Survey: How Would You Like to See This Blog Handle Comments?

12/1/2018

We live in strange times when even the purveyors of conspiracy theories and pseudoscientific nonsense gape in awe at the horrors they have wrought. Giorgio Tsoukalos has happily fronted a TV series that has reveled in all manner of conspiracy theories, from anti-government speculations to Russophile propaganda, and at once point he literally claimed that space aliens made a peace treaty with the coelacanth to spare it from extinction. But this week even Tsoukalos couldn’t fathom how it was that his fans could hold baffling conspiracy theories in their heads at the same time, namely that all of NASA’s visits to the moon were fake but that the U.S. secretly traveled to Mars and established a colony there.

Usually the same people who claim that we have bases on Mars are also the ones who spout that we never went to the Moon. The brainfartery of taking such a position is staggering. "Don't you know we have bases on Mars Giorgio!? The Moon landing was a hoax though!"#contradiction
— Giorgio A. Tsoukalos (@Tsoukalos) November 27, 2018

Some believe that we've bypassed the Moon and went straight to Mars. Apparently because that's easier. For the humanity. Everything has become so weird. Qu: What if the little grainy 30 second "secret" & "lost" footage internet videos u think are genuine, ARE the misinformation?
— Giorgio A. Tsoukalos (@Tsoukalos) November 28, 2018

Not to point out the obvious, but if your whole career is based on making wild and unsubstantiated claims about every subject under the sun, how can you really be surprised that your fans are unhinged loons who take it to the logical extreme?

But since I have to spend much of this weekend working on book-related projects, I wanted to take this opportunity to address some of the issues that have emerged over the comments section of this blog. Too often, these comments have descended into personal insults, political feuding, and off-topic discussions. I am, frankly, at a bit of a loss as to what to do about it.

Here is the problem: I don’t have the time to read all of the comments, and I can only waste so much time pruning and deleting them. I have a filter in place to block the most egregious comments. Seriously: If you think what you read now is bad, you should look at my “pending” comments folder. Ever wanted to read hundreds of 500-word-long rants about how Jesus’ UFO will come to burn all the sinners? I also have an IP blocker that restricts posting from specific IP addresses that have abused posting privileges. However, that is easy enough to circumvent if someone is motivated enough.

Since IP blocking is not particularly effective, my only other tool for controlling comments involves delaying or eliminating comments. I could close blog posts to comments. It is not my preference, but many major websites have ended up doing this because of the problems comments cause. I could also hold all comments for moderation and only post approved comments. Again, this is not my preference, but it may be the only way to avoid libelous, insulting, and off-topic comments. However, because I am not able to be present on the blog around the clock (I usually log in once a day in the evening to set up the post for the next morning) the delay is likely to be significant.

So, this brings me to a bigger issue: There are only perhaps a dozen or so people who regularly post comments, a minuscule fraction of the tens of thousands of people who read this blog on any given day. It seems unfair to make rules based on the interests of a dozen people against the entire audience, so I would like to ask everyone reading this, especially those who do not post comments to share your thoughts. How would you like to see the comments section changed?

138 Comments

gdave

12/1/2018 09:44:37 am

I seem to have instigated this with my public complaint in the 11/30/18 blog comment section about the commenting of one particular commenter, who currently uses the 'nym "American Cool "Disco" Dan" (hereafter ACDD).

First off, I'd like to revise a statement I made then. I stated that due to ACDD's commenting behavior, the comment section was for most intents and purposes dead. Upon reflection, that was an overstatement, and an overreaction to the state of the comment section for the blog post of 11/28. I don't think the comment section of this blog has become useless. However, I do think its usefulness for actually discussing the day's blog post has become significantly impaired and is in danger of becoming nearly if not entirely useless for that purpose.

For the record, I voted for the first poll option, for real time commenting. As bad as I think ACDD's comments are for the long-term health and viability of the comments section, I think a move away from real time commenting to significant delays for moderation holds would be even worse.

As I stated in my comment in the 11/30 blog comment section, I'm not sure that there is a good solution.

By the way, in the 11/30 blog comment section, a few other commenters chimed in to back my complaint about ACDD while stating that ACDD doesn't add anything to the conversation, or similar thoughts. I actually disagree with that. I think that ACDD actually does add substantive comments, and, from what I can tell, seems genuinely knowledgeable in some fields. For example, I studied Arabic years ago, and from the bits I can recall, his occasional comments on the Arabic language seem spot on. It's just that his actual substantive comments are often framed in highly aggressive and confrontational terms and accompanied by gratuitous personal insults. And the occasional exhortation to another commenter to commit suicide.

A Buddhist

12/1/2018 02:24:32 pm

As a person (I hope the only one!) whom ACDD has urged to commit suicide, I agree that ACDD has genuine knowledge. I have accepted corrections from ACDD. However, ACDD so mixes genuine knowledge with insults and uncharitable allegations and assumptions about those whom he/she interacts with that it is difficult to accept the correction in good spirits.

As one who has been suicidal, I think that ACDD does great harm buy encouraging anyone to commit suicide.

Doc Rock

12/1/2018 02:50:46 pm

Buddhist,

Are you familiar with the concept of the Mendoza Line? Based on it, I often think in terms of an intellectual Mendoza Line and use it to guide my interactions with others on social media. It's a double-edged sword of course and requires some degree of self-awareness and self-discipline.

John

12/5/2018 08:41:06 am

Why does everyone think that they need to post e everything that comes into their head. If a comment offends someone there is no law to say that they have to take the bait.

Simply ignore it

Willard

12/1/2018 10:40:16 am

Since you state that an IP blocking is available, then why not use it to block American Cool/Disco Dan's comments? I would suspect that doing so would eliminate the problem that he creates. It would probably take more effort then he would want to take to circumvent the block. At least it would show that you want to address the problem he has created instead of excuses about how you are unable to do anything. Also, if you have a pending file, do what I did when I was working. I deleted it, unread, instead of wasting my time scanning it.

E.P. Grondine

12/1/2018 10:40:53 am

Here's my morning, Jason - Google news, Yahoo news, archaeological news, your site. This allows my body and mind to get functional. Then the days business. You usually have content on the fringe industry.

You know the areas where I differ with you - the importance of Lovecraft to the spread of Theosophy and the existence of tall Native Americas, and really that is about it.

I have no intention of suing anyone for libel for Shit-for-Brains comments, least of all you. But I am pressed to find any contribution in an of his comments. Nothing but insults for everyone.

I think that the easiest thing for you to do would simply be to ban him.

An Over-Educated Grunt

12/1/2018 11:23:21 am

I have cut my posting back substantially because my most common posting option is my phone, and the inconvenience of posting is a pretty good brake on my natural tendency to argue. It just isn't worth my time to post. Still here though.

The problem is that it's always been this way. Once it was Gunn, or KIF/666/etc, or Phil Gotsch. Now it's ACDD. Short of closing the comments, there's not a way of blocking the irritants completely. I'd prefer open comment.

Phil Gotsch and others

12/1/2018 12:55:46 pm

The one with the egotistic alias
Over Educated Grunt
Never seen so much self-pleasuring

Joe Scales

12/1/2018 11:24:35 am

The comments are the best part. Altering them will reduce traffic to the site. Besides, taking offense is a choice. Try to have a thicker skin and ignore the contributors you don't respect.

