The New York Times website has changed the way their reader comment system works. "Readers can now recommend comments by other readers and sort them using a variety of tabs: newest first, oldest first, reader recommendations, editor's selections, and replies (from an editor or author of a post)."
But one change that has not come along with the rest is that the comments are still being moderated. It is understandable that the New York Times would want to prevent vulgar or inappropriate comments from being posted but they are also preventing good counterarguments and feedback from being posted. One reader claims, "There have been numerous times when I'll leave a comment which makes at least one point that no one else has made without any insults or vulgarity whatsoever and hours, even days go by without it being approved. Even if it gets approved by that time, no one will see it, and you've effectively censored the whole argument."
If you are going to use a comment system, allow the readers to comment. It is a way for the readers to offer their opinions as well as feedback. Another reader suggests using a "hide" system while another suggests flagging inappropriate comments and deleting them. I think those are all good suggestions. Censor or remove the comments that are vulgar or inappropriate but allow the readers to post their opinions and comments, otherwise what's the point of a reader comment system?
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