Taming the Trolls
Decatur Metro | August 13, 2009
It’s become quite obvious in recent weeks that something has to be done about “blog trolls” that occasionally jump on the site to do necessary damage before bolting.
For better or worse, the site has become too popular to continue to leave it completely unmoderated at all hours of the day. I catch a lot of stuff quickly, but recently there have been instances where things get through and sit for just long enough to have an impact. These days it seems like damage can be done in about 30 minutes.
So, here’s my first option. Instead of making everyone get a WordPress account, I’m going to start by checking this box:
Before a comment appears comment author must have a previously approved comment
UPDATE: Nothing will change for anyone that’s posted before. But from here on out, when someone posts for the first time (or changes their email address) their comment will be sent to moderation for approval. After that, you’re free to comment as frequently or infrequently as before, provided you don’t type any of the magic words or add two or more links to a comment. Both of these actions have always sent you to moderation.
Thank you for understanding.
Latest from Decaturish
Uh oh. Does this mean you’ll be denying those of us who are a bit right of center?
What the hell am I gonna do during lunch now!?
OK. Thank god. It seems to be allowing all existing commenters to continue to post without sending them to moderation. So only newbies should be affected…and then only once.
Eric, just for that, you’re headed to solitary for a couple weeks.
I kid.
But seriously, I’m sure you’ll see plenty of right wing banter here in the future. Both from new and old. I’ve never blocked based on viewpoint. Even ask those currently under moderation. Anything that follows the rules about attacks goes through.
Just to clarify…I’m not right wing. I’m socially centrist but fiscally conservative. Just want to make that clear so people don’t assume I’m a Sarah Palin fan.
Hmmm. When I took “The World’s Smallest Policital Quiz”, my results fell into the “Centrist Libertarian” category…sounds kinda like what you’re saying, so you’re probably not as alone idealogically here as you might think!
Dude, I knew you were Palin fan, I knew it…
Don’t fret, Eric. You’re describing me, too.
Check. Check. Check. Is this thing on?
HELLO SPRINGFIELD! THERE WILL BE NO ENCORE!
“We salute you, our half-inflated Dark Lord!”
Um, I’ve been posting here awhile, but am not sure I actually know what “The Rules” are beyond no intentional threadjacking, no personal attacks, and no *really* dirty words (I think– maybe those are OK, but don’t know since I haven’t used ‘em)…might be a good time for you to bring up any other no-no’s, DM.
That’s about it cuba. “No name calling” early on quickly evolved into “no personal attacks” when I realized that there were plenty of more creative ways to insult someone. None of that creates healthy conversation.
The real dirty words will get you sent to moderation. Depending on the context, I will allow. I really don’t give a flip about the words themselves, but they serve as great indicators of a person’s mood. And if they’re dropping f-bombs, then it’s pretty certain they’re saying a lot of other stuff that isn’t allowed.
Much of the rest is like privacy laws. Name-calling and attacks of public figures is more tolerated than private figures. And insults directed towards children are not tolerated at all, in that I don’t even acknowledge that they existed. (Yes, I had to deal with that once)
Also I don’t really allow vague criticism of local businesses, because a lot of times those are trolls too. Specific gripes are always welcome. But things like, “let’s predict which Decatur store will go under next!” is not.
Thanks for asking.
I have been wondering if attacking myself is allowed. I know it sounds strange, but I feel I need a different sounding board than my wife.
This policy is a direct result of “Mongoose”….I know it….I think.
Mongoose wasn’t a troll.
Maybe not, DM, but you have to admit he was pretty close. I think he is just used to posting on news pages’ comment sections–which, of course, is the vibe you’re trying avoid.
I always wondered if Mongoose was really DM’s alter ego.
Uhm, that never occurred to me, but…
That explains why I woke up the next morning with no recollection of that entire conversation!
Gibbs, I can see your point. He really wasn’t open to listening to the opinion of others at all. I hold out hope that most of these folks eventually can be brought around with a bunch of reasonable retorts. In that particular case it didn’t really go that way and he conveniently ignored all points that refuted his position. In all honesty that conversation annoyed me to the point where I couldn’t sleep.
But really, the trolls that concern me most are the ones who are intent on slandering members of the community.
DM, keep up the good work. Your have my constant gratitude for what can be a thankless task.
Love the troll photo, and thanks for keeping this site up
You took my thought right out of my keystrokes.
Stupid trolls…I hate them and their brightly colored hair!
Speaking of trolls or, actually, seeing troll dolls on this blog, are they still in fashion? A couple of years ago, they came back real big at Glennwood and I ordered a few from ebay. Now I have a surplus of troll dolls and no more troll aficionados.
Who moderates Mr. Moderator? Mrs. Moderator perhaps?
I hope there will be a continued high tolerance for smack talk, calling out, and zinging the sanctimonious.
I stated my health care reform opinion on a blog yesterday and someone called me a transvestite. LOL!
I’ve always wanted to be a drag queen, so we should have some fun, baby!
Did I get in?
Did I?
HA! I did! Woo-hoooooo!
I’ve got to post something, just to see if I’m on the bad girl list.
Dang!
I’m a socialist. I I just wanted to say that.
Very weird. For some reason this comment, and only this comment from Nellie, was sent to moderation.
It’s a Republican conspiracy. Socialism is a verrry bad word.
This last comment was tagged for moderation as well. Woohoo! I’m a bad girl!
Weird. I still can’t figure out why.
It’s because I am a socialist.
Eric we must be related.
Really, SAACJack? Are you also a pigeon-toed hunchback with webbed feet, cauliflower ear and tinnitis? if so, then we are definitely related.
And no offense to those who are pigeon-toed, have a hunchback, or cauliflower ear, or tinnitis.
AHA! Eric, my coworker pal! I’d recognize you anywhere.