Priceless Defender

12/1/2018 12:26:17 pm

That's rich coming from you. One of the worst offenders on the site. Consider this the first and last time I acknowledge your existence. You would need "thick skin" here in the real world, where your consistent verbal abuse would induce an avalanche of physical retribution. You are a classic example of smug narcissism run amuck with internet intestinal fortitude(online balls). IF, you were as intelligent as you claim, you would choose your words more carefully. There is a big difference between your perceived intelligence and the actual Street Smarts it takes to get through life. Good luck with that dude!

You, Joe Scales are also one of the reasons it has taken myself 4 years to interject a comment. When you devolve the conversation to such a low level that everyone gives up, what's the point?

Sincerely,

Zzzzzzz.......zzzzzzz.....

Joe Scales

12/2/2018 09:21:01 am

Oh great. Another obsessive suitor. Sorry, but it's my personal policy to never type anything online to someone that I wouldn't say to their face. I also do not believe that I ever boasted in regard to my intelligence. Perhaps something within you is lacking for you to feel this way.

Now let's see who can really avoid responding to one another.

Doc Rock

12/2/2018 02:57:13 pm

Priceless,

Its funny how the people claiming that people should just suck it up and grow a thick skin are the first ones to go into Drama Queen mode when they are proven dead-bang wrong, shown to be using poor logic, or shown to be petty and pedantic. It's actually quite amusing the first time or two that you see it. But then it just gets old and the distraction outweighs the entertainment value.

RiverM

12/6/2018 01:05:21 am

Anyone who can't within 4 minutes let alone 4 years post something on the internet in a public forum probably shouldn't be on the internet, or ever leave their house. They should also truly seek help as feeling that way must be terrifying.

Joe Scales

12/6/2018 02:59:34 pm

Priceless is a liar. They've posted here numerous times before under various monikers and they're now polluting the place yet again on a near nonstop pace.

Nobody link

12/1/2018 12:45:56 pm

I just want to point out the irony of asking people who do not comment how they want the comment section to work.

Just my thoughts, but I do not waste time reading your comments. I can see them being useful to you, but they do not impact me at all.

Love the blog and I cannot wait for the book to come out.

Doc Rock

12/1/2018 01:10:52 pm

Nobody,

All blogs such as this have large numbers of regular lurkers. Many eventually end up making posts and engaging in discussions. Like you, for example. But they are far less likely to do this if they think that they are going to get their head bitten off by another member who doesn't like what they posted.

American Cool "Disco" Dan

12/1/2018 02:14:48 pm

People who lurk and then post may be mocked but they are not mistreated. It's idiots like E.P. Grondine who get taken down, down to Chinatown.

It should be noted that Priceless Defender, while newly arrived, is clearly or should be a mental patient.

"You, Joe Scales are also one of the reasons it has taken myself 4 years to interject a comment."

How severely disabled are you Friend-O? 4 years? Do you have Teacup Poodle Disorder?

And no one has a problem with this:

"E.P. GRONDINE
5/15/2018 04:33:50 pm
Dear Dickwad -

Since you won't get up from your computer and go out and get laid, may I suggest that as an alternative you go fuck yourself."

E.P. GRONDINE
11/27/2018 08:59:23 pm
@Shit for Brains"

Chief Grondine sees imaginary 7 foot tall Injuns but who am I to bust on his fantasy world? Oh, wait a minute, just a reasonable person who points out when someone's spewing nonsense out of their butt.

"E.P. GRONDINE
5/15/2018 04:33:50 pm
Dear Dickwad -

Since you won't get up from your computer and go out and get laid, may I suggest that as an alternative you go fuck yourself."

E.P. GRONDINE
11/27/2018 08:59:23 pm
@Shit for Brains"

Doc Rock

12/1/2018 02:23:41 pm

"People who lurk and then post may be mocked but they are not mistreated."

"It should be noted that Princess Defender, while newly arrived, is clearly or should be a mental patient."

And on that note, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I rest my case.

Priceless Defender

12/1/2018 03:49:54 pm

@Doc Rock- Nice summation. I wholeheartedly agree. TESTIFY!

@ACDD- I don't care what color your skin is, the name of the Deity you may, or may not pray to, nor do I care which political party you belong, or from which human herd you may claim descent.

Some of the most painful reading comes from exchanges between yourself, and E.P. Grondine. Usually over his poorly titled book, he seems dead set on pedaling. In all honesty, I first thought he was joking about the title. BOTH of you should show a little more maturity.

I did not come here to pedal a book, my own blog, get you to put money in a gold plate, or get my hand into your wallets.

American Cool "Disco" Dan

12/1/2018 09:52:41 pm

It should be noted that Doc Rock, he of the alcoholism and fascination with children, edited "Priceless" to "Princess" perhaps for his Samuel Pepys style needs, I don't know and it's a skeevy topic that is not my thing.

This was not an error, this was an edit.

"It should be noted that Princess Defender, while newly arrived, is clearly or should be a mental patient."

Doc Rock

12/1/2018 10:24:34 pm

Weak. Bottom line is that you have been called out by multiple people who cited multiple examples of you saying very inappropriate things. My occasional non-PC quips are not even in the same ballpark with your often beyond the pale outbursts. You are now grasping at straws. I will leave you to it.

American Cool "Disco" Dan

12/2/2018 12:04:40 am

I'm not the one who intentionally typed "Princess" Lost Weekend.

You can handwave that all you want.

Joe Scales

12/2/2018 09:35:20 am

Lost Weekend. It's pop culture reference jibes such as this that make the comment section the gift that keeps giving. In an avalanche of whingeing, we get a true gem.

Cherish this, good people.

E.P. Grondine

12/2/2018 10:49:38 am

@Shit for Brains -

I have pointed you to the standard text on the Adena. Large Native Americans.

I have pointed you to the best current catalogue of other data. Large Native Americans.

I have pointed you to eye witness colonial accounts of the Susquehannock (Andaste). Large Native Americans.

I have described Large Native Americans I have encountered.

Now basically there are two types of archaeologists working in this region: those who have excavated Adena burials, and hose who have not. Getting them together would make an interesting session at an archaeological conference.

No one has any problem with my comments to you because they have also had you sling irrelevant insults at anyone you disagree with.

Now I have also provided you with very accurate information on Childress, and this may lie at the heart of your irritation.

I have provided you with my DNA. I am 1/8 Shawnee by blood quotient. I have met many Chiefs over the years, and I am most certainly not a "Chief", and make no pretensions in that regard. The Shawnee descendants of Oldtown and the adjacent area know who we are, and we do not have tribal structure. We are active, however, addressing areas of concern.

I simply pass on what was passed on, keeping my understanding of it separate from what was passed on.
That is hard enough to do.

American Cool "Disco" Dan

12/2/2018 10:18:08 pm

"I have provided you with my DNA"

NO YOU HAVE DONE NO SUCH THING DICKFUCK.

Where now is the American Indian DNA database that your fake Injun DNA sample was compared against?

You are quite simply a lying beetes-riddled not the best possible person in the world, and I urge A Buddhuist to travel to you and murder you. Or fellate you, his or her choice.

