After some reflection, I have decided to disable the comments feature here at Mablog. I think there are advantages to this, obviously, or I wouldn’t do it. But at the same time, there are disadvantages. I trust that we have come up with a solution that will ameliorate, at least somewhat, those disadvantages.
This post will be the last regular post with comments enabled—so feel free to have at it. My only admonition is that you try not to illustrate why we are doing this.
In the future, feedback and interaction will be handled this way. We have generated an email address to handle letters to the editor (mablog@christkirk.com), and you all are cordially invited to submit your thoughts there. A form for submitting these letters will be right below each post, where the comments feature used to be. Once a week (or thereabouts) I will select a number of letters to run, responding to them as needed. We may tinker with various aspects of this as we go, so pardon our dust. It is possible that we might turn the comments back on for the Letters feature, but we shall see.
The advantage is that we will be done with trolls and/or unhelpful commenters. The disadvantage is that we will no longer hear from those commenters—like Jane or Katecho—who have been consistently judicious, helpful, and wise. There are probably around 25 commenters that I will really miss, and since you all are obviously wise enough to know who you are, I would encourage to please take advantage of this letters feature. I don’t want to lose your voice.
You can also use the letters in ways not intended for publication (e.g. “Hey, meathead, you misspelled definately again.”)
We are dealing with thousands of people, and so it is sometimes difficult to tell how an across-the-board action like this is going to go. As things stand now, if a thread starts to take off, one troubled person can just pop in and ask why I love child molesters so much, a guy who has been divorced twice can regale us with his sardonic misogyny, and my adversaries can point to it all as representative of my misbegotten ways.
On the other hand, I also know that if I shut the comments down, the adversarial tune will change—I am not open to correction, I am shuttering dissenting voices, I have declared war on the First Amendment, etc. Ah, well.
Hooray! A very welcome change for the better!! The Loyal Opposition heartily approves!!!
And so does this member of the silent (but supportive) majority. Long overdue.
Since clearly I am one of those 25, I will be using the new letters feature. And clearly, I’m the most humble commenter as well.
Wise. I think we’ve all said what we have to say to each other at this point. One thing the Trump era has revealed, both in the political arena and elsewhere: There’s not much to be gained by talking at this point. The main thing remaining is to see who actually believes the things they’ve been saying. Regardless, everybody’s convinced of what they’re convinced of and we’re just going to have to slug it out. I expect the next *productive* conflict in the Church to be between people who have repented of liberalism (and its many guises: classical liberalism, conservatism,… Read more »
You forgot globalism in your list.
Doug, I don’t know if it would be used much, but you might consider weekly, or biweekly, open threads. Over the years I have had some very interesting conversations here that were only marginally related to the original post, and it would be nice to keep a forum for that. Also, you should throw caution to the wind and list your “25 or so” favorite commenters so they will know that their voice is requested. I, for one, appreciate your continued work maintaining this blog. So… thanks! P.S for those of us squemish about having out meatspace identity all over… Read more »
Another thing I will miss is reading recommendations from the commentariat… Barnabas especially (though less frequently of late) has interesting books/articles to share. Maybe another good use for open threads. I also think Doug should consider a more thorough links feature, but I’m not sure how broadly he reads online.
Edit: I have also very much enjoyed some of Bethyada’s links over the years.
I agree. As well as interesting conversations, there is among some regular commenters a sense of community that it would be a shame to lose. I’ve benefited from many of them in the time I’ve been reading here, but I can understand why it might be worth the sacrifice.
On the bright side, this change will reduce the time we all spend being frustrated with people who are wrong on the internet.
Thanks for all your hard work, Doug.
A weekly Open Thread might be an answer to this.
Let’s see if we can figure out a way to exchange email addresses. Bethyada has mine, if you have his.
Is that to me, Jill? I’m more than willing, and Bethyada seems like an all-around good guy but I don’t know him from a bar of soap. (Even NZ is not that small!) I’m sure we can figure something out.
