angela_the golo editor: blog 
golo editor's blog
more on the comments changes
Published Jan 13, 2008Views: 267
We are pleased to see such passionate responses about the upcoming changes to the comments area. I have read every word and have responded to many of the comments directly and will continue to do that, but I want to address some of the common questions and concerns in a setting where it can be seen by all.
Why are you doing this?The main reason we are doing this is because, contrary to what you may think, some people simply cannot resist the urge to post abusive, and in many cases, egregious comments on news stories, no matter the topic. That is a fact. I wish it wasn’t but it is. We have seen discussions that are far from civil and have made changes along the way because we are committed to creating an environment where people can engage in respectful, introspective debate and feel safe doing it.
We know that this can happen because it happens on GOLO every day. The comments and conversations that we see on GOLO are great examples of what we'd like to see more of on news stories. The conversations are civil, people respect the opinions of others and there is open, respectful debate. Bloggers feel they can ask fellow members to be civil, and they will follow suit.
The excellent content we see on GOLO is highlighted on the GOLO homepage and will continue to be brought to the forefront in that manner. We urge you to take part. We would like to see this level of discussion on news stories, and believe we are taking a positive step toward that goal. There is no time limit or major moderation attached to GOLO. It is there for those who follow the guidelines 24/7 and will remain so, simply because of how members conduct themselves in the community they’ve built.
Timely moderationThis is a major concern, and understandably so. But what we’d like everyone to understand is that the moderators we’ve hired to work 7am-7pm will be charged with one task, and one task only. That is to moderate news stories. We are not assigning them any additional responsibilities so that they can give moderation their “full” attention. This will decrease the amount of time you may be used to waiting to see your comments on moderated stories.
For all of the comments you’ve seen from those who say they will not engage if we make this change, we have just as many if not more, who don’t engage currently because of some of the comments they’ve seen attached to news stories. So, just as many of you are expressing your dismay with the change, others are supportive.
Isn’t it more logical to moderate stories with topics that will incite?It may seem more logical to only moderate certain stories, as is our current practice. But believe me, you would be surprised to see where inappropriate comments arise and on stories that one would not expect by any means. Some people just cannot refrain from being abusive and will take any opportunity to do so. Understand that we have to find a balance between keeping the conversation civil while allowing people to post their comments. That means we have to get rid of the abusive comments.
I’ll stop here for now, but keep the feedback coming. More responses to come.
-Angela
(Click here to read about the changes in detail.)
Filed under: Human Interest
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January 27, 2008 3:24 a.m.
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GOLO member since July 20, 2007
January 17, 2008 8:58 a.m.
I don't enjoy the white screen background just as some of my other golo friends. I do understand the editing issues although it is unfair to folks that live in other time zones that read the WRAL news.
The 7 to 7 Monday thru Friday thing I think will lose more customers than make them, and then no posting on the weekend.....
Just my opinion.
GOLO member since July 20, 2007
January 17, 2008 7:38 a.m.
Response from GOLO:
Shine: We appreciate your feedback and value your opinion. We understand that the time change will take some getting used to, but it's important to note that we have *not* "closed" comments at all. I can't stress that enough. You just can't comment on the story pages themselves after 7pm. That's exactly why we have GOLO and why it's open 24/7.
Angela
GOLO member since July 5, 2007
January 17, 2008 6:27 a.m.
Response from GOLO:
It is not our intention to control or dictate, but to adhere to guidelines that foster respectful, civil and open debate in a safe environment. A great majority of the comments we've seen in the past were abusive, offensive and inappropriate. You're right--news doesn't just happen between 7am-7pm and that is why we have GOLO, which is open 24/7 and is not moderated, but depends on participants to flag abuse. We have not closed comments at all, they just cannot be posted on the story pages themselves.
-Angela Connor, GOLO Managing Editor
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