Doc Rock

12/1/2018 12:51:57 pm

Several years back my hometown newspaper had a blog that experienced similar problems. It became impossible to ignore the problem posters because it was a constant time consuming struggle to scroll through all of the nonsense and try to follow the flow of legitimate discussions. People increasingly came to disagree with the notion that everyone, apparently including children and members of the gay community, should just grow thicker skins and learn to live with the use of terms like "faggot", "queer," and "fuck."

The mods didn't have the time or inclination to do delayed posts. They began to require visitors to log in with a verifiable email account and provide a verifiable home address. Very clear rules were posted and they began to make heavy use of their IP blocker for repeat offenders. Initially some people circumvented having their IP blocked, but after a while it just became too much time and trouble for many of them to keep coming back from different IP's. Eventually most of those causing problems either stayed away or learned how to play well with others and the BS was reduced by about 75%. Initially a lot of time and effort to put the new policy in place, but with a long-term payoff. Something along those lines might be the ticket.

Would be pretty cool to read some long posts about Jesus UFO's torching all sinners, though. Gotta be more entertaining than reading thru multiple rants over grammatical errors on a site that lacks an edit function.

T. Franke link

12/1/2018 01:29:46 pm

Doc Rock:

"Initially a lot of time and effort to put the new policy in place, but with a long-term payoff."

100% agreement.
This is the key issue.

E.P. Grondine

12/2/2018 10:52:46 am

@Doc -

Jason could use Disqus for comments.
That may be easy and cost free to do

Jockobadger

12/4/2018 01:25:45 pm

I agree absolutely about the Jesus UFO's torching sinners! That sounds like a terrific read and I wish we could simply keep this comment section afloat, engage in constructive discussion, with the understanding that an occasional well-intentioned barb isn't going to kill anyone.

I also think that name-calling should be avoided, especially when it is directed at other's sexual orientation, etc. Same goes for encouraging suicide. That's BS and should result in banning for the perp. Just my .02.

Jim

12/1/2018 01:12:09 pm

Festivus come early !
I agree with using an IP block for repeat offenders as perhaps the best solution. It can be circumvented with effort, but I don't see a better solution given the options.
The comment section adds much to your blog (or at least used to) to just discard.

Machala

12/1/2018 01:12:41 pm

I find myself in a similar position to AO-E G, at the moment I am required to posting on my tablet, thus limiting my posts and the content.

I may find someone else's posts obnoxious and offensive - not to mention completely off-topic and/or ludicrous but for the most part, try to avoid a pissing contest in the sandbox.

You are not going to stop that "agent provocateur" types like HAL or others of it's I'll, but you can determine them with an IP blocker. Doesn't mean they won't be back under a new name but they'll get to work a little harder to get here.

I do think that a little more attention should be paid to keeping posts on topic - if possible and we can go do a little better at respecting other posters and tempering our rebuttals by not lapsing into juvenile and personal attacks.

Even when not contributing, I enjoy reading your blog, Jason, and for the most part, like the comments section.

T. Franke link

12/1/2018 01:15:58 pm

My 2 cents:

Building up a working forum community is much work, and the question is whether Jason has the time to do it. For my own plans to set up a forum some years ago, I had to realize that I have not the time. So, no forum.

One of the major problem is, that the learned people who really can contribute substance rarely have time for getting involved into a discussion, whereas the people who have the time are rarely learned.

One measure could be, to give each poster a choice: Does he wants answers, a discussion, or does he want his posting left standalone in the forum? (difficult to realize)

Delayed posting (by e.g. 12 or 24 hours) would be really good, because it cuts off the emergence of quick, emotional debates. The posters think more carefully what to post. Discussions do not go wild, and fade away quicklier.

Also banning people for some time (or eternity) could be a measure. Better a more silent forum with some substance, than a forum going wild. Such a silent forum has a potential to grow slowly into a greater community of nice guys.

Again a problem occurs: Who bans, makes himself the judge over others. This is not so easy, and there is rarely a thank-you for it.

Another measure would be to close the forum of each blog post after e.g. three days. This, too, would cut off lenghty discussions. And it would prevent late answers you do not see any more.

Another possible and effective measure would be using real names. Also profiles for each poster would be helpful which tell you what he basically thinks and what his pet theory is.

What is the purpose of the blog post forums? The purpose is to gather more information on the blog post's subject and how people feel and think about it. So, maybe it would be an idea to prevent postings from referring to other posters, but to require them referring to the blog post, only.

But in the end, building up a learned, contributing, polite, and agreeable forum community is much work. It is about human beings, and their relations, and this is always difficult. It is the work done by learned ladies who set up philosophical salons in the 18th and 19th century, to bring together interesting people and create fruitful discussions.

Jim

12/1/2018 01:32:05 pm

"Another possible and effective measure would be using real names. Also profiles for each poster would be helpful which tell you what he basically thinks and what his pet theory is."

Can't agree with at all, that would open everyone up to a multitude of attacks from the likes of Pulitzer who called the police in (as I recall) Nova Scotia to report an accusation from one of his detractors claiming he threatened Pulitzers son. Also threats of being sued etc. etc.

Doc Rock

12/1/2018 01:41:46 pm

I agree that given the large number of legitimate loons surfing the net, using one's real name is often just asking for trouble. However, people tend to behave better if the person operating the blog knows their name and email address even if that information is not shared with the public. That is, of course a good option if the person operating the blog isn't a loon. I think that everyone can agree that Jason isn't a loon, except for the loons.

American Cool "Disco" Dan

12/1/2018 08:30:16 pm

SMFH. There's no such thing as "my" email address. There's an email address I choose to give you. I use "[email protected]" and hereby declare it not a secret. Facebook account? I have none but could have dozens.

Just so we're all on the same page everyone's fine with E.P. Grondine's use of profanity and another poster's repeated tonedeaf characterizing the God of Christians and Jews (and Al-Quaeda القاعدة‎) as evil and insane?

A Buddhist

12/1/2018 08:50:09 pm

American Cool "Disco" Dan: Given that you are the person being complained about and not me nor E. P. Grondine, I dare say that most people are relatively fine with my characterization of YHVH based upon a Buddhist interpretation of so-called Abrahamic scriptures, as well as E. P. Grondine's occasional use of foul language. We are not the ones who ceaselessly insult many commentators here or urge one to commit suicide.

Doc Rock

12/1/2018 09:13:59 pm

You are clearly ignorant of how email addresses work, especially relative to implementing more rigorous moderating policies. I won't say any more so you will have to figure it out on your own if/when the hammer finally drops.

An Anonymous Nerd

12/1/2018 05:18:48 pm

Is it not an option to use a service that requires creating an ID and logging in, such as Disquis, and then customize the permissions as needed? Is it too pricey or something?

-An Anonymous Nerd

Doc Rock

12/1/2018 05:41:44 pm

It is an option that has been widely taken often for the same reasons at play here. I discussed my hometown newspaper blog as an example. The downside is that it may result in a dropoff in traffic in terms of gross number of posts because the hijackers who get into double-digits of non-relevant posts in every thread are gone or behaving. On the other hand, you can get an upside in terms of quality of discussion and the number of new posters who now feel free to comment without being harassed may help offset the initial loss of posts. The ultimate upside is that a blog committed to exposing the lunatic fringe is no longer in danger of being dominated by those who are in some respects worse than the lunatic fringe that the blog is supposed to be combating.