Yes, it was. We will have to think hard!
I wonder if there would be interest in a FB group for Mablog Rejects where people can go for discussion, debate, and/or giggles?
That would be pretty amusing.
Doug’s posts still get linked (and I assume will continue to be) on his FB page. So we could always go there and keep the party going. :-)
Will do. At a bare minimum, it’s an easier way of finding people.
Bethyada has a blog I believe, it probably had a contact option, if you both contact him there im sure he will help.
I have an anonymous email at demodods at gmail – if anyone has something they would like to discuss.
Thanks, Demo! If Indighost asks, I would love for her to have my email.
Assuming or by getting his permission, people could friend Doug Wilson on facebook, and connect that way.
By the way Jilly, it must be noted how much love you are getting from your friends here.
All of it well deserved! ; – )
We already know 1 of the 25. I’ve already outed myself. ;-)
You could always put a P.S. at the end of your letter asking to remain anonymous if your letter is one of the lucky ones to be publicly admonished or praised by Doug. And if he doesn’t want letters to be anonymous, then he can make it clear to you (as friendly and honestly as possible) that if you wanted your letter publicly commented on by Doug, you’d have to be okay with publicizing your name. Just a thought.
While brevity is the soul of wit,
Brevity is not the sole proof of it!????
A length limit on comments might help.
FYI, some of the tussles here have helped me deal more effectively with unreasonable people.( as I am otherwise disinclined to debate.)
Practice made progress. ????
Oh! And thanks for the forum Mr. Host!
Carry on, as you are led.????
I concur with you adad0. The give and take, riposte, mano a mano, (you ladies are included) has sharpened, enlightened and otherwise assisted me in many ways. It will be missed.
FYI (and I feel silly if you already know this) but “mano a mano” is Spanish for “hand to hand”.
Yes, but of course not everyone knows that. Like when you say someone is being niggardly with his pocketbook and the whole room takes a collective gasp…because N-word.
Exactly.
The funny thing is, even when I think of the phrase myself I THINK of it as if it means man-to-man, even though I know what it actually means.
Yes, it does.
Meant it in context of a contest, even combat.
Let me say I will miss you and all the commenters.
I’ve learned much.
meant to say “as in ‘hand to hand combat'” which now includes the ladies.
Nicely said. While I am not always brief, the comments has helped sharpen my thinking on many a Christian subject as it relates to the world we find ourselves (plus some humor tossed in for good measure, yours especially.)
I totally understand. You’ve been longsuffering beyond reasonable expectations, but in many cases it’ll be a mercy to remove the opportunity for temptation. Of course it is a great loss, too, especially of the good anonymi whom I cannot hope to meet elsewhere (katecho ????????????????????).
Friends, y’all can find me on Twitter — https://twitter.com/KyriosityTweets — and if you message me there, I might point you to my Facebook. Enemies, I sincerely hope you get your hearts right with Jesus.
I don’t have a Twitter and steadily refuse to have one. But I’m going to trust my very old friend Valerie (who is not very old, but our friendship is) to handle any requests for my Facebook info. Then again, if anyone’s been paying attention since before the last change in comment system, my full name really shouldn’t be too hard to figure out, and it’s not very common.
Oh, and if Jilly’s reading this, Valerie is hereby authorized to connect us on Facebook, should she ask.
Yes, I’d love to find Jilly on Facebook, but some last names ARE too common. ;^)
I have to figure out how to make my FB so that it doesn’t have my daughter’s stuff all over it because she fusses about privacy and she gets stalked by weirdos. Not that anyone here is, but I have strict orders not to give out my FB. I will talk to her and see what we can figure out because I would hate to lose touch with you and Jane!
Maybe it’s time to start my blog!!!
You could do Twitter now as a substitute for Mablog commenting. :^D
Seriously…it wouldn’t be so bad to have Twitter, never post, and just follow a few folks. I’ve very strictly kept my follows under 100, but it wouldn’t be to hard to do far fewer.
