MMD Editorial Practices
By Paul Johnson
John Tuttle's remarks about MMD editorial practices hit the nail on the head for me. I enjoyed the digest more when it didn't include comments attached to nearly every entry. Comments that I have found valuable are the ones that work in a positive way to further the discussion. This is an important function of any moderator.
Unfortunately, there have been comments that seemed to be counter- productive and if gone unchecked, could discourage future participation (something none of us wants).
For example, I believe comments that immediately answer a question discourage further participation. Contributors may not bother answering a question if it's already been answered by the moderator. While this may save some time, it also discourages contributions that could shed a whole new light or way of thinking on a topic. In these instances, I'd like to see the moderator hold any comments until contributors have had a chance to respond. Then they can make an educated reply to all of the responses on the single topic.
Some comments have skewed the writer's message, leaving the reader with an impression that may be different from that which the writer intended. If a contributor believes comments will be attached to their entry and that these comments may change the meaning of their message, contributors may not share their valuable experience and point of view with the rest of us.
In the worst cases, there has been character bashing and these types of comments are not appropriate for any moderator in any medium. Individuals who have been bashed may stop contributing altogether. Also, it may leave the readership with at best, an inaccurate perception of the contributor. It seems to me that the responsibility of a good moderator is to discourage this sort of activity in order to encourage the free exchange of ideas and to set a good example.
Okay, so this isn't the New York Times. Still, when one becomes a moderator or editor of a publication, they gain the power to persuade and influence a discussion or communication medium. With that power, also comes the responsibility of how to properly manage it for the good of the group and continued existence of that medium.
It's great to have the MMD as a resource and I truly appreciate all of the hard work Jody and Robbie put into it. If it wasn't for their volunteer efforts to produce this digest and assemble it for publication, we'd not be nearly as enlightened as we are today.
Paul Johnson
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(Message sent Mon 10 Feb 1997, 21:35:28 GMT, from time zone GMT-0500.) |
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