T. Franke link

12/1/2018 05:53:12 pm

Doc Rock, again full agreement.

Less is more, sometimes. And I am pretty sure that the forum would be more inviting to newcomers. In the end, a completely new community builds up. It will not work to pacify this forum with the same persons as at the moment.

Riley V

12/1/2018 07:29:35 pm

I agree completely. Using Disqus or Facebook would at least provide some pre-screening, and an edit function.
I came here to read Jason’s fantastic scholarship. I read the comments for added value from other scholars. Whether commenters agree or disagree is what makes this blog great.

Given the level of passion between several of the commenters for each other, I suggest they get a room, or at least a chat room. There they can f^ k or fight. Anything to relieve the passion and tension. Then maybe we can keep this place reserved for constructive rational discussion

Jason Colavito link

12/1/2018 10:29:31 pm

It is technically an option, but given Weebly's technical limitations, it means either (a) starting a new blog with Disqus, or wiping out all existing comments back however many years and replacing all comments with Disqus. Or at least that is how it worked 2 or 3 years ago, the last time I considered switching.

Doc Rock

12/1/2018 10:52:25 pm

If you keep the same system, one option that hasn't been discussed would be you appointing a couple (or more) people as co-moderators with the discretion to delete inappropriate or non-relevant posts. Another site that I frequent did this. It works out pretty good even though the site has 30K members and gets hundreds of posts a day. Sometimes the mods catch the bad stuff on their own and sometimes they respond to complaints. Would assume that there are at least two or three long time visitors here who you actually know and could trust with some responsibility.

An Over-Educated Grunt

12/2/2018 01:25:50 pm

Not the first time this has been discussed by any means. A mod team has in the past been viewed as worst of all possible worlds because the mods aren't the owner, there's no guarantee of impartiality, and there's just new ground for people to act like children over COMPLAINING about the mods.

Personally I'm fine with moving to Disqus or any other platform where we lose the old comments. Most of them aren't worth saving and those that are are an acceptable casualty.

Doc Rock

12/2/2018 01:55:55 pm

03,

Well, I don't think that one could question the impartiality of mods who do pretty basic stuff like removing posts where people are told "fuck you," called "faggot," called "imbecile," or urged to commit suicide.

If I recall, a while back Jason removed at least one long string of comments where several people had posted. I think there was minimal protest by maybe one person who had been in the thread.

Besides if people are occupied with whining to the mods at least they less likely to be harassing other posters.

No system is perfect but some suck far less than others.

An Over-Educated Grunt

12/2/2018 03:59:42 pm

Also, I love showing off how ignorant I really am

An Over-Educated Grunt

12/2/2018 04:04:50 pm

I don't want to know that the gospels are works of historical fiction and that judeo-christianity is founded on a mind expanding drug that is extremely easy to explain

Jockobadger

12/4/2018 01:33:27 pm

Jason, my preference is to stick with weebly (at least for now) and hope that things improve a bit simply because we've had this discussion. I disagree entirely with starting over with disqus and particularly with FB as I don't have an account and do not want one. It would be a real shame to lose all of the previous comments, etc.

I also disagree with a waiting period when posting (24 hrs or whatever.) It would stifle creative (and sometimes emotional) outbursts that are oftentimes great content. My .02 again - that's .04 on the day. Thanks much

Time Machine

12/5/2018 06:43:35 pm

I do so love to sockpuppet.

Willard

12/1/2018 06:12:20 pm

The majority of the posters to this blog I believe are responsible and welcome the exchange of information on this blog. That being said there are a few that do not. Another question needs to be addressed. Who's blog is this? It isn't those who come on to post comments, It is Jason Colavito's. He is the one who needs to make a decision what needs to transpire on this blog. I don't believe he should put it to a vote.

Jason Colavito link

12/1/2018 07:03:44 pm

I'm not putting it to a vote. The opinions expressed are advisory only, not binding.

Hanslune

12/2/2018 12:11:31 pm

Yep, certain commenters are here to scream at other while many others contribute.

A few of the more detestable ones to include the troll once known as Americanegro needs to have his spew of hate pared back or eliminated

Chuck

12/2/2018 12:20:02 pm

Its like Lord of the Flies in here. But ACDD or AN has blatantly attacked people for simply stating their point of view for literally years on this chat board. Its just not his dispute with one or two people here. He is intentionally abusive and insulting and anyone who posts anything here is considered fair game to him. Anyone who disputes anything he says is fair game. Thumbs down. He must go. He is the only reason I don't make any comments here.

American Cool "Disco" dan

12/2/2018 04:37:19 pm

Bless your heart. May the insane and evil God of Jews and Christians and Al Qaeda cause you to be reborn as a 7 foot tall Injun. I'm told you will have plenty of company but no one will be able to see you because they're all invisible and let's be honest, imaginary.

Plains Indians were the tallest Indians. That is in Al Gore's phrase "settled science".

E.P. Grondine

12/3/2018 11:07:55 am

@Shit for Brains

"Plains Indians were the tallest Indians. That is in Al Gore's phrase "settled science"."

The Andaste were geoncidally exterminated in 1676 by the Jamestown colonists. Those who work with their remains have a very different view of science.

Dig Dug

12/2/2018 12:57:40 pm

Honestly, the comments here have been a big turn off for me. A few years back, it was more tolerable. Perhaps an occasional roasting of Wolter, but for the most part it was civil.

These days it’s all insults, race baiting, and feuds. The only ones who enjoy it are other trolls. Like a rancid odor, it is completely off-putting. It tarnishes the academic quality of his research too. Not everyone wants to pass through breitbart for their morning insights.

No blame towards Jason; I understand his conundrum. The social internet is slowly sliding towards the plastic and seedy foresights of Neal Stephenson.

Chip Brocky

12/2/2018 03:05:13 pm

I propose making American “Cool” Disco Dave the moderator of the comment section, since he is the only one of the compulsive posters with half an education and who isn’t slinging his/her own ignorant conspiracy or wannabe religious nuttery.

Currently there are thousands of readers, and a few dozen regular commenters (incl. socks) with most of them espousing the very same nonsensical thinking that Jason Colavito is railing against every single day.

So, I vote for American Cool “Disco” Dave to become the resident Gritty and give ‘em hell....

Doc Rock

12/2/2018 04:04:27 pm

Chip,

A suggestion that everyone could endorse except for:

Survivors of child sex abuse; Survivors of domestic abuse; Germans and people of German descent; Those with regular suicidal ideation; The entire LGBT community; Anyone with a Ph.D.; Republicans; Democrats; Native Americans; Sub-Saharan Africans; Catholics; Protestants; Buddhists; Atheists; Cats; Dogs; Sea Slugs; etc......

American Cool "Disco" Dan

12/2/2018 04:54:00 pm

Don't forget Israel, Antifa, and Ian MacKaye. And don't think I'm not watching you President Lukashenko.

