Comments on 'No Comments': Reaction to New OCNJ Daily Policy

dbergen

So what's the natural response when an editor kills a comments section? Of course, to wonder: "What would the comments be like on that story?" Here are excerpts from the emails received by OCNJ Daily on Monday (June 8), the day we posted a story explaining the decision to eliminate reader comments on news stories.

"AMEN to the removal of comments!! The self serving egos will have to find a different platform. You’re doing a great job with OCNJ Daily." *** "Brave move. Wise decision. Well-supported. As a senior, deeply committed to preserving the beauty that is OC, and after many years of listening to back-seat bickering, both with children and grandchildren, I applaud the decision to put "comments" to rest. Stay happy." *** "You have a tough row to hoe in the online world, and you have done it well. Removing comments was, I'm sure a tough call. I think it was needed ... the trolls were getting out of hand. Perhaps I'll visit more often now that my blood pressure is no longer at risk." *** "Sorry to learn you are doing away with comments. I believe they are what make your effort unique among the regular local newspapers, the ability to promptly see what others think about a topic, and what yet more others think about those remarks, something that is not available in a regular newspaper. Other than being on the Internet and thus timely reporting, what will now distinguish OCNJ Daily from the rest of the pack?" *** "I applaud your decision. Keep up the good work!" *** "Greatest idea since the inception of OC Daily. Great job, Doug, keep up the GOOD work!!!!" *** "Good change, Doug. It was getting repetitive from just a few people." *** "Well said!" *** "Thank you for the well-written article regarding the end of story comments at the OCNJ Daily. I believe that previous policy of requiring signed comments was a wonderful idea and I am glad that you gave it a year to see how it would work. While I will miss the "Comments' section I cannot find fault with your decision, and I will continue reading the OCNJ Daily every day for the best local news coverage in the area." *** "Well done, Doug. Thoughtful, reasoned response to the 'bickering in the back seat.' I am a property owner rather than a full-time resident, but, in my 60s now, I have loved Ocean City for 55 years, inheriting that love from my parents and grandparents. It breaks my heart to hear every criticism, real or imagined, when all I really read for is what's going on each day, and how I can engage in every opportunity available to me as someone who spends the equivalent of three months a year in Ocean City. This is a town — and a community — that has brought me great peace and incredible enjoyment, and I appreciate your making this decision for all of us." *** "That perverse part of me thoroughly enjoyed the back and forth comments. I saw it as a glimpse inside twisted minds in some cases (maybe even mine?). The other side, if people didn't want to read the comments, they didn't have to read them. However, your paper, your shot to call. It won't be as much fun for me but I guess I'll get over it, and myself. Smile." *** I wholly agree with your decision. I affectionately refer to those who abuse the Comment sections, such as on the Daily, as “the Civilian Paparazzi” who generally seek only to elevate themselves rather than offer constructive input. Thank you for all that you do to make the OCNJDaily family friendly … like the island oasis it reflects." *** "I think it's ashame that a few annoying people have hijacked and now ended the comments section. As one of the people who was always afraid to post for fear of attack, I still think it's a mistake to remove this feature. You do a good job of reporting but as a second home owner it's very difficult to get information about what really goes on in the city. I find the comments section a valuable addition to understanding more of what is really happening here. With the loss of Channel 40 and now this loss that info stream will be even more diminished." **** "Thanks Doug. It's a shame when an increase in the ease of communication leads to a corresponding decrease in the thought put into comments. I appreciate the Daily, but I stopped going through the comments — they were simply too depressing. I hope that your new policy quiets the Trolls. Keep up the great work." **** "Sad commentary about comments. There are many reasons to allow people to speak their minds, and the best argument to allowing it to continue being: that if you don't want to hear it, don't read it. BUTTTTTT. The tripe coming from the same seven or so begins to be associated with the periodical (first printed and now digital). The periodical becomes a turn down a bad alley. Even with the philosophy (if you don't want to hear it, don't read it), you still catch yourself reading it at times and again associating it with the medium provider, and then as much with the community it serves. A sad day is realizing how our advancements in communication have empowered the perverted to link together and reinforce their thought to the point of acting on those thoughts ... Ocean City has always been able to survive by the silent majority. I feel I'm one. It's hard to make a decision like you did, wondering if it will affect your circulation. I will read the Daily more and with a better feeling for the Daily, knowing I won't have to read the likes of the "seven." You do a fantastic job, make that a fantastic service." *** "THANK YOU!" *** "I SO UNDERSTAND your need to relieve yourself (and all of us) of the relentless inanity of the Comments section. It really is a tiny minority but, Dude, they are just immovable in their negativity. So, kudos to you for your bold move which — if you had a comments section — would draw righteous outrage over and over again." *** "Well done! Keep up the good work."