Beginning today, the Times begins a new policy of permitting reader comments only on selected stories. The decision to limit reader comments comes after a lengthy Times' staff meeting this weekend. We will still publish the occasional open forum to allow readers to submit comments on any issue, as long as they adhere to the Times' guidelines. Also, certain stories regarding issues critical to the community and its future will be open to reader comments.
As always, readers may submit signed letters-to-the-editor at any time. Also, news tips, ideas, photos, corrections and commentary can always be sent to us at Dorchester.Times@gmail.com.
When the Dorchester Times when online in April 2007, one of its foremost goals was to foster and renew community spirit and cohesiveness, while ensuring that Dorchester area residents and natives are well informed on community events, issues and fellow citizens. A majority of the Times' staff believes some of divisive and, occasionally, offensive comments left after stories -- although complicit with the Times' guidelines -- can sour community spirit and turn off regular readers of our site.
We hope Times' readers will understand the rationale behind this move. (Note: Reader comments will be permitted following this notice.)
Have you seen the new snack shack, it really looks nice.
ReplyDeleteHalf the interest in this blog is to read what people say. Sometimes it can be days before a new story, but you almost always have new comments to read. I think you should leave the comments, that's what makes this site so interesting.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you came to this conclusion.
ReplyDelete38,850 visits to your website since Dec. 1 can't be wrong!!!
ReplyDeleteLeave the comments. Just delete those that are negative. They aren't worth the energy of printing them anyway.
this sucks..............................
ReplyDeletei have to agree with cynical on this one!!!
ReplyDeleteBoo! I'm not pleased with this decission, although I can see the blog's point of view. I get fed up with the negative comments too. I don't leave as many comments as I used to because I feel the "negatives" are winning the squawk box battle. Still I am hoping you all will reconsider after a while.
ReplyDeleteDont really agree 100% with this. People cant leave comments, thoughts, or questions on the Nerid Field project story? I dont get why not.
ReplyDeleteIt is a shame that the comments will be shut down since there are a lot of good ideas that stem from them. However, I agree with the Times staff's decision. I don't believe they are shutting it down because the comments are negative. Negative comments are fine as long as they are constructive. However, when the bulk of comments become negative just for the sake of negativity, with no grain of usefulness, what good can come from it.
ReplyDeleteI understand and support your decision to limit the anonymous posts to this blog. I enjoy reading the stories, as they are well put together, but sometimes get discouraged by the negative comments. Constructive criticism is useful, but some comments go beyond "helpful" criticism.
ReplyDeleteThank you to "The Times" for providing community information in this blog. It is an awesome resource for the latest at Dorchester, especially for those living far away.
I understand your decision, as I used to often post, but quit after it appeared that there was little interest in genuine discussion (good, respectful discusion - you don't have to agree) of any sort.
ReplyDeleteMany of the comments posted actually make Dorchester appear as not a great place to live. That is unfortunate.
Your new policy will work as long as you can post enough good news stories. If not, then interest will surely wane in your blog. Good luck.
Homer
Do a Time's Poll and see who wants to keep the comments. I am betting 90% or more will want to keep the comments....Please Reconsider!
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to say, but if there one is not going to be able to leave comments, then I am not sure why you should even continue running the Times. When you first started the main concern was to keep community informed of issues pertaining to Dorchester and its people, and to raise awareness of these issues. You HAVE done this!! I think the main reason it has worked as well as it has is because of the people's comments- weather good or bad.
ReplyDeleteAs one of the great ones once said "this sucks..............................".
ReplyDeleteWhat's a blog for if you can't interact with it.
Why not just post the "good" comments that create respectful, thought provoking discussion? This way there can actually be productive thoughts generated. This will actually keep people alert when theyre commenting on posts. People CAN disagree with something, thats fine, but back it up with examples and other thoughts and be classy about it...aka be an adult
ReplyDeleteMama is NOT happy about this. You guys can't leave us hanging like this. We count on this blog as a forum. Just don't publish those hurtful on negative comments ... I admit I've sent a few I should not have. Just block them, we'll live.
ReplyDeleteIt's to bad, that you are taking the comments away. Made this blog more interesting. Now it will be like reading the newspaper, kinda boring.
ReplyDeleteRemember, words such as good, thought-provoking and classy are subjective words. I contribute to a blog where users are required to provide a username, password, and e-mail address to the Administrators. Your user name does NOT have to be your “real name.” Your password and e-mail address are kept confidential by the blog’s Administrators. The blog can be viewed by the public, but you must log in using your username and password in order to post a comment. Your post appears automatically and only your username is viewable. The Administrators may remove what they consider “objectionable material”, however, I noticed that this has occurred only once during the past three years. The conversation is very freewheeling and passionate, but censorship is light. I think this is due to the background of the Administrators. (Lawyer, retired educator, and civil engineer/academic). Surprisingly, this blog is based in a state that is considered the “Buckle of the Bible Belt.”
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely a bummer, but it just goes to show that some people have to ruin it for the rest of us. It would be nice if people could be adult about the things they are writing about and not just write something to be cynical. If you have something negative to say then you better have a better idea or suggestion to back it up. Don't just point out the negative because you can. I agree with the Times Staff's decision. It would be nice if they would allow us to comment and only post the insightful comments.
ReplyDeletethis is why we cant have nice things!
ReplyDeleteCynical Richard says 'this sucks'. I'd have to say Richard is one good reason this is happening (and I do mean GOOD). I don't think he's had one positive thing to say. If I had the chance I'd throw a bucket of water on him and then watch him blow off some steam.
ReplyDeleteI could sure use a little blog education. I like to leave an occasional comment but lately I've been forced to leave them 'anonomously'. I don't want a Google account, but I don't know what I'm supposed to put in the second box if I choose 'Open ID' or what to put in for URL if I want to enter a name. The confusion makes me want to 'URL'.
ReplyDeleteWHAT? This is not what I was expecting to read nor is it what I wanted to hear.
ReplyDeletePlease reconsider your decission.