Musings on comments

Posted Monday, February 2, 2009, at 3:42 PM

So there is a notion out there that The Brazil Times -- from time to time -- takes away people's right to free speech by removing comments from stories.

There is a simple answer to this notion. That is not true.

The right to free speech gives anyone the ability to express an opinion or an idea without being hindered and without fear of punishment.

No one is being punished here.

Everyone has a right to believe what they want to believe. But commenting on that belief may not always be allowed.

The rules and regulations regarding www.thebraziltimes.com are spelled out.

Those who do register on our site and choose to leave comments on stories or pictures should know what those rules and regulations are.

Right below where it states "Comments," there is a note that reads, "The nature of the Internet makes it impractical for our staff to review every comment. If you feel that a comment is offensive, please Login or create an account first, and then you will be able to flag a comment as objectionable."

In addition, right above where users may type in comments, it clearly states, "Please be respectful of others and try to stay on topic."

Comments that have been removed from stories have been removed from stories for a couple of reasons: Disrespect and a tendency to leave the topic of discussion.

It seems pretty clear to me. And it is clearly stated when comments are typed in.

In regard to monitoring comments, honestly, it can be difficult. Not everyone is up at 3 a.m. reading articles or posting. Sometimes, comments get read. Do we regret it? Of course. But then again, that's the nature of the Internet.

I want to personally thank the people who are e-mailing regarding comments they deem offensive. It is truly appreciated.

Comments
Showing comments in chronological order
[Show most recent comments first]

I appreciate that there are rules about posting on an article, seems like irresponsible things get said by immature people with little respect for the truth,and I don't think it should be left for others to read and accept as fact, when it couldn't have been further from the truth, and the article was in no way even connected to that person.

-- Posted by Centered on Mon, Feb 2, 2009, at 7:11 PM

There are people who take advantage of the nature of the Internet, that of not being able to identify just who is making a comment, to "flame" people or ideas.

While it may seem to be a form of censorship to remove comments from this website, it must be remembered that the Brazil Times is, in fact, the owner.

When commenting, it would be nice if people would act like they were face to face instead of hiding behind a wall.

Leo L. Southworth

-- Posted by FlyinLion on Mon, Feb 2, 2009, at 8:03 PM

Seems like people write comments hoping to change the facts of the truth and I can almost guarantee most of what they wrote was based on an uninformed conclusion just so they could throw a meaningless comment on the comment section, there is plenty of fact to back up the article over the week end just the mayor cannot list things for the public, which is really too bad that she can't

-- Posted by Edward Kane on Tue, Feb 3, 2009, at 9:11 AM

Maybe three strikes and you get a time out for a period of time???? Of course then someone would have to be keeping score... Lots of things to cover on a paper with small staff.

-- Posted by Jenny Moore on Tue, Feb 3, 2009, at 6:35 PM

I personally think you should eliminate ALL the comments. If people want to express their views on an issue let them write a letter to the editor, sign their name and we can all enjoy it.

Hiding behind screen names and blasting anyone is not free speech. It's B--- S---.

I like to read the online articles. I especially like to read the Letters to the Editor, but the first thing I do is see who wrote each article. It saves me the time of reading many of them.

These comments are almost as bad as the anonymous little blurbs the paper used to publish where "Kung Fu" could rip a coach or an administrator a new one - by name - and hide behind their anonymous moniker.

You want free speech - put your name on it.

-- Posted by Gunslinger on Thu, Feb 5, 2009, at 10:07 AM

Unoit!

-- Posted by Gunslinger on Fri, Feb 6, 2009, at 12:16 PM

Gunslinger That statement you made is the height of hypocrisy, or did you forget to put lol after the comment ?

-- Posted by Edward Kane on Fri, Feb 6, 2009, at 12:21 PM