I have thought about this situation, and I do have a problem with the way Engadget is handling the issues of their commenting system, and I’ll attempt to address them here.
First of all, there should be a recognition that individuals who participate in online discussions are typically more daring and often acerbic in what they write because of the safety of anonymity - its social psychology 101. As a result, there will unfortunately be a certain consistent level of commentary that is rude, inappropriate, vulgar, offensive, and even hate-filled. In addition, there is the likely contributing factor of age and maturity level amongst the key demographic for this site. While I don't have figures to support my assertion, I would venture to guess that the majority of recurrent visitors to this site are male, between the ages of 17-35. That same age grouping in this case is probably technically adept, highly interested in the status of technology developments, and rather opinionated about such technologies. Given these assumed aspects of the prime audience, one can conservatively anticipate issues such as those which have occurred thus far.
Does that mean that Engadget, or that we as fellow site visitors should accept such behavior? No, of course not. Is Engadget within their right to dictate whatever policies they would like to enact at their site? Yes, within boundaries. That said, one of the extraordinary aspects of Engadget is the free-flow of information, and the lively debate that often ensues – putting a stopper in that process would be unfortunate to say the least.
My chief complaint about Engadget’s handling of the commentary issue is that, like the inappropriate responses Engadget (and we) so abhor, it is by its very nature, reactionary. The threat of ‘turning it all off’ if the ‘childish garbage continues’ is unnecessary, and infeasible at this point. We, as readers, can monitor and censor our own comments, but we cannot administratively manage others, aside from reporting offensive comments. It seems likely that there will always be a certain proportion of the site’s population that will not adhere to appropriate commentary. Thus, to turn off the entire commenting system would be tantamount to collective punishment.
Instead, I would suggest the following: 1. Create a clear policy of what constitutes ‘appropriate’ commentary by readers that sets out specific rules and guidelines. 2. Involve the Engadget community in the creation of that policy – get your rabid fanbase involved, it will promote buy-in and adherence. 3. Make the policy prominent, not simply shown once during sign-up, or a text-box that people simply click 'yes' without actually reading. 4. Monitor and police the comment sections continuously, yes it means you’ll need more staff, but it may be something you could look to the community to get involved with. 5. Be exceedingly consistent with your application of the rules and regulations as it applies to comments. 6. Rejoice in the fact that you have a largely healthy community that cares about Engadget, who wants to get involved, and feels the need to express their myriad opinions, right here.
I wish there was something above Highest ranked. This is brilliant, very well written, not offensive but sharp, balanced and has valid arguments. Read and learn Engadget, I wish any of you're post was this good.
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Let the hive mind of Engadget get that for you.
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Haha - brilliant stuff guys.
I have thought about this situation, and I do have a problem with the way Engadget is handling the issues of their commenting system, and I’ll attempt to address them here.
First of all, there should be a recognition that individuals who participate in online discussions are typically more daring and often acerbic in what they write because of the safety of anonymity - its social psychology 101. As a result, there will unfortunately be a certain consistent level of commentary that is rude, inappropriate, vulgar, offensive, and even hate-filled. In addition, there is the likely contributing factor of age and maturity level amongst the key demographic for this site. While I don't have figures to support my assertion, I would venture to guess that the majority of recurrent visitors to this site are male, between the ages of 17-35. That same age grouping in this case is probably technically adept, highly interested in the status of technology developments, and rather opinionated about such technologies. Given these assumed aspects of the prime audience, one can conservatively anticipate issues such as those which have occurred thus far.
Does that mean that Engadget, or that we as fellow site visitors should accept such behavior? No, of course not. Is Engadget within their right to dictate whatever policies they would like to enact at their site? Yes, within boundaries. That said, one of the extraordinary aspects of Engadget is the free-flow of information, and the lively debate that often ensues – putting a stopper in that process would be unfortunate to say the least.
My chief complaint about Engadget’s handling of the commentary issue is that, like the inappropriate responses Engadget (and we) so abhor, it is by its very nature, reactionary. The threat of ‘turning it all off’ if the ‘childish garbage continues’ is unnecessary, and infeasible at this point. We, as readers, can monitor and censor our own comments, but we cannot administratively manage others, aside from reporting offensive comments. It seems likely that there will always be a certain proportion of the site’s population that will not adhere to appropriate commentary. Thus, to turn off the entire commenting system would be tantamount to collective punishment.
Instead, I would suggest the following:
1. Create a clear policy of what constitutes ‘appropriate’ commentary by readers that sets out specific rules and guidelines.
2. Involve the Engadget community in the creation of that policy – get your rabid fanbase involved, it will promote buy-in and adherence.
3. Make the policy prominent, not simply shown once during sign-up, or a text-box that people simply click 'yes' without actually reading.
4. Monitor and police the comment sections continuously, yes it means you’ll need more staff, but it may be something you could look to the community to get involved with.
5. Be exceedingly consistent with your application of the rules and regulations as it applies to comments.
6. Rejoice in the fact that you have a largely healthy community that cares about Engadget, who wants to get involved, and feels the need to express their myriad opinions, right here.
Down in FraggleRock!
I wish there was something above Highest ranked.
This is brilliant, very well written, not offensive but sharp, balanced and has valid arguments.
Read and learn Engadget, I wish any of you're post was this good.
@ Felix
Engadget posts about gadgets, not social guidelines.
@luzzio
Felix obviously meant that he wishes that engadget's posts were as well written as fraggles, not on the same topic.
In the words of GOB, "COME ON!"