Discussion about turning off news commenting for unregistered users

[buster]

Originally Posted by Rafe

Honestly the comments in this thread rather irritated me. I've always had a policy of having minimal moderating on AAS, but I wonder if, in instances like this, it wouldn't be better to clean things up and just leave the N97 mini related content (that's what people reading this thread subsequently would what to see).

As such, going forward I would also ask that people try and keep the comments on topic. If you genuinely have concerns about content quality etc. you can email me directly.

I think the time really has come to only allow registered users to post. The number of d*ckheads who come here only to criticise AAS or criticise Nokia or criticise other posters is quite high; registration would almost certainly reduce the level of puerile, pathetic and insulting postings.

Originally Posted by buster

I think the time really has come to only allow registered users to post. The number of d*ckheads who come here only to criticise AAS or criticise Nokia or criticise other posters is quite high; registration would almost certainly reduce the level of puerile, pathetic and insulting postings.

I doubt it. You seem to be registered but still managed a post that fits your own description.

[buster]

Well, you just managed to reinforce my point, for which I thank you.

Originally Posted by buster

Well, you just managed to reinforce my point, for which I thank you.

We are obviously two peas in a pod.

But you were the first to start using words like "d*ckheads" to describe people who disagree with your opinion.

Originally Posted by buster

I think the time really has come to only allow registered users to post. The number of d*ckheads who come here only to criticise AAS or criticise Nokia or criticise other posters is quite high; registration would almost certainly reduce the level of puerile, pathetic and insulting postings.

Might reduce it a bit. But I doubt the need to punch in a few reg details would stop people from posting stuff that are as puerile as you have demonstrated yourself.

The the unregistereds would probably do it without the so adorable traits of superciliousness and sanctimony that you put across.

[buster]

Originally Posted by Busted.

We are obviously two peas in a pod.

But you were the first to start using words like "d*ckheads" to describe people who disagree with your opinion.

OK, fair point, for which I apologise. But I was trying to make a serious point, and it had nothing to do with people not agreeing with me. I have no problem with people disagreeing with me, or any other poster, but the wanton insults have become very annoying.

My complaint is simply that this website attracts a lot of Unregistered posters who come on and make pointless, insulting comments for no obvious reason other than because they can. Obviously registration won't stop it entirely, and some diehard stirrers will register just so they can continue to cause offence, but I am convinced that mandatory registration will reduce the level of drive-by insults. I for one hope that Rafe decides to go down this route...

Originally Posted by buster

OK, fair point, for which I apologise. But I was trying to make a serious point, and it had nothing to do with people not agreeing with me. I have no problem with people disagreeing with me, or any other poster, but the wanton insults have become very annoying.

My complaint is simply that this website attracts a lot of Unregistered posters who come on and make pointless, insulting comments for no obvious reason other than because they can. Obviously registration won't stop it entirely, and some diehard stirrers will register just so they can continue to cause offence, but I am convinced that mandatory registration will reduce the level of drive-by insults. I for one hope that Rafe decides to go down this route...

The unregistered I believe make up the majority of AAS readers so I'd have to disagree with you. Plus I think some of the biggest troll around here are actually registered users. Surely you can see that for yourself.

[Williamoni]

Originally Posted by buster

registration would almost certainly reduce the level of puerile, pathetic and insulting postings.

I agree, and Rafe, I think it's time you acted to be honest. You're a great guy. You like to hear from everyone. But the cheap shots are usually from 'Unregistered'. It's time that particular avenue was closed off.

Originally Posted by Williamoni

I agree, and Rafe, I think it's time you acted to be honest. You're a great guy. You like to hear from everyone. But the cheap shots are usually from 'Unregistered'. It's time that particular avenue was closed off.

Yes, close it up so about a dozen or so self-important nerds can have a private clique-fest.

Originally Posted by Williamoni

I agree, and Rafe, I think it's time you acted to be honest. You're a great guy. You like to hear from everyone. But the cheap shots are usually from 'Unregistered'. It's time that particular avenue was closed off.

Post #38 is more accurate than this. It's not difficult to register on a forum, and there is nothing on AAS that I have seen that is really out of order so getting all high and mighty is pointless. The web is a pretty dirty place and AAS doesn't really get the bad stuff. It's pretty wussy relatively speaking.

I think a few people see registration as a means to an end because they read stuff that they don't agree with. That's just cowardice. It will only serve to help in cloud cuckoo land.

[Williamoni]

Originally Posted by BillOni

I think a few people see registration as a means to an end because they read stuff that they don't agree with. That's just cowardice. It will only serve to help in cloud cuckoo land.

The cowards are the ones who make insulting posts from an unregistered status.

[Rafe]

Discussion thread (moving comments from news comments thread here).

[Rafe]

I still have mixed feelings about requiring registered users to comment.

I'm worried that the barrier to then comment is to high for genuine people (and am inclined to think trolls wont mind take a short time to register).

One option I'm considering is moving away from the forum based comments system altogether. Perhaps to something like Disqus (I've been using this on All About Maemo and it seems to work quite well, but may have some SEO implications).

Rafe

[buster]

Originally Posted by NoToReg

Yes, close it up so about a dozen or so self-important nerds can have a private clique-fest.

Asking people to register can hardly be considered as "closing it up". And, given its otherwise public status, it's hardly private. If people are genuinely interested in a topic, and want to have a "proper" discussion about it rather than resort to general stupidity, slagging off etc. then they shouldn't/won't mind registering. If they do mind, well, that's their problem.

Unfortunately, your last comment about "self-important nerds" kind of shows which camp you're in...

[teletubies58]

The number of d*ckheads who come here only to criticise AAS or criticise Nokia or criticise other posters is quite high; registration would almost certainly reduce the level of puerile, pathetic and insulting postings.