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"Disabled Comments" - Talking to a Brick Wall

One of the new features here on ActiveRain is 'Disabled Comments,' the ability of the blog author to 'disable' any commenting on their post.

"Comments have been disabled by the author"

I've encountered a couple of these 'disabled' articles recently. In both instances, the writing was excellent! It accomplished all that good, quality blog content should. It was thought-provoking and stimulating. The words engaged my mind, challenged my thinking, questioned my convictions/views.

It evoked within me a need to respond, to contribute in some small way; to complete the circle of conversational blogging....

And then,....the train wreck!....

"Comments have been disabled by the author"

Excuse me??? This is the US of A we're talking about here! Freedom of Speech, Apple Pie, and Wrigley Field!

Wasn't the whole purpose of blogging to create a dialogue? To attract your reader in such a way as to illicit their involvement through comments? Establishing meaningful, relevant connections?

Unfortunately, I can't respond. I've been silenced. My voice isn't wanted, needed, valued.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Update: I just encountered yet another post this evening that had nearly 30 comments and some very lively discussion, and the author simply decided to 'Shut it Down!' Please know that while I don't necessarily agree with this feature, I respect people's right to employ it.

Posted by Rich Jacobson Your Kitsap County WA Real Estate Agent on 02/02/2008 09:45 PM

Comments (55)

disabled comments

Originally posted at: "Singing in the Rain!": "Disabled Comments" - Talking to a Brick Wall

55 Comments on "Disabled Comments" - Talking to a Brick Wall

FEB

2008

I just read one of those Rich! I suppose it's up to the author... yet, I like to have comments and comment on others and respond to comments and ...and ...and....it's like a movie that leaves you with a .... "AND" ??????

Rich, I know what you mean! It is disappointing when you can't give any feedback! I like feedback and always welcome it!

Rich, I totally agree. I had always had my blogs open. Over the last few days I have had to close my blog comments to non-member due to some drama on another networking site. I would have never thought I would ever block anyone's comments and then I was made a target and decided to protect my blog for a few days. So I guess my view changed a tad. I now have all my comments opened but will close again if I have to.

I know what you mean about not being able to voice your opinion. I though blogging was for the purpose of giving and receiving comments.

I don't understand why anyone would not want feedback on their blog.

Rich, I guess some writers don't want any comments diluting their message. Understandable, but disappointing.

haven't come acrossed that yet...it's a shame...its a loss of dialog that someone else can contribute...why start something and not be willing to finish it! I won't do that...that is a lost opportunity...opportunity for conversation...for friendship and for referrals.

Seems pretty contrary to the whole reason we are all so attracted to this medium. Hmmm...

Rich, I tried to talk back to the world's most opinionated mortgage broker, and guess what? Glad you didn't disable yours!

Second thought - if certain writers become known for disabling comments, won't many members refrain from reading their posts?

Rich - I had this experience earlier today as well. I can't imagine ever disabling them myself, but I suppose if the option exists, that some will choose to use it for whatever reason.

Rich - I am going to email Bob and ask him to remove the "Block Rich" button from the software :) All kidding aside it is a shame that someone would do that with their blog.

Well, after some one wrote that interesting blog on DizClaimer, perhaps people are feeling they cannot handle the responsibility for crazy comments? While I've never had to use the delete button, I think that's why it's there. Also, that's where disclaimers can be useful. Funny, they don't show up unless you create them.

I don't allow non-member comments on my blog on AR because sometimes (like recently) I can't keep up with just member comments. I am neither pro nor con with the new disable all comments so I don't know what to say. I guess sometimes it could be useful but at the same time it can be like a hit and run :)

I couldn't agree more Rich. A few days ago I read a really smart post and had a question and comment...but oops, no comment allowed. Oh well....movin' on

Hello Rich!

Maybe they are new and don't know what "disabling comments" means? I was just looking at my settings ( I am a new blogger---) and I was a bit uncertain as to what some of the the blog settings meant. I went ahead (against my better judgement) and enabled the email function this evening so wonder what will happen to my email in the morning? Yikes! I am not really good at getting around yet and just read the comment above where Renee is saying she can't keep up with just the member comments. Does that mean we are supposed blog the comments back? I have not a clue where you will comment to me on this commment so go figure!

Gina

I wondered when this would come up - I never have seen the value of no comment -

Rich - well said. I don't get this feature at all. What am I missing? Why not give folks the ability to approve comments, as other sites do, instead of a blanket "comments disabled?" So much for Web 2.0.

Jeff

FEB

2008

I can't imagine what the purpose is in this. I have encountered it too this last week and was sadly disappointed that I could not make a comment.

