|
|
|
|
Click to visit the
Official Town Site
|
|
|
|
|
|
January 28, 2008
To the Editor:
Further to the discussion about comments to ‘News From Cornwall & Cornwall-on-Hudson’, I’d like torespond to those who replied to our letter of Jan. 25th.
To w2eny: Yes, I’m familiar with Google and we use it often. But you should update your entry…there’s no reference to your front yard (the inflatable Grinch is a particularly nice touch). Also, I’m un-armed.
To Kate: Glad to have hit a nerve…but not enough to get you to give everyone your full name?
To lec: Well, now we have a new arbiter to ‘the way it should be’. Oh hail Times Herald Record.
To e-Vile: We’re really pleased…and impressed…that a 16-year-old took the time to comment. Still, it’s a shame we don’t know who you are.
To John Buescher: Thanks for the up-front ID. Gee, we never suggested that ‘…the editor should suppress the freedom of speech.’ but perhaps simply rein-in the screech of anonymous accusations.
To billandmarge: American freedom of the press guarantees
‘no repercussions’, when the press is used responsibly. Cuba is where internet comments must be veiled by anonymity.
To Geezer 12518: Your reference to ‘agendas’ makes us wonder what yours might be. Ours center on civility & openness.
To Kirpatrick MacDonald: I know we often skirmished as both of us worked hard to create a Village Master Plan, and it’s nice to have you on the same page (at last?).
Now seriously, we don’t want to interfere with anyone’s right to say what they wish, but rather urge that they offer their opinions openly, transparently. Too often anonymous submissions to any site turn into cruel weapons and not constructive communications.
Sincerely,
Jaci & Lee Murphy
Hudson St.
Cornwall-on-Hudson
Editor’s notes: The Murphy’s letter refers to their letter of January 25 and the numerous comments posted beneath it. (Read it here) I have also received several emailed comments about the question of allowing anonymous postings on the website.
People appear to be divided on the issue, with more leaning toward allowing anonymity on the web. One person argued that if required to use a name, some may just choose an alias.
No one, however, has spoken in favor of using derogatory statements about other individuals or in favor of a derisive tone that has crept into recent comments on the site.
Another website editor had this experience when she banned anonymous comments: “The number of comments on our discussion board plunged for a time, but the quality of discourse improved immediately.
“Over time, people who were serious about the topic felt more safe talking on the board, knowing that others were less likely to attack their comments. Also, they came to understand that their thought-through comments weren't likely to be surrounded by total garbage comments. The standard grew higher.”
You can read her and other editors’ comments on the subject at Online Journalism Review.
We’d still like to hear from you. Post your comments below or email the editor at [email protected].
Comments:
|
I'm concerned that Mr. Murphy would like to suppress the comments made about individuals mostly those that represent public office or are running for a position. I believe that comments even though colored yellow as Mr. Murphy suggests are most often riddled directly or indirectly towards the truth. We should have that right to air our concerns and without big brother watching. Also I must say thank you to Mr. Murphy on your involvements in the Master plan but I do have a problem when we do not listening to the cries of the village about certain projects. Remember businesses in this village is both convenient and important but the citizens who own most of the land and who live here 24 hours a day demand respect and a right to be heard. And right now its all about parking,mafia walls and making our home a DESTINATION. We demand the right to be heard and if under the alias that make people comfortable so be it.
posted by jcbike1 on 01/28/08 at 1:59 PM
|
|
I too agree that comments (unlike Letters to the Editor) should be anonymous if the writer so decides. After all, as long as it's in good taste, which is all that I've seen here on this web page, it is a sharing of ideas and thoughts. Your real name isn't required to share ideas or opinions. Isn't it about "open forum"? By the way - Nancy, I too would like to thank you for this page....I've stopped reading the Local, it's just too full of gossip, I feel. This website is now my means of information regarding my town. Thanks again!
Whstle4me
posted by whstle4me on 01/28/08 at 2:58 PM
|
|
EXcellent, lec!! That is exactly what I meant! It is obvious you are in the 'flow' of the posting board stream. Murphy's letter did not bother me at all. I never bothered signing my last name because I am so paranoid (for all the valid reasons given here) that I just assume somebody is spying on me (or gossiping!) and knows who I am. No, just kidding...about the spying part...
There are good arguments for both sides, but I think the point was made; in a small town there are enough people who hold varieties of power (I'll resist the temptation to list them , Lord knows, wouldn't *that* offend!!!) that, if you are outspoken or critical, you can be made to 'pay'for your outspokenness. Look at Benjamin Franklin, one of my heroes, his first tracts were submitted anonymously to his own brother (to avoid beatings) and were widely and well received. Closer to home, an outspoken critic of the village police dapartment finds himself and his family the object of excessive and unwarranted police scrutiny. If you want accountability go to the printed publications. They are, after all, two very different media. Kind of like LPs and iPods, you know?
Kate BENSON in 'da houz!!
posted by kate benson on 01/28/08 at 10:45 PM
|
|
To quote Bob Dylan, our multi-generational sage:
-"You know something's happening here, but you don't know what it is -- Do you, Mr. Jones"
-"You better start swimmin' or you'll sink like a stone, for the times they are a-changin'"
Some of the more traditionally minded among us need to come to terms with this NEW (old!) forum for public opinion. Think of it as a mosh pit, or a masquerade ball or, disguised as Indians - the Boston Tea Party. And remember..."The executioner's face is always well hidden"
posted by rgioia on 01/29/08 at 11:04 PM
|
|
Little Lord Fauntleroy! Now, *there* is an excellent literary pen-name! You know, the fact that the quality of discourse improved after a lull in the activity on the site mentioned above is enough to make one reconsider the anonymity factor. There are no more HS debate teams, critical discourse has deteriorated into who can shout louder and wave their arms faster. But, I must stick with my first opinion; website commentary, weblogs, discussion boards, etc., are all a new form of communication with different parameters. Sort of like the 'underground' radio stations broadcasting in wartime...If you want names go to the print media.
posted by kate benson on 02/01/08 at 8:00 AM
|
Add a Comment:
Please signup or login to add a comment.
|
 |
|
|
|
