Ruling out Anon users, may keep hem from being members though, perhaps the author of the post should have editor privileges to allow or not allow comments from non members, it would also allow us to get rid of spammers,within our stories! Perhaps even getting a point for deleting spammers, that would free up Now Public editors from scanning our stories for spammers.

Paschen, thanks for your comment. 

I think the staff here have a really hard time keeping up with editing the numbers of offensive, spam or inappropriate anonymous comments (I know that it keeps Jordan very busy indeed). This is why I consider that, if we're not allowed to moderate such comments ourselves, the whole idea is really questionable. However, as I just said below to Barry, being able to moderate one's own anonymous comments is also problematic.

This has become something of a minefield!

Barry, thanks for the comment. I agree that's allowing anonymous comments is a good way to get more members (although I'm not sure how many actually sign up), but I'm largely in favour of post authors having the option to turn off anonymous posting on their columns.

Allowing posters to moderate comments on their own columns is more complicated, however (as Jordan and I recently discussed on PM), and would no doubt lead to many members deleting comments which were in disagreement etc. (as  happens on Newsvine, for example). 

I'm not sure which way to go on that issue, truth be told.

The only other alternative is to post a flaming tag beside their Name or something as Rene suggests,  an icon of sorts.

I have had some flame me on my posts, it doesn't really bother me, as most readers know a flamer when they see one, and I can usually deal with it quite well, as I have come to the rescue of more than NP readers on their behalf when they get flamed.  I love a good argument, preferring a good $5.00 argument over a freestyle one. (John Cleese)

The Icon Idea may be a good one in deed here Barry! Since Jordan and Alice may be correct that some would delete all comments that are not in their favour! Then again that would hardly be ethical as well to delete non favourable comments and would show rather quickly! 

I personally would like to see 3 flags, (Good, Bad, Interesting) and two more flags or icon one for SPAM and one for Inappropriate Languish or Harassment! 

I my self favour the debate and or argument over the blind agreement as well and doubt I would ever delete any no ID unless they really go over board!

The other thing that is possible here in our computer age and fancy software would be to have a system that the Author of the Post can manage his comments and those that are deleted will automatically show up on the editors screen to be checked if the Editor choses to do so or believes it necessary!  

I agree, the staff does have plenty to do and more then can be handled some times!

Why I gave the anther I did to Barry his comment below!

With members there is an accountability that does not apply to the anonymous comments, I did not think it was a good idea when they were introduced and have not changed my mind since.

Just one flag could work. To bring it to the attention of the current editor/manager in charge of that channel. 'Questionable' flag. or 'Report'. that way the editor could delete spam right away, and warn registered members about flaming, etc. or make other decision, maybe whether 'author' of the piece is too offended and wants it off..... or?

Best to keep it simple. probably not a good idea to let the authors decide this. But the flag could be available only for the login author or editors, instead of everyone.

I agree about the anonymous comments, Alice. It was fun to 'hit-and-run' before you put up the name/email/website stuff. It was so blazingly fast. but I usually stay in character, and it still is fun to use an alias. But some here know my anonymous alias, so .....

but there are some who even use a really XXX-rated alias. and they shouldn't be allowed to stay on an extra minute. Takes a lot of time on the difficult-to-post, comment, email anything on NP, to email an editor to alert them to one of these or a totally offensive comment or a spammer, and more time for them to get the time to read it, and take action.

So an 'alert-the-editor' flag on comments could really speed things up.

I am sorry René, but I do not understand why use an Alias and where is the fun in it?

BTW, What would be a xxx rated Alias?  

You have an anonymous alias? Why? You're a full member here. If you have something to say, you have the ability to stand up and say it!

Thanks for doing this for us, Alice.

I don't like the anonymous comment facility, haven't since it was introduced. I don't like the "anonymous with log-in name (unverified)" set-up either. Both  allow commenting privileges to those who won't even take the small amount of time required to get an account here.

It's just plain inviting drive-by shooting from strangers. It's also enabling members who wish to do so the chance to put a mask on and pretend to step outside the community to attack it while still being within the community. And that I don't like. I understand getting frustrated with NP--heaven knows I have enough cause!--but still and all, I think that when we have something to say we should stand behind it, with the name the community recognizes. So call me contrary. I am, sometimes. (Call me anything, except late for supper, my family's motto says!)

I admit I tried the just-plain-anonymous function when it came along, just to see how it worked. But when I did, I always added my real identity (as best I recall right now!) because I wanted to be clear that it was me testing the new toy.

Let's get rid of anonymous comments. OR, if they really do draw in traffic, then for the good of the established contributors, please hire someone to moderate comments from anonymous and xyz (unverified). That way someone can filter out the obscene and those who violate the terms of service and code of conduct. And if someone who wishes to comment via anonymous or xyz (unverified) knows that their comment will a) have to wait a bit for moderation and b) can be deleted then the really nasty drive-by shooters will decrease. Betcha.

PEP, I personally agree here with your proposition in your comment especially since it is more or less similar to my original proposition here based on the way CBC and BBC are handling there comments of Anonymous or Unverified!

The sentiment seems to be the same with most of us as far as the no ID goes! So I would vote yes to your comment here! Yet Alice reply to my comment in that direction would also apply here and that may be an issue that needs resolving! 

I did last week propose a full time position for an Ombudsman / Woman, or PR person that could also handle the Comments!

Now we are getting into bureaucracy though yet that is not avoidable with a growing NP! 

Thanks, Paschen! So now we have 2 of us--you and me!--asking for an ombudsman.

I think that because so many long-term contributors have actually developed a community here that cares about NP that there should be a way for that community to interact with NP staff. Right now, it's kind of a hit-and-miss with firing off an email to someone or other. I bet that sometimes similiar concerns are sent to differing staff members. That dilutes the importance of issues members care about.

Well, If it was up for voting, Yes I would vote in favour of an Ombudsman or Woman!

Wish we had a flag instead of just having to leave a comment when we run into a comment spammer.

I think that's the biggest issue, Vinny - the lack of accountability.

I very much like this idea of a flag or similar kind of notification system.

I wonder, even, so that editors don't have too much power with anonymous comments, if there might be a way for editors to 'hide' comments they think are spam/ inappropriate etc., while staff can reinstate comments thereafter. It's not a very well thought through idea, but I'm sure you see what I mean.

You did? It never even occurred to me to use an alias. I was aware that it was sometimes quicker to post anonymously (although I, thankfully, don't experience the slowness that many do here), but I never did it.

I'm rather of the mind that posting under an 'out-of-character' alias when you have an account here is quite deceitful. Sorry!