TS Comments: Free Speech Or Anonymous Hate?
As some of you know, the Times-Standard recently published a couple of my blogs in print and in the online edition. I was extremely proud to have my "stuff" put out there and couldn't wait to see what sort of comments I'd receive. My pride was quickly diminished once the comments turned extremely negative and self-serving to a few anonymous internet trolls. Rather than comment on the content of my blogs, they chose to make painful personal attacks that came across very juvenile and perhaps even hinting of an underlying jealousy they had of my own family life. It pissed me off to no end that people could come on and post anonymous, hurtful comments; kinda like someone running up to you in a dark room, punching you and running out.
I got over the experience by realizing there will always be cowards and people that don't like you no matter what you write or are perceived to think. Yes, the comments were hurtful but on a positive note, they at least showed me that someone was reading. It also showed me a positive side, as some of my readers left very positive thoughtful and kind comments. Some of then rather hilarious, if you ask me.
Why am I re-hashing this? Why am I bringing this up again since I've already previously whined about it in this blog? It's because of this story. Leroy worked with my dad for my years and his son played soccer with my little brother. They were and are a great family. Unfortunately, the comments section on this article led to the typical trolls coming out and making hurtful, disparaging comments against a family who just lost their dad and husband. Some of the comments may have been inspired by an inaccurate press release or a reporter who got their facts mixed up; but whatever the case, some of the comments were absolutely uncalled for and terrible. A widow should not have to come onto a forum and defend her deceased husband; it's disgusting and cruel.
I personally "reported" some of these comments and I know that some of the other posters did as well. However, the mean and spiteful comments still remain as a reminder to the grieving family that some people are just a*holes. What a positive light these comments have shed on the Times-Standard as now the family is urging their friends and family to cancel their subscriptions. And you know what? I agree with them 100%. To have your deceased loved one called a "drunk redneck" is like rubbing salt into an open wound. These comments should not be allowed to remain and as of right now, they are still there.
To the Hall family, I'm so sorry for your loss and I grieve for you. To the Times-Standard, shame on you. If you're going to have a comments section, at least provide some sort of immediate moderation. You are re-victimizing a family who's lost so much by allowing hatred to spill into this story. I'm all for free speech but speech that comes from hate spewing mongrels is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by your loyal readers - some of whom you may have already lost.
Comments
I just left my own two-cents about the "drunk redneck" comment. ARGH!!!
Posted by: just me | July 5, 2008 08:01 PM
I think you should also get a group together to contact the TS advertisers and threaten to boycott them unless the TS does something about this problem...
Posted by: Cousin Kath | July 6, 2008 08:21 AM
The media would be a good place to start too...especially if you urged a boycott of advertisters until it is resolved...they might pay attention to that.
Posted by: Cousin Kath | July 6, 2008 08:28 AM
Wow I'm just stunned that the paper would leave these things up after they have obviously been reported. I'm very sorry to the Hall family for their loss and that some people could be so heartless.
Posted by: Tiffany | July 6, 2008 09:25 AM
We need to do something. I
try to let the families
know they aren't the only
ones. I lost a childhood
friend a few weeks ago. It
was in the TS. A comment was left that they were LOL
that she bashed her brains
out on the dashboard. Her
family and friends read this. I believe TS is afraid of losing their comment section by requiring people to register like the Eureka
Reporter. Big Loss. Please
help do something.
Posted by: All families friend | July 6, 2008 11:16 AM
I do think something like having to register might be a good idea. I regularly read comments and can't believe some of the hate spilled out by some of these readers.
Posted by: Sandi | July 6, 2008 04:48 PM
i'm proud of you for taking the high road! :)
Posted by: martina | July 6, 2008 06:51 PM
They removed the comment!!! Yay!! Look at what you did by posting this blog!! One voice does matter! I am very impressed.
Posted by: faith | July 6, 2008 09:07 PM
Some people really stink! I'm sorry they did that! They need to get a life!
Posted by: Bobbi | July 6, 2008 09:44 PM
Thanks Times-Standard! Comments like that do nothing to enhance the paper. I'm sure there are a ton of people that appreciate you removing those disgusting comments.
Posted by: Sandi | July 6, 2008 09:54 PM
I guess you are all for free speech as long as it is civil and agreeable.
I got some news for you. That kind of speech doesn't need protecting.
Posted by: Blue Lake | July 7, 2008 06:26 AM
That's nice it was taken off. But I'm worried about
the other families in the
future. I wrote a letter to
whoever is takine Rich's
place. I can't let this go.
I hope you all don't. Thanks
Posted by: All families friend | July 7, 2008 07:41 AM
I think comment moderation is a must especially for a newspaper! Accusations made anonymously are often ugly and unfounded.
Posted by: kymk | July 7, 2008 10:23 AM
Blue Lake--
I don't think anyone here has a problem with free speech. It is a valuable right that everyone in this country has, and I personally exercise it regularly whilst living in a state whose residents are not considered the most open-minded in the nation. We are, however, against defaming the name of a deceased person. Defamation is not protected under "free speech". In fact, it is against the law.
Posted by: Cousin Kath | July 7, 2008 02:52 PM
Great post.
Blue Lake--The right to free speech simply means you have a right to say what you want and the government won't haul you off to jail for it. It doesn't mean you can say whatever you want to people without moral or social consequence. The Dixie Chicks come to mind.
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should say hurtful things to people that don't need or deserve it. I imagine these people would also see a hurt puppy on the sidewalk and kick it instead of helping it. Yeah, you're right. We should do more protecting of these kinds of people.
Posted by: Bridget | July 8, 2008 10:53 AM
Legally, you cannot defame a deceased person.
Posted by: Hello | July 9, 2008 09:12 AM
It's not about defamation; it's about decency to the living. I think if you were to put yourself in the shoes of his widow, you'd feel the same outrage and hurt that this family is experiencing. This sort of language may be in all rights legal, but it's still unacceptable and should not be tolerated.
Posted by: Sandi | July 9, 2008 09:24 AM
The www.tsblogs.com is cool site, thanks, admin.
Posted by: ambinia | August 18, 2008 11:37 AM