Comments on: Is serious discussion possible in online communities?

By: Christina

Christina — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 21:44:27 +0000

I think serious online conversations are possible, but without good moderation, things can get out of hand. The example above demonstrates how people will promote their own agendas whenever given the opportunity. Clear guidelines will help, but not eliminate the problem.

By: Andy Jones

Andy Jones — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 12:11:26 +0000

Yes, i think serious online discussion is possible, however, proactive monitoring is required. Unfortunately, the internet offers users complete anonimity which they would not be afforded in an offline environment, and this lack of accountability inevitably means that certain ‘rogue’ elements will use this to harbour unwanted radical and extremist views.

By: Paul

Paul — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:48:01 +0000

It seems that people don’t hold back in forums and will really say what they think so it seems like most communities do have serious discussions.

By: Martin Reed - Community Manager

Martin Reed - Community Manager — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 18:20:53 +0000

Ryan – How do you define a ‘commenting type community’?

By: Ryan v.

Ryan v. — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 23:48:40 +0000

Serious discussion rarely occurs in any large commenting type community. Everyone has an “E-personality” separate from how they probably act in the “real word”. Sarcasm and harassment are aplenty. I suppose if you search deep enough you can find some place however.

By: Steve Horvat

Steve Horvat — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:24:03 +0000

Serious discussion is definitely possible, but only with quality moderators !

By: Shawn

Shawn — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:15:10 +0000

It really depends on the setting and moderation of the community I believe. It’s definitely a thin rope to walk.

By: Yuuko

Yuuko — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 07:24:07 +0000

Yes, i also believe that we can talk about serious matters on online communities. It is just sad because most of the forums online only talks about celebrities and other insignificant things.

By: Martin Reed - Blog Author

Martin Reed - Blog Author — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:46:37 +0000

Jean – Placing a link or a brief reminder of the community guidelines on the submission form would make them far more prominent and visible. People can’t then give the excuse that they ‘didn’t see’ or ‘couldn’t find’ the guidelines.

By: Jean Célibataire Endurci

Jean Célibataire Endurci — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 05:35:51 +0000

I agree with your solutions for the problems at the White Hose, especially to the pre-moderation. I would just like to express my doubt on the “consider displaying [community guidelines] on the submission form to ensure all users are familiar with them” -part. This would be like accepting the general terms and conditions for accessing that web page, which everybody checks (because it is mandatory) but no body ever reads! Why would it b any different on that particular page?