Thanks, but steadfastly refusing to get Twitter has served me well and I just don’t want to go there (literally.)
Can’t blame a girl for tryin’. ????
No, I can’t, and I appreciate the thought behind it. :-)
It took me one minute to find yours, but I couldn’t find Valerie’s. I am sending you a friend request so maybe you can hook Valerie in as well!
Done. :-)
Kyriosity confirms each facet of her namesake, but, actually, we have met elsewhere. So there’s always hope. :-)
This is a bad idea. One exact reason I have never subscribed to a newspaper in my life is that I can’t interact directly with the writer of the story. If I send a thoughtful letter the newspaper can just ignore it. With a well thought out argument a person can dismantle what was said in a video or written in a blog. This is an essential strength for this platform. I have commented a couple dozen times on this blog and have never gotten a response from Doug directly in the comments. This is fine, I know he is… Read more »
Katecho for president, indeed! ????
I ‘d be OK with Lady Dunsworth as well!????
Sorry Jilly, you were born a bit too far north.???? who knew that could be a thing?
Quite apart from hailing from north of the 49th, you really wouldn’t want me for president. It would take me about a year to spend all the money on free health care, food kitchens for all, and a Saks Fifth Avenue debit card for the poor and badly dressed. Not that I have one myself, but that wouldn’t stop me. I would fix the economy by letting people advertise on the back of our currency. And I would sign an executive order admitting all Canadians who want to come so I would have people on hand to laugh at my… Read more »
A year to spend all the money?
In the USA, That’s what I call fiscal restraint Honey!
I would have endorsed Doug but Demonic_Clown69 said Doug has some patriarchal skeletons in his closet.
Doug, you could fit the comments section with an Elisha feature so anyone who is rude gets mauled by bears.
It would be good to have an ‘Ask Katecho’ feature. I’d use that.
The Elisha comment keeps cracking me up. ????????
If anyone was wondering, yes, this sort of talk does go straight to my head like fine alcohol. Could be almost as dangerous as the Elisha feature. :-) But obviously very kindly meant, so thank you.
I am mostly a lurker here. I do enjoy reading the comments and think disabling them is a big mistake. Sometimes the comments are better than the post. I agree with Doug about 95%of the time. Despite that I even enjoy comments from the reasonable dissenters and atheists. I think a better course of action would be to make registration a condition for commenting. When a registered troll appears disable their commenting privileges. ” Your L. A. privileges have been revoked. “
This (Silas’s idea of forcing registration) seems like a good idea to me (Also a mostly-lurker.)
But then it’s also probably a lot of work to weed out the comments, and honestly I’d still come here to read the daily-ish posts even if comments were turned off. To be honest, I rarely (maybe 5% of the time) read the comments anyways.
Same, Doug. Even those of us who aren’t dissenters still want to see the (genuine) dissent. I’m not as prone to read blogs that don’t have comments, because I want to see what the counterarguments are. This’ll take substantial value away from your posts.
comments helped me see , flaws/errors in my own reasoning or better defend a certain belief or idea.
all the best!
Likewise.
on the plus side I should have some more productive time…
Very much so…altho the commenting diversion isn’t all bad, most intend at being helpful in offering their comment regardless a little [usually polite] wrangling occurs.
You too, bdash. I will miss teasing you!
Yes- will miss you too!
Yikes. Sounds like a lot of filtering to do. I hope it’s edifying. I hope you weren’t reading all the comments this whole time! Moderating ain’t easy! Have you had many complaints of the trolls (hey, I don’t run a blog, I have NO idea the hoards of idiocy you must wade through)? I, myself, enjoy the trolling of the atheist blogs and such (often they delete my posts for being too reasonable and clean mouth-ed, with proper grammar and syntax). Admittedly, I do have to read their terrible arguments, deciding how and why I reject them and demonstrate the… Read more »
Wow! This is great! I know I have made gut reaction comments to 2 commenters with the initials “M” and “M” that were not helpful and so I for one am glad you are disabling comments! Onward and upward!
