By Chuck Woodbury
PUBLISHER
Thanks for helping us out with your opinion about commenting. I love the idea that so many of our readers are engaged enough with our articles that they take the time to weigh in, some regularly. All but a small percentage of them add value to the subject matter, and they do so with respect. But in recent times, too many are angry, and seem to want to pick a fight more than contribute constructively to the discussion.
I picture the angriest commenters as Wizard of Oz imitators who hide in their bedrooms at their computers or on their smartphones, who are eager to stir up trouble.
Well, enough is enough
A friend of mine who runs a successful community news website struggled with the same problem. She eventually chose to moderate all comments. The hotheads went away and her readers thanked her.
For now, please tell us how much value you believe reader comments add to this website. Our staff will discuss the results, and I will get back to you, perhaps to request more of your input. But let’s start the process with this quickie survey to gauge how, in general, you feel about comments.
Heck, maybe we should just disallow comments, and take the time we save to expand and improve our content.
RVT1220
Personally, I would suggest that the first two occurrences of undesirable comments should result in a three month ban from commenting, and the third, a permanent ban.
I agree with something along these lines, giving discretion to the publishers as to when enough is enough from folks who can’t seem to be civil. It’s their baby after all, and they have a right to keep things civil. I would hate to see the comments go away though, because they give me a sense of belonging to a pretty awesome community.
But, also leave the name of the commenter up, just a “Comment failed to meet standards” banner for all to see who the ‘troublemaker’ is.
Excellent idea!!!
I understand your feeling, but I doubt you will get the result you are seeking. I follow a few sites that allow comments, and use the “comment removed” feature. The constant negative poster loves seeing this, because it gives them validation of upsetting someone. What boggles my mind also, is why do people comment on the negative posters comments, or down vote them? Ignore them and they will eventually go away.
I was agreeing with Carl, and to still follow through with the a permanent ban.
What is undersireable….who decides??? Will both “sides” be treated equally?
Darla, “Both sides treated equally,” alas, depends on who agrees with a particular article and who does not. It’s an angry world out there with lots of people with chips on their shoulders. As is, we try to be fair. We are humans and mostly Americans and Canadians, and, come on, it’s ridiculous to get angry at another person just because their beliefs different from our own.
One problem with these is the people doing the moderating need to be fair and err on this side of allowing the comments. I don’t mean anything that attacks other people or is rude or nasty. But I’ll give you an example of one I was involved in that got removed and I got a 2 week suspension. Facebook Group on Social Security. The discussion was about starting/stopping or changing Tax Withholding. I commented that for my Military and my Civil Service Pension, I can do those things ONLINE (in each portal) directly. Well for Soc Sec you have to fill in a form and mail it or drop it at an SSA Office. I also said that there is no valid reason that SSA cannot set it up so we can do the same thing.
It’s all govt, so they should be able to provide the same ability. It was removed, they claimed I “shared my worldview, against their guidelines”. So sometimes Moderators can get over-zealous.
Oh, and PLEASE find a way to send us notifications if someone replies to us (and maybe if we get reactions to our comments).
Freedom of speech is a right in this country. Most folks can moderate themselves and are polite overall. Abrasive and other opinions will happen on any platform and should not be taken personally and learned to be disregarded. We do not all have to have our hands held because of a few who occasional stray. If there are some commentors whose opinion strays from the subject at hand and you don’t like or disagree with, don’t engage with them and leave them to enjoy the rest of their miserable day. IMO, moderation can easily slide into individual opinion driven censorship so I say no to moderation but yes to warnings to commentors if the conversation strays derogatorily off topic.
I read your thoughtful and well written comment and subsequently changed my opinion. Hence, I agree that eliminating or moderating comments just takes one more opportunity to challenge your mind and beliefs with those of others. Let’s keep thinking and evaluating all the noise for ourselves and, as you say, let the angry, folks continue their miserable day.
As soon as you put a publication on the internet, you need to lose the idea of “this country.” You have a global market with people coming from many cultures and countries. Freedom of speech is only protected by the government, not by private organizations (or websites). There is NO freedom of speech on a platform run and paid for by someone else. The individual running the platform has the right to restrict the content shown on their website. Even governmental freedom of speech is limited; you can’t yell “fire” in a crowded public area, and you can’t make a false police report. Finally, a bipolar environment has been created where name-calling, fake news, and lying are normalized.