We can all take comfort though in the fact that Chief has more African-American friends. He doesn't realize we are no longer collectibles. We are not Hummel figurines for your amusement.

Doc Rock

12/2/2018 05:16:38 pm

"He doesn't realize we are no longer collectibles. We are no longer Hummel figurines for your amusement."

I guess you slept thru the last 30 or so NBA drafts.

Mic drop moment.

American Cool "Disco" Dan

12/2/2018 05:43:09 pm

While I take the paper I don't follow the sports games and mic dropping shows a regrettable disrespect for the equipment.

Ahaaaa

12/2/2018 05:53:50 pm

Also weak people who can't cope with words on the internet.

Doc Rock

12/2/2018 06:06:29 pm

Understandable since you have told us before that you read the newspaper and what one of your particular interests is in that regard, and it ain't the NBA. But, in the spirit of a new start with this blog, I will give you a break and say no more beyond that.

Tis the time to usher in the Xmas season with a little eggnog mixed with a lot of drinky poo. I'll leave you to your "readings."

American Cool "Disco" dan

12/2/2018 10:39:22 pm

The fact that I don't read about the fellow who raped the maid in Colorado somehow makes me a bad guy? Okay.......Nor entirely sure about your point.

An Over-Educated Grunt

12/3/2018 08:37:05 am

... Thereby proving you don't read about it like Trump doesn't watch CNN.

E.P. Grondine

12/3/2018 11:18:05 am

@Shit for Brains -

In your world people come in two flavors: white and black.

In the real world people come in many different flavors.

I think it is likely that you have never met anyone of mixed African/Native ancestry.

I myself am of the view that people have a right to enjoy being who they are.

BigFred

12/2/2018 03:05:50 pm

I'm a long time, and daily, reader but rarely post. If the total number of regular posters is fairly small and the number of offenders miniscule, why not just delete the offenders' posts and ban them. If they re-appear under a different email/IP, ban them again. Heck, you could ban ACDD/AN & Joe Scales and lose most of the offending posts right there.

Joe Scales

12/3/2018 09:36:56 am

"Heck, you could ban ACDD/AN & Joe Scales and lose most of the offending posts right there."

In the years I've contributed here, our host has never privately admonished me or deleted a post of mine that wasn't considered appropriate. Should he not wish for me to continue contributing, all he'd have to do is send me an email and request same.

Let me guess. It's your politics...

Jockobadger

12/4/2018 01:47:55 pm

BF - Sorry Sir, but I disagree entirely. There's no reason at all to even suggest banning Joe S. (ACDD/AN I'm less sanguine about.) Lord knows Joe and I have had our differences of opinion, but I seriously enjoy reading his ripostes to my comments - I even learn from them.

I also pick up the occasional gem from AN, as well, though I find some of his language and references to the groups listed by Doc above distasteful - especially bc I belong to a couple of them.

This section would be less interesting.

Joe Scales

12/5/2018 10:22:28 am

Well, as far as seeing Facebook as the devil, we are in accord Jocko.

A lot of the really, truly crazy stuff that comes about here generally starts when folks poke sticks at the resident lunatics. I can't say I haven't rattled a cage or two over the years, but once you realize you can't argue with crazy, it's best to step away. Some will go back and forth though, and bring the comment counts up over a hundred, time and time again. Though I admit... it can also be amusing to witness on occasion, in train wreck sort of way.

Frank

12/2/2018 04:12:39 pm

Let Him/Her without sin cast the first stone!

Oh the irony of it all. We form a big circle of shoulder-to-shoulder people, and each pointing a finger at someone in the circle. Why, even while providing comments and suggestions to Jason, on how to handle the problems here, the proposals themselves are accompanied by the very thing Jason is wanting to eliminate or limit more. And I keep my finger pointed at our great academic and scholar extraordinare, Herr Franke, such a humble and good-nature soul.

Just a sampler.

"One of the major problem is, that the learned people who really can contribute substance rarely have time for getting involved into a discussion, whereas the people who have the time are rarely learned."

All you regulars posting often here, according to Franke and his criterion for being "learned", you are not learned.

Therefore if any of you want to be considered learned, please post much less.

This biggest of hypocrites, Franke, and a couple others here of his kind, are those that should be banned. And not only from this forum, but from the human race. And after having been forced down to these low levels myself, in order to point out their hypocrisy, I voluntarily ban myself from posting anything degrading, or bad-mouthing anyone here, from now on.

And just because I don't post regularly here, please know that I'm not learned at all, if using Franke's criterion. I realize my faults and admit to them.

And if Jason wants to interject, or mention in his posts some of the current political conditions that may approximate past history, or are just reminders or concern the same subjects in our past, it will be just fine. And posting here should remain as is, minus the insults and the degrading of one's intellect or personal preferences, such as religion, political, and academic pursuits, etc.

American Cool "Disco" Dan link

12/3/2018 11:30:11 pm

"And posting here should remain as is, minus the insults and the degrading of one's intellect or personal preferences, such as religion, political, and academic pursuits, etc."

So NOT calling people "Dickwad" and NOT saying that other peoples' God is insane and evil?

Asking for a friend.

Peter de Geus

12/2/2018 04:49:26 pm

In addition to voting 'no comments', if this should be the decision, I suggest going back several weeks or months and deleting everything in comments from the "..dozen or so..". The value of the blog as a current read and a future reference has nothing to do with the "..dozen or so..". If this has already been mentioned here, sorry for repeating it, but I stopped reading comments long ago.

American Cool "Disco" Dan

12/2/2018 05:36:35 pm

Do you understand that what you posted here is ipso facto a lie Mr. Smullyan?

:-(

12/2/2018 09:48:37 pm

Nobody will hate to see you go more than yourself eh Dan. Ironically painful to you, and ironically hilarious to everyone else.

Prospero 45

12/2/2018 06:01:16 pm

Jason

Why even make it an issue? We can all either read the comments or use the handy little scrolldown button.

As far as I can see, the forum is a typical cross section of types, some are entertaining, some boring, some irritating af. No real need to censor.

David O

12/2/2018 10:59:31 pm

I like to read the on topic, non-troll comments almost as much as the article.

Finding the acceptable ones to read is a challenge I do NOT enjoy. Many days you have to shift through and at least partially read 100+ just to find 6 worth reading. Coming back a day later to find any "good"additions is pure hell.

David O

12/2/2018 11:08:38 pm

I'd like to see a team of moderators performing the cleanup. They can consult each other if unsure what to do for a specific post.

A clear set of guidelines.

A login to allow posts, optionally moderated, would be nice.

But, I would hope that the current system could be easily modified without data loss. I've run sites since 1999 and have resources and time if you need a volunteer to help on the tech side.

American cool :"Disco" Dan

12/3/2018 04:15:17 am

There are currently 55 or so posts in this thread. If you can't search by date maybe the internet is not for you.

David O

12/3/2018 08:55:32 am

AMERICAN COOL :"DISCO" DAN
12/3/2018 04:15:17 am
There are currently 55 or so posts in this thread. If you can't search by date maybe the internet is not for you.

Searching by date is not useful if you read the site multiple times per day but thanks for playing and proving the point once again why you should just go away.

