As much as I appreciate the problems facing any fully open commenting system, I'm afraid insightful reponses will also go down in great numbers.
Of course an easy way to deal with trolls is not to respond to their comments. Many can't pull that off and threads disintegrate or turn into mudslinging. Not everyone that crashes a party needs tolerated or talked to, they can just sit on the sofa while all ignore them.
Posted by steve duncan at February 19, 2006 04:01 AMI am a democrat and very open minded. I thought this site looked promising. Sadly it is all one sided. Responses here consist of swears and insults. Just hear this one thought: I am not a Reagan democrat, I am a democrat PERIOD. If the party is dominated by the way out closed minded thinking and attitudes I have read here then a once great party will never again win a major election. The noise you here is Truman spinning in his grave. Goodluck.
Posted by the truth at February 19, 2006 04:15 AMAnd in the news:
The RNC has nominated a committee for the express purpose of raising funds to defend "Dead Eye" against civil suits. The only potential problem is that no insurance firm will touch Cheney with a 10-foot catheter. His insurance rating is currently somewhere between smallpox, Ebola, and Rift Valley Fever.
Georgie has laying low these days, primarily because Jeb told him to STFU, and it has finally dawned on him that his/KKKarl's great legacy moments have backfired (Iraq, social security, sobriety etc.). And Laura caught him drinking again.
He attempted to obtain sympathy from his mother, 'Bar', but she coldly told him he was actually illegitimate. His father was a South American coca grower who 'Bar' became more than friends with after her father's plane had to land in the "Land of the Llamas" fifty years ago, and she spent the summer adapting to the Andean weather with nothing but underwear on. He was the result of a malfunctioning llamma entrail condom.
Things certainly looked gloomy for the young Bush until he discovered booze, cocaine, and Karl Rove. He is still uncertain which he loves more. The only downer was Laura and the Jenna and not-Jenna accident, which Laura guaranteed could not happen as GW Bush had, in her opinion, a “limp dick”. And so things head merrily along towards the brink of disaster….
Posted by tempus at February 19, 2006 04:26 AMI find it interesting that the very people who are against this measure, are the very same people who cause the problems. With freedom comes responsibility. There are people here who have never understood that. I for one applaud your decision.
Posted by Judith at February 19, 2006 05:02 AMJust testing....
Anyway, too bad it had to come to this, but the level of discourse and disagreement really had disintergrated over the past month or so...
Wonder if I will still be invited over to Steve's and Mary's house? I'll even bring the coffee since I am usually one of the first ones up being from the east coast.
Posted by emal at February 19, 2006 05:04 AMtesting
Posted by Ga6thDem at February 19, 2006 05:11 AMPrgrssvs d lv thr prgs.
[Editor: ignore=off]Now wait a minute: that got approved?
Posted by dj moonbat at February 19, 2006 05:25 AMYes, we love our purges. That is why we are fighting to purge our Government of those who hate this Country and what it stands for.
Posted by Judith at February 19, 2006 05:37 AMthis work?
Posted by headxray0 at February 19, 2006 06:06 AMTesting
Posted by Susan S at February 19, 2006 06:12 AMOf course they got in - I had a typekey account sometime or another . .
Posted by idiosynchronic at February 19, 2006 06:25 AMOf course they got in - I had a typekey account sometime or another . .
Well, that explains how you got in, but...oh, now I see what you're saying. I'm going to have to make my brain pay for that one.
Posted by dj moonbat at February 19, 2006 06:43 AMI'm ok with it. Maybe it will help cut down on the multipal personality(monikers) trolls.
If we want KKKarls newest talking points, we can just browse whitehouse.gov
Posted by SnarkyShark at February 19, 2006 06:51 AMHm, will this work?
Posted by aimai at February 19, 2006 07:19 AMjust wondering if this will work ...
Posted by gail at February 19, 2006 07:21 AMIt's about time!
Posted by iamcoyote at February 19, 2006 07:21 AMguess not ... but there IS nothing on the page (except the post itself) about registering or how to register.
Posted by gail at February 19, 2006 07:22 AMIt's unfortunate that adults can't behave like adults, but the trolls and spammers seem to view our blogs as places to act up and work out their inner demons.
I grew so weary of the Bush loyalists and homophobic trolls posting idiocy on CONNECT LEFT that I finally made the editorial decision to shut off the comments.
Posted by Christopher at February 19, 2006 07:42 AMThank you. Best of all there's a job to be done and now the energy can be focused.
Posted by mainsailset at February 19, 2006 07:50 AMThanks folks. Hopefully this will reduce the number of ignorant repugs.