You are correct. This is a privately owned business and can do as they wish. I, on the other hand, can also do as I wish. Currently, I am a paying subscriber. If they eliminate, or censor comments on everyone, due to a few, I will no longer be a paid subscriber. I will continue to read RV Travel but will not financially contribute to any organization that feels it need to block my voice and my opinions. I believe that you will find the majority of people agree with Bill T.
Having run a website, I had the same issues with the same arguments. The problem is how to effectively provide your service to the 95% while keeping that 5% controlled. I have recommended that the Editor consider a more effective commenting system with registration, approval, and global reputation. The current system is easily bypassed and abused. The Editor may also consider turning off comments on some articles and opting for a letter to the editor system like was used on printed periodicals. Hopefully, there is a balance, but if comments are a thorn in the editor’s side, then turning them off is a solution he should consider. Donations help pay for web hosting.
Ken G. Good ideas.
I can only speak for myself, but personally, I’m getting plain tired of having to jump through hoops to use apps, get update emails, get answers to questions on webpages, having to pay to read one(1) media article, RV Travel now throws you into ads almost anytime you click on a poll or want to comment etc. etc.. I’m very much over all the passive/aggressive nonscience so many websites are using. When my last cell phone broke, I refused to get another one until my adult children basically forced me to get a new one.
Why turn off comments on any article?
Good question Ed. Sometimes an article strikes a nerve in a few readers and their comments get nasty and they turn our website into their own personal soapbox. Then someone who disagrees with them puts up another soapbox next door and they just yell at each other. That’s not what the comment section of this website is for. It’s to allow reasonable and thoughtful sharing of ideas on RVs and RVing.
If you aren’t one of the people causing the problem – and I assume you’re not – how would moderation on this forum censor you in any way? I fail to see a problem here.
Yes, having to wait for one’s comments to appear is somewhat inconvenient, but it’s becoming a fact of life in an online environment that a few people choose to abuse. It’s a shame that it has to come to this, it’s a widespread issue, and other forums I participate in have resorted to moderation as well.
Perhaps moderation can be a temporary measure until those problematic individuals leave because they can’t get their “ego fix” from belittling or insulting others.
I never said they shouldn’t moderate. They are moderating now. I said if they are going to punish all of us by removing the comments, or censoring us, I would no longer be a paying subscriber. They already have ways to deal with the abusers. This entire article was unnecessary.
Turning off comments on an article is the court of last resort.
Comment moderation is one of the toughest jobs there is on the internet. We have a responsibility to make sure that everyone plays by our commenting rules. The link is RIGHT THERE every time you comment. Follow those rules and everything should be fine. Break those rules and we will moderate your comment. They are pretty simple rules.
We have an automated system we’re trying out to see if it will catch some of the more odious comments before they are posted rather than after. But it’s still new and not that bright yet. We’re working on training and hopefully it works out. If not, we go back to just us humans.
👍👍
Thanks Cancel. Seems like we are in the minority here and the majority are in favor of being punished as a group for the actions of a few.
One more thing Ken…..This platform is run by RV Travel but is paid for mostly by its subscribers. So you are totally wrong on your evaluation there.
I have to agree with Ken, there is no right to say whatever you want here. Fortunately, the owners of this site are giving us the opportunity to weigh in on potential solutions. I commend them for it, as it shows their dedication to providing a useful and entertaining platform for us.
Brian, if you actually read my comments, I already have said they have the right to do as they wish on this one. But we have the right to do as we wish as well. We can either be paying, or non paying readers.
The point was about getting input from readers – an ideas on how to handle comments. It is not, and never was, about whether they have the right to allow, censor or ban comments, which of course they do. It was about being sensitive to the wishes of their readers.
As far as not contributing if they “block your voice” or “comments” – anyone who subscribes to print media doesn’t get to comment when reading it…they can write letters to the editor, which are both delayed and in reality, blocked, if your letter to the editor is not one of those chosen for publication.
Once again, my comments have been totally taken out of context. Quit trying to be my director. I do not need one.
Most do read all comments and maybe just ignore or censor the comments they want to. It is the people that continue to post and re-post their own same thoughts that gets ad nauseam…
Ken G. Very well put.
Technically you are right about “private organizations”. But I feel, when you open up a public forum, (like comment sections) then you have a responsibility to allow most comments (except cuss/swear/curse words and outright hostility between people using that resource). Otherwise you are no better than people who will only accept/allow comments or data “they agree with” and will trash or fire anything/anyone that does not fit within that.
The First Amendment is currently under attack…case in point…defunding Public Radio Broadcasting.
Exhibit “A”. This is bait.
Exactly.
