I have revised my blog comment policy. Here is the new item:
At any time, I may choose to limit the number of comments per reader per post to an arbitrary number, such as one or two. My intent is to maximize the diversity of comments. If you wish to have a discussion without my arbitrary restrictions, you are welcome to leave a brief comment with a link to your own blog, inviting readers to continue the discussion there.
I have been applying this policy all along, as some of you know, but I think it’s wise to make these things explicit. I know this policy will cost me some readers, and I accept that. I blog because I enjoy it, but I don’t enjoy long debates. I believe that most readers prefer to read a wide variety of comments, rather than a two-sided debate.
I admit that I cause debates, by sometimes making controversial claims, and then replying to comments that disagree with my claims. I know that my reply may make you think (perhaps quite rightly) that I misunderstood your first comment, but please let me assure you that I will also (most likely) misunderstand your second comment.
Filed under: Political Science | Tagged: argumentation, comment policy, comments, debate
Kia ora Peter!
An interesting take. The alternative to a two sided debate, of course, is often no debate at all. In which case the reader/visitor gets only one side, being that of the blogger.
It is easier to disallow comments if the intention of the blogger is to simply narrow the focus. On the other hand, if the blog is one of those popular forums where 50 comments appear against a post overnight, then the blogger doesn’t have this problem, for that level of popularity tends to spike the so-called two-sided debate anyway.
It really depends on how much the blogger wishes to have participation - interaction if you like. Maybe some bloggers should just have a web page and be done with it, adopting the oracle/orator stance, with the opening page “Welcome to my Web.”
Ka kite
from Middle-earth