Be a better commenter

I love it when a story or blog entry generates a bunch of comments from readers. But not every comment is created equal.

When someone registers to comment on HeraldNet, we ask that they agree to a set of guidelines to keep the conversation constructive.

Most of the guidelines might as well come straight out of “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.”

Be nice.

Play fair.

Don’t call people names.

Sometimes, though, things aren’t so simple. Stories about crime and tragic accidents tend to elicit comments that make many people, especially victims’ families, uncomfortable, even when they don’t clearly violate the rules.

Other times people say things that aren’t clear or make a statement without explaining themselves. That can lead to prolonged comment wars between people who might otherwise have a civil, thoughtful conversation.

Monica Guzman, who blogs at seattlepi.com’s Big Blog, spoke to a group of people last year about how to be a better commenter. She gave lots of great tips in a few short minutes, so the video (below) is well worth watching.

The Internet tends to be a place where people feel like they can say anything, but I think it’s worth cultivating a constructive conversation, rather than just a free for all. What do you think? Please feel free to e-mail me your thoughts or share them in the comments section.