Story "Comments" Gone (UPDATE)

I’ve heard from dozens of people since we pulled the comments sections off our website. The vast majority have been supportive of the decision (by a six to one margin). They had grown tired of the guttural tone of many of the posts.

I’ve heard from, and learned the real names of, such regular posters as Mamaotis, Arubagirl, Patriot, Eli Scummin, Whaler One and others. Many of those from whom I have heard were unhappy that it has come to this, but understand why we took this action.

Those who are not so understanding have questioned my morals. I’ve been called an elitist, a socialist, and a few other things I can’t publish. They’ve assailed me for violating the 1st Amendment and taking away their right to free speech. They’ve accused me of censorship.

How quickly we forget the days before the internet. Just a dozen or so years ago, there were no public forums on media internet sites. The only way regular folk could communicate their thoughts publicly through the media was by sending a “Letter to the Editor” to the newspaper. Even then, there was no guarantee of getting your viewpoint published as the newspaper editors screened each letter and determined which ones to publish and which ones to throw in the trash.

The “free speech” argument doesn’t wash with me. I didn’t pull the comments sections because people posted comments with which I didn’t agree. The 1st Amendment, which really doesn’t apply here but I’ll use it as an example, does not give someone the right to yell “fire” in a crowded theatre.  Why should we allow that to occur on our website, metaphorically speaking?  If any of you feel it IS your right to say whatever your want, I encourage you to buy a domain name and start a blog.  That’s the great thing about the internet, you CAN say whatever your want on YOUR own site.

I hope that someday we can bring back the comments section.  I, too, enjoyed reading many of the comments… even those I, personally, thought were out in left… or right… field.