The comment section in our local newspaper should be a forum for the free and open exchange of ideas. However, the anonymous system the Grand Haven Tribune uses encourages hateful language, trolling, and personal attacks. No matter how carefully the staff may try to monitor it, the comments are often an embarrassment to our community.
The American Journalism Review published an essay calling for an end to anonymous online comments in 2010 (http://ajrarchive.org/Article.asp?id=4878). The Washington Post followed with a similar call in 2014, theirs based upon research of how anonymous comments affect people's experience of media (http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2014...). A study published by the University of Houston indicates that doing away with anonymity generally raises the civility of the comments (http://www.nj.com/education/2014/01/anonymous_comm...).
For a person to get a hearing in the print version of the Tribune, they must submit their name with any Letter to the Editor. The same requirement should exist to have your words read online in our local community newspaper. Many other newspapers have changed to a system that requires a Facebook log-in, allowing Facebook's pre-existing identity verification system to ensure real names are being used. This system also means that people's friends and families will see the comments they write—making the conversation truly public and open. Additionally, this system is remarkably easy to implement—as is evident from the many newspapers who already use it.
Our local newspaper can be a force for greater conversation and dialogue in our community. The current system of anonymous comments is hindering that community conversation. It is time for it to end. The Tribune should implement the Facebook-based comment system so that our community can have open, transparent, and accountable conversation around important issues.
Updates
August 26, 2015
I am honestly a bit stunned that two hundred and fifty people have put their names behind this. This really belongs to all of you who care about the future of our local paper.
Reached 250 supporters
August 23, 2015
August 19, 2015
I am honestly overwhelmed by how many of you feel the same way about our local paper. This momentum belongs entirely to the community who clearly wants a more respectful space for us to talk.
Reached 100 supporters
August 19, 2015
August 17, 2015
I am honestly stunned by how many of you agree that our local paper needs to be a kinder place. If those of you who signed could find a way to help this reach a few more neighbors, we might actually get someone to listen.
105 Comments
I totally agree!! I have been the recipient of such hateful language and personal attacks that were untrue and ill-based. When you hide behind an anonymous sign in name and make hideous, appalling statements, it hurts the whole community and is the voice of only one.
As adults & teachers, we teach our kids, and many times require them to put their name on their words to teach digital citizenship. As adults we need to lead by example and show them we can have civil public conversations on difficult topics we may disagree on.
Signing your real name allows a more intelligent dialogue on the subject. Using an alias does not make a comment credible. I think an open discussion on a topic is much more enlightening and informative than people using aliases and using snarky language.
I love reading the Trib on-line. But, I have quit reading the comments as they are always from the same idiots having nothing worthwhile to say and arguing with one another. Maybe the comments will be more worthwhile and more civil if they have to use their real names.
As a regular columnist in the Tribune, I welcome the exchange of ideas—but only if people are willing to put their real names behind their words. It's time.
Agreed. Anonymity has destroyed civility and decorum. If you have something to say, fine, say it, but own up to it.
Great idea.
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The comment section in our local newspaper should be a forum for the free and open exchange of ideas. However, the anonymous system the Grand Haven Tribune uses encourages hateful language, trolling, and personal attacks. No matter how carefully the staff may try to monitor it, the comments are often an embarrassment to our community.
The American Journalism Review published an essay calling for an end to anonymous online comments in 2010 (http://ajrarchive.org/Article.asp?id=4878). The Washington Post followed with a similar call in 2014, theirs based upon research of how anonymous comments affect people's experience of media (http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2014...). A study published by the University of Houston indicates that doing away with anonymity generally raises the civility of the comments (http://www.nj.com/education/2014/01/anonymous_comm...).
For a person to get a hearing in the print version of the Tribune, they must submit their name with any Letter to the Editor. The same requirement should exist to have your words read online in our local community newspaper. Many other newspapers have changed to a system that requires a Facebook log-in, allowing Facebook's pre-existing identity verification system to ensure real names are being used. This system also means that people's friends and families will see the comments they write—making the conversation truly public and open. Additionally, this system is remarkably easy to implement—as is evident from the many newspapers who already use it.
Our local newspaper can be a force for greater conversation and dialogue in our community. The current system of anonymous comments is hindering that community conversation. It is time for it to end. The Tribune should implement the Facebook-based comment system so that our community can have open, transparent, and accountable conversation around important issues.
Updates
August 26, 2015
I am honestly a bit stunned that two hundred and fifty people have put their names behind this. This really belongs to all of you who care about the future of our local paper.
Reached 250 supporters
August 23, 2015
August 19, 2015
I am honestly overwhelmed by how many of you feel the same way about our local paper. This momentum belongs entirely to the community who clearly wants a more respectful space for us to talk.
Reached 100 supporters
August 19, 2015
August 17, 2015
I am honestly stunned by how many of you agree that our local paper needs to be a kinder place. If those of you who signed could find a way to help this reach a few more neighbors, we might actually get someone to listen.
105 Comments
There is no accountability with anonymous online comments. The newspaper requires real names for editorials, letters to the editor, "darts & flowers", and so forth. Time to be consistent with the online comment process as well. It just makes sense.
I totally agree!! I have been the recipient of such hateful language and personal attacks that were untrue and ill-based. When you hide behind an anonymous sign in name and make hideous, appalling statements, it hurts the whole community and is the voice of only one.
As adults & teachers, we teach our kids, and many times require them to put their name on their words to teach digital citizenship. As adults we need to lead by example and show them we can have civil public conversations on difficult topics we may disagree on.
Signing your real name allows a more intelligent dialogue on the subject. Using an alias does not make a comment credible. I think an open discussion on a topic is much more enlightening and informative than people using aliases and using snarky language.
I love reading the Trib on-line. But, I have quit reading the comments as they are always from the same idiots having nothing worthwhile to say and arguing with one another. Maybe the comments will be more worthwhile and more civil if they have to use their real names.
As a regular columnist in the Tribune, I welcome the exchange of ideas—but only if people are willing to put their real names behind their words. It's time.
Agreed. Anonymity has destroyed civility and decorum. If you have something to say, fine, say it, but own up to it.
Great idea.
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There is no accountability with anonymous online comments. The newspaper requires real names for editorials, letters to the editor, "darts & flowers", and so forth. Time to be consistent with the online comment process as well. It just makes sense.