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Do You Moderate Comments? Should You?

By
Real Estate Agent with eXp Realty of California, Inc. CA DRE #01490977

An interesting discussion took place at the California Association of REALTORS (C.A.R.) Convention 2 days ago in San Jose when I was on a panel about blogging - the question arose about moderating comments, and whether you should or not. 

  • Do you moderate comments?

 

  • Do you feel you should?

 

  • Or do you not allow comments at all, and if so why?

Obviously much of the value around blogging in the Web 2.0 world is transparency, and encouraging dialog, discussion and interaction. Commenting can be a vital part of blogging by adding to the conversation, sharing a different perspective, teaching others, and so on.

And shouldn't consumers be encrouaged to weigh in with their opinions? Or to ask questions?

Do you allow commenting on your blog?

Of course comments can have a negative impact as well, with spam, slander, and other No Nos that cause hard feelings, embarrassment, and unwanted controversy or flare into on-line arguments and fighting. 

Generally blog platforms (e.g., Blogger, Wordpress) allow for the author to moderate comments...to see what they are before approving or disproving them. I make use of this, as do many others I know, but some folks don't and allow all comments, or perhaps go in and delete after the fact if needed. 

I also know of some bloggers who do not allow comments at all. This is a different position to take but they feel strongly about it. I don't agree, but I can understand their rationale. 

Here on AR we don't have this moderating capability, at least not in the same sense. 

  • There IS a setting (click on My Home and then on Settings on the left side of your home page) where you can disallow non-member comments if you wish. 
  • You can request to be notified when a new blog comment is made.
  • You can disable comments if you wish. 

You can, of course "moderate" comments once they have been made and make the decision to delete, or not, as well as to respond in a way you deem fitting, 

It seems to me you have to strike a balance. To not permit comments, in general, takes away from the value of blogging by not allowing people to participate. In some posts that certainly may be appropriate but I don't favor it as a general rule. 

At the same time one does have the right, in my belief system, to strike comments that really are inappropriate - not because of a dissenting opinion but when negativity, slander, racial and/or gender slurs, foul language, and other similar comments significantly detract from the conversation and cause harm or hurt. 

And certainly spam needs  to go where it belongs....delete!

But perhaps you have a differing opinion.

 What ARE your thoughts on comments?

 Should they be moderated? Or not allowed at all?

********************************

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Certified Residential Specialist / Realtor®


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Comments (88)

Erika Nicholson
ROSE ANNE ERICKSON REALTY, LLC. Columbus Ga - Fort Benning, GA
Columbus Ga Homes, Columbus Ga Real Estate, Ft Benning Ga,

Jeff,   Some comments should be removed.   Fortunately I have not had to remove any yet.  

Oct 11, 2009 03:57 AM
Irene Tron
Valparaiso, IN

I do allow comments and have not had to delete any other than spam.  As far as leaving comments, I have had to hold back a couple times and have chosen to remain silent rather than leave a negative comment on someone's post. 

Oct 12, 2009 01:02 AM
Judy Schneider
eXp Realty - Bellingham, WA

Hi Jeff,

I haven't seen too many blogs here on AR not allowing comments! I am not sure why anyone would want to blog without excepting comments! The content of the comments is in our control! I have only had to delete three comments ever. They we spam, that had no relationship to the blog they were commenting on! The comments are wonderful! I wouldn't do it any other way!

Judy

Oct 17, 2009 03:00 PM
Jane Cross
Homes By Cross serving Charlotte NC Real Estate Needs - Charlotte, NC

Jeff, I allow comments, but I don't get too many...so, my thought at this point is, why not? Isn't that the purpose of blogging-interaction?

Oct 21, 2009 11:03 AM
Anja Richardson
Coldwell Banker Advantage - Southern Pines, NC

I would allow comments

Oct 21, 2009 12:34 PM
Liz Flint
Century 21 Hardee-Team Realty - Houston, TX
Houston\Tomball Realtor (832)816-8066

Hi Jeff,  I have had to delete some comments on my blogs.  Several have turned out to be ads for target and the other I deleted was one of the people from Africa (or at least they say they are from Africa) that made no sense.  Otherwise I usually leave comments.

 

Oct 22, 2009 03:05 AM
Terry Chenier
Homelife Glenayre Realty - Mission, BC

Jeff,

I allow comments always. If they violate the guidelines of my group-they're gone.

