Online Commenting Policy
CNJ 303
14 February 2013
I completely agree with the Miami Herald’s decision to change its commenting policy. While this will obviously not solve all of the problems or controversy surrounding Internet anonymity, it will certainly help improve the quality of comments and discussions surrounding their stories. It doesn’t take much bravery to say what you think if it’s not attached to your name. The anonymity has given too many people the audacity to viciously spout attacks or call other commenters rude names. It adds nothing of value, I don’t enjoy reading useless petty arguments and I’m sure many others don’t like seeing them either. Journalism is a respected industry that requires education, practice, skill and hard work. The people who post inarticulate mindless comments “because they can” or because they remain anonymous, should not be associated with the articles of reporters who put effort and honed skill into their articles. Requiring people to log in with their Facebook accounts will likely improve the quality of the discussion. If 25% of their commenters already use their Facebook accounts to log in to the Miami Herald website and if other news organizations that have made the same switch reported positive feedback, it seems like it will be a helpful improvement. I am not discouraging criticism or saying that readers should not express their opinions. However, it seems as though the mask that hides their identity curbs respectful and eloquent discussion. While the Internet is indeed a more ‘casual’, easily accessible medium, writing and news online associated with organizations like the Miami Herald is still as professional as the articles that go into their newspaper. If people who would like to make their views heard to the newspaper and their readers, they must send their full name, address and telephone number in a letter to the editor. Online commenters only have to submit their e-mail, but anyone can make an e-mail account in less than two
14 February 2013
I completely agree with the Miami Herald’s decision to change its commenting policy. While this will obviously not solve all of the problems or controversy surrounding Internet anonymity, it will certainly help improve the quality of comments and discussions surrounding their stories. It doesn’t take much bravery to say what you think if it’s not attached to your name. The anonymity has given too many people the audacity to viciously spout attacks or call other commenters rude names. It adds nothing of value, I don’t enjoy reading useless petty arguments and I’m sure many others don’t like seeing them either. Journalism is a respected industry that requires education, practice, skill and hard work. The people who post inarticulate mindless comments “because they can” or because they remain anonymous, should not be associated with the articles of reporters who put effort and honed skill into their articles. Requiring people to log in with their Facebook accounts will likely improve the quality of the discussion. If 25% of their commenters already use their Facebook accounts to log in to the Miami Herald website and if other news organizations that have made the same switch reported positive feedback, it seems like it will be a helpful improvement. I am not discouraging criticism or saying that readers should not express their opinions. However, it seems as though the mask that hides their identity curbs respectful and eloquent discussion. While the Internet is indeed a more ‘casual’, easily accessible medium, writing and news online associated with organizations like the Miami Herald is still as professional as the articles that go into their newspaper. If people who would like to make their views heard to the newspaper and their readers, they must send their full name, address and telephone number in a letter to the editor. Online commenters only have to submit their e-mail, but anyone can make an e-mail account in less than two