If you go to the ‘town square’ and an idiot is yelling insults – how would you handle that? What if that ‘town square’ was specific to this audience and you don’t want to be alienated from it because of one person? Would you let one malcontent drive everyone away, including you, or would you remove the agitator. Think about what your grand parents might have advised. Do unto . . . Otherwise, fix it! Yes, there is freedom of speech but there’s also your right to ‘pursue happiness.”
I believe that most would just walk on by, carry on with the rest of their day in “pursuit of their own happiness” and not engage with “idiot in the town square.”
Well that’s up for the Supreme Court’s to interpret 🤔
First, I comment very seldom. Secondly, very seldom do I read comments from others. Most importantly, someone else’s opinion does very little to influence mine.
I don’t care either way
Good morning Chuck,
I have been an RVtravel reader for many years and this certainly is not the first time this subject has been broached. In all honesty, I enjoy reading the comments as many of them offer supportive information. And then there are the others that I enjoy too, as they become childish entertainment. Often, I get a really good laugh ( or should I say, amazement) at how people speak when hiding behind a keyboard.
You have a wonderful product and service that is truly appreciated by many. Edit the negative out and continue on, sir.
I have only commented a couple of times and very seldom read comments. I would stop them. If someone feels a need to comment, use Facebook or engage in a live conversation f2f with other people. If you want to rant, buy a round of drinks at the bar and have your say.
We all should know what is ” out of line and what is meant to be offensive”. IHO the staff has done a good job moderating. 3 strikes you’re out seems an ok standard.
No cussing, condescending, or threatening comments should be allowed. Basic manners our parents taught us. Otherwise, Free Speech should prevail. If you do not like the comment, stop reading it or simply state you do not like/concur with the comment. You can choose to then explain your view orrrrrr simply go silent. This is America for God’s sake!
The bad commentator is like the bad driver who cuts you off if you don’t engage they have no where to go.
The choice options are slanted. I would prefer that comments not be monitored only because I read the newsletter once and if the comments are monitored odds are I wouldn’t see them as it would happen after I read the newsletter. I do read many of the comments and they often add to the information. I said the options were slanted as I prefer the comments to remain but wouldn’t quit over it. That option should have just said comments should remain unmonitored, without the extreme statement included.
Comments are important. We learn from others mistakes, experiences. I read comments a lot.
I am amazed at the energy that folks spend to be angry. SAD.
I like the 3 strikes and you’re out.
Yes. So many times a reader has suggested a solution to mechanical problem, or pointed out an error that would mislead campers.
But for the politically minded who think this should be an echo chamber for their opinions, give them 2 warnings and then ban comments from them. They can always go rant on political forums to their hearts’ content.
“Yes. So many times a reader has suggested a solution to mechanical problem, or pointed out an error that would mislead campers.” I agree with Wanderer’s comment as there are many comments that add to your contributor’s articles.
As I was told a long time ago, Opinions are like bellybuttons…..Everyone has one and everyone thinks the other guys Stinks…… Be Kind. Chuck your doing a great job, and we love your news letter. Thank you
Moderators are of course an operational expense no publisher wants. I am in favor of them as they have helped prevent other online forums in which I participant into ‘flame wars’.
I am not in favor of turning off comments. They often add to the articles – be they respectful counterpoints, or additional great ideas.
Surely AI could moderate?
I also prefer some kind of blacklisting. I also wish people would learn the difference between respectful disagreement, which is healthy and can result in both sides learning something, and the kind of thing you are seeing all too often.
Like the posts that are little more than put downs. A lot of people are on here to learn; a few seem to be on here to feed their egos by putting down those who ask a question or offer a suggestion. That is not what RVTravel is for or about and if someone cannot “respectfully disagree”, I prefer to not see it. People can say “just scroll on by”, but there is no warning so we start reading only to realize we are reading a tantrum rather than an adult respectful discussion and disagreement.
Exactly what I’ve been thinking throughout these comments. Thank you Irene. I especially dislike nasty critical remarks directed at the authors of articles. RV Travel has stated in its rules for commenting that they expect civility and respectfulness. Look those words up if you are unclear about their definitions.
I enjoy observing and exchanging dialogue in the comments section. Unfortunately, some articles are written with thinly veiled partisan dissent and the comments illustrate that. Yes, some of the replies in the comments lack the same subtlety of insult but that doesn’t mean they’re wrong.
The commentary is the RV community. Some lean left, some lean right. Some are offensive and some choose to be offended. Some are homeless and some have multiple homes. We are the epitome of diversity. Be careful culling discussions into a singular perspective as full moderation creates a one sided echo chamber and no moderation becomes a chamber of vituperation.