But but but…. Notice me senpai!!!
One of the reasons I come here is because of the people here. Not only is a Doug a superb writer, but there are a number of truly interesting denizens of this blog from whom I have learned a lot and who have warmed the cockles of my heart. (Bit of an odd phrase, isn’t it, Adad?) Anyway, I feel like a wonderful little community has been dissolved and I shall miss it. I also occasionally enjoyed jousting with the nut-jobs and eugenicists as practice should I encounter one outside the forty acres of the cyber-sphere. All-in-all, its probably symptomatic… Read more »
Farewell my furry hatted friend!
????????????
“maelstrom” – bad weather moving in just after stocking up on Aquavit and lutefisk.
“One of the reasons I come here is because of the people here. Not only is a Doug a superb writer, but there are a number of truly interesting denizens of this blog from whom I have learned a lot and who have warmed the cockles of my heart.”
Hear, hear!
Awww….I am so sorry it has come to this. I completely understand the need for it and have to grudgingly admit the wisdom of the decision. (And that’s not just because you said something nice about me.) I enjoyed the interaction, until we got taken over by the cranks and trolls. I will miss it greatly and am at nearly Anne Shirley levels of tragical mortification at the moment.
Thanks for the kind words — far better than I deserve.
“nearly Anne Shirley levels of tragical mortification” <– THIS.
Are you having flashbacks to September ’01?
Nah, too many of my favorite blogs have gone through this for that to be the go-to memory anymore. At least now we still have Facebook, including Doug’s page.
I feel exactly the same way. When I first came here, I thought what a bunch of homophobic Calvinists! Then you all slowly became MY homophobic Calvinists. And then I started seeing you as individuals and liking many of you so much. Who knew?
As a long ago commenter, but still regular reader, I have to admit I am going to miss the discussion.
Blessings to all.
Please confirm if you ever had a real Hill billy / moonshiner beard. (?) ????????????
adad0,
Your snarky wit will be missed. And, no on the beard, the military looks down on Duck Dynasty style facial hair. Moonshine, too.
On this issue alone, the military should be abolished completely. They’re such anti-beard bigots!! #sarcasm
Every man in the military should go on strike and grow a beard! Follow orders, just not the no beards order. #sarcasm
Trey, I joined the Coast Guard in 1986, one year after their ‘beard ban’. I was 17, shaving sporadically, and took it as a personal honor the first time I was told I needed to shave at inspection! Those who served before the ban also declared it a travesty. I live in Twin Falls, ID and have never been to Moscow. This blog is the sole reason I want to visit there, I pray one of the conference events will work for me. Pastor Wilson, because of my kids I’ve read all of Nate’s stuff before yours, but I’ll get… Read more »
Next conference is in April! https://graceagenda.com/
Valerie, I go visit my sister in Spokane once a year. We will have to see what we can do!
You’re welcome at my house if you come visit Moscow. ????
I’ve already made plans for a different, travel-involved conference for 2018. But FFR, are there any discount airlines flying into Spokane?
Southwest does…usually very reasonably.
Might also try Alaska (in which case, also check out flight’s to Pullman). It is, sadly, an expensive part of the country to travel to and from.
Fly to Portland then drive to Spokane.
Excellent. Challies did this a few years ago, his blog and readership are the better for it.
yes no one can can call out his support for eradication of male and female roles
Bdash: Might use this opportunity to take that up with Challies directly through his letter form…go straight to the source for a change.
I prefer straight to the source, rather than 3rd party….
bdash: “I prefer straight to the source,”
(ME)”…go straight to the source for a change.”
Sorry about the snarky quip, far too assumptive.
This will be good for all our humility.
Why don’t you also authorize the 25 Good Commenters to submit comment, unmoderated? They will then appear instantly. You will not have to process their letters. You can add Good Letterwriters to the automatic list from time to time. And of course you cn demote people from being Good Commenters to being Mere Others.
