Arizona Daily Star Rethinks Reader Comments

Another newspaper has tried to go blog-style with its online addition, adding reader comments sections, only to quickly discover the drawbacks.

Star executive editor Bobbie Jo Buel says the paper had hoped for “tough but respectful debate” in the comments area, but “instead of offering constructive criticism, too many posts are just plain coarse.” The Star may limit the number of stories that readers can comment on “as a way to help maintain civility.”

Shocking. Unless, of course, you’re spent more than 15 minutes on the Internet.

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James Joyner
About James Joyner
James Joyner is Professor and Department Head of Security Studies at Marine Corps University's Command and Staff College. He's a former Army officer and Desert Storm veteran. Views expressed here are his own. Follow James on Twitter @DrJJoyner.