Because sometimes readers aren’t stupid. Take the innocuous-looking piece above from AdAge. Someone called Roger has actually read it and asks:
If you followed the link, you might just agree with him. There’s no reply from AdAge (your opinion is requested but presumably not valued), but if you are going to allow comments and recycle press releases don’t be surprised if they look a little like Roger’s.
3 responses to “Why you shouldn’t allow comments on news stories…”
Adrian, It’s a healthy thing. It’s just like any business getting feedback from its customers. It forces journalists to produce material that appeals to their readers. In the U.S., there’s been this strange belief that readers ought to get what they need, not what they want. Now with Internet competition those days are quickly coming to an end. (Steve Boriss, The Future of News)
I agree, Steve…only being facetious – people like the guy above are not going to put up with sub standard fare.
Its pointless having comments, if you are not going to reply. Otherwise, what is the point in having them. Contrary to the name “comments”, comments tend to be discussion points. There needs to be a to and thro. It will be interesting to see how Goggle news will fair once comments are up and running and have gathered some steam.