This would be a very good move. The Comments section of a blgo is potentially the best part, better than the posts— but only if the right people comment. If they can instantly interact, that’s all the better.
Since I’ve declared myself one of those 25 with all the humility in the world, I approve of this idea. :-)
Seriously, who didn’t like my comment? I’m hurt and offended. Now I’ve gotta go to my safe space.
“…gotta go to my safe space.”
Say hello to MeMe while yer there. {[:-)
You know I was joking about all this? I have no earthly idea if I’m one of the 25. Probably not, considering I’m a relatively new commenter. I’d like to hope and think that I am, but probably not. I’m not that good of a communicator to get that high honor.
I caught your obvious satirical tone.
Oh good. Sometimes it’s hard with text.
There, I just zeroed it out for you.
“Since I’ve declared myself one of those 25 with all the humility in the world,”
That’s the trap isn’t it? The people with enough character to consistently post excellent content are also the ones with the modesty to assume they aren’t on the list. That Doug is a sly one.
Though *obviously* we’re on the list Trey. Just wouldn’t make sense any other way.
Yeah, probably. I have no idea if I’m one of the 25. Probably not, considering I’m a relatively new commenter.
oh don’t take me as seriously suggesting you aren’t. I have no idea. Just playing around.
It’s fun playing and pretending that Doug thinks of yourself as highly as being one of the SPECIAL 25. Helps one with their humility and self-esteem.
ah. The SPECIAL 25. There’s a name now. Jerseys must be next.
Doug’s mighty men…er…people.
I’m thinking it’s a play on Scripture: Only the 25 will enter through the narrow Mablog gate”. Either that or it’s a take on Revelation and the 144,000.
Hard to argue with, as some of the trolls here have been a true weariness to the soul; but I sure will miss some of the regular folks here in the comments, such as the ones Pastor Doug mentioned. Is there no way to technologically ban trolls and psychopaths? I’ve learned a number of things from the good Christian folk who comment here.
Honestly, probably not just a good idea here but for most of the rest of the internet as well.
See J’, brevity is the soul of wit! ????
Somehow I don’t think this is the last we will speak to each other!????????
That settles it, Pastor Wilson. If Jonathan says its a good idea, you must reconsider your decision.
Your blog your rules.
But noooooooo!
An even longer nooooooo (like Buddy the Elf when he found out Dad was on the naughty list).
I guess I’m probably in the list of trolls, which is unfortunate. I guess this wasn’t what the comments were for but I can to this blog in large part to see what Christians think about my views. Unfortunately I found some trolls and ended up not having very good discussion sometimes, but it still showed me what would happen if I said some of the things I think in certain churches. I also know that I’m not always right, by a long shot, and so I was curious to find counterarguments to my beliefs. If I was trolling I… Read more »
Malik,
People are too quick to call anyone espousing views they disagree with “trolls.” However, hastily written poorly thought through arguments which are antagonistic towards most of the community are likely to cause a lot of clutter and damage the experience for everyone else.
If you have an outsider view that you think should be heard then sharpen up and make your case succinctly and forcefully.
Malik, I haven’t interacted with you a ton, but from what I’ve seen, you’ve been a fairly reasonable opponent. If we got rid of a dozen of the real trolls and had an extra dozen of you, I think we’d not be reading this post.
Okay thanks, I’m glad.
I wonder if we all have a different definition of “troll”. I think of an internet troll as someone who goes so far as to post things other than what they even believe, simply to get a reaction or cause problems. By that definition, I’ve only seen 2-3 regular posters on here that I ever felt were “trolling”. There are a few posters who are just mean, or who seem a bit off-balance, but to me that’s a different issue. The #1 problem that makes the threads difficult, I think, is simply hyperpartisanship. There are a number of posters, on… Read more »
Never saw you as a troll, just presenting a different viewpoint which likely would not come across as it often does in a comment if instead it were discussed over coffee. We have seen some common ground on a few things.