Jason,
After a few weeks or months of having their posts deleted by moderators, trolls usually get bored and move along. I'd even offer to set up a private troll site where they can go bash each other without bothering actual people.

prospero 45

12/3/2018 02:16:49 pm

I don't understand why you find it such a challenge to NOT read a few comments. As we are reading the same posts from the same posters, we should be experiencing similar internal reactions. Yet I have to say, my equilibrium remains unmoved.

And to describe reading comments a day later as "pure hell" suggests a lifestyle to which hardship is a stranger.

David O

12/3/2018 04:25:57 pm

PROSPERO 45
12/3/2018 02:16:49 pm
I don't understand why you find it such a challenge to NOT read a few comments.

I would venture a guess, and I know someone will bitch about it being a guess, that this site would have a minimum of 2x the number of posters (and financial supporters) if people felt that their on topic comments would not be trolled upon.

I have provided a token of my appreciation financially for a number of years as I have enjoyed reading the blog and comments. However, I have not enjoyed scrolling past the 80% off topic bitch-fests and attacks on legitimate posters. Although my contribution has been small, I am confident others feel as I do. I am happy to move on if necessary as I do not wish to support sites where trolls are unregulated. Taking no action is tantamount to supporting their activities IMHO.

Willard

12/2/2018 06:15:25 pm

This has been an interesting study, but I believe it is probably not going to go anywhere constructive. I have serious doubts that Jason Colavito will actually do anything about policing what is ending up on this blog. I don't believe that he really has the backbone to take a stand and enforce his own rules governing what is posted to this blog.

A Buddhist

12/2/2018 06:35:34 pm

Willard: He has removed posts urging me to commit suicide.

American Cool "Disco" Dan

12/2/2018 10:47:53 pm

Yet, Hwaet, you continue to think about it. If you were really a Buddhuist you would realize that you've already done it countless times.

A Buddhist

12/3/2018 08:07:42 am

American Cool "Disco" Dan: I have no doubt that in numerous past lives all of us have committed suicide. I have simply never had the need to bring up this belief upon this blog. Yet you use my not mentioning a belief as a reason to insult me.

American Cool "Disco" Dan

12/3/2018 04:39:43 pm

"I have simply never had the need to bring up this belief upon this blog."

So finally we've found ONE belief that you didn't have the need to bring up.

Chag Urim Sameach in this season of the insane and evil God of Jews, Christians and Al Qaeda..

Hal

12/2/2018 06:27:32 pm

Ban the offenders. I’ve been insulted here too much.

Riley V

12/3/2018 12:50:31 am

Archive all past blog entries, and the comments, much like you archive the summaries.
Move to Disqus. One of it’s best features is that each of us can block other users from our feed. Nothing falls on Jason, we each have a “Loving Banhammer of Eternal Justice.”

If I block someone I don’t particularly respect I never know who they are insulting. Even if it is me.

It becomes harder to thread jack if no one knows what is yelled from left field. There is no need to reply to a comment you never see.

Hanslune

12/3/2018 01:44:59 am

Disqus sound like it might be a solution. Individuals can just eliminate the trolls and have meaningful discussions.

Grondine and 'Disco' can continue their intellectual tiff as long as they like.

I have seen trolls use multiple addresses to copy blocked material to still try and harass people but it would be a simple matter to block those too.

E.P. Grondine

12/3/2018 11:33:37 am

@Hans

While I have become the memory of the Andastes, a people long since dead, I do far more than that.

In particular, I am one of the authorities on influential figure Richard Kieninger, an individual largely responsible for the continuation of Theosophy and Theosophist Cult Archaeology into modern times.

And that may explain Shit for Brains continual harassment of me - note in particular his comments about Le Plongeon ("Plunger" to him).

Now I have not gone into the particulars of events in Kempton.

American Cool "Disco" Dan

12/3/2018 05:45:03 pm

Hebephrenia says what?

Nuke The Site From Orbit

12/3/2018 05:10:34 am

What would Cthulhu do? Disqus them into sweet oblivion.

An Over-Educated Grunt

12/3/2018 10:12:20 am

Guys, a lot of the commentary here has, as usual, gotten way off track into finger-pointing. You don't, or at least shouldn't, make policy recommendations based off one person. If you have a problem with one person, deal with that separately. The question here is how to deal with toxic behavior IN GENERAL in the comments section here. If you have examples, great. We all do. Might even be a consensus on a particular example. But the issue is how to fix the problem, not ban one person.

Gee

12/3/2018 12:36:29 pm

Never mind toxic statements - your self-pleasuring and egotistic behaviour - what about that ?

Andy White

12/3/2018 01:02:11 pm

The comments on your blog seem to me to be somewhat of a reflection of the Wild West nature of what passes for online "discourse" on pseudo-archaeological topics. I love a good argument as much as anyone, but the stupidity one encounters over and over again wears me out, which is one reason why I've stopped writing on these subjects as much. That being said, I check your blog every day to see what's going on, and I usually skim the comments to see if there's anything interesting or funny.

I've told a couple of individuals on my blog that they're no longer welcome to comment as their "contributions" seemed designed to try to take over whatever discussion there was. That seemed to work.

Anyway, I often like reading the comments on your blog, and in a sense you're fortunate to have such an active readership (which you deserve and have worked hard to build). I'd hate to see the comments go away. That's my 2 cents.

Klaus

12/3/2018 04:23:56 pm

12/3/2018 01:27:48 pm

Jason, I think you should consider this: when you provide a platform like this, then ignore when people make complaints about harassment, then you are complicit in the harassment you are ignoring. You are directly responsible, in part, for instance, for the mutual harassment that goes on between American Whatever-it-is-this-week and EP Grondine, because it's been going on FOR YEARS, and I know that I personally have made at least three complaints about it, plus the dozens to hundreds of other complaints from other people over that time period. "Free speech" is and has been a LIMITED right for the better part of a century at LEAST, and it has NEVER meant that you have to provide a platform for the worst of humanity.

Joe Scales

12/3/2018 03:24:22 pm

Jesus Christ...

American Cool "Disco" Dan

12/3/2018 04:52:19 pm

While it is a truism that you cannot shout "Fire" in a crowded theatre you certainly can SAY "Fire" in a crowded theatre.

"E.P. GRONDINE
5/15/2018 04:33:50 pm
Dear Dickwad -

Since you won't get up from your computer and go out and get laid, may I suggest that as an alternative you go fuck yourself."

I hear they rub peanut butter on his gums to make him look like he's talking.

American Cool "Disco" Dan

12/3/2018 05:02:14 pm

"Nobody here is a felon."

I beg to differ. I have committed multiple felonies. Not "tough guy" felonies, but still. I'm sure there are other felons here but that's not my business.

As for my name, it's clear that the concept of homage goes right over your head.

American Cool "Disco" dan link

12/3/2018 05:11:16 pm

Alanon provides wifi now? I'm not buying your detective work. What is my IP address? Jason is disqualified from participating in this contest for obvious reasons.

Kal (Jane)

12/3/2018 04:16:27 pm

Jane here.
I have an idea. Ban the trolls. Just go in each day and block them from now on. No need to reset to Disques or some other platform. Four or five people in comments are making this site a nightmare of their own making. Don't let them. They can go somewhere else and fit.

