Re: Censoring Blog Comments
Blogging April 7th, 2006
Nick Carr received an offensive comment which another reader asked him to remove. His response:
“My policy is to let idiots speak freely. It makes them easier to spot.”
I like that policy. Vinnie further laments on the ethics of deleting / censoring comments, and invites reader feedback on what the right approach is:
- Avoid blogging about political or controversial topics in first place
- Moderate comments and delete the offending comment
- Email back to commenter to re-post using cleaner language
- Delete the offending comment when the second reader protested
- Let comment stay and react like Nick did
I generally favor #5, the only comments I delete are the obvious spam, of which I have my fair share. As a matter of fact the only truly hateful comment I’ve received was such a “masterpiece” that I elevated it to the rank of a post: Anonymous Hate Commenter.
That said, while 5 is my choice, I think 2,3,4 are equally acceptable. We’re not a public service, but individuals who decided to share our views via blogging, and it’s perfectly right to try and maintain a certain standard – again, what that standard should be is up to the author.
#1 is a bit different in my mind. I would not avoid blogging about political or controversial topics only to avoid conflict. But it may be advisable to maintain a certain professional or other focus. It’s an editorial choice. Personally I mix software, politics, humor, and whatever I feel is interesting, although I try to stay close to software. I actually believe this “mix” brings me closer to my readers, revealing some of my personality. I definitely enjoy reading these tidbits on other blogs. For many “pro” bloggers staying focused is the right way though, but again, this is a business / content decision, not conflict avoidance. Some of the focused pro bloggers decided to create sidekick blogs, specifically for these random musings, without clobbering their main blog.
Update (4/15): Robert Scoble decided to moderate comments from now on. The Blogosphere reacts: Kent Newsome, Eric Eggertson, Mini-Microsoft, Damien Mulley …etc.
Tags: blogs, blogging, comments, moderating, censorship, blogging ethics, business blogging, politics
Zoli Erdos
I think the best part about blogs IS the comments. When you start a blog, you’re opening up a conversation, you WANT readers to disagree with you, it’s up to everyone to decide if they like what the commenter is saying or not - the majority rules and an idiot commenter will be slammed (a much better punishment than simply being removed). I often diagree with people who blog, yet I take the time to comment and am offended when that comment isn’t published (I’m not rude or anything, but some people censor anything thats not in 100% agreement). All readers should be aware that you as the blogger aren’t responsible for your readers opinions. People who like to censor bad language are kind of misguided, it doesn’t really achieve much - but you’re right, if you do get offended easily, avoiding blogging on controversial topics!
Definatly remove all spam, those aren’t comments, just noise.
Natalie, I absolutely agree, the best part of blogging is the conversation, and that’s largely in the comments. I myself comment a lot elsewhere.
I can accept when people remove offensive, rude language, personal attacks - I personally would not remove it either, let them be ridiculed, but my point was, just because this is how I feel it’s not the golden rule.
However, removing comment just for contextual disagreement is really ridiculous, and also dishonest. Those who do it should simply turn commenting off, then we all know they just want to “declare” their own views.