaint, "why isn't commenting open on the article about last night's shooting?" were a strange bunch. What were they DYING to say?James Jordannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311697705437855137.post-55895294335826295722013-06-06T11:37:04.671-04:002013-06-06T11:37:04.671-04:00Perfect timing Observer. Have you not read your o...Perfect timing Observer. Have you not read your own news about the recent spying & invasions? Does a name mean the opinion isn't relevant? If your name is extremely common then it's no problem. I have no desire to join Facebook or to support them. Google has been turned over to the gov't, Verizon & I have no doubt some of these lovely Obama supporting companies will be asking if he needs any info. I wouldn't be surprised to find the Observer on that line either.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311697705437855137.post-30403922154590029832013-06-06T11:27:01.012-04:002013-06-06T11:27:01.012-04:00I don't have a facebook account, but I would s...I don't have a facebook account, but I would still like to see the comments. Nothing shows or me. I see "2 comments" on top o the story, but it is blank at the bottom. The FAQ says I don't need an account to read the comments, just to make one. What am I doing wrong?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311697705437855137.post-79001038120320054042013-06-06T08:23:01.476-04:002013-06-06T08:23:01.476-04:00Silly idea!Silly idea!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311697705437855137.post-46415576836228575512013-06-06T06:56:35.624-04:002013-06-06T06:56:35.624-04:00Your game, your ball so you "can" take i...Your game, your ball so you "can" take it and go home at any time you wish. Is this what has happened here?? <br /><br />I've read many comments on the CO site that have accused the paper of trying to stifle dissent. While I'm not saying you have, or that you haven't, one has to wonder if that's part of the reason for this action. I read your stated reason for it, but as you and I know, news media organizations can, and probably do,spin their stories and/or coverage to support, or detract, from, a particular position or point. I sincerely hope that's not the case here.Barney Barnhardtnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311697705437855137.post-84931920052575080312013-06-06T02:24:08.654-04:002013-06-06T02:24:08.654-04:00Good! "Free speech?" Many of the posts ...Good! "Free speech?" Many of the posts that show up would be considered libelous if the writer's name was attached. THREE HUNDRED A DAY? That's a lot of venom. Just as "Letters to the Editor" require a person to make themselves known, this should too. Besides, those that are carping "Free Speech"... the town square soapboxes that this emulates didn't have folks with hoods on shouting their views. If you want to comment do, if you do not, don't. Simple. Yes, viewership may drop from the Springerites that want to see how offensive the comments are. How do I know? I know some that do!<br /><br />PS: FB has a way to control access to your account. Use it. <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311697705437855137.post-67070291631594057402013-06-05T23:52:24.954-04:002013-06-05T23:52:24.954-04:00Lets see the avatars added for extra fun!
Lets see the avatars added for extra fun!<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06871494613760245580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311697705437855137.post-37769649065449634002013-06-05T23:51:24.013-04:002013-06-05T23:51:24.013-04:00@ Anonymous June 4, 2013 at 10:29 PM - While I hat...@ Anonymous June 4, 2013 at 10:29 PM - While I hate losing the ability to post under an assumed name, being constantly subjected to dribble like this is the main reason I support the comments change.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311697705437855137.post-73078180157720955802013-06-05T23:42:44.599-04:002013-06-05T23:42:44.599-04:00I generally posted to bring some balance to the st...I generally posted to bring some balance to the strings of negative comments made by the same persons who seemingly never leave the site. Every comment is negative and filled with political spin. They posted like paid staffers punching a clock. And at times did wonder about their true status.<br /><br />That being said, I won't post with my personal Facebook account because it is reserved for family and friends. Unless co-workers are friends, we don't interact on FB. For that purpose, I use LinkedIn. <br /><br />As a public employee, I have had access to privy information I have chosen not to post. But using common sense, have posted my private citizen opinion anonymously and enjoyed participating in the forums.<br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311697705437855137.post-37443802210558218802013-06-05T22:44:38.646-04:002013-06-05T22:44:38.646-04:00Thank you. I used to try to jump in once in a whi...Thank you. I used to try to jump in once in a while to comment on articles, but was immediately greeted by inane comments from people who somehow thought they became smarter because they were unidentifiable. I eventually gave up - this, clearly, was not Debate 101. Reason seems to be scarce, and intelligent, meaningful, and polite comments are scarcer. Without someone 'looking' people become nasty, mean, and stupid. I look forward to comments that are given by people who are willing to stand up and be recognized for with they say.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311697705437855137.post-65807890265427119202013-06-05T21:20:03.963-04:002013-06-05T21:20:03.963-04:00So pleasant looking at the comments now. Long ove...So pleasant looking at the comments now. Long over due CO. Kudos and I welcome the change based on the few articles I have read tonight! We had some pretty sick trolls.<br />Jennifer CarriganAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311697705437855137.post-17589968912369088682013-06-05T20:28:29.548-04:002013-06-05T20:28:29.548-04:00Wellll - I guess it is easier to monitor comments ...Wellll - I guess it is easier to monitor comments when there aren't any comments! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311697705437855137.post-34265143394230817792013-06-05T20:10:38.116-04:002013-06-05T20:10:38.116-04:00Its hilarious that the only comments that seem to ...Its hilarious that the only comments that seem to be in favor are logged in as "Anonymous". This will be my last comment on the CharlotteObserver website, fare the well fellow Charlotteans...Dark Spacehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13613854488437471493noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5311697705437855137.post-47625820445440450372013-06-05T19:01:59.664-04:002013-06-05T19:01:59.664-04:00I can hear the board meeting now..."We are a ...I can hear the board meeting now..."We are a downward spiraling business. What can we do?" <br /><br />"Hey, let's alienate a large portion of our web traffic by requiring login via facebook for commenting.:<br /><br />"Capital idea Mortimer, I say capital!"<br /><br />"Thank you sir. The pay to read by itself wasn't killing our business fast enough."<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com