Most bloggers crave comments, but not me lately. I have begun accepting less and less comments. I'm not trying to get a seat at any table, those invitations haven't been in the mail for many years. With this blog being in its eighteenth year, I don't think that there is a former, current or future official I haven't offended.
I don't fret about offending people, but I'm beginning to fret about anonymous commenters taking cheap shots. To make myself even less viable, sometimes now even a signature isn't enough for me to publish. This doesn't mean that I'm turning into Mr. Rogers. I will continue to speak out when appropriate, but resist piling it on. I will also apply the same standard to those that comment. Comments that raise an important point, regardless if offensive, will still appear.
Needless to say, everyone who sends in a comment thinks it is worthwhile, and consequently is offended when it is not published. Don't despair, you can always phone or email the official with your complaint.
Your blog, your rules. You’ve certainly earned it.
ReplyDeleteAnd I get it, you’ve got a lot you want to say (or write about) but don’t have the time to listen to everyone.
Again, it’s your call. But it sure sums up where we’re at in this country.
anon@7:16: I have the time, but not the patience for repetitive insults against one official or another. Some senders think that their comment is clever, but it doesn't add to the topic or dialogue.
DeleteAre comments “insulting” if they are firmly grounded in fact? Don’t “repetitive” comments represent a trend line worthy of documenting?
DeleteYou provide a valuable service and have for many years. Your blog is only enhanced by the insight of your readers no matter how provocative or accurate they may, or may not, be.
In order to assist you on cutting down on comments I will routinely post that I won't comment but if I had commented this is what I would have said.
ReplyDeleteAs posted by another, your blog, your rules. But I think anonymous comments shouldn't be published. If someone has something to say, they should be willing to own it.
ReplyDeletemj adams
DeletePathfinder @10:12
I see that you use a handle, still,
your integrity is commendable.
Allow me to ask - have you, or has anyone in your family, ever been on the receiving end of the operational wraith of Allentown City Hall?
I’m thinking not.
I’m responding as someone who spoke up respectfully and paid the price. Other’s have paid more.
Some people who comment here very good reasons to do so anonymously.
If Anonymous posts were all denied here, this would be a discussion between just 3-4 people.
DeleteMr. Adams is indeed correct. This city has a long and very unforgiving memory, and while retaliation may or may not be immediate, it will eventually arrive!
DeleteMj Adams:
DeleteYes I have been on the operational end of the city. I know you and worked with you. I also remember when you lived the the Parkway.
Mike, I think many people post anonymously because they might be connected to whatever you are writing about. They want their opinion heard, but not at the risk of their boss or co workers coming after them. I do agree that repetitive responses are important because they show a trend. If you only allow one comment on someone what effect does that have? I guess im just more the mindset that its a blog, so unless someone is threatening or highly offensive their opinion should be voiced.
ReplyDeleteanon@12:16: I have been voicing my opinion about city policy since 1970. Before the blog, I wrote letters to the editor and spoke at city council. During the whole period, until recently, I was a center city landlord. Nobody is more vulnerable to reprisal than a landlord. As a blogger, I accept comments, even anonymous ones. But I see no reason to accept repetitive ones. Readers are free to stop visiting the blog, or start their own.
ReplyDelete