Cody Fink:
In consideration of the reader, how we want the site to look, and due to the amount of time we can spend keeping an eye of this stuff, we will be removing comments from the next iteration of MacStories. And yes, it’s the nuclear option for keeping the site clean. Removing comments also means that we’re doing an incredible disservice for the readers who’ve already left great comments, and we hate having to remove those from the discussion. Decisions like this are tough because we have to do what’s best for us while minding our reader’s thoughts.
Not a surprise really. This seems to be the way more sites are moving days. I’ve said before that I find more people communicate using Twitter than comments these days. Yes, I’m still undecided.
Man, I just don’t get it. To me, removing comments removes any chance of a community. Even if people comment via Twitter, or on their own blogs, to me that feels more like shouting a comment from the street, or under my breath from the back of a classroom. Comments tied to a news article feels like a discussion group of people who’ve been invited to comment from the article author.
Now if comments are removed because it is too much of a hassle to monitor and maintain, I can respect that. I wouldn’t like it, but I could better respect it more than hearing the suggestion that off-site comments are equivalent or better than on-site comments.
Agree with John. Reading a blog without the chance to comment or read comments is like listen to a monologue. With comments on it is a bit like being in a paricipative seminar; much better.
Agree with John. Plus citing Twitter with its 140 characters as a substitute to discuss upon the subjects seems somewhat insulting people’s intelligence.
I totally understand that the Apple-centric bloggers, who are routinely subjected to trolling akin to abuse, don’t want to deal with hassle and that’s a fine reason to drop the whole commenting thing; but MG Siegler and John Gruber’s rationalizations are bit off.
Aren’t there options (like comments for members only) that will deter commenters from trolling?
Quite often the best comments are those that distemper or obliterate a troll or ignoramus.
So I am happy to not have the comments. If someone considers their opinion on a subject is strong and valid then there are more than enough outlets on the web on which to make it.
If those opinions prove stupid then that author finds his readership decline, leaving only the good ones.
I find the communities away from my desk are often far more rational, insightful and enjoyable.
A blog without a chance to comment is old media. Why would I go to Twitter to see if somebody commented on an article? It’s like reading the newspaper and having to post your letter to the editor in a different paper.
I like to be able to support what’s said in the article–especially when it’s been illuminating for me, or at least when it jibes with my own experience or thinking.
But I also like to be able to slam it or part of it when I think it’s wrong or stupid.
Add to that the ability to comment on (or slam) other comments.
This is basic human rights stuff, Jim. Sorry if it gets ponderous or even difficult at times. But I think it falls under your extended sphere of influence/responsibility as a journalist.
It’s also the “take” part of the give and take of human communication, which is a two-way street, after all.
Tweeting is interesting, but it’s too limited, fragmented, and removed.
I’m used to being yelled at 🙂
That’s the spirit, Jim! But I’ve honestly found over the years that your articles contain the least “sellable” material of those that I’ve read.
Keep up the good work!
BTW, your commenting engine is about the easiest to use and well-featured that I’ve seen.
Whether or not comments are enabled is a matter of personal preference and help determine the flavor of the site that you are trying to develop.
If the goal of any site is to develop a community, then I feel comments are essential. (What would Slashdot be without them?)
If the goal is to build a site where readers consume absolutely everything on the site, then comments are a waste. (I can respect Daring Fireball for not having them–and I remember reading this as a stated reason.)
In the end, it is all about the ends. Stand firm for a vision so people will either believe that and follow you or stop, but don’t give excuses about why they are included or aren’t.
There are a bunch of great people that post here, which is why I’ve kept the comments on.
I totally agree. If the Loop were to remove comments, I’d probably set-up a nice little forum that automatically opens new threads for post on the Loop.