Massachusetts newspaper charges 99-cents for comments
Thu, 07/15/2010 - 14:02
In order to discourage the posting of inappropriate comments about stories on its website, The Sun Chronicle in Attleboro, Massachusetts has adopted a new policy regarding online commenting. An announcement was made on TheSunChronicle.com on Wednesday, which stated those who wished to comment would be required to pay a 99-cent fee to register, and use their real name for posting privileges on the site.
Sun Chronicle publisher Oreste P. D’Arconte has said the new policy was put in place as an attempt “to eliminate past excesses that included blatant disregard for our appropriateness guidelines, blind accusations and unsubstantiated allegations.” Posters who violate the paper’s guidelines will be banned from the website.
According to D’Arconte, the fee is not meant to make the paper money, but to cover the expense of the credit card verification process for registered users. “The whole point of charging is to verify [identities], and it’s the only way you can comment now,“ he said.
Since implementing the new policy, D’Arconte has noticed the nature of the comments has already improved.
Comments on the Sun Chronicle website, and websites for the Foxboro Reporter and the Silver City Bulletin in Taunton, MA had been suspended since April 12.
Read more here: http://www.editorandpublisher.com/Headlines/a-penny-for-your-thoughts-actually-make-that-99-cents-mass-paper-charging-for-comments-61980-.aspx
Sun Chronicle publisher Oreste P. D’Arconte has said the new policy was put in place as an attempt “to eliminate past excesses that included blatant disregard for our appropriateness guidelines, blind accusations and unsubstantiated allegations.” Posters who violate the paper’s guidelines will be banned from the website.
According to D’Arconte, the fee is not meant to make the paper money, but to cover the expense of the credit card verification process for registered users. “The whole point of charging is to verify [identities], and it’s the only way you can comment now,“ he said.
Since implementing the new policy, D’Arconte has noticed the nature of the comments has already improved.
Comments on the Sun Chronicle website, and websites for the Foxboro Reporter and the Silver City Bulletin in Taunton, MA had been suspended since April 12.
Read more here: http://www.editorandpublisher.com/Headlines/a-penny-for-your-thoughts-actually-make-that-99-cents-mass-paper-charging-for-comments-61980-.aspx
