Online news reports invite comments and while most of them make sense and in themselves, present a different viewpoint on an issue, some are corny or mean or blatantly party political. I take my news on line because I can actually read a fairly full report with photographs and unfortunately annoying ads sometimes, but the writer of the article gives a name and background. I find this an open and honest way to learn what's going on in the world after the "breaking news" and a chance for the scribing reporter to gain some feedback. I respond here and there, almost every day mainly because I feel that if I were the article maker, I would find the comments a chance to hone my work. Not all of the comments are kind and sometimes that's well deserved. The article writer is writing an article and in so doing, is perfectly within its rights to add a personal slant. What the comment makers write is controlled to an extent, by guidelines. The rules are plain, but some of the hacks who read the pieces, call on their trite old grudges that are plainly not comments that make sense, but are mere sign carrier mottos groaning against their same old same old gripes. How they are permitted is a mystery to me because there is nothing more behind that kind of blast than what we have to listen to in "demonstrations". A lot of noise of only one or two words over and over again. It's enough to make one stay home. A few of the commentators' texts are comprised of their hackneyed cat call words that most readers and writers ignore at once. But they, too, should have an opportunity to do what they do. It's called freedom of speech. I am very fond of reading the articles and the comments and I frequently add my own. What is amusing in this activity, is how some of the responders are responded to. They are often giggle inspiring in their clever simplicity and humour. Before making comments, you must register with the media group that owns the site and when you comment, you are tossed into the "loop" to receive in your own email invitations to see any further comments on the subject. It is all very well organized. If you make a comment that the censors (I presume) judge as improper, and there must be many, the comment is not posted. In fact, you could be denied access to do so for some time. Once I was blocked and wrote to the media company saying that my comment, I cited, did not break the rules and, in fact, was much tamer than many others. I gave examples. I received a very pleasant e mail back and afterward was able to continue commenting. To me, being able to make comments on news reporting is a democratic form of participating in the global community. It gives the citizen a chance to feel that its thoughts can be added in support or denial and that kind of openness is what makes a democracy. While comments won't change things that have happened, it does colour what the average person inflicted with the daily news, thinks on the issues presented. If I were an article writer, I'd be pleased to receive even the silly or nasty comments because it makes up a spectrum of the audience opinion you are addressing. I enjoy the thoughtful comments, the ones that say something and offer insight, rather than the ones that are merely blatting out rude slams. Try it and feel that you count.
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