Perhaps I'll be seen as overly sensitive but there are a few things I find disconcerting. Mainly, the fact that we get tactless, borderline racist, ethnocentric and just plain stupid anonymous commentaries directed at people. Although there have been a few the one I'm referring to is the bible/koran comment after superannuated's post.
This is why it annoys me:
1. If you're making an anonymous comment, chances are you know it's a pretty rancid thing to say and you're hiding under the mask of anonymity to shirk responsibility. The internet is rife with creeps who try to get away with things they wouldn't want to put their name to. eg. pedophiles and racists. If you're not one of them then put your name to the comment and stand by it.
2. The bible/koran quip was insulting to super because first of all, anonymous was blatantly pointing him out as a minority in a rather insensitive rude way and thus making a racist quip. Secondly, it also seems at the expense of the Koran. Super is obviously not Muslim but grafting him into that section of the population also utlizes the sensationalism surround fundamentalism now. It's about as tactful as poking someone in the eye with a sharp stick.
3. Also, this blog was a way to keep in touch with friends not to make anonymous "jokes" that we like to pass off as "jokes" which in reality are racist, ethnocentric insults. And yes, some of the comments are obviously from friends because random web surfers wouldn't necessarily know the things we know.
4. And yes we can ignore these comments, but really, why do we have to? I sift through enough shit on the internet as it is. Do I need to do it here?
It's true there have been always jokes about our ethnicity and such within the group. But they were said upright and they were readily assimilated as jokes. Here they are not. Consider the medium you're using and consider your safe haven of anonymity. Furthermore, biting but clever quips can be made. Yes super's post was long but it was Mr. Lister who got his point across, not "anonymous". So say what you want but put your name to it and maybe then it'll be taken in context.
So maybe, I think this is possible, we should consider not allowing anonymous comments. I think, Flu, the admin. can do this no? I'm sure now I'll be flooded initially with anonymous comments for this post so go for it but I'm interested in what everyone else has to say.
posted by Dagmara @ 9:20 AM
7 comments
7 Comments:
Thank you Miss Army - I have a feeling that all of the comments are generated by one person who shall remain nameless... I agree with your sentiments - such humour can at times be appreciated, but when it is anonymously authored, it become less humour, and more of an attack....
If the majority of the group wants the anonymous comments off, it will be done.
Secondly, the one-who-will-not-be-named, lest's call him/her Voldemmort, isn't always the one to do those comments. Many times it is someone pretending to be Voldemort.
I know I've almost commented in his/her style and I know of others who actually have.
So let's not put the blame all on the doorstep of one person, shall we.
I just noticed:
There is also the option to moderate the comments.
That way legitimate people who want to comment, can, and the other stuff will be rejected.
The only problem with this is the time delay between commenting and the actual posting of the comment.
The turn around would be a couple of hours I would assume, depending on my state of boredom.
True, I have myself once posted in Voldemort's style, and I'm sure that others have, so I am aware that we should not assume that it is truly just voldemort - so in that regard - If you are a member of the Dead Fox Society and wish to make a snappy comment - gorget being anonymous, or coming up with a fake blogger name and just stand up and write your own name their.
Worst part is, now that I got that castro hat, it could happen too. But then again I might be groomed as a replacement or decoy or something. Just think of it.....all...those... cigars.....
Ah, kidnappings and beatings by the CIA.....and since we are on the topic.
As for the moderating, as much as I would enjoy being Zeus like and throw lightning bolts at those unworthy of commenting, I'd rather not do it while reading. Besides we can always elect a panel of suckas and give them a Double O license to do that.
Or at least a lolipop.
I vote for me to get a lollipop
I agree with you matt that blogs are open forums and like you aptly noted, this blog is a little different. I apologize if I seem a little sensitive but I don't think one can necessarily assume everything is coming from a warm and fuzzy place. Text stands for itself and as is the case, intent cannot be written into it, especially when it is anonymous. I just know that everyone has different circumstances and will approach things differently so I'm not asking for a PC approach but at least a little bit of tact. I am not assuming anyone in particular wrote these comments because it's easy to write something anonymously and then blame someone else. If we for the most part can make snappy comments with our names put to it, I think that will at least give perspective and the honesty I think each individual here deserves.
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