Phuketwan Editor Shuts Up: Now's the Chance to Say What You Think
Sunday, November 20, 2011
PHUKET: The editor of Phuketwan will fall silent at midnight on Sunday and stay silent for an entire week. This is part of an experiment to see what happens to readers' comments in that time.
Since Phuketwan became the first English-language news outlet on Phuket to offer feedback to readers, the editor has been busy having a say.
The idea was simple: having read what was being said on the forum sites that were around at the time, the people at Phuketwan opted to try something original.
So the editor began responding to the uninformed, to the illogical, to the irresponsible, and to the prejudiced.
There were some who found this break with online convention shocking. There were others who cheered on the concept of challenge and lively debate.
Phuketwan remains a news and information site that encourages comments from its readers about the articles that appear here. Our articles are mostly fair and balanced.
We continue to reserve the right to explain why we've reported events as we have. But over the next week, the editor will remain silent.
That doesn't mean objectionable, derogatory or defamatory material will be allowed through. It will just be moderated, without response.
What Phuketwan is searching for is a better balance between the total freedom of allowing people to post what they choose while remaining anonymous - within the conventions of law and decency - and a more strict identification process that would oblige commenters to register.
But is there a better balance?
It has to be said that in looking at comments from readers, the editor inevitably ascribes less value to those who do not have an identity, or even a regular pseudonym.
People who take the trouble to establish a familiar character, most often behind something less than a full identity, usually have greater freedoms than those who snipe and catcall from the coward's castle of anonymity.
But is there a better balance?
The aim has always been to encourage informed comments, to query the illogical, to question assumptions, and especially to challenge the prejudiced.
For one entire week, the editor will be silent. But that doesn't mean the illogical, those who make assumptions, and the prejudiced will find it any easier to appear on Phuketwan.
Moderation will continue but without ripostes. It may even be that readers of different persuasions speak out more frequently in place of the editor. We hope they do.
Essentially, the other big issue is whether people who comment should be clearly identified or whether remaining anonymous is still the preference of many.
Please tell us what you think about the question of identity - and comment on whether or not the editor should be let off the leash again in one week's time.
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Comments
Comments have been disabled for this article.
That will go a long way to improving the quality of this publication. I hope it will become a regular feature or rather a non-feature. You're an editor after all, not a pundit.
Posted by
Graham
on
November 21, 2011 01:34
The editorial restraint that will be demonstrated may encourage some people who would otherwise hesitate in commenting.That's why I think the experiment is a good idea. in respect to anonymity, while there will always be the segment with a screw loose that will try to take advantage, again, IMHO the experiment may encourage comments. There is a fear in Thailand that someone, somewhere is watching. The results of the experiment will hopefully prove satisfactory, although I confess to a bit of pleasure when some fool trying to promote a conspiracy theory or spread nonsense is put in his place. In any case, I find that the news and comments found in Phuketwan offer a fair and balanced news source when compared to the website that serves as a gathering place for some very emotionally disturbed people, which doesn't even merit a mention.
Posted by
Brendan
on
November 21, 2011 06:32
Good luck, Mr Editor, as you set out on the toughest week of your life to-date. I did enjoy the comment by K JingJing.
Posted by
ssresident
on
November 21, 2011 09:51
at first i didnt like the editor replying in the manner he did, however now he is being 'taken' away from us i think i will kinda miss the replies putting people straight and/or making them explain and clarify their comments.
Posted by
Hulkster
on
November 21, 2011 11:09
I think that the role of an Editor should be neutral but can understand at times the reasons to hit back at the uninformed, who sitting in the comfort of their arm chairs elsewhere in the world, are not aware of the full picture on occasion. Constant rants (which aren't gonna change things one jot anyway) about tuk tuks compared to Pattaya, driving standards etc would drive even the most patient of editors to put pen to riposte and I certainly wouldn't have the patience. Maybe an independent pundit is the way ahead, Ed, able to respond when required to the more outlandish, but without the stigma of it being from 'The Management'.On occasion i do like your comments - on others I think a course in anger management is required, 555. Enjoy your break.
Posted by
Mister ree
on
November 21, 2011 11:27
There was a time when I would have applauded this. In fact I even suggested it a few times. Theoretically at least I have always believed that people should be able to govern themselves ... past performance on this site would suggest that it's time to fasten your seat belt. It's going to be a bumpy ride. I admire your being open to experimentation sir, as I cringe in preparation for the Professor Gumby onslaught.
Posted by
Martin
on
November 21, 2011 11:33
Excellent ! I was gonna ask how many hits the beer shortage articles got compared to the Rohingya articles. But I bet this gets even more ! Personally I like the fact that Ed gets a(nother) say. We need someone prepared to put the ... er, nobs ... ? ... in their place with some factual information. Even if I don't always agree.
About anonymity (sorry no spell check), ksc is watching ! And I don't know who owns ksc, but if it's the same chap that owns the jet skis and tuk tuks etc. a little anonnimity is fine by me. (I'm just hoping there may be more than one James on the island.)
Finally, @JingJing: nice shout sir/madam !
Posted by
James
on
November 21, 2011 11:37
Dear Ed,
I understand your reasons, and agree with Jing Jing, however please do not go the route of the Phuket Insider and allow no comments at all...