If you have a problem with someone posting abusive comments, that should be addressed on an individual basis. Punishing all of your readers for the actions of a few individuals is not the way to go. Freedom of speech, under the first Amendment of our Constitution, is not negotiable. I realize that this is a private newsletter and that you have the option to do as you please on this one. I can only speak for myself. I would not quit reading RV Travel if you censor, or eliminate, the comments completely but I would no longer be a financially contributing reader either. Actions have consequences! Both as a reader and an Administrator.
You say it’s not negotiable but the first amendment was specifically not intended to cover libel, obscenity or incitement. As others have stated, how to determine when a comment crosses the line is the hard part.
I would recommend partnering with a commenting solution that requires users to register, undergo approval, and establish a reputation based on their global commenting profile. Platforms such as disqus.com offer features that may be attractive to web managers; there are others out there. Your current open system allows individuals to use multiple identities and bypass any restrictions you are trying to implement. You may also consider that not every article is comment-worthy, and there is the old-fashioned “Letter to the Editor” if individuals really have something important they want to share.
What we discuss here has nothing to do with global platforms such as disqus. This is a platform that many of us voluntarily contribute to. Many of us have been here for many years and like things the way they are, RV Travel has the means of stopping the abusers any time they choose without changing a thing.
What website do you run with comments? How much have you had to deal with bots posting hundreds of advertisements per minute in the background? How many abusive commenters “who paid and can say whatever they want” have you had to manage? I am sure if your position were changed and you went to the guy trying to balance things, you would understand the convenience of a global system and the workload it automatically removes from your plate. I closed my aviation-related site down because 25k-50k hits per day was not worth the effort in the end, and even with donations, the personal financial cost was too much. There are many better systems out there; Disqus is just one example.
I don’t need to run a website to have an opinion about it. That is a meaningless comment.
It seems to me that the divisive “wizard of oz” comments have mostly been political in nature. This is not a political rag and such comments should simply be deleted. I have friends and family that are on the total opposite side of the political fence and we agree to disagree. Many of the articles reported here have been the result of the political party in charge, regardless of which one, and therefore it becomes news affecting the RV community. The best time and place to make those views meaningful is to get off your mules behind and go vote. I enjoy the comments that add substance and occasionally a different way to accomplish the same thing as outlined in an article.
I typed a well thought out comment, then BLIP, the page reset and my comment was gone, so here is the shorter version…
I read comments. Never saw a negative one. Please keep if you can, moderate if you must, but continue sustainability for this publication please.
Lori, I couldn’t agree more. I am a contributing member but will no longer be if censorship is the rule of thumb. I will still be a reader but not a contributing one
Promise?
The problem isn’t the comments – it’s the stories themselves.
I trust your articles to bring me important RV news. However, as of late, your writers blatantly only state one side of important stories. It’s not an accident. They should leave their own overt personal views at home. Their spin is obvious.
Doom & gloom and criticizing our government doesn’t make for honest reporting. Furthermore, it doesn’t benifit your endeavor. It’s actually does just the opposite and makes some want to cancel their subscription (and $upport).
Sometimes it’s like reading a dime store tabloid. Maybe you should moderate your own writers? Why alienate half your audience?
Totally agree with your comment and I know which authors we are talking about.
Well, as someone I’d admire once said, “the anonymity of the internet allows people to say things that they never would in person for fear of a punch in the face.” It’s a shame it’s come to this, but not shocking.
As long as you have what you referred to Chuck as the sky is falling articles by your writers I believe you will have negative comments
That is the only way your readers have to object to these type articles other than just to stop reading
After saying that Most of your articles are beneficial and are good for the rving community
#1, I thought comments were already moderated. I seem to remember that I had comments awaiting moderation in the past but that may have been on another forum. #2, If a comment is refused, the originator should be notified as to the reason.
I was a free speech advocate. But now not so much. Since the rise of social media platforms everyone thinks they can say what they want and their words have no repercussions. That’s why I am not on any of them. However I do find that some of the comments here can be helpful. I just wish the section could be a little longer. I once offered advice on using small claims court to recoup some of your losses from dealerships that take advantage of customers. My comment never made it on your platform and I don’t understand why I thought it was useful information. Why it was never posted is a mystery to me till this day.