I ran into this last night. I was surprised and a little disappointed, but o well.

Rich- I am so surprised why anyone would use this, I ran into it the other day and thought, gee, you don't want to talk to me!

Rich, you are toooo funny! Maybe these bloggers do not have time to respond. Sort of defeats the purpose of blogging though.

I do not like that feature. I think it would be OK to block an individual from posting on your blog if they are vulgar, insulting or unprofessional.

Irina = Not having time to respond is okay. We all get busy. But there's a HUGE difference in the Auther not responding, and prohibiting your readers from responding.

Maybe it's a liability thing?

I think when ActiveRain gives the blogger the ability to moderate comments you'll see this "disable" feature not used at all, or very little.

Just a way for them to "continue" the post and try to get readers/comments on an "outside" blog? Kinda cheesy, if ya ask me..

I don't like that feature either. If I read something good, I want to throw my 2 cents in. Or closing down comments over here and sending them to their outside blog to read the rest.

I think perhaps most just don't understand what they are doing to themselves.

We already have the ability to moderate comments on our posts. That's what the delete button is for. I can delete ANY comment on one of my posts if I don't like it for any reason. That's my moderation ability.

I can keep non-members (or members who aren't signed in) from commenting on my posts. And some choose to do this because they want to know who they are talking to along with the commenter's ability to hide his identification that way.

Now, I can disable all comments on my posts, if I want to, though it seems rather self defeating. I get points for people commenting on my blogs. If I don't like a particular one, I can delete it.

WHY, OH WHY would I ever want to disable all comments on my posts. I LIKE the dialogue. and when I don't like your comment, I can just delete it. No response, no recourse, it's gone if I want it to be. BUT, I like the points so I'll never use the "Disable all comments". Defeats the purpose.

Dang it! I was just going to comment on a good discussion and I get down to the bottom of all comments and "comments disabled". RATS! I am seeing what you mean. Last night I had no clue what you were talking about and now I do :)

Rich, I really dislike this feature. One of my favorite bloggers has gone to this format, Adios Brian, I can't read your posts any more because you either don't care what I think or just can't be bothered by my questions. either way we both lose.

Renee, even if you can't keep up I will continue to read your posts because you do "accept" comments and questions.

Bill Roberts

Rich,

You pretty much expressed how I feel towards the same action...however, upon further thought, that ability to shut down debate tells us more about the blogger, and ultimately helps us evaluate better and substantively what we like or dislike about a particular blog...I try not to judge the blogger as much as the blog itself...and actions like these help us to determine for ourselves more objectively the quality of the blog...of course, for ourselves only! JMHO, Thanks, Fran

P.S. Take it a step further...what if we could disable comments on our comments!!! Sounds ridiculous, doesn't it!!!

I have also been surprised recently to find that comments were disabled when I wanted to post one!

Rich, in one case, the blog was not contraversial, comments were just turned off. In another, well, I think the discussions were a little too cotrversial. But how do we move forward without dialog. Hey, find out why the feature was added, see what AR wants. Again, if a blogger does not want to participate, how many people will be reading their blog? AJ.

Rich, I wish there was a way to know from the start that a post's comments have been disabled. If there was just an icon at the top of the post, I wouldn't feel so frustrated, but I take the time to read through the post, then I read through the comments, and find my comment isn't allowed. It's sooooo frustrating.

FEB

2008

The whole post disabling feature is pretty interesting. Seth Godin's blog doesn't allow for comments, but you can do a trackback, which would allow you to mention his post on your blog, thus providing a link to his blog and potentially more readership.

Smart marketing move? Who am I to question this. I guess I am a smaller fish in the big sea of blogging. I know his way might be more lucrative. For me, I like to read and respond to my readers on my posts. If they were to take it a step further and mention what I am writing about on their posts, wow, that's just the cherry on a sundae.

FEB

2008

Rebecca = can you imagine how many people would comment on Seth's blog???...YIKES! I think he can make an exception in this case. You're right though, .....we are much smaller fish in the big blog sea, and should encourage interaction with our readers...

Gail - that's not a bad idea. Do you think it would limit readers? Would people NOT want to read it if it were noted at the top?

Now that I've thought about it, I can see many reasons why it would make sense to disable comments. I suppose another option would be a disclaimer stating - go ahead and comment, but I'm not going to respond. Maybe we should all try it for ourselves and see what it's like!

FEB

2008

Rich,

I don't get it. Is it because it is just so much trouble to delete the comments sent to your Browser? Are people really that shallow? Or is it because they know it all and don't think any envolvement is neccessary. After all those comments they recieve would probably be all incorrect anyway unless they agreed with the author.

Disable comments. Blah! Move on then. Go somewhere that you wont be bothered. Leave the rest of us to be social.

