The development of comment posting as a useful tool for post column or article discussion is theoretically a very good development as a communal tool for an extended conversation. On occasion links to outside research areas or topics outside of my general purview have been really useful to aid in the understanding of a given subject area. However, for some reason I have noticed recently that what passes for comments after most articles that seem reasonable enough to warrant a sensible discussion are filled not only with awful English but nonsensical arguments or argument-less positions, name calling and worse intent on the disruption of what would otherwise by sensible communication. As we celebrate our nations founding I feel the need for a public service announcement to those people, you know who you are, to cease and desist, you are ruining America.
Now there is a point to be made about adverse selection, the increased likelihood of a comment in response to disagreeing with a given premise or position. We all have been guilty of that, very recently for me thanks to Caroline Baum at Bloomberg. However, I still tried to raise issue with a specific point or two the author was making directly referencing recent events that directly refuted the stated, quoted claim.
There are really smart, thoughtful people with experience that lends itself to a great discussion but it is all lost on me by the side show that is the left/right mudslinging without basis or historical perspective. If you insist on name calling ridiculous manner regardless of how clever it might be or POST IN ALL CAPS as if you were shouting you've already lost your credibility, just don't do it your wasting space.
Increasingly the volume of comments in this regard is deeply concerning and raises serious questions that deserve to be addressed. For example, would venomous posters be comfortable having a similar conversation in the same manner and tone with someone they knew who feels differently? Or is it the anonymous nature of posting that let's people speak freely without constraint. Why? I understand people don't want to put their real name up for privacy fears when they post although I always do and make sure that I can get email updates. But if you have to go online and anonymously voice your opinion in a non verbal shouting match to get your point across maybe you should start by having them face to face or seek counseling. You might be more effective or at least learn to deal with your issues! If you won't then don't rage online were your more than likely not getting through to anyone regardless.
Finally, I am afraid that this issue speaks to and manifests the sad progression of a country in decline. When the quality and calibre of our conversation as adults is reduced to name calling and acidic disgust no good will come of it. It needs to stop, America is not great in the chat rooms and message boards in the majority of online destinations. The only way to make it better is to improve the nature of the conversation to provide for a better dialogue. Our politicians take their queues from the public they represent. If we continue to be cynical and divisive unwilling to have a conversation and work together to find common ground neither will they. If we insist on getting our way all the time, metaphorically covering our ears and having a tantrum every time we don't hear something we like, so will they. As we celebrate and remember the work our founding fathers committed to all those years ago, be a witness to the devaluation of our shared society on the message boards, television and radio air waves and decide to elevate the conversation. Change your mind, forgive your reluctance and apprehension, explore the history and opportunities behind what you feel strongly about from all perspectives. Because if they didn't we wouldn't be celebrating anything resembling independence.
Now there is a point to be made about adverse selection, the increased likelihood of a comment in response to disagreeing with a given premise or position. We all have been guilty of that, very recently for me thanks to Caroline Baum at Bloomberg. However, I still tried to raise issue with a specific point or two the author was making directly referencing recent events that directly refuted the stated, quoted claim.
There are really smart, thoughtful people with experience that lends itself to a great discussion but it is all lost on me by the side show that is the left/right mudslinging without basis or historical perspective. If you insist on name calling ridiculous manner regardless of how clever it might be or POST IN ALL CAPS as if you were shouting you've already lost your credibility, just don't do it your wasting space.
Increasingly the volume of comments in this regard is deeply concerning and raises serious questions that deserve to be addressed. For example, would venomous posters be comfortable having a similar conversation in the same manner and tone with someone they knew who feels differently? Or is it the anonymous nature of posting that let's people speak freely without constraint. Why? I understand people don't want to put their real name up for privacy fears when they post although I always do and make sure that I can get email updates. But if you have to go online and anonymously voice your opinion in a non verbal shouting match to get your point across maybe you should start by having them face to face or seek counseling. You might be more effective or at least learn to deal with your issues! If you won't then don't rage online were your more than likely not getting through to anyone regardless.
Finally, I am afraid that this issue speaks to and manifests the sad progression of a country in decline. When the quality and calibre of our conversation as adults is reduced to name calling and acidic disgust no good will come of it. It needs to stop, America is not great in the chat rooms and message boards in the majority of online destinations. The only way to make it better is to improve the nature of the conversation to provide for a better dialogue. Our politicians take their queues from the public they represent. If we continue to be cynical and divisive unwilling to have a conversation and work together to find common ground neither will they. If we insist on getting our way all the time, metaphorically covering our ears and having a tantrum every time we don't hear something we like, so will they. As we celebrate and remember the work our founding fathers committed to all those years ago, be a witness to the devaluation of our shared society on the message boards, television and radio air waves and decide to elevate the conversation. Change your mind, forgive your reluctance and apprehension, explore the history and opportunities behind what you feel strongly about from all perspectives. Because if they didn't we wouldn't be celebrating anything resembling independence.
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