POLL: No More Opinions?

I believe that the comments should be in a tasteful manner. I personally do not want to come to read another "National Enquirer" but, if the site itself deems it approved, so be it. I think if a topic is taken to the extreme, then you have the option of closing the comment section on said topic. If everyone would stay on topic, act like adults, and post with respect, there shouldn't be any issues. Only in a perfect, though......

This may not be feasible, but I like how Facebook has a "Like" button you can click on, so maybe comments could have a "Like" or "Dislike" or "Agree/Disagree" tag added. Then, others who read ridiculous comments could see how many disagree without feeling the need to respond in like manner...just a thought.

I think this covered well in 1st amendment.Hitler tried to hide the truth and burn the books the truth will prevail whether newspapers print it or not.

dmm49, there is nothing in the 1st Amendment which covers this subject. Congress has no say in whether the Courier, or any other website, affords people the opportunity to post opinions to articles, or does not.

Naturally I voted no. But as Mr. Halpern noted, it is a prerogative of the Courier to extend that privilege to all that have access.

The Courier presents an issue without bias and the readers and interested public have an opportunity to comment on that issue.

One problem I have seen from the onset is the amount of time it takes for the monitor of the site to screen all comments for suitablity and decency.

The Courier has willingly entertained a wide range on whether or not the comment tended to address the issue and this is not a distraction in and of itself rto me but it seemingly distrubs those who wish all things to be wrapped and neatly presented to them.

Perhaps more than anything else-- on hot button issues it allows a snapshot of a wide range of thoughts even when in minds of some, those thoughts are extreme. But here again, if all saw everything in the same light, it wouldn't be much of a journey through life.

My thanks to the Courier for taking the time and effort to maintain this privilege, one not found everywhere.

And may I say, should the Courier continue to allow, I will hence forth do my level best to comment solely on the contents of article and not on the comments made by others regadless of what is said.

dailyreader, I understand we live in a world of instant gratification, but we have made the decision to screen all comments, and I can't stay up 24 hours a day.

I am only against the attack on the character of someone who posts their view or even the attack on a person's character without understanding the full range of the decision or background. It is easy to sit in front of your computer screen and attack a person for their view, but when it comes to stating the same face to face are you going to do the same?

I agree with daily that yes a hot topic issue can become a wide range of thoughts and views, and that is exactly what it is. To attack someone for their views is wrong. You cannot change the world or persuade someone to see the way you do. The embarrassment comes from the child like antics or remarks about someones integrity. This is a strong county full of well rounded people, and is a county to be proud of.

I do find it funny though that when there is a meeting of our county commissioners that you can roughly count the number of people on one hand that are there, but then there are plenty of complaints on an open forum such as this. Take action, go to a meeting, make our elected official accountable. They do after all work for us.

there is nothing said on here that's not already gossip around town. so what does it matter what the venue is?

besides so very valid points are made that might make somebody stop and think.

I for one appreciate the opportunity to express my opinion here, and I believe the Courier is in fact doing the community a great service by allowing this forum to continue. In the old days writers of pamphlets, called pamphleteers, played a significant role in the country and abroad, calling for involvement by the people in the politics of the day. While there may be those whom wish to put an end to this, I say that the internet and forums such as this is in fact the modern day pamphleteers.
Thank you

I would really be unhappy should you prevent commentary in this electronic edition of the Cannon Courier. I feel most of my comments may not be popular and often I seem the minority in my positions should I submit my thoughts - I find my interaction on this site the essence of community and being a responsible citizen, even if I do not like some of the content... I beseech you not to eliminate this feature from your web site. I respect your authority in all things regarding you own space here but the ability to respond to articles right away is very satisfying and I feel like I am a part of the process. I won't go into all the freedom of speech rights and all that... Others are presenting that side very well... There are so many things related to local newspapers that are gone now and this lends a personal touch. I was also raised and educated on the importance of reading the newspaper and being aware of how important it is to make your concerns and opinions known. The Power of the 'Letter To The Editor' is very much in my mind. Thank you for asking and presenting the proposal rather than just turning off this feature arbitrarily...