Okay I’m really glad. Yeah we do have common ground
I’m impressed with your fortitude in supporting you’re arguments against strong opposition.
Trolls never say ‘fair point’ to people who criticise their arguments. You’ve got a lot to learn but with patience and broader thinking, you will make good progress.
I’m really happy with these positive responses to Malik’s statement. When he was getting called a troll earlier I was quite upset with those who were doing it, and he deserves the affirmation now that he wasn’t getting then.
I really appreciate this!
Thanks!
Indighost I had this exact thought as I read Malik’s posts. I think a bit more humility on his part would help but who among us couldn’t use more humility?
Certainly not me. I’m the most humble person I know. I could teach classes in humility.
I can like totally relate!
I myself win humility contests all the time!
????
You two can share the humble pie, half each.
Silas: ” but who among us couldn’t use more humility?”
Humble gratitude…now there’s a combination to strive for.
I don’t think people think you are a troll but rather an honest questioner with a lot of ideas and ideals. I too admire the way you have stuck to your guns, and I wish you all the best.
Thank you, all the best to you too.
Finally! t’s been a cesspool for years.
Finally! It’ been a cesspool for years.
Very much of two minds on the topic. On the one hand, I’m quite certain this will dramatically improve my own writing in response to your posts. I won’t be able to carelessly hit the submit button because my kids are interrupting me and be more curt than I know I should have been. On the other, missing out on one another is a big loss. Though in terms of total bulk of the posts, the tangents and trolls were many, in terms of actual number of commenters they were few. Goodbye everyone who I probably won’t hear from again.… Read more »
I completely agree with the last two sentences.
As much as I hate to see this go, you are definitely making the right decision. This place has become a quagmire lately.
I doubt I’m among the famed 25, but I pray your efforts continue to be blessed, Reverend Wilson.
And I will be sending you some letters. Us old guys are used to this sort of thing.
You’re probably one of the 25. Just like every commenter to ever comment on here, except for the trolls and what not (as defined by Doug and ultimately Scripture).
Ha! I’ve already muffed the new system – I thought I was leaving a comment and I inadvertently sent a letter to the editor! Anyway. I’m not sure how I feel about this. I’ve learned so much from many of the commenters here, but haven’t read the comment threads much in the past few months because of the repetitive nonsense (non-repetitive nonsense can be interesting). While i didn’t comment much, it makes me sad that many who are friends (and frenemies) on this forum must essentially say goodbye. To Jill, I’ve always enjoyed your lovely and original written voice!
Did the same until I scrolled down on the iPad and saw the comment section.
Thank you, Katie, that is so kind of you. I will miss you!
Works for me. I often post stuff not really intended for anyone but you anyway.
btw, you’re missing a word in “I would encourage to please take advantage”.
Doug, thank you for the years of sitting in your living room discussing how scripture relates with our lives today. Now, it’s off to the back porch where we will write our letters from.
Counterpoint: The unedifying digressions and food fights go away when you take away the chance to preen in public. I expect our esteemed host will do a good job presenting the best his opponents can muster.
I am very sad that this day has come, and I do hope Pastor Wilson will relent and let us have an occasional comment section. I have no hope of being among the 25, but I will promise to be restrained and unprovocative! I feel, like so many here, that we have developed a community and I look on almost all of you as my sisters and brothers. I have loved being the resident Catholic (though neither as orthodox nor as learned as the Jesuit-trained John who drops in from time to time). I appreciate how tolerant people have been… Read more »
“I have no hope of being among the 25”
I think there’s some hope for you because I don’t know how many more than 25 regular commenters there are here.
I am going to miss the occasional really long Jane Austen comment rabbit trails. A lot. :)
I think you can safely count yourself among the peoples choice top 3, at least.
John is certainly at the top of my “best commenters” list, enormously erudite yet not at all fractious. Always bringing up something that I have never heard of, or have only the most casual knowledge of.