Posted by weinerdog43 at February 19, 2006 07:58 AMI totally agree. You are not saying "don't disagree!". You're saying, do it with class...something that some people have lost the ability to understand. I think it's a GREAT move. The reason the trolls above don't like it is that adhominum (personal) attacks are one of the only methods they have of fighting. It's the Rove syndrome. Just as they are left weaker without that tool, we see that beneath this administrations facade/ lies is a similar emptiness. The true Emporer's New Clothes syndrome. They have little else. You;'ve taken the technique ( the vulgar, in your face, insubstantial attacks) away from them. BRAVO
Posted by Suzanne at February 19, 2006 08:13 AMHey! I knew it would eventually be used. And contrary to some opinions above the comments will probably be improved. I usually skipped the comments section here because I don't need to read tired trolls and the responses to their bait.
Posted by fly at February 19, 2006 08:20 AMOops, I missed setting the bit for needing to approve commenters who didn't sign in to comment. Now I've set the final bit that should put us into registration mode. Regulars, let's see if this works - please comment and I'll let you through.
Posted by Mary at February 19, 2006 08:21 AMSo you are saying I should try again to see if I am still welcome....here goes......
Posted by emal at February 19, 2006 08:27 AMHmmmm, I signed up ages ago when this was first bought up here.
Good idea. Hijacked threads are no fun.
Posted by Sharon at February 19, 2006 08:29 AMAs much as I disagree with Muckdog on just about everything, at least he can conduct himself as an adult. Muckdog is the difference between someone who will argue fairly, and one who's sole agenda is to disrupt. The will be the last compliment I give you Muckdog. : )
Posted by Judith at February 19, 2006 08:35 AMWell, all righty then.
Posted by iamcoyote at February 19, 2006 08:36 AMI also signed up a long time ago, yet my post is being held up. Working out kinks I guess.
Posted by Judith at February 19, 2006 08:39 AMRadio check...
Posted by Jolly Sapper at February 19, 2006 08:40 AMemal, Judith, try commenting again and see if you get in this time without waiting.
Posted by Mary at February 19, 2006 08:52 AMHmmmm. One wonders. Maybe one wanders.
I still like the discourse afforded by an open comments section. And i really hope there is some forum that allows the lunacy of the right to come through. I learn a lot about their arguments, and that makes me a better educated liberal. But I perfectly understand the need to constrain discussion to the general topic at hand. You might consider leaving the Open Threads wide open so that even the trolls can have some room to run free.
Posted by phidpides at February 19, 2006 08:52 AMI'l try again
Posted by suzanne at February 19, 2006 08:53 AMphidpides, anyone can gain commenting privileges, but wd do reserve the right to turn commenting privileges off. When threads get hijacked, it turns everyone off.
Posted by Mary at February 19, 2006 09:02 AMwhat phid said. let the open threads be like a troll petting, er, shredding zoo
Posted by benjoya at February 19, 2006 09:05 AMI am astounded by the work and insight that regulars have brought this site. I will continue to lurk and work in my area to help change-out the worst administration since my birth.
Posted by BigSandy at February 19, 2006 09:12 AMI just found this site, and I love it. If we need to keep the site working by reducing the number of "distractions", then, by all means, let's do it. We have our hands full enough with these theocratic corporatists who think they own this country, our privacy, and our children's future. Eliminate the distractions and let's focus together on ridding this country of the most corrupt, murderous, and arrogant regime it has ever seen.
Posted by oppressmenot at February 19, 2006 09:25 AMLet's hope this works... ;)
Posted by Roy Batty at February 19, 2006 09:26 AMI see. So I get the type key thing and I can comment at will. That's not so bad.
Posted by phidipides at February 19, 2006 09:30 AMI entered my info to sign up for Typekey and never got an email confirmation. Tried it several times.
Posted by suzanne at February 19, 2006 09:39 AMWhile I understand the frustration you must feel at personal attacks in lieu of inciteful comments, the one thing I admired about "The Left Coaster" was that all comments were welcomed. I have, in the past tried to post in Freeperland and was banned immediately. The post was not abusing in the least, but tried to advance a logic based argument.
Apparently, alterntive views are not welcome there, as it would tend to stimulate rational thinking, something the koolaid drinkers fear. I hope this new policy of yours does result in the stifling alternative views. I have no problem ignoring the trolls. In my view, their comments expose them as the brainwashed robotons they are.
Posted by brisa at February 19, 2006 09:42 AMI see. So I get the type key thing and I can comment at will. That's not so bad.
And our visitors can do the same, provided their comments are of something more than the "You're all doodieheads" variety.
Posted by dj moonbat at February 19, 2006 09:52 AM"You're all doodieheads"
Crap! Does this mean I can't call trolls doodieheads?!! They killed doodieheads! The bastards!