Oct 24, 2009 05:47 PM
Jill Schmidt
Aurora, CO

Given the spam and (sometimes) profanity/etc. out there, I think you have to moderate.  It's not been a problem on ActiveRain, but outside it's just a matter of time before something hits.  What about posting "rules"?

Something like:  It's ok to give differing views, supportive evidence, or your own ideas.  Please do so in a respectful manner or your response will be disallowed.  No profanity or advertisements allowed.  (Does that get us into the position of defining "profanity", etc.?)

Oct 27, 2009 09:49 AM
Joe Colón, Jr.
Jenny L Colón, PC - Chesapeake, VA

Hey Jeff,

   I have to say that I pretty much agree with you.  The beauty of this community is that we are all allowed to share in conversation.  However, I also agree that there should be proper etiquette when it comes to blogging or leaving comments on other's blogs.  I almost found myself breaking this very pet peeve of mine after I ran into several "fake" blogs on AR that did nothing but give an ad for the individual.  It was the same "blog" over and over again, as if they were doing it just to get the AR points.  Are those the blogs that you say should not have room for comments?

-Joe

Oct 28, 2009 02:07 AM
Linda D. Pufford
Stage with Divine Style - Home Staging - Novato, CA
ASPM, Marin/Sonoma Home Stager

Jeff,

It seams that those on AR are very professional people.  Every now and then I see a little steam venting going on...but so far have not seen bad language or slander or another person hurting someone else.  In those cases there should be a line drawn. 

Oct 30, 2009 04:35 PM
S J
Coquitlam, BC

Yes I have not seen to much crap put out there. Everyone so far has behaved so far that I've talked to. You do bring up some good points.

Oct 31, 2009 03:06 AM
Erby Crofutt
B4 U Close Home Inspections&Radon Testing (www.b4uclose.com) - Lexington, KY
The Central Kentucky Home Inspector, Lexington KY

I think the feedback thing is great.  I allow comments, monitor them, and delete the junk and spam and nasty people.

-

Nov 02, 2009 12:22 AM
Ty Lacroix
Envelope Real Estate Brokerage Inc - London, ON

Jeff

Comments are healthy and of course, inappropiate ones are history with me

Ty

Nov 09, 2009 06:42 AM
Norma Toering Broker for Palos Verdes and Beach Cities
Charlemagne International Properties - Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Palos Verdes Luxury Homes in L.A.

I try to read all comments and I rarely delete one.

Nov 11, 2009 01:53 PM
Gerry Michaels
Glasswork Media Arts - Gettysburg, PA
GettysburgGerry Social Meida

Personally I think that comments are one of the most important components of blogging. Isn't it all about ideas? I try to respond to as many comments as I can, but that sometimes is not do-able. I love getting comments on my blogs from clients as well as colleagues. I will be waiting to see if you respond to this LOL...

Nov 12, 2009 07:57 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Gerry - well I agree wholeheartedly. Another blog topic perhaps should be... nope I'm gonna do that. I have had a tough time keeping with commenting, blogging and responding, BUT I wanted to make a special poitn to respond to you. LOL

Jeff

Nov 12, 2009 12:40 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Ty - that's consistent with many other folks. Seems like the right approach.

Norma - same here.

Erby - I believe that's the right way to handle it, too.

Sean - I think that is true, in general. sometimes the ugliness rears it head. I think some folks may get more of these types of comments as they tend to be more controversial writers.

Jeff

Nov 12, 2009 12:43 PM
Suzanne Strickler
Realty Mark Associates - Havertown, PA
School is never out for the Successful.

Jeff:

When I post a blog it's sharing my thoughts and ideas and it invites comment by the nature of the medium. After an interesting blog, I enjoy reading the list of comments. Some readers get a totally different take on the article and I like the insite of another Rainer's viewpoint.

Unfortunately, there are people who speak out by exercising their cruelty. Their platform should be given to the silencing voice of the delete key.

 

 

Nov 17, 2009 01:50 AM
Aaron Vaughn 830-358-0455
Conifer Builders LLC - Canyon Lake, TX

I think you are misusing the word "moderate" when you really mean "censor." I don't do it on my comments, and I've never had a dude delete my comments. I think that control freaks are the only ones who would consider deleting another's comments. I've had 2 people delete mine; one sent me a nice email explaining why she did it. 

Nov 29, 2009 01:38 AM
Scott Taylor
Realty Center - Orlando - Ocoee - Orlando, FL
REALTOR

Well I think we should moderate certain comments, most are pretty cordial but some can be down right rude.

Dec 05, 2009 06:12 AM