moderation

Analysis: With work, comments can be a worthwhile addition to news sites – Editors Weblog

Alexandra Jaffe on comments associated with online news:

"But most website editors agree: comment boards have too much potential to get rid of them entirely. The comments on an article offer journalists a valuable link to their readers, where readers can guide coverage, point out mistakes, and sometimes offer valuable tips and sources.

[…]

Interactivity is key because news media is a business; newspapers must listen to their readers if they are to keep them as consumers.

[…]

But how can editors ensure that the comments add rather than detract value from the article? News sites and blogs across the web have tried a number of different strategies, but the rules and regulations for online commenting are still in their formative stages. Across the comment boards, there seem to be four overarching themes in comment moderation that will likely shape the future of online commenting: Timing, trust, identity and incentives."

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World Have Your Say: Moderating your comments – BBC World Service

Ros Atkins explains World Service Have Your Say moderation policy:

"First, the blog's been moderated by the same team as the old one. No change in people or policy.

Second, we ask that all comments are brief (three or four short paragraphs unless there are personal stories to tell), polite, on subject, legally sound and not in capitals. If they're not any of these things, I'm afraid we're not going to publish them.

Third, we don't have facility to explain the precise reasons that each rejected comment has been rejected. If it says 'house rules' it's likely to be one of the above reasons. We will email you when possible, but that's not always going to happen due to time constraints.

Fourth, we do appreciate all of your comments. We have no interest in keeping you out of our discussions. You are after all what makes up WHYS."

Del.ici.us tags: bbc worldservice haveyoursay moderation