Posted by phidipides at February 19, 2006 10:15 AMWorks like a charm....? (fingers crossed)
Posted by emal at February 19, 2006 10:38 AMMary, looks like I had to wait for approval again...(I don't mind it honestly, I do it at some other sites too) but if you're trying to tweak it so some can get right through well, looks like you need to keep working at it.
Posted by emal at February 19, 2006 10:41 AMI'm sorry it has to come to this as well, though I do understand. Personally I like attacking the trolls and throwing their dung back in their faces, but I realize it often times goes down a very tangential silly road.
That's just me, though. Again, I do understand.
Posted by MisterOpus1 at February 19, 2006 11:07 AMI think it's entirely un-American, un-patriotic communist action. Any blog that resorts to this form of media restriction is in Joseph Stalin's corner. I would send you all to Siberia if I wasn't dead. And Mao was a pussy. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Posted by tempus at February 19, 2006 11:11 AMI know this was a difficult decision for you all. You are the owners of this site and it is my personal feeling that you need to do what you feel is best.
It was difficult, at times, for me to not get sucked into the vortex of illogical land. The trolls often baited me there; under the guise of actual discussion.
What I have found amazing in this thread is how many people have commented who I have never seen before. This is good. It seems that your decision has brought more people out who were not posting due to the troll hijacking.
Very good.
Now, let's see if I get through.
Posted by Anjha at February 19, 2006 11:55 AMIt looks like comments from unregistered commenters will not show up without approval. I think the feature I thought was available is only available in v3.2. Please do signup so you can comment freely.
Posted by Mary at February 19, 2006 12:01 PMI'm glad for the change. I don't think I can handle another thread hijacked by dipshit talking about all of his crow recipes.
Posted by ann at February 19, 2006 12:39 PMOK, I guess I am now official.
Mary, does this mean that a post made before signing up with typekey is lost forever and ever?
Posted by Anjha at February 19, 2006 12:57 PMJust so a few of you are clear, no one is restricting your voice or your opinions. I would assume that those who run this site welcome everyone. I would further assume that civil interaction is most welcome. You can disagree all you want with us, but I got a little tired of hearing the same old crap and the comment section being reduced to name calling. Very unproductive, in my humble opinion.
Posted by Judith at February 19, 2006 01:26 PMMary, still didn't work. Do I need to sign in again?
Posted by Judith at February 19, 2006 01:29 PMthis is a test to see if we return to the right page when posting without a previewing the post.
Note: I'm working on correcting the problem with returning to the right page right now. Sorry for the problem - this seems to be a side effect of turning on TypeKey.
Posted by Mary at February 19, 2006 01:29 PMAnn, the crow receipes did get to be a little much.LOL
Posted by Judith at February 19, 2006 01:31 PMHi all - you need to sign in to TypeKey to have your comments appear without waiting for them to be approved.
Am working on the other "bug" where you are returned to the incorrect return page when your post is approved automatically.
Posted by Mary at February 19, 2006 01:35 PMThe only problem is that Typekey is a black op for the NSA. Prepare to be assimilated. Resistance is futile. Just kidding, as always.
Posted by tempus at February 19, 2006 01:40 PMAs time goes by in this give and take
As long as I learn I will make mistakes
What do I want? What do I need?
Why do I want it? What's in it for me?
It's the imagery of technology
Is what you get is what you see
Don't worry your mind
When you give it your best
One two one two this is just a test
Ann, the crow receipes did get to be a little much.LOL
Do you think 'ol dipshit got around to eating any of them? After all, those Saddam tapes really didn't say, well, anything. No smoking gun, that's for sure.
Posted by ann at February 19, 2006 02:40 PMhp yr gys dn’t ct m ff; th bby cmmnsts vr t Stn’s, th frl schlr st, wn’t lt m rg nymr. Wll, Jhvh tchs s bt prls nd pgs, s ’m k wtht th Blshvk rtrs. Stll, wndr wht h wld d f rgd n hs prsnc; prhps lbrt m wth th brrl f gn?
Wht’s ’trll?’ Th Snt Crz hpps, (thy grdtd frm C Snt Crz, Clfrn, f crs, wth dgr n Drg nrchmnt v Crl Cstnd) cll th hmlss trlls bcs ths tnd t cngrgt ndr th brdgs nd wrshp trs, gss. K, m plyng stpd. Th prblm s tht ‘trlls’ rcv th stgm lbl fr mny rsns, prhps vld nd prhps nvld.
hnstly dn’t knw hw nyn hsts n f ths gd sts; t sms mpssbl t m. Jst cll m shp bcs gnrlly g lng wth th prgrm. ’v bn mrrd fr vr thrty yrs, s hv lt f pwrfl cndtnng t cnfrm, tht’s fr crtn. Lt m knw f m t vr brng. hv n mlns tht bts my ss f crrct hm t hrd. gss tht mght wrk.