Hi, KAS. I don’t recall seeing a comment such as you referred to, so maybe someone else deleted it for whatever reason.🤔 It sounds like it should have been published, however. If you’d like to post that information again, please do. I’ll be watching for it. Thanks. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Our country, society, culture, etc. is divide enough without biased comments following articles. This a publication about recreation. RECREATION It’s in the title. As soon as I see biased comments or articles I ‘walk’ away. You’ve mentioned your readership is down. Could this be a contributing factor?
What about obviously biased articles?
Let people make their own conclusions and stop even considering censorship as an option.
I voted for moderated but after reading the comments I wanted to change my vote, but my preference isn’t an option. Moderate AFTER COMMENTS ARE POSTED if necessary or KEEP AS IS. I agree with the people who say the comments help them learn new information. Opposite opinions, when done respectfully, help us look at both sides of a situation.
I have seen very few nasty comments that are not political. I don’t care which side of the aisle you are on, I don’t think the political comments should be allowed. I read the articles and comments to learn about RVing, not to praise or bash a political party.
I like the idea of suspending and then banning people whose comments are out of line.
Agree 👍
Editor,
Pick Your Poison.
It’s your playground!
If 95+% of the comments are civil and less than 5% are not DEAL WITH THE 5%!
Censure Them, Boot Them, Put Them In Jail for a period of time, you pick the sentence.
After all You are the Judge and Jury!
No reason to piss off the 95% of your readers when dealing with the problematic 5% of your readers. Ultimately the 5% will change their attitude or LEAVE the site!
Either way YOU are the ultimate WINNER!
Above all don’t “Feel” compelled to tell us, the readers, what your are going to do.
Just Do It!
Perhaps a way for readers to click to report a comment that could then be quickly moderated vs. someone having to moderate all the comments before posting. Properly vetted volunteer mods, maybe.
That already exists, see that little red flag on the right when you move your mouse over a comment?
It seems like the angry and (even) often times off-subject diatribes have become more and more frequent in every place that allows any type of comment. We must have a lot of unhappy people out there! How sad. I enjoy the “on subject” comments as some make me think, or laugh or inform as well as feel a part of this family of ours. I don’t like reading or seeing the verbal abuse towards anyone or issue and I don’t feel any need to join in.
I clicked on the article to vote for “leave things as they are” but alas, that wasn’t a choice. We live in a free country and most of us aren’t so fragile to read a differing opinion that we melt into a puddle. Please don’t turn this newsletter into a Reddit sub that is heavily moderated. You might just wind up losing even more paid subscribers, including yours truly.
Another vote for “leave things as they are”.
I think utilizing a 3 strike rule: warning, timeout for X days, permanent ban would be sufficient. Seems to work well on other sites I visit.
I don’t see a problem with how things are run now. I read most of the comments for the articles I actually read. There aren’t currently a lot of comments that are so bad they aren’t publishable, other than Tony saying my RV looks like a carnival float! 🤣 Kidding, Tony. Perhaps that’s Diane working feverishly behind the scenes day in and day out! 😁 Two thumbs up to Diane. 👍👍
Moderating EVERY comment is a massive task and, IMO, is overkill because you just don’t have that kind of problem. If someone resorts to swearing, significantly derogatory name calling, or sexually explicit posts, then delete.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ !
And thank you MM for all your efforts..
😊 Thank you, Bill and Mikal. My pleasure (usually😉). Have a great day!🤗 –MM aka BS (Big Sister [as opposed to Big Brother] aka Diane aka …
Sounds like you guys are hiring moderators? You have my contact information and I’m happy to pitch in and offer moderating help 4 days per week.
My comment is intended to illuminate that one person’s moderator is another person’s censor.
Who moderates the moderator? Who fact checks the fact checker?
You guys have a great balance already.
Happy trails ✌️ 😎
Hi, CP. Not that I’ve heard of. You’ll have to check with Chuck. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane
Tongue in cheek, MM.
Just trying illuminate that all humans are flawed (you’re the exception) and have unique perceptions, perspectives and experiences, even moderators.
Have a great Sunday. 😁
👍🫣 I’m certainly the most lenient one around here, CP, which I get reminded of occasionally. Take care. 😀 —MM
We’re all looking out for your best interests MM, as well as each others
Thanks, Bill. I appreciate it! Have a great day! 😀 –MM
Well! I agree with this conversation 100%. I just gave a thumbs up to Cancelproof and it shows as a thumbs down! That is a bit frustrating as I certainly didn’t mean that, nor do I think anyone else would put a thumbs down! I think you know my idea on this – if it weren’t for comments I would have never heard from Diane et al – a pleasurable turn of events! I do wish replies to comments would come back – as, being retired, I don’t have time to go back to past copies just to check. I read virtually all comments daily. Thank you all for your positive comments – they make my day!
