Blogging Rules Of Etiquette

OPINION Blog

Thick skin is probably the number one requirement for anyone who gets into politics. But with the blogging community bringing everyone into the daily political discussion, a lot of folks with thinner skin and easily hurt feelings are finding themselves offended by the harsh rhetoric that now passes for political banter these days. This blog is no exception. I'm shocked at how easily readers fly off the handle or launch into angry tirades, often about racial issues, when they could easily tone it down.

But it's not just here. I was accused recently of resorting to "racist journalism" because I posted an item on a Latino site in which I used the phrase "illegal immigrant." On another site, I've seen tennis players -- tennis players! -- deploy the race card because they're upset about a team from an East Dallas public court dominating a bunch of rich private clubs from the north in USTA league competition. A news story about legislation to punish people who run over pedestrians somehow prompted an angry discussion of illegal immigrants. This trend is exacerbated by politicians like John Wiley Price labeling as racists those who oppose a city-funded convention center hotel.

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There's gotta be a better way of communicating, especially considering the growing popularity of blogs. Should blogs start using a tighter censorship policy to enforce a more civil discourse (something short of Frontburner's all-out ban on reader comments, which Rod posted an item about last week)? If not, what's the best solution to keep blog discussions on topic, tasteful and respectful? I don't mean that we can't criticize one another, but I don't understand why it has to get so nasty.

Here's what I would suggest:

1. If a reader strays from the topic of discussion, the comment doesn't get posted.
2. If the blog topic is about race, then readers as well as blog moderators must be extra-vigilant about postings. We can all agree to disagree, and we can all accept fair criticism. But when the criticism turns offensive, crude or too broadly sweeping in its characterizations, then it's time to take the comment down.
3. Unnecessary labeling of a commenter -- "That's typical of you right-wing fascists," or "Exactly what I'd expect of a socialist liberal like you," when it's not directly related to the topic of discussion deserves to be removed from the blog.
4. Ask people to abide by a simple rule: If you wouldn't talk to your parents, children or your clergy-person this way, then it probably doesn't belong on a blog where it'll be read by total strangers. Keep it respectful.

Does this amount to censorship? Maybe so. First and foremost, I'm asking people to self-censor. Be your own editor, in other words. If we don't start to abide by some common rules of decorum, then this and other blogs are going to start driving away more readers than we attract.

Editors Notes: I like this way of thinking. Your opinion is important and I'd like to hear your thoughts on these rules.