JayDee
I chime in with Vincent on the polarity of the WSB discussions — We all know whose viewpoints we like and don’t like, and I would add there are topics that I don’t even read (like anything to do with the names of the current candidates).
I would much rather if the more acidic of the community would just let a comment go — For instance, read it and click off the discussion and think of a reply. If the person is name calling, insulting and rude then ignore them or report it–I would think one of those “do you find this posting offensive?” buttons would be useful. Accumulate more than 10 negatives, and a moderator would look and see what the fuss is.
I frequently lurk and read the commentary on the Mariners at the U.S.S.M. blog. The community has specific rules enforced by a handful of moderators with the ability to delete posts. The rules on that blog are simple–No personal insults, no unfactual arguments like “Yankees Suck”, and no discussions about steroids. When such an off-topic comment is posted, the moderators delete it and leave a comment like [off-topic] or simply [Deleted] It lets those reading the blog know that abuse is not tolerated and gives them feedback.
We should try and keep this valuable “commons” as civil as possible–disagreement is OK, just think if your mother would approve of your post before you hit send.
I support WSB by publicizing it, by giving content, and by donating money because I think the WSB blog, despite the growing discussion warts, is valuable–I can see stories here two days before a local news channel finds them of interest.
My two cents.