Rich,

I will stop disabling comments when the system allows me to moderate before publishing. Too many instances of people putting links (comment spam) to themselves, leaving stupid or disrespectful comments have lead me to disable comments on my posts. Miss the intereaction, but I don't have time to hawk my blog to see if someone did one of the above...

Colleen - I guess this will just be one of those rarest of instances when we agree to disagree. Personally, I think it's counterproductive to the process, and negates the whole intention behind conversational blogging. While I can appreciate your concerns over stupid and disrespectful comments, I think the downside to disabling comments can have a much more negative impact on your blog than having to take a few minutes to police/hawk your posts. When legitimate commenters can't respond to what you've written, your readership will naturally dwindle. That's simply my own take on things. You obviously must decide what is the best and most prudent use of your time. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It's nice to see your name pop-up!

Rich -- it would be so much more beneficial if AR enabled comment moderation, allowing us the ability to moderate comments before they are published...

Colleen - you're the first person who has raised this issue with me, and I've not seen it discussed elsewhere. I'll mention it to Matt and see if it's something they've explored...

Rich - I have used the disabling comments feature once...at the end of a fair innocous post where I offered a link to a website where people could take a short survey to find out which candidate most closely matches their values. My reason for disabling posts was simple - I was not interested in entering into any political discussion drama. I've noticed they can get quite heated on AR, and my time and peace of mind are too precious. . . I find your post extremely valuable, because it helps me see how my decision could be interpreted.

Jackie - I'm not saying that there might not be times when 'disabling' comments is warranted or permissible, I just don't believe that it's a good practice to employ on all your posts....

FEB

2008

Rich - Yes, I think it might cut down on the number of readers, but I would still read a blog where the comments had been disabled if it looked like it had valuable information. I just wouldn't have that feeling like I hit a brick wall after reading the post and all the comments only to find that I couldn't add my voice. It is truly the strangest feeling on a blog to find that you have been blocked from commenting. There's a frustration and emotional component that was so strong that it surprised me.

I now avoid the blogs of people who disable comments to avoid that experience because it is so unpleasant.

Gail - I didn't find it unpleasant, but it was a bit annoying. Good writing usually evokes a response. And it's somewhat deflating not to have the forum to share your feelings/views...

Rich - When you live in a democracy you come to expect the opportunity to speak out. What I am reacting to is that a right that I take for granted has been denied me and that there was no forewarning when I started reading the posts and the comments that I was entering a dictatorship where my voice could not be heard.

Gail - yeah, that pretty much sums it up! :)

FEB

2008

Rich, this makes me think and feel that possibly the author felt as if his words were "final". Period. An invitation to share, agree, disagree, or argue a difference of opinion has been stricken from the records! Would you have even read it if you knew you couldn't comment? I don't think I would. It does take away the freedom and creativity of thought. Deb

FEB

2008

Debra - I suppose for some, it has its place. But for me, it's not something I would do...

FEB

2008

Rich - Wow, I'm really late to this one. I have used it once, just for the heck of it. Overall, I will have to agree with you Rich. To me, what differentiates blogging from a lot of other forms of media is the thread and following interaction. I don't get why individuals would want to essentially silence any feedback...good, bad, or indifferent. That's just me though. For those that utilize the function and do so more times than not, I probably won't be following their posts nearly as often.

FEB

2008

I Recently wrote simple blog about my pet peeve. Nothing, I thought that would provoke anyone. The Lady in Red made a teasing comment. Low and behold an outsider picked up on the blog and was very unkind to Teri. I emailed Teri to ask her if she would like me to delete the blog, or disable comments. She voted to keep on. Teri and I managed to carry it off, then the outsider apologized to Teri. Teri wrote a featured blog stemming from this ordeal. My point--By not disabling comments, or deleting anything we rose above the problem and solved it together. Disabling to avoid conflict may stunt our character growth.

Rich,

You know that I disagree with you. Managing a blog effectively requires active participation in the comments section. Sometimes, success in weblogging spikes your business, which limits your ability to effectively manage the comments. For me, it's a choice of excellence; if I can't effectively engage in a conversation, I won't do it.

Ms Kennedy and Mr. Roberts,

Most consumers won't comment on my weblog because of the "clubby" industry atmosphere the comments thread is- it intimidates consumers. While I welcome your participation, I can't afford to have it eclipse the message to consumers.

I apologize that many of you feel your "rights" have been "taken away" but my Active Rain blog helps to feed my family, pay my daughter's tuition, and satisfy the litany of creditors who line up monthly. When faced with those choices, I , regrettably, side with my customers (and subsequently my family) over the membership.

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