I read a lot of comments in the comments section about how this blog is negative and is full of whiners and does not offer any constructive criticism. I disagree. I think there are certain anonymous people that put up a comment and say something stupid and snarky and leave. I call these comments drive-by comments. I think that is a vocal minority that can be controlled. If you see something that looks stupid tell me and I can delete the comment. I don’t want one or two people ruining the tone of the blog and the comments section for everyone else.
That is one reason why now I am turning off anonymous comments. You have to enter an email address to post a comment. When I first started this blog over a year ago, I wanted anyone and everyone to comment. Now we have good commenters like Joanna, Lindsay, and Steiner Res to name a few that have good comments with a proper tone. Let’s not get personal, ugly or name names in the comment section, or they will be deleted.
Now on to the point about whiners and criticism. I also disagree with that moniker. In general people have nice things to say about many of the business in Steiner Ranch. Cups and Cones is universally adored as is Fion except when it first opened. Lakeside is on the whole positive, a few bad experiences here and there, but nothing terrible. The Market when it first opened had some things they needed to iron out and they have worked on it a lot and people have seemed to come around. I think The Market along with Cups and Cones are some of the business that actually read the blog and used some of the feedback to improve.
Let’s not let a couple of bad apples spoil the tone of the blog. I will delete comments that don’t go along with the tone I want this blog to have.
9 responses so far ↓
1 J. Scott Anderson // Aug 6, 2008 at 7:41 am
Good for you for turning off anonymous comments. I’ve never appreciate them. However, I also dislike personal attacks that often occur when someone, in the minority, does offer actual criticism, that is not popular.
I have many friends that are on the opposite side of the aisle from me politically. We often discuss and debate issues. However, we respect each other even when we do not agree.
My point is that I hope that because someone offers an unpopular opinion, that this blog–indeed, this community–does not ostracize them from the blog nor the community events. I hope that ideas and comments can be discussed–passionately, but without malice.
2 Melissa // Aug 6, 2008 at 8:59 am
I agree. And I know the folks at Cups and Cones read this blog and respond. I mentioned the lack of changing table in the bathroom, and they put one in within a week and responded on here.
BTW - I am one of those people who really like Cups and Cones. The owners are really nice and it’s generally just a cool place. And I am always willing to support local, family-owned businesses. That, and my daughter is now addicted to Cotton Candy ice cream.
3 Joanna // Aug 6, 2008 at 4:54 pm
I think turning off Anonymous comments is a great idea. I do believe constructive criticism is valuable, and we do not all have to agree on everything (Shiny Happy Families!). With that said, I believe strongly that writers should put their name behind what they say rather than hiding behind a shield.
This blog is a great resource overall, keep it up! I often hear about new and relevant info first at this location. (Hooray for Thai food!)
4 ARS // Aug 7, 2008 at 8:20 am
Tom,
I heard there was an accident at 620 and Quinlan, but am unaware of the severity. What is needed to help?
5 Tom // Aug 11, 2008 at 7:53 pm
The surivivors of the accident have an amazing support group and it looks like they have plenty of cooks in the kitchen!
Thanks to all of you who came out in support in such tremendous numbers.
I am so happy my children will be growing up in such a generous and caring community.
God bless to you all.
6 Patrick // Aug 24, 2008 at 5:32 pm
Turning off the Anonymous comments is probably a good idea, the only problem I see is with the rest of the statement “I will delete comments that don’t go along with the tone I want”. Giving the appearance of censorship towards comments you disagrees with. If there is a comment “everyone at ABC store is a monkey”, I think we can consider that “stupid” but if a comment that you consider stupid never reaches the blog then you are making our decisions on what is and is not. Yes, all comments left should have an author associated with it.
7 mreddy // Aug 24, 2008 at 6:48 pm
I agree… I am the subjective keeper of the comments. There has to be someone and its my blog so I guess I am it. I will delete any comment with inappropriate language, calling out an employee of a store in a negative way, or the like. From now on I might put all comments I deleted on the forums to see if people agree with my deleting policy.
8 mreddy // Aug 24, 2008 at 6:49 pm
BTW since I have enabled putting an email address to make a comment, I have not had to delete one comment.
9 Patrick // Aug 24, 2008 at 7:01 pm
Who can argue with that.
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