Recently we ran an article about the Pro-Life group that is attempting to become a recognized student organization on campus. When the article was posted on our website, we expected to see a thunderstorm of malicious, angry comments from both sides of the issue.

            We were pleasantly surprised by what we saw. For the most part, all of the comments were respectful, well-thought out, and level-headed. There were none of the typical name calling or pettiness that has become all too familiar in most online discussions.

            While we are proud of the comments on this article, they are sadly the exception to the rule in regards to commenting with a feeling of anonymity; it seems that anytime a person can comment without their real name attached, they become unbelievably cruel.

            Benjamin Morrison of the Columbus Dispatch recently wrote an article on the same topic, calling out his readers on their inappropriate behavior in  the online comments section. In his article he compared the comments of those sent via email versus those sent anonymously through the comments section.

            He stated that without fail those who replied through email, and thus were somewhat accountable for their words, were more kind and respectful, even when disagreeing, than those responding in comments on the newspaper’s site.        

            The same theory can definitely be applied our paper and the types of comments we encounter. Why is it that people are willing to be hurtful and demeaning when they think they can get away with it? What does that say about human nature- that we are only good for fear of getting held responsible for our actions?

            When we redesigned the newspaper’s site, the Bulletin staff went back and forth trying to decide whether or not to make comment-posting anonymous or require a name and email. Ultimately, against the wishes of many of our readers, we decided to go with the required “log-in”. 

            Though we have seen a dramatic decrease in comments since that decision, we have noticed that those who do comment are more civil in their tone, and tend to avoid personal attacks and petty behavior, which was common on our old site.

            There must be something to the idea that when we hold readers accountable, by name or email, they tend to think twice before posting their thoughts. Our site doesn’t even require a real name, as many people simply use nicknames. It is really only the email that lets us contact the commenter.

            The question then becomes; what can we do to increase commenting on our site, bearing that it is of the civil and constructive manner we are hoping for?

            This whole issue relates back to the  goal of our newspaper: we report the facts, you draw your own opinions. We want to hear your feedback on the news we are offering and the easiest way to do that is to comment online.

            We are always searching for ways to improve our paper, and we need your comments to help us get there. That being said, we hope you can covey them in a way that is respectful and constructive with clearly defined examples of what needs improvement, or what is working well, and why you feel that way.

            We are proud of our new website and we’d like to see more of our readers follow us there week after week. One of the best ways to do that is to continue cultivating strong discussion through our comments section. We want that to be a place where students and staff can speak their minds and share their thoughts on the issues addressed in every issue.

            But we ask that those who do comment continue to remain polite and civil in their comments, and treat all those they interact with, readers and Bulletin writers alike, with the utmost respect.

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