You can easily delete them. You just go through the comment strings from now on and remove them. I see you have also set up a screener program that doesn't really work too well. No, you have to go in and set up an approval screen. That way you look at it before anyone else does.

It is rare on your site that there is anyone commenting about the topic, at all. It is mostly a half dozen people who want to harass each other anonymously, some using ridiculous pen names, and complaining they used pen names.

Get over yourselves. Sure, accuse each other of mental problems, drinking problems, and worse,because that is who you trolls operate.

It is still libel. They can find you. Jason will not get into trouble. You will. Even if you cut and paste someone else's slurs, it's still libel. And wehat's with the he said, she said schoolyard BS anyway? I can tell most of you posters are over 25 and have no businesxs derailing this site, for no reason.

Then you will probably make some quip about some violation or accuse someone of some horror, because that is your go to when cornered. Nobody here is a felon. Libel is a civil issue.

Jason does not need to set up a place for the trolls to go. That's silly. They can go all right, to somewhere else. It is not helping.

Their arguments seem to stem from a general need to be the center of attention, even negatively, and their harassing others has gone way out of hand, because in secret behind an IP they can do that freely.

Well the thing is, all of your are grown adults, live all over the country, probably in some decent housing, and not with your elderly parents.

Some of your are sending these messages at work, on company time. Others are in a house, or a park, even one from a university library, and another from a TV station.

Your boss is going to find out. They will.

One of you even claimed to be in an institution, which is ridiculous but funny.

Another one of your was sending from the local Alanon chapter. Ha.

Someone even sends them from a church. Slurs and insults, from a church. That has to be a sin. Maybe somewhere.

So block all the trolls from now on. Each and every troll. It is time for this behavior to stop.

If I can find out, you can too.

And note to the dude pretending to be the late Cool Disco Dan Hogg the graffiti artist, you sir, are not him, 'cause he died in 2017. Just saying.

KJ

Priceless Defender

12/3/2018 05:47:42 pm

@Mr. Colavito- This is your blog. You are free to do as you wish. However, allowing hate speech, like words meaning "bundle of wood" would get one fired in the real world. As would using the "N" word, even if just quoting a line from "Pulp Fiction".

Does E.P. Grondine pay you a percentage of his book sales? Is this why he gets away with his holier than thou approach to comments most have sense to ignore? Personally, I have been ignoring them for years.

I have an example of how your blog plays out in real life.

Some of the spirited debates over Atlantis. These exchanges take me back to the man, I knew as "Doc" arguing the same points with another man, I also knew as "Doc" at our Public Library. I learned quite a bit talking to these two gentlemen, reading books they would recommend. Everything was fine until, it got personal. My mother showed up, heard what they were saying to each other, grabbed me by the arm, and declared..."DON'T EVER Talk to them again. They're Gay!"
I realized later on in life, when I understood what that word meant, those two men were married.

A heated exchange over ideas is fine, however, when it becomes personal, chaotic nonsense is sure to follow.

What ever you decide, please keep blasting the "aliens did it" people. They insult the intelligence of our entire species.

American Cool "Disco" Dan

12/3/2018 07:30:51 pm

Larry Wilmore might beg to differ. https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2016/05/01/juan_williams_wilmore_saying_n-word_to_obama_embarrassing_to_america_degrading_to_black_america.html

Gi' us a fag, it's your shout! Know who likes to say "faggot"? Vehement virulent anti-Trump guy Alec Baldwin. And according to him his 12 year old daughter was "a selfish little pig". Consider the source, or technically the sperm donor..

One ping only, Vasili.

Just so we're clear you're okay with describing the God of Christians and Jews as "insane and evil" in this time of Hannukah and Advent?

Bezalel

12/4/2018 10:20:10 pm

"Just so we're clear you're okay with describing the God of Christians and Jews as "insane and evil" in this..."

You should shut up about that. Instead of reading the bible like an 8th grader would, get into the depth of it for christs sake. You're as underinformed as you think Wolter is, and he's out there. get Hebrewed, then you will see that the god of the christians, muslims AND jews is god-damnedly evil and insane.

And don't get me wrong; if the bible helped you out while you were in the slammer, if it was your aide to recover from the long nights; if it was your steady companion when you were getting raped by broomsticks, then oh wait...
You can get me wrong

Grow up minutiae boy, it's your problem not ours
It's called Karma, deal with it.

Blog yourself.

American Cool "Disco" Dan

12/4/2018 11:12:06 pm

NIIIICE. Could this get any better? Now we have two guys who INSIST on saying that the God of Jews, Christians, and Muslims is "insane and evil" and one of these guys says the God of the Jews boiled the Son of the God of the Christians, and remember Christians think they're all the same guy, in shit.

You can't make this stuff up. But apparently I''m the problem.

Seed of Bismuth

12/3/2018 06:01:02 pm

Why the F is off-topic as bile a thing as slander and insults? if a conversation can't go off-topic is nothing but a circular yes squad. The human mind processing things through tangents not robotic logic circuits.

Dan

12/3/2018 08:41:37 pm

You all better stop pickin' on ACDD before you make me cry.

Nothing needs to change here at Jason's blog, at least not in its current incarnation.

If you are going to change anything, Jason, do it "Big Baby" style, with a new platform when you find one that suits you.

Meanwhile? May we all just continue to enjoy this perfect blog just as it is? Cuz we'll miss it when a change comes.

Merry Christmas to you all.

And remember: "No being comes short of completion".

This blog is a complete being.

Now stop pickin' on the poor French guy. We love him, don't we?

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lVQOLX1wDAc

Dan

12/3/2018 08:44:18 pm

OMGG.

I meant Big Bang, not "Big Baby".

Freakin' retrograde Mercury.

Shane Sullivan

12/4/2018 12:03:35 am

That might be the funniest parapraxis/autocorrect I've ever seen.

Bezalel

12/4/2018 10:23:34 pm

No excuse lol
Mercury's totally done with that. This last few days doesn't count

Joe Scales

12/3/2018 08:57:37 pm

Come to think of it, some of the nastier remarks made on this site are from those who defend our host when his posts are questioned. The same people doing most of the whingeing here on this one. Why don't we get rid of them? The sycophants.

Dan

12/3/2018 09:00:06 pm

Because sycophantic ranters rule?

Also?

Collateral damage.

Doc Rock

12/3/2018 09:26:08 pm

Having a few aggressive sycophants willing to push the envelope is part of a good business model in this field when it comes to building a brand. So is allowing considerable latitude for a certain amount of 8th grade smack talk.

Allowing people free rein to call others "faggots," "supergay," "retarded," use the word "nigger," joke about children being undressed and molested, and urging people to commit suicide would not be viewed by most as a good business model. Unless the Daily Stormer business model is suddenly in vogue for brand building in the skeptics world.

Dan

12/3/2018 09:41:29 pm

That's absolutely on the mark.

Most of the pedo-centric posters seem to be Jason-haters.

If we can just get ACDD to stop getting in the mud pit and splashing around with them I think we are golden.

I actually, [i]actually[\i], come here to learn.

Even from People from France, like ACDD.

