Comment on Website Updates Tonight by Joshua Johnston
When we initially activated the comment feature of the website, one of our primary focuses was on hoping to elevate the level of discourse in local politics and news issues. Postings that we feel might not contribute to a less confrontational level of discourse than may be found on other local sites may not pass muster of moderation when applicable, and might be removed on reconsideration after posting to the site. We understand that people are accustomed to using the Internet as a place to vent great frustrations, but with our local focus we feel as though making an effort to keep things “coffee shop” style is an important goal.
We vigorously support and defend the right to free speech here at News Carson City, but it is our main intention with this feature to try and have a civil debate. The first amendment guarantees the governments non-interference in speech, but does not require or intend that privately operated forums allow any kind of posting to be made visible without filtering.
I am sorry that some posts don’t make it past moderation or may be removed on reconsideration, but there is really no other reasonable way where we feel as though we’re providing the right kind of service to the community. For what it’s worth, we strive to apply the same standards across comments from all areas of the political spectrum despite any beliefs that might be held personally by those who moderate the site.
- Joshua Johnston, Website Administrator