Friday, December 28, 2007
Criticism is always appreciated … seriously
One of the first things I do each morning when I come in to work before dawn is to check the comments that have piled up overnight. Occasionally I mention one or two. I sometimes reference one I reject and try to explain how future writers might avoid that fate.
The comments can range from harsh criticism of people in a story to negative comments about the writer. I must add we also get comments of support on a topic and for our reporters. They are much appreciated. I try to make sure that both positive and negative comments are shared so as a staff we can gain from the experience.
One recent polite observation came following a high school sports game. The author tastefully noted that the sports writer had confused the players in the post position with those in the guard positions. Sometimes in the heat of deadline back at the office things can get confused. We thank the comment writer for the observation.
I mention that the issues dealt with in a story can stir the fingers to peck the keyboard. Just abuse an animal or child and you will find out just how many people are reading the online paper. The volume of comments can be tremendous.
I say tremendous because I look at it in a positive way. The newspaper has always been a dispenser of information. But it also has been a representation of the town square.
It has been a place where people can share and exchange ideas, not only to receive them.
This is often done on the editorial page with guest comments and letters to the editor.
The comments feature on the Web site serve much the same purpose.
The one major difference is the time element. Response can be immediate here. It might take days for letters to be received for the print paper. Online it is only how long it takes to review and approve a comment for upload to the site.
I have received some comments within minutes of a story being posted. It is as if the writer was poised at the keyboard waiting for the story to appear.
I like that. We want and seek your input, your comments.
So let me know what you think. You can comment to this column when it appears in the Life area online, or write me an email at rpolk@chespub.com.
And have a happy and safe holiday season.
The comments can range from harsh criticism of people in a story to negative comments about the writer. I must add we also get comments of support on a topic and for our reporters. They are much appreciated. I try to make sure that both positive and negative comments are shared so as a staff we can gain from the experience.
One recent polite observation came following a high school sports game. The author tastefully noted that the sports writer had confused the players in the post position with those in the guard positions. Sometimes in the heat of deadline back at the office things can get confused. We thank the comment writer for the observation.
I mention that the issues dealt with in a story can stir the fingers to peck the keyboard. Just abuse an animal or child and you will find out just how many people are reading the online paper. The volume of comments can be tremendous.
I say tremendous because I look at it in a positive way. The newspaper has always been a dispenser of information. But it also has been a representation of the town square.
It has been a place where people can share and exchange ideas, not only to receive them.
This is often done on the editorial page with guest comments and letters to the editor.
The comments feature on the Web site serve much the same purpose.
The one major difference is the time element. Response can be immediate here. It might take days for letters to be received for the print paper. Online it is only how long it takes to review and approve a comment for upload to the site.
I have received some comments within minutes of a story being posted. It is as if the writer was poised at the keyboard waiting for the story to appear.
I like that. We want and seek your input, your comments.
So let me know what you think. You can comment to this column when it appears in the Life area online, or write me an email at rpolk@chespub.com.
And have a happy and safe holiday season.
# posted by Richard Polk @ 4:59 AM 