American Cool "Disco" Dan link

12/3/2018 11:44:50 pm

Where do you get this "undressed" business? I know you like to take a tipple or twelve and are fascinated with children but do not understand your process.

Doc Rock

12/3/2018 11:55:04 pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ay03xc_mYH4

Jim

12/3/2018 09:16:47 pm

Kill them all, let the Goddess sort them out.

Kal

12/3/2018 10:06:53 pm

If by "sycophant" you mean human being trying to make a difference, okay, whatever. Nope, can't say I have any money in this at all. I didn't even buy his latest book. Can't be much of a sycophant.

It devolves here into "name calling" then to "calling out made up ailments" to "call people drunks" to "calling people mental cases" and finally to "calling people perverts". They can't possibly be all of those things. None of these posters are those things.

It is really just about 5 people posting as different IPs. They must have nothing better to do. Maybe they need a new hobby.

Joe Scales

12/4/2018 09:29:21 am

No Kal, that's not what sycophant means. So let me explain this for you in no uncertain terms. There's a lot of nastiness that gets bandied about here. Some of the folks complaining can be just as nasty when they feel the need to defend our host, even if presented solely with an honest point of dispute. They excuse their petulance because they believe themselves to be right, or good even; and thus flows the vitriol. And yeah, must of this nastiness is due to the political asides made here and encouraged by our host when he partakes in political talking points.

Hate to say I told him so... but I told him so.

Doc Rock

12/4/2018 12:41:42 pm

A lot of the inappropriate comments come in exchanges where politics are not involved. Just people losing it and failing to maintain a filter because someone proves them wrong or simply wants to post something that they disagree with. Unless stuff like getting homophobic with someone who disagrees with you about how the Kensington Stone was analyzed somehow qualifies as political talking points.

When political talking points (often just a tiny portion of an article anyway) are raised perhaps some folks should follow their own advice and ignore it or grow a thicker skin if they can't handle it.

Think I will call it quits with this discussion and mix a bloody mary and leave it to the kiddie table to try to dig themselves out of the hole they currently find themselves in.

Doc Rock

12/4/2018 01:10:59 pm

And for the 1% who don't get the reference, kiddie table refers to the practice of having a separate table for children during Thanksgiving dinner so that the adults can converse amongst themselves. It has been used as a comic theme in comedy routines and on TV and in movies. Think there was even an episode of Seinfeld that included it. Why some people here want to try to spin that reference into posts about sexual abuse of children is beyond me.

Time for that second bloody mary.

Joe Scales

12/4/2018 04:11:22 pm

Well, at least we know one person who wasn't using the Alcoholics Anonymous IP address. Perhaps he should quit digging as well.

bezalel

12/4/2018 10:28:18 pm

You complaining about non-existent politics is the most political thing about this blog

So stop it; says a lot more about you than the host

Joe Scales

12/5/2018 09:57:06 am

In regard to political comments by our host, what I've complained about were unfair slurs and stretches, along with inaccurate paraphrasing of sources which gave our host the appearance of sloppiness in his work and ignorance with his perceptions. Over the last two years there have been numerous instances of such transgressions. You care not for this of course, because you are a partisan.

I don't care who he votes for, and I'm not pushing partisan political ideology. Yet no matter how many times I make this clear, partisans will assume otherwise and make noise accordingly. Sometimes they're rather vicious in doing so which contributes to the ugliness. Thankfully, I have risen above it. Time after time.

Carry on... and try to be a better sport.

bezalel

12/10/2018 04:41:43 pm

"what I've complained about were unfair slurs and stretches, along with inaccurate paraphrasing of sources which gave our host the appearance of sloppiness in his work and ignorance with his perceptions."

In your under-informed amateur opinion. Pseudo science and religious-right dominionist politics are deeply related; I've seen it for decades.

"Thankfully, I have risen above it"

No you haven't, you are a partisan trumpster, pretending to be objective. If I see you calling out "bullshit politics" when our host blogs something positive about Trump...? Yeah, we'll see.

Where were you when "W" was pres? Clinton? Obama?

I was a card carrying independent long before Bush 41. At your age, learning how to be non-partisan only after Obama took the oath is mealy-mouthed, yellow-bellied double speak.

Joe Scales

12/10/2018 08:28:49 pm

What are you, an idiot? Jesus Christ... coming here doesn't make you smart. Okay? In fact, nothing will make you smart. Now beat it, ankle-nipper. You'll never understand a word I type, so I will spare you the added injury of having to rub your face in it with a direct response from this point forward.

Bezalel

12/18/2018 11:43:43 am

Typical Joe
Accusing others of what one does. You should decline further comments anywhere, you're not fooling anyone.

Also
Its you who doesn't understand what you write, including its consequences
No one else

Age is not experience

E.P. Grondine

12/3/2018 10:24:51 pm

@Jason -

I hope you are getting some more permanent work done during this time - blogs are really just so ephemeral. And nothing takes the place of a really good police investigation.

Judging from Shit-for-Brains latest posts, you could let this go on for at least several more days.

American Cool "Disco" Dan link

12/3/2018 10:57:51 pm

Again with the pottymouth. Disappointing.

Kal

12/4/2018 02:50:27 pm

Sycophant, a person who acts nicely to the important person to gain his or her favor in a given situation. Yes man. Someone who act nicely to the blog host is being a sycophant.

Perhaps you are thinking of troll, a person who deliberately sews negative discourse to derail or otherwise confound a discussion, usually applies to chat rooms and blogs. Or a mythical creature who guards a bridge and forces a penance to cross it.

Sycophant would be the opposite of a troll. They would expect nothing in return, but to be posting on a blog for fun. Trolls mean to enact some kind of toll out of others, either through harsh tactics or behaviors.

Usually they mean to do it to get fame, attention, or a thrill out of it.

Priceless Defender

12/4/2018 03:01:23 pm

Where are "The Three Billy Goats Gruff" when you need them???

Jockobadger

12/4/2018 03:55:03 pm

It's "sows" not "sews" - apologies for pedantic impulse.

Joe Scales

12/4/2018 04:06:16 pm

It would appear Kal has trouble with words. So you may have to repeat yourself Jocko.

Jockobadger

12/5/2018 12:25:45 am

Thanks Joe.

I’m worried about the state of this blog and comments - don’t want it to go tu the way I’ve seen others do.

I trust Jason will realize (and he probably is secretly enjoying the hell out of this) that this is all good for the blog and just let it roll - American Negro notwithstanding.

Keep up the the good work Jason - God knows Disco couldn’t do it.

RonNasty64

12/4/2018 04:50:38 pm

I think it’s good to give people a voice. Why not limit the space to 200 characters or less?

Andor Noman

12/10/2018 02:39:05 pm

"There are only perhaps a dozen or so people who regularly post comments, a minuscule fraction of the tens of thousands of people who read this blog on any given day. It seems unfair to make rules based on the interests of a dozen people against the entire audience, so I would like to ask everyone reading this, especially those who do not post comments to share your thoughts. How would you like to see the comments section changed? "

Jason, I picked "moderate the comments" since you noted that perhaps a dozen or so commenters were regularly posting, and judging from the load posted above, I would suggest limiting their free use of your playground. They don't really want to comment on your posts anyway - just abuse each other without consequences.

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