For a number of different reasons, we're looking in to disabling anonymous comments on this site. For most of our members, this really wont change anything as you've already got an account on the Galactic Free Press. This will speed up the site and help reduce spam, as we get thousands of anonymous spam submissions each day that bog down our server. It will also help reduce the negative comments we sometimes get, as those normally are from anonymous users.
I wanted to announce this first, and get some feedback in case anybody has a good reason for continuing to allow anonymous comments on our site. Feel free to leave comments below.
Forums
I'm for disabling anonymous comments..
Loved ones,
I feel the GFP has been generous in allowing anonymous comments for this long time. I perceive that, initially, it was probably because people might feel uncomfortable expressing themselves and the truth that was beginning to emerge within themselves. We are all for free speech. But also, I have seen some taking advantage of the ability to post anonymously by using it to try to attack GFP messages in some manner.
Anyone with a heartfelt message for the GFP will permit the site administrators the courtesy of creating a GFP member account. It is very common in this day and age for sites to require an account to allow people to post,and I see no reason to disagree with this administrative decision. It will also promote the well-being of the GFP community- especially we do not like seeing each other insulted, and members generally treat each other with more lovingkindness than I see expressed by some anonymous posters.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment- this has been in my heart and mind for a few weeks lately as well. Much love!!
<3 <3 <3
screening comments
Hallooo! It may be better to screen comments, dont post them until they pass the smell test , if ya know what I mean; sarcasm and irony are sometimes difficult to detect in printed words and they may manifest a brilliant observation, or just plain punny,... can't be too serious or exclusive, or its just another members only cabal. Much care should be observed or we become the very monster we seek to enlighten.
cheers!
We've talked about this
We've talked about this before, but it presents some new problems. First is that someone has to sort through the hundred plus comments we get each day. We also would prefer not to have a delay before the comment is posted. We talked about this at our meeting today, and it looks like we're going to do what most sites already do, and require people to register an account before posting a comment.
Thank you Will
I agree with not having a delay before comments are posted. We are "moving very fast" now.
new thought
Some of the guest posts are good. Perhaps we should work etherically or whatever you wish to call it to only attract the helpful guests. This can work too. I don't mind continuing to delete spam and to field angry remarks. My skills at this are improving.
There is another possibility,
There is another possibility, I could make it so guest comments require approval while members comments go through automatically. Just means someone would have to start sorting through all the guest comments. From a technical aspect, I'd like to get rid of guest comments altogether as it would be much easier on our server and make us less of a target for spammers.
that sounds good
Will, that sounds very good to me. I would be willing to help review guest comments if that would help - to the extent of my time and ability, of course.
Reply
It seems that Guests would still be able to see what is going on with the press, but simply not post until they have joined. I like this better than screening comments. I have just taken down a spam post. Certainly requiring people to register before posting would relieve some of the dissonance that takes place when trolls are allowed to play freely.