I have a .38 and if this comment does not go through, I will shoot my trashcan in the back alley. This is no veiled threat. That trashcan is 'all over now, baby' (Please don't sue me, Mr. Jagger).
Posted by tempus at February 19, 2006 03:07 PMhp yr gys dn’t ct m ff; th bby cmmnsts vr t Stn’s, th frl schlr st, wn’t lt m rg nymr. Wll, Jhvh tchs s bt prls nd pgs, s ’m k wtht th Blshvk rtrs. Stll, wndr wht h wld d f rgd n hs prsnc; prhps lbrt m wth th brrl f gn?
Wht’s ’trll?’ Th Snt Crz hpps, (thy grdtd frm C Snt Crz, Clfrn, f crs, wth dgr n Drg nrchmnt v Crl Cstnd) cll th hmlss trlls bcs ths tnd t cngrgt ndr th brdgs nd wrshp trs, gss. K, m plyng stpd. Th prblm s tht ‘trlls’ rcv th stgm lbl fr mny rsns, prhps vld nd prhps nvld.
hnstly dn’t knw hw nyn hsts n f ths gd sts; t sms mpssbl t m. Jst cll m shp bcs gnrlly g lng wth th prgrm. ’v bn mrrd fr vr thrty yrs, s hv lt f pwrfl cndtnng t rmn ttl cnfrmst, tht’s fr crtn. Lt m knw f m t vr brng. hv n mlns tht bts my ss f crrct hm t hrd. gss tht mght wrk. Hw d sgn p t typpd?
Test . . .
Posted by Thumb at February 19, 2006 05:05 PMTstng gn, stll dn't gt th typpd ftr.
[Editor: ignore=off]Turning off moderation until more regulars have gotten their TypeKey accounts. Will reset later this week.
Posted by Mary at February 19, 2006 05:13 PMI don't have a typekey account and I don't know how to get one. What the fuck is a typekey account? So I guess I won't be commenting on this blog. I can see why you want to keep spam out. Can you tell me WTF a typekey account is and how to get one?
Posted by kaleidescope at February 19, 2006 06:09 PMThe only problem is that Typekey is a black op for the NSA. Prepare to be assimilated. Resistance is futile. Just kidding, as always.
That explains why the little arm came out of my disk drive and implanted an RFID chip.
Posted by phidipides at February 19, 2006 06:13 PMI've signed in for typekey before, will I have to repeat?
Posted by bbtb at February 19, 2006 06:30 PMTesting...
This step was regrettable, but inevitable. You have my support (like that will mean much..LOL. I read all the time but mostly lurk)
Posted by at February 19, 2006 07:12 PMIt left my handle off. That was me.
Posted by OkieByAccident at February 19, 2006 07:14 PM…the very people who are against this measure, are the very same people who cause the problems. …Posted by JudithI hate registration bullshit. I dropped Oliver Willis, DU, Blah3 and Kos because of it. If you are now so important that you exclude people, you can include me out of this site too.
Mike, I hope you continue to comment, even if it is as a non-registered commenter. If we can find another way to deal with those who are actively disrupting the site, then we can back away from this decision. Unfortunately, many people have stopped commenting because of the negative climate already so we feel like we have to do something. Any ideas on how to deal with the problem another way?
Posted by Mary at February 19, 2006 11:51 PMkaleidescope, please see the followup post I did on this topic (here) to see how to get signed up. You can also get registered by clicking on the "sign in" link immediately above the "Name" box.
Posted by Mary at February 19, 2006 11:55 PMI'm just testing. I don't see a place on the home page to logon, so I can't tell if a cookie is being used to preserve identity. Sooo confusing.
I do seem to have a typekey account but their site provides a typekey token which I'm not sure what to do with.
Posted by JimPortlandOR at February 20, 2006 01:24 PMLet me recommend that the site home page provide some indication that a person is logged in (or not), as DailyKos, TPM and other do.
Since comments are still open, I can't tell if my typekey thingy is working or not.
Posted by JimPortlandOR at February 20, 2006 01:28 PMTesting typekey login (the very small type at top of commenting area was missed by me the last two posts.
I'm in favor of registration, but this site seems unduly difficult compared to dailykos or tpm.
Posted by JimPortlandOR at February 20, 2006 01:31 PMJimPortlandOR - I'll see if I can figure out how to set a flag for people about when they are logged in with TypeKey. However, it is a bit different than tpmcafe and dkos because they are running full scoop environments where you actually log in through the scoop software. MT uses TypeKey (their authetification system) for all their blogs including TypePad. I think the MT application actually does a handshake with the TypeKey servers to see if you are a registered commenter.
Posted by Mary at February 21, 2006 12:03 AM