I do agree a "Like" and "Dislike" button would actually promote more interaction. Not everyone wants to write a tome...

(Like I should talk!)

I want to point out one way to make people respect each other in a forum like this is to post your name. I don't mean to suggest this as a rule, but I will respect an individual's opinion more if I know who they are. If you're so fearful to submit your opinion - especially if it is on a hot-button issue then leave off. It is a waste of time to read comments by ghosts... Respect and good conduct project more from people who are not shielded by anonymity...

On any given issue rather it be discussing constables, prisoner labor or allowing public opinions --- some are against and some are for --- What’s new. The service offered by the Courier to allow citizens to speak their mind is deeply appreciated by me and I personally think a reputation of open debate (even if it behind screen names) is a reputation that Cannon County should wear proudly. From experience I realize it is a difficult task to monitor comments by readers and I applaud Kevin Halpern for his effort and fairness. I truly hope the opportunity to comment on articles continues. Thank you for reading my opinion – Jim Gibbs

I really enjoy reading the opinons on your articles. I see how important your community is to your readers. And I learn things I did not know - it shows the other side to a story sometimes that would never have been known without someone's comment. It is a very important gift you are giving the community, a voice that might not be heard.

If they are available I will likely read them, if they aren't (of course) I won't.

Jeff, I have come to agree with your statement that if you are going to post a comment then you should use your real name instead of a pen name.

I think that would stop 90% or more of the sarcasm, name calling, blame game and down right foolishness.

Personally, I have come to abhor the banter back and forth between certain people on the site who are intent on blaming, arguing, using sarcasm and calling people names. You can attest to that on other articles you and I have posted back and forth on.

I like a good debate. One that I can learn from and one that I can ponder on to help me make a better choice or form a better idea.

I believe what I believe on many different subjects, but I have always prided myself on listening and trying to understand what others think, if for no other reason than just to understand why they are passionate about their beliefs. Unfortunately, I have been drawn into the banter with the people who offer no solutions.

Too many of these articles have turned into a back and forth between me and others or between Republicans vs. Democrats or liberal against conservative and it is not solving anything. That is why I voted YES to stop the comments.

Until it can be proved otherwise, I see nothing but the same on the horizon. I have stopped it on my end, but I don't think it is possible for others to do so.

I say man up and write your comment using your own name. Otherwise, your opinion is nothing more than subterfuge trying to mask your own identity out of fear or shame.

That's my opinion.

Corey Davenport

I enjoy seeing the comments, but generally skip the ones that contain arguing and name calling. Get my share of stress at work.

I am opposed to the necessity of posting your real name in order to contribute here, and these are but a few reasons: bullying, intimidation, and ones ability, or lack thereof to articulate a position in an open face to face forum, which requires a different set of skills; verbal along with a quick Witt. Since some have stronger writing skills, and for them, this is a better forum. This is also why we vote in private. I myself enjoy hearing the opinions of others, and I hope the conversation continues. I do like the like, dislike button though, with an accompanying tally would be really cool, but I presume that would require technology that we may not have currently.

Thanks

I think most folks would default to more care and caution in posting their remarks if they were not hiding behind an anonymous screen name.

If deeper wisdom and discussion or debate is to have a meaningful result, that others could benefit from, then if we are going to speak up, we should also step up and use true identity. But what ever the rule.....it must be uniformly administered to minumise the "drive by" back stabbing and slandering. Name calling will probably still persist, but as usual ....adults can consider the source and dismiss.

Matt Studd

You may recall from your American history lessons, the Constitution was viewed by many as a road to tyranny. Fierce and determined opposition was mounted to keep it from being ratified in many states and New York in particular.

Writing under the pen names of Cato and Brutus, Anti-Federalists began their campaign to keep it from being ratified.