I have been more of an off and on commenter of late, but this section is the best i have found on the internet and it will be hard to replace.
Tough call, but probably a wise one in this day and age. I found the discussions a challenge at times; at other times my patience was challenged instead. Herr Proprietor, when you weren’t making me chuckle by rolling off book-latin like a well-used stogie (I’m not a Kirker, but a Lewis fan), you said a lot of stuff that I don’t hear elsewhere that made me think about how I am working out my salvation with fear and trembling, and that is good, so thanks for that (also thanks to many of the commenters I interacted with). One of the… Read more »
See, folks. This is why we can’t have nice things.
This was my first thought, too. I remember when Mablog first started, and a friend complained that there was no comment system. “Can you imagine how crazy it would get?” I replied. I’m only surprised it lasted so long.
I think this is a good idea, although I will miss my occasuonal forays into the commenting community.
I protest! I don’t have any right to, because all I do is lurk, but I am a faithful lurker and will miss all the regulars with whom I’ve never interacted.
A frequent commenter on this blog LONG ago has not commented in years. I hated her comments as she was very caustic toward anyone who disagreed with Doug. But I commend and admire her heartily for withdrawing and holding her tongue, which she seemed to be using more as a weapon than a tool of wisdom. This is the main reason I never commented, too much temptation to become hostile. Too much belligerence towards those who disagree. Good choice to end comments Doug!
Huh….I have been here since the beginning and have no memory of she to whom you refer. However, I fully admit I’m probably just forgetting — in the way a woman forgets the pain of childbirth soon after it’s all over. ;-) Probably at the time, I was as annoyed as you.
I have no idea either, and I have been reading the comments since back when Chris Witmer (RIP) was the best of the bunch…
I thought I was the only one who didn’t know who Dan meant…
“—like Jane or Katecho—”
I concur, but I also love me some bethyada, Jill, BJ, and many others. Ya’ll have been very helpful in my navigation of some of these issues. Thanks for all of your thoughtfulness. It’s been a blessing.
I’ve said hardly anything over the years, but I’ve greatly enjoyed (most of) the comments, and the worldwide virtual community that has grown up around them. Many have already said what needs to be said. Hear, hear!
It’s hard to find time to comment when you are leading rebellions in Scotland. How’s the Bruce?
I originally stumbled on this blog looking for counterpoint to the Woman Whose Name Is A Complete Sentence, and wound up staying because of Doug’s fantastic writing — and the robust comments. I’ll admit, occasionally I skipped the OP and headed straight for the comments section. But I’ve seen enough of Doug’s posts where he hit it out of the park to not make skipping them a regular occurrence. For what it’s worth, the comments will be sorely missed. You can judge a blogger by the commenters they attract, and I think Doug has some of the best commenters around.… Read more »
I can’t see the back end so may not appreciate how much work it was for you Doug. It seems a bit drastic though. Let’s say revolutionary rather than reformational. ☺ I actually think the comments are beneficial on the main. Though tangential themes that occur recurrently are a nuisance. And given what lot of the internet is like I think there is intelligent discussion here. Some suggestions. Force registration. That should keep some away. Warn then ban. It will stop that person (at least under that name) but it also shows us what you want to avoid. Specify that… Read more »
B’, from comments above, it sounds like you have your own blog. Any chance of linking it here, even temporarily?
????????
Its easy to find. Search Bethyada in Google and it is the first hit. Also, Doug did a QA with him once and linked it here (no idea how long ago – in cyber time a thousand years are like a day)
Warning though, if you read the beliefs section it may give you a headache; what with all the arminian, credobaptist, continuationist stuff ;).
One more suggestion to add to Bethyada’s. Get rid of the up/downvote buttons. It definitely damages discourse. It would be nice to think that human behavior isn’t impacted by a little number under a comment; but, unfortunately, we are in constant need of affirmation.
https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2017/03/how-the-like-button-ruined-the-internet/519795/
Personally, I like the up/down vote buttons. There are many times I simply want to affirm that I liked a comment or hated a comment. I consider an upvote better than “Ditto”, and a downvote better than “what a stupid thing to say”. It seems that those who get downvotes get bent out of shape about it. It is feedback of sorts and should be useful.
