I am writing concerning the “comment” section recently added to the Post web site. I was unaware it even existed until after I was included in the story regarding Laura Lyerly’s possible felony, and a number of nasty comments about me began to appear.
My concern with your Web site is that persons can post unlimited comments in complete anonymity to criticize and attack someone. When the comments turned to me, I was not going to glorify the situation by responding, and I will never use the comment section of your Web site. I will admit, however, that at times I have looked at the comment section since the incident, and this is why I am writing now.
What is troubling is that the same faction seems to continue to post numerous “anonymous” comments to your Web site (I think those knowledgeable of the community know generally who I am talking about), with no rules on how many times they comment or whether they use their name. This faction has brought back month-old articles just for the purpose of criticizing Raymond Coltrain and giving Jim Sides publicity. And with the publishing of the Jon Barber court case, a new blast, by what looks like the exact same group, has begun.
If you are going to continue this comment section, it must be changed to identify the name and residence of the posters, and commenting limits added, just like the print version of the Post, for the following reasons. First, to prevent domination by certain groups. Second, so that the Post, and the public, can hold people accountable for the things they post. The Web site simply needs to keep people from posting without identifying themselves.
If people don’t have the courage to sign their name to something it should not be published in any fashion.
ó Ralph Walton
Salisbury
Editor’s note:We’d like to know what other readers think about the new comment function on our Web site and hear your suggestions for improving it.
How to speed up the revenue flow
I read where cities across the nation are adding fuel surcharges for people cited for moving violations, namely speeding. When a driver is cited for certain violations, he will be fined between $10 and $15 extra which will go to the local city/county in order to help offset rising fuel costs.
I think this is a great idea, and Rowan County should implement it as soon as possible. How about it, commissioners?
ó Joel Johnson
Rockwell