Publius responded and those writings, a series of 85 articles, all written under that pen name, helped the Federalists carry the day.

Publius was the pen name for Alexander Hamiliton, James Madison and John Jay. The 85 essays-- The Federalist.

One might also note that in some locations voters had to stand and openly announce their vote before all. This was intimidating to say the least.

Being able to comment under a pen name has been around for some time and hopefully will continue here on the Courier.

I thank the Courier again for taking time (which can and has consumed a great many hours) from a much more important task, that of getting out the best small town paper in the United States.

I am sorry if I bent my own rule somewhat. I apologize to the readers.

Many people in our on government do not use their real name or id and they are working to make a better world and USA.You say it would stop 90% of the blame game I do not think so.Opinions and different ideas are what built this country and opinions and different views are what sells newspapers and feeds the internet.As far as blaming any one it is fact of everyday life if you cant take heat get out of the kitchen.

Looks like to me the only people that are afraid to take the heat dmm49 are the people like you who choose to hide behind a pen name. And you are more than welcome to blame all day long, I just wish you had an idea on how to correct something on occasion. Blame is easy. Solutions take effort.

And daily those people like Hamilton, Madison, Jefferson, etc. wrote under the pen name due to the fact they could lose their life, fortunes and family due to treason to the Crown.

I don't think you or dmm49 have to worry about that today. I think you are both safefrom losing your life or fortune if you were to use your real name when you commented on the garbage dump or the Constables.

It is both of your choices to remain nameless if you wish. The Courier allows it and you both choose to utilize it. It is what it is.

I just figure that if you have something to say, you should be man or woman enough to use your own name if it means that much to you that you take the time to send it.

I already said it I and others were right win some lose some I dont take my marbles and cry all way home.Squeaky wheel gets the grease.Thanks to Courier for the time problem solved next case.

I forgot to add in my comment that when Publius wrote those 85 essays the Confederacy of The United States had been around for over a decade, there was no reason for Publius to fear a charge of treason by the Crown since the Treaty of Paris had been signed some five years prior.

Once again, you both are safe from harm if you used your real name. The only issue you would face is having everyone know who actually wrote the comments. I can understand why you would not want that.

To me it is a cop out, but it is as they say, your choice. If you feel the need to hide, then by all means continue to use the veil to mask your identities and let your words speak for themselves.

I will agree with you on this dmm49. Case closed, time to move on.

This is a opinion column not a solution column but it did solve inmate problem.

Cop out, man up, hiding (behind a pen name), afraid, these are all adjectives used to describe in a demeaning way. That leads to intimidation. So I assert that the reasons given for anonymity are valid, as even the debate as to weather or not to allow anonymity to continue.

Thank you

I meant no sarcasm that was simply my view. Sorry it came across that way. Perhaps I could have said it better.

In my view if I am going to write something then I feel I should be man enough to use my own name. Otherwise I am "copping out" and afraid or ashamed of anyone knowing it is really me. There has to be a purpose behind using a pen name. In this case it is primarily used to make negative comments and not allow someone to actually know your name. It is not done because of fear or retribution, just simply to mask one’s true identity.

I said above that I understood why someone would not want their identity known. I also said let the words speak for themselves.

One of those cases where you think you are clear and find out someone took it another way. Once again, it is dead. Let’s move on.

what would be ya'lls your opinion of someone who had and used multiply sign in names and when using their real name belittled those who chose anonymity?

Good question goober, what would your opinion be?

During the past election, I would say there were several instances when people had their whole family signed in with multiple names to create the appearance someone was doing far better in the election poll than they actually were in reality. Wouldn't you agree?

But, I don't hold it against them. What is past is done. To me, it would just be better to put your own name out there going forward if you have something to say. But, that is just my opinion.

To each his own.

Hate to ruin everyone's fun, but I think the discussion of this topic has run its course, so I am closing comments.