Site news: Why I did it
There’s a good article in Sunday’s Journal Star about anonymous comments and their role in the public debate. The Henry Holling situation — and how anonymous commenters tried to spread lies about the man on this and other blogs — is mentioned.
Naturally, someone in the comments section attacks me for selling out, kissing ass and general brown nosing. I posted my usual replies. It’s as tedious and boring as it usually is. If you aren’t familiar with the background, go read it.
The Holling situation caused me to re-apply a policy I tried then abandoned: Requiring commenters be registered here with a valid email address. I have found that be requiring commenters to do so cut down on these sorts of organized attacks. Although random problems still happen.
I repeat: I still allow anonymous comments. Neither your real name nor your email address will appear on this site unless you want them to. But because I know the email, participants in organized whisper campaigns will go elsewhere
I do not pre-approve comments. The only exception is when a comment includes a link to a Website, then it is held in a moderation queue until I or any other member with administration rights approves it.
Another effect is that fewer comments are being made here. And my hit counts and page views are down. That’s not making me happy, but I’m hoping the improved quality and trustworthiness of the comments translates into growth over the long haul.
If you aren’t registered and want to comment, click here and use a valid email address. If you don’t get a “welcome” email, check you email service’s spam folder. If you already are a member, you can login here. Once you do, check out this page on the very loose “rules” I have regarding commenting.
Billy Dennis is a former reporter and editor at small daily and weekly newspapers in Illinois and Missouri. He comments on media, news and politics. He also owns and operates 
Billy, Fyi, it is very difficult to find your log in button. Adding the “log in here dummy” helped a little but it is still hard to spot. Then when you get to the log-in screen it is hard to figure out how to back out of it to get to the blog. As determined as I am to comment sometimes, I do give it up after a point. I have had people ask ME how to log in to YOUR blog! Your registration and log in needs to be much more prominant and user friendly. Good luck.
ps. After I went to post this it said I was not logged in. So then I logged in and when I came back this post was gone. Fortunately I know enough about your site to cut and paste almost anything before I try to post so I didn’t lose it but any ordinary person would have hung it up by now.
One of these days, I’m going to completely delete everything on my site, but save the posts and images. Then I’ll upload only those scripts I need.
Then I might have fewer issues like this to deal with.
In the mean time, I’ll run a repair on my database.
One of the reasons I did this post was to show pople how to register, login, etc.
And thanks for the heads up.
Enable one to post and log in simultaneously.
The registration process involved a confirmation email being sent to the email supplied by the registrant. That’s not working with what you suggest.
Been waiting for the comment about fewer comments and fewer hits……and wondering how long you can take the lower volume before you ditch the registration requirement (again).
I’m still above 1,000 unique visits a day, which is at my comfort level. The only think that could conceivably change this policy are problems with the registration process. But complaints have been few and easily solved.
That’s good then…….only problem is the lower level of discourse….but i’m sure it’ll pick up as more people register
I do not understand. Are you saying the level is discourse is lower NOW than when anybody could comment without registering?
Just saying the number of comments is much lower…..with fewer diverging views.
But the level of discourse is actually at a higher level.
Well, the regulars all signed up right away if they weren’t already. The passers-though … a few have registered. I knew the comments would drop and with it, a decline in return hits due to fewer people checking to see if their own comments were commented upon, that sort of thing.
Although the level of discourse is higher because there’s less name calling. But I can still count on B.J. and Anon E. Mouse to argue left v. right.
I think the reason for the drop of comments is that IP addresses are still viewable on the backend. So those who might normally post during the work day when they are most likely be at a computer, are not for fear of being outted to their employer.
Again, only administrators can see this information.
I agree with Diane, I find the whole logging in process complicated. Whenever I do a full purge on Firefox and get logged out from everything, I can’t figure out how to log back in here.
Wow. Two weeks ago Billy was telling me I could be considered for Libertarian Party membership and then you bring up one comment about guns, and you’re pigeonholed again as a “lefty”.
But hey, I’d rather be a “lefty” than be associated with the criminals and war profiteers running the country right now.
Eyebrows – If you’re using Firefox and visiting the site often, why not just put a quicklink on top? That’s what I did.
I’ve never been a fan of anonymous comments. Often times those who hide behind anonymity usually lack the courage to attach their name to anything. I deal with anonymous mail everyday and find it rather amusing. It is normally filed in the circular file.
Always good for a laugh, Beej.
Billy, I apologize for my ignorance I guess I didn’t realize I had admin access from my heavy posting days.
I knew the comments would drop off when that new no smoking law went into effect.
“and how anonymous commenters tried to spread lies about the man on this and other blogs”
Not trying to rehash, but there must be some sort of well-organized smear campaign by Cat employees because I’ve been told the same “smear” story by two different employees.
Anyone ever think that maybe legally Cat or Holling or a victim may not be allowed to give out any info?
And also, I knew it must have been spring training when I saw that Bill had a new theme for the Pundit site.