It may be interesting, or useful, on the small scale. However, research – and anecdotal evidence such as that in the article I linked and in my own experience of online communities indicate that “like” buttons and upvote/downvote options reduce content diversity, increase herd mentality, increase snark and attacks, reduce the quality of discourse, and increase the use of memes and bland humor. Those things are antithetical to a good discussion in my mind.
Commenters on this site should move on over to Doug’s Facebook page and comment on the articles that get posted there. So Doug, make sure you remember to post your pieces to your Facebook page. Thanks.
Doug does have a Facebook page. If the loyal commenters want to continue their back and forth discussion, get on Facebook and comment there. Maybe Doug will post his latest pieces to his Facebook page as a way to start a comment thread.
Doug, this is actually helpful. In the past I have, numerous times, decided against linking to one of your helpful posts because of the trope found in the comments below the story. Now I won’t have to worry about that, and can link freely.
What a shame. Still, one understands… and at least one occasional commentator will have at least one fewer distraction from his actual work…
Just started, will miss it, but I understand and see why it’s done. Managing a comments section would no doubt be a bear for someone who has many more pressing duties.
Speaking of the grammar police, that should be either:
“Farewell, comments; hello, letters”
“Farewell, comments. Hello, letters”
–or —
“Farewell comments, hello letters”
Definitely not option three. And no colon after either. ????
I would add that “either” should not be included, there should be a comma after the first two choices, “–or —” should simply be “or” (placed at the end of the line with the second option), and the comment should conclude with a period (full stop).
Perhaps it should be “Farewell, Comments: Hello, Letters” or, to eliminate pesky grammar issues, “Farewell to Comments and Hello to Letters” (capitalization in titles is rather a mystery to me).
If you aren’t one of the 25, you can still identify as one of the 25. I’m surprised no one has thought of this. Woke up, people. Your participation trophies are over there. As for: “On the other hand, I also know that if I shut the comments down, the adversarial tune will change—I am not open to correction, I am shuttering dissenting voices, I have declared war on the First Amendment, etc. Ah, well.” You are just another victim of Chesterton’s “Any Stick” (#AnyStick). As in Chesterton began to see that any stick was a good stick to hit… Read more »
Doug, I’m a big fan and am glad you are trying this new approach.
I am not a lawyer, so I could be mistaken about what follows, but I’ll throw this out there for your consideration anyay. I know that you have said you are keeping this blog independent from your church to avoid legal issues. However, the email address you have above uses the christkirk domain. This could perhaps be construed as Blog & Mablog being an extension of Christ Church. You may want to reconsider what domain is used for the email.
I will contribute my disappointment at losing the engaging community – I have benefited, been edified, and been sharpened by the mutual discussions with the (constructive) commenters. That will be sorely missed.
I regret there isn’t a way to simply clamp down and quickly bar or ban those being unconstructive, and allow the constructive comments and dialogue which has proved so beneficial to myself and it seems to others.
Grateful for the very kind words, and for the opportunity to toss in my thoughts over the years. Thanks, Doug! I can’t be charged with avoiding the commenting feature here, but I do recall there was concern from the beginning that the overall effect would be to dilute Wilson’s own posts. We have no reason to be threatened by people expressing contrary views, or with those taking an occasional pot shot at Wilson. Even the recurring false accusations against Wilson have been trivial to refute, and I’ve been honored to do so on many occasions. We don’t even need the… Read more »
I feel like I finally found the best bar in the world, came in and felt right at home. I hung out for a bit, checking out the architecture and overall ambience, and being very pleased. After quite a bit of exploration, I finally get a seat at the bar and order a beer.
As I’m nursing it slowly, I’m told the bar will now be turned into a newsstand with a suggestion box.