Posted by
Peter Griffin
on
November 21, 2011 11:43
Thank God! I am so sick of those smarmy, condescending responses to nearly every post. Also sick of the minimizing of the criminal activity manifested on a daily basis by the phuket transportation collective, otherwise known as a bunch of drunken thugs. Perhaps the editor thinks that minimizing these activities and the very real danger involved will result in more naive tourists visiting phuket?
Posted by
fw
on
November 21, 2011 11:50
Happy holiday Ed. Interesting idea. I enjoy your mediation, most of the time.
Posted by
GiantFan
on
November 21, 2011 12:52
yes, shutting up is good but also publishing my comments and not kind of 'blacklisting' me and my lovely sarcasm, would be even nicer.
Posted by
Olivia
on
November 21, 2011 13:15
lets hope we can post ..facts that are based on truth especially about the M**** etc without the editor leaving half of the posts out because he did not agree with them, i look forward to next week..maybe some of the readers have copies of previous posts that were not printed...could be interesting..
Posted by
johndev
on
November 21, 2011 23:17
For one entire week, the editor will be silent. Can he please remain silent for ever??
He is such a rude person, and i know this news paper has lost a lot of readers because of your brilliant Editor with all off his smart comments on every story.
Posted by
Jamie
on
November 22, 2011 04:07
I have always advocated, even begged that the PW Editor should remain above the fray and restrict his /her comments to providing clarity. The belittlement, seemingly nationally motivated prejudice and the harmful and infuriating "PC Stricture" dismissal of other's opinions is simply hostility vented in online bullying. Give yourself a user name, by all means if you cannot refrain from comment but the authoritarian stance has, IMO harmed this otherwise fine site.
I have also never understood why Editor insists on outing readers who choose different names to sign comments - a comment is simply a comment, why the need to identify the poster as has been done to me and another in a very personal manner? Seems like more bullying. If a comment is libelelous, then do not print it. Anyway thanks for PW, it is a valuable asset to the community, and could be even more of one if a real discussion forum bloomed around it that isn't censored on whim of mods, advertisers and the board's own enterprises.
Posted by
Media Watcher
on
November 22, 2011 08:28
In general, I enjoy reading Phuketwan and hope some feedback can lead to further improvement.
I feel that polite retorts to comments by the editor are acceptable. However, they sometimes come across as more offensive than what is published in the original comment. I haves seen many examples where there are direct accusations or insinuations (i.e. generalizing that someone is a''conspiracy theorist'' if their comments even remotely infer a connection between events that you deem unrelated and coincidental). This can be amusing, but often leaves me wondering whether the editor has a bigger problem than the commenter.
In some cases, the editor's defense of what is felt to be appropriate seems excessive and distorted. This can come across as a ''must win the argument at whatever cost'' kind of mentality, which lessens the credibility of the overall publication and makes me wonder about the intended goal. Perhaps it is a tactic to attract readers who wonder what comeback is next.
In the editorial comebacks I would prefer to have more effort concentrated on wittiness rather than retaliatory insults, please.
Posted by
Rick
on
November 22, 2011 09:48
Media watcher and Rick have put it well and I fully support their views
Posted by
dan ryan
on
November 22, 2011 11:27
Still so many days to go... hope your brain does not explode till sunday. In the meantime meditate or try a joint... *555
Posted by
Lena
on
November 23, 2011 21:55
It would be best if the ed did not make demeaning comments in some of the replies.
Posted by
Mikey
on
November 23, 2011 23:48
Ah well the old git will be back next week, it was fun while it lasted but now were in for what passes as wit & sarcasm Australian style oh and his wee black list for some. Well said fw you were spot on but you'll be on his list now.
Posted by
Scunner
on
November 27, 2011 01:32
yes, leave him free now please....no more fun here....and kind of... missing him ;)
Posted by
Olivia
on
November 28, 2011 13:37
What I know about the PW editor is that be is very sincere and dedicated to running his news outlet with his team.
But I think it is a very fine balance to write, edit and publish the story and then also to provide additional comments when readers put their input. Some people agree, some disagree and some are idiots so it is very important for him to stay above it and not get dragged down if there are trolls.
At the same time it is good when he can provide extra context or rationale behind the articles. It is important not to confuse readers who might disagree about things with trolls who just want to cause trouble though and make sure not to get sucked into that.
I know news publications normally have a style guide to assist their approach to editorial so maybe in this new connected Internet world news sites like this also need a similar guide to outline how to communicate with readers in a positive way but that limits the need to get dragged down by the occasional idiots.
Overall you are doing a good job and it makes for a unique web resource for Phuket.
Posted by
Rob
on
December 1, 2011 22:37
(moderated)
Posted by
Alex
on
February 29, 2012 11:05
Editor Comment:
PHUKETWAN hereby alters its policy on the posting of Comments and bans whingers, whiners, do-nothings, dingbats, doomsayers, carpers, harpers and kooks. This list may grow with time. Constructive ideas and new pieces of information remain welcome.
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it's going to leave about 5 people with nothing to do...
Posted by JingJing on November 21, 2011 01:13