Hi, Doug. Regarding your thumbs up showing as a thumbs down, probably what happened was two people voted down while you voted up, and that showed up as a “net” one down vote. Also, you can get notified of when people reply to your comment by checking an option above where you put your comment where it says “Subscribe to comments” (click on the down arrow for a choice). Have a great day! 😀 –Diane
Hi Diane!
I do not see/get that option to be notified. :-/
…you can get notified of when people reply to your comment by checking an option above where you put your comment where it says “Subscribe to comments”
I’m sending you an email with a screenshot of it, WEB (assuming the email you listed is correct). If you still don’t find it, maybe it’s something to do with your browser, or whatever. (I’m not tech savvy at all, so am just guessing.) Have a good evening. 😀 –Diane
That’s terrible, Tony shouldn’t be insulting carnival floats like that! 😁 Your post is spot on!
oh the irony in commenting on this…Moderating the comments is workable but labor intensive and you still will not please everyone. Eliminating comments is counterproductive. I liked the olden days when you penned a thoughtful letter to the editor and maybe it was published days later. But I agree that these days unfiltered comments are typically not well written, more reactive than reflective, and increasingly more politically charged which is anathema to the spirit of rvtravel.com. I’m not sure how the moderation process would work, but that seems the best course of action.
The comments are half the fun!! But people should respect the opinions of others. The comments bring a sense of community to this newsletter. Please don’t eliminate them!
I don’t often comment and I quit reading other comments long ago for the very reason this is now being discussed. So my opinion is just do whatever is best and easiest for you to manage. I’ll keep reading RVtravel.com regardless.
People need to stop getting so butt hurt.
I sometimes look at the comments but would not stop reading if they were gone. It would sure make your job easier than having to monitor them and ban certain ones. If you have the staff to monitor then ban that is a solution but not necessary to the quality of your publication
Banning all comments would almost certainly say that whoever writes your articles are 100% right, If they are wrong they need to be called out be it for just being incorrect and giving them a chance to rewrite after researching or whether it may actually be a safety matter. I get that many are just aggressive and mean and argumentative but censoring seems the logical way to proceed.
Some of the “argumentative” comments may not be from real people. I have seen reports of Artificial Intelligence programs making comments.
Like has already been posted: “Unfortunately, some articles are written with thinly veiled partisan dissent and the comments illustrate that.” I have also noticed many non-factual articles and those are the ones that irritate me enough to comment. First “check your facts”. If your articles are opinions then you are going to get opinions in return, including negative ones. I suggest removing the “Reply” button to slow down the fighting or just eliminate commenting.
I’m OK with moderated comments if that’s what needs to be done to keep it civil. Delete any reference to politics & religion…. zero tolerance. Your house, your rules!
My thoughts are keeping articles non political, objective and not subjective would eliminate a lot of the negativity.
Chuck and staff,
I think you have struck a good balance already. No cussing, no personal attacks, no threats. I think Diane gets it the best currently.
We live in a society where people feel attacked for simple disagreement at times making it all very subjective. One moderator may see a comment as constructive while another may see it as insulting.
When the writers dealve into the political, no matter how innocuous they may feel an article is, an opposing message should be allowed or else it becomes an echo chamber for a single message, a’la NPR or Colbert who pushed 50% of the potential demo elsewhere by choice and 100% soon.
Your publication, your choice.
Happy trails ✌️ 😎
Amen on that.
And now I see that there is no commenting on the “Park service removes negative signage” article. Smh.
Hi, Gary. Chuck set up a special commenting page on that post. I can’t find it either, so I’m wondering if there was a glitch somewhere.🤔 Have a great day. 😀 –Diane
Chuck and Emily are receiving those comments (which is why I didn’t see them) and is compiling them into a post. –Diane
It is a special link. It appears that it is a comment link that will be used for content in a future article. I left a very respectful 1 paragraph comment about the same “nonpartisan” group that facilitated removing statues of G. Washington, Columbus etc. are now up in arms….. blah blah blah. I even gave permission to use my birth name…. LOL.
I enjoy reading the comments. I’ve found most of them to be honest and informative. When I see one that’s rude, I just consider the source and move on to the next one. As for being angry, it depend on what they’re angry about. I say moderate and the first time someone posts something rude or inappropriate, delete their post and block them from leaving future comments. No sense in wasting time keeping track of how many times somebody leaves a rude comment or giving them a warning.
