Comment on Comments

By Mark Evans | Published: December 9, 2008

I love the fact there are lots of comments on AAN, and that people are so passionate about Nortel.

That said, I’m not particularly overwhelmed with the tone, civility or insight of some commenters. To be honest, I think they take away from the conversation as opposed to adding to it.

So, something has to change. The options range from the extreme – turning off comments altogether or banning people whose comments are seen as un-constructive and/or inflammatory – to something more pragmatic – requiring everyone to register with Disqus.

I’ve attempted to cajole people to be more civil but that didn’t work so well.

Until I figure out what to do, I’m going to moderate every comment. It’s a lot of work but a necessary evil. If you make a comment that I think doesn’t add to the conversation, do not be surprised if it doesn’t appear.

So consider this a polite shot across the bow.

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  • millipo26
  • ChristinaRWorthington
    Wood cutting boards, cutlery stands, butcher blocks and wooden american flag wallpaper paper towel holders are plentiful in the marketplace today.
  • yes4aapl
    Until I figure out what to do, I’m going to moderate every comment. It’s a lot of work but a necessary evil. If you make a comment that I think doesn’t add to the conversation, do not be surprised if it doesn’t appear.
    ======
    re
    Look Mark Evans Soon your blog troubles about NT will be solved.
    Read that one from WSJ
    http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122887999493593997.html?mod=yahoo_hs&ru=yahoo#articleTabs%3Darticle
    That shows who was closer to the truth about NT stock, does it not?
  • MrReal
    Breaking news!
    WSJ is reporting that NT is seeking legal advice on "exploring bk".
    That should give us something to talk about, no?
    So let's blog more about NT and less about blogging or "the blog".
  • monacbbb
    I must say, it is about time. You would think that nortel personnel would sufficient intelligence to realize this blog is simply a privilege and that you have invited us into your home. As such, we must abide by the rules. It's kinda like if you move back home with your folks, you have to abide by their rules. Same with this blog. Personally, I just found out about this blog less than two months ago. It has been refreshing to read pro/con articles about our company. But, I must also say, that personal attacks, unsubstantiated rumors, et al, really have no place in your home. Can you imagine if this happened in the office? BTW, thanks for having put up with so much in so little time. Best. Carlos
  • McBeese
    Ugghh! I hate having to log in and I hate underscores in my username (c'mon DISQUS, get with the times and deal with spaces).

    I'll happily put up with the hassle if it will deal with three things that have been a problem with this blog lately...

    1. Profanity. Not needed here. I use profanity sometimes but not in the context of an intellectual dialog. If you need to use profanity here to express your feelings, I feel that you fail the entrance exam.

    2. Racism. I'm even more offended by the racism I've seen here than I am by the profanity. I'm referring to the posts with mock Chinese accents and things like that.

    3. Incoherent digital diarrhea. I'm weary of the same lengthy rants over and over and over again in thread after thread. I wish the authors would please make a point relevant to the thread and then hit the 'submit' button.


    Thanks and good luck, Mark.
  • I will admit that I have posted my fair share of uncivil comments. And for that I apologize.

    But what I will not apologize for is standing up to those who launch personal attacks at Mr. Evans and others for either posting facts or links to news articles on Nortel, merely because those articles contained negative coverage.

    I started reading AAN because it is one of the last sites where I could get unfiltered coverage about Nortel, both good and bad. The key point was reality, and in that respect AAN has been fairly faithful. So I was understandable upset by those who wanted to silence the critics using any means necessary, including allegations of stock-market manipulation, propaganda and conflict-of-interest.

    AAN is a valuable news source and I would be very sad to see it go.
  • Thanks for the support. To be honest, I really haven't noticed any personal attacks.

    My biggest concern is getting comments on AAN away from sniping and personal attacks that add little in the way of insight or information. I've used a very light touch for a long time but it's time for a new approach.

    Mark
  • BruceH
    I also appreciate the extra work this means, and also stopped reading the comments. It got the point a coupld of months ago that I stopped referring people to your blog based on the comments. I look forward to being able to start referring this blog again as a reference for up to date Nortel news.
  • joremero
    i just thought it was funny there was no comments on Comment on Comments :P

    let's see how this works. lately there has been a good amount of posts, many from intelligent human beings who truthfully intend to spark a discussion.
  • RYLONDO
    Maybe moderating every comment is needed. I can see how it would be a lot of work. Maybe you could add moderators to this blog??
  • Paul Arbour
    Hey Mark, I understand what you're saying and my suggestion is to make people register and actually put their name on things...
    It might deter some people from posting who are able to hide behind the anonymity, but frankly I haven't seen any comments on this board that are very constructive or valuable so it will most likely get rid of the trolls and flamers.
  • notsure
    I'm afraid there won't be much left to read in that case :)
  • verm71
    Free speech being what it is, this is still your blog, and you should still be responsible for what is published on your blog, regardless of whom it originates from.
  • Tj
    Hooray! Appreciate this is an awful lot of work for you Mark but given the tendency for comments to sprial inot negative rantings about Nortel management I hope tath we can see some more constructive dialog going on in the comments section from now.
  • NTSurvivor
    As a occassional reader of your site, I had begun to be turned off the site due to the predictable negative comments from those praying for the demise of the company ...I understand your predicament... Typically, I just stopped reading the comments as I found most of them didn't add to the article posted.
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