jamie goode's wine blog: A comment on comments

Monday, January 12, 2009

A comment on comments

In light of some of the recent comment-flurry, I thought I'd say a few things about commenting on this blog.

1. I'm reluctant to pull comments. I beleive in openness and freedom of expression, and if you have something critical to say, then I'm grateful that you take the time to say it. We all have something to learn from our critics [it helps if they are at least trying to be constructive]. I have pulled a couple of comments in recent months, but that was because they were verging on racist in their tone. If you are really mean to someone, or bang out of order (e.g. racist), then I'll pull your comment.

2. I'm continuing to allow anonymous comments, because sometimes people who want to say something critical will be put off if they have to use their real names. But I'd much rather people used their names to leave comments, even if this requires a bit of courage.

3. I really value your comments, so please keep them coming. The days of vertical communication by 'experts' to their readers are dead; the new model is a horizontal one, where we all talk to each other.

4. Please 'play nice'. There are different ways of saying the same thing. By all means let's engage in banter and be as edgy as we want, but let's be gracious and kind at the same time. Sorry if this sounds preachy, but kindness is important.

5. I don't mind people linking to (relevant) articles on their own blogs or other websites, because that can be useful for other readers. That's fine. It's best to do this openly. Blatant spam, of course, will get zapped.

11 Comments:

At 2:40 PM, Blogger Oenophile said...

Well done for standing up for politeness - a rather rare quality in debate these days.
Afros site not responding - so where do we get hold of Vinhao in the UK?

 
At 6:36 PM, Anonymous keith prothero said...

Bah humbug-----get rid of all these anonymous loonies.
Reckon you devalue the blog by allowing them.
And I am being polite if a trifle blunt!! ha ha
cheers Keith

 
At 9:37 PM, Blogger Van's Gifts said...

Hey Jamie!

I am relatively new to this blogging thing, but I enjoyed reading your post.

People on the net just need to keep things clean and always be respectful. We'll good luck on your future endeavors and will be stopping by here from time to time.

Since you're into wine, please do visit my site for wine baskets and offer some comments or feedback!

Regards,

Vansgifts
Wine Gift Baskets

 
At 11:02 PM, Anonymous Tim Carlisle said...

What was that you said about SPAM?

 
At 12:16 AM, Blogger Piers said...

I think anyone who runs a blog is well withing their rights to delete anonymous comments if they're clearly being facetious/idiotic.
Apart from people hiding behind anonymity, it's slightly frustrating trying to follow a debate when you can't tell if someone's replying for the second or third time because their comment is anonymous...

 
At 3:43 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

JAMIE - what is your view on Burgundy 2007?

 
At 10:08 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous comments rock!

 
At 10:50 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I won't STAND for discrimination against anonymous people.

 
At 10:57 PM, Blogger Paul Tudor said...

Although I have been a 'victim' of one of the Anonymous commenters here (about a year ago), I defend their rights to do what they do. Let them stay. However, equally, there needs to be a right of reply.

Happy New Year,

Paul

 
At 8:22 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

with the ability to play 'God' I suspect the balance is maintained and frankly I can't even remember my PIN number let alone a login name. Long live anonymity!
Good blog - Keep it up

PS We'd all like to be paid for the advice' be a socialist -charge those that can afford it

 
At 9:02 AM, Blogger Vintresserad said...

Jamie, I just would like to offer some positive feedback! Well thought out and well formulated thinking on comments. And a really nice blog also!

Best (wine)regards from Sweden

 

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