I would prefer that the comments sections were left just as they are now.
Let’s also go back to the star ratings for the articles themselves.
I have no comment!
Yes, you need to keep comments. I will say that in recent months I have noticed that, whether meaning to or not, RV travel has moved into a very few articles that are somewhat political in nature and many of us have found offensive. That said, even if you disagree with the writer’s conclusion or slant of the article, a well written comment is much more effective than “angry” and wanting to “pick a fight” comments. If we want a regurgitation of political talking points, we can tune into our respective (lack of) news sources such as CNN or FOX news, not our beloved RV Travel news.
Who is really RIGHT OR CORRECT regarding censorship?! If different viewpoints are “Moderated” then where does it stop Chuck? That is what is wrong when Freedom of Speech is eliminated in the name of moderation/censorship. I fought in two wars, wounded in combat and have two Purple Hearts for this severe wounds, all to defend our Constitution! What parts are liked to be “Allowed” is the actual Camel’s-Nose-in-the-Tent to crumbling the very foundation of our great Republic. Are there those who vehemently disagree, of course, but not in China, North Korea, Russia or Cuba! Be strong, do not Censor please. SGT US Army, Combat Medic, Retired.
I DID NOT click on an answer. There should have been a “leave it as is” box. I think the comnent by Bill T. below has it right. Don’t stop freedom of speech on this site. Yes, there will always be someone that “strikes out” at another persons comnent. Don’t let that control your post. No, don’t try to monitor responses. Just let it flow. Let folks read your page and keep the comment section at the end. I think the overwhelming majority of your readers enjoy your site and want to read the different articles. Comments at the end are just that – peoples comnents. Good or bad, leave it alone. It does not define your site.
I like the two warnings with deletion and the third strike you are banned. I don’t know if you would be able to identify through IP address so someone would not be able to use a different name as I don’t know what information you have available. I don’t notice much in the way of bad comments but I usually only read comments if I want to possibly comment myself.
I learned a lot from comments. I would ban the trouble maker.
You could automate part of the process: filter on rude names people call others and simply delete those before moderators waste their time on them.
WRT comments. Let everyone post immediately. Then moderate. If you remove someone, let that action be visible to all. That will inform your audience what is tolerated and what is not. Otherwise, the comment goes away and everyone has a lingering question, “I wonder if that post was blocked.”
Isn’t moderating comments the same as censureship?? How would the be moderated? It’s kind of all or nothing for me. Unfortunately the way of our country right now. Not much compromise,but I don’t want to be “moderated”
As a long-time RVer [1981] and reader of TV Travel I’ve learned that there are always [to borrow the name of part of a news broadcast] a point-counterpoint thoughts. Often, both people have a degree of valid thoughts. It’s when the comments become abusive that I draw the line. Perhaps just allowing one or two ‘counterpoints’ is good but too many people today go far beyond their “rights” to comment. Good Luck, Chuck. Been enjoying my retirement for 20 years now.
Maybe if this RV magazine kept articles to RV subjects the comments wouldn’t be so divided. Case in point. .article with slant yesterday on NPR/ PBS funding. What did this have to do with RVing??? Article was also stated in such a way as to invite differing opinions.
Thank you for the question, Chuck! I am fine with you (plural you, in the South aka as “all y’all”) moderating comments, but that seems to require a large amount of resources. If you shut off comments, I am fine with that, too. In that case, I suppose if someone just HAD to comment, that one could email RV Travel. It’s your newsletter and I’ll subscribe, donate, and read however you choose to do it. Have a great week and safe travels!
I enjoy the comments very much. Please don’t eliminate them.
I would like to leave a comment. Here it goes.
If an article or opinion piece has even a thinly veiled political perspective, it will garner political comments. This should be expected. Half the country, either side won’t be insulted without reply, ANYMORE. We can sit in front of FOX or CNN to be insulted. These comments to obvious or veiled political articles need to be allowed using current standards.
If readers make a non-political article political, they are doing it as Bait so you should expect replies. Even if the author or moderator agrees with the position of the first political comment, half the readers don’t, both directions.
Good luck with this.
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do not ban comments. More often than not I find comments by thoughtful readers to be even more informative than the article itself! In other words, much of the value that I derive from your newsletter comes from those comments.
Having been a moderator over 40 years (BBSs before the public Internet was a thing) I can say it’s a lot of work. But if there’s a certain tone you want for your forums, it’s the only way to go.
Comments are wonderful ! Just delete rude comments !
(But I don’t object to seeing rude comments ! Those types of writings show me the person’s true heart)
I comment from time to time, most that I read are not very useful. “Oh, what a cute puppy” and other wastes of space.
I say drop them completely
I didn’t even know a reader could comment on an article. I’m not kidding.
I read your blog because the blog is, in my opinion, fair minded and middle of the road. I recognize that Chuck and his staff are rooted in their love for traveling. That’s what I see on when reading travel blogs.
Just good articles that educate and motivate.
Thanks Chuck and staff!!
Mike
I can not vote for any options on the poll presented
Enforce rules for commenting.
They seem clear what is allowed and what is not.
might have to add to rules what limits to politics talk
and perhaps comments will be blocked if found by commentators to be to much
Let commentators help enforce your rules.
Emphasize the red flag for being available for enforcing the rules
Moderating before can also lean in the direction of censorship
read Bill T comments and replies and Chucks reply to Darla
For subjects that can be ‘sensitive’ KenG ideas would be helpful
Bottom line
comments add to the info I get from RvTravel
comments bring life and spirit to RvTravel
I feel comments are important–comments often provide important counterpoints or additional info to the published article, rounding out the knowledge. Disrespectful comments can be ignored. Antisocial or minority comments and viewpoints can be responded to, showing the bad actor that they’re living in a world that the rest of us don’t subscribe to. My problem is the lack of notification when the discussion has been added to. Unlike Facebook, where you’re notified when someone responds to the thread, I get no prompt or reminder to come back here see when someone replied, corrected me, or added valuable discussion. So commenting here is of less value than other platforms.
Hi, Jake. Above the box where you type your comment it says “Subscribe to comments” with a down arrow by it. If you click on that arrow, you can get notified of new follow-up comments, or replies to your comments. (I don’t know why you can’t get both. I’ll check with Kim, our IT dude.) I hope that helps. Have a good night. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Chuck, I would just like for you to know that I have never read an article, presented by one of your contributing authors, that has a bias within it. Those that complain of bias are merely reading their own bias into what they think they are reading. When I see comments of bias, I re-read and then scratch my head. No one will convince those individuals otherwise.
Thank you, Kelly. That’s what I think, too. Knowing our writers, they write from the information that is available, then people interpret it however they want– sometimes just based on the byline.🙄 Have a good night. 😀 –Diane
As the a 100% certified nonpartisan commenter, which you are Kelly, you may or may not be correct on this. However, you offer only quality comments which I always enjoy. Especially your well thought out quips of humor.
Happy trails friend, ✌️ 😎
I hope I’m half as sharp/witty as Kelly is when I get to his age. (I’m not sure what it is but I think it’s several years older than my advanced age.) Heck, I wish I were half as sharp now as Kelly is! He always brings a smile to my face and I’m always amazed at his witticisms. (That’s a word I’ve never used in my 78 years.🤔😆) Have a good night, CP. 😀 –Diane
Thank You Cancelproof. I do have to watch my tongue as sometimes my sarcasm does not interpret well in print if someone does not know me. I pretty much walk down the middle of the road, as there always seems a bit of truth on each side. (Background in theology and decades of keeping employees from killing each other. lol). As to Diane’s comment, I am somewhere around 40 years, but this year my body, for some unknown reason, is turning 80 !!?? Keep it simple – don’t sweat the small stuff.
Can’t get the caps off your stinky slinky because they’re on epically tight?
Ever wonder how a bayonet cap goes on with very little effort but somehow gains super tension?
Sometimes it’s a change of altitude altering the pressure inside but more times than not, it’s how you handle the hose. If your seals are good and you bend, collapse or expand the hose for storage, you change the air space inside. Doing that can increase the air pressure inside or create a vacuum which puts tension on your bayonet pegs.
Okay, back to the topic of comment moderation…..
I love the comments section for each article written. At times, I have commented on either incorrect content or biased articles and essays on RVTravel, some of which are written by non-professional journalists.
Attacks on others who comment should never be tolerated; many folks will have differing opinions on almost any subject.
I enjoy the comments a lot – almost as much as the article content. I don’t like nasty and mad, or overly political comments so much. However, I think the replies to comments are the best. One can get views from all angles, and subsequent comments can steer an off-the-rails poster. I’d prefer no moderation except for simply nasty language, and let our community do its own form of moderation. I also like the ability to vote up or down.
This is a P.S. question for my previous comment; will enough thumbs down collapse or hide a controversial post?
The only way I can continue to read the newsletter is to completely avoid all comments.
No comment(s)!