Guidelines for the Blog and Comments on Social Media
Certain lengthy comments on my social media platforms sometimes reveal an aggressive tone. I have received concern about such Comments from other readers, especially on Facebook.
Such hostility in the comments deter others from writing a comment. I see in recent months a significant drop in the number and diversity of Comments.
Number of views of the blog remain much the same – around 15K per month.
Healthy differences of view contribute to expanding our perceptions of situations of society, politics, science, medicine or global. I have benefitted from some of your views and analysis of a situation of mutual interest.
It is easy to attack the content of a blog claiming a blog contains misinformation or the writer is deluded or naïve. The critic of a blog needs to state their view. This can benefit the blogger.
For example, the global pandemic can invite a minefield of views. I take the view that if we stay silent on such global issues, the hard-line voices will stifle thoughtful dialogue, written or spoken. As much as possible, let us endeavour to engage in a communication of concern, a considerate form of language, whether brief or lengthy.
Guidelines for those who make a Comment:
If you state what is false, you imply you know the facts, the truth. Please state them in your Comment.
If you do not know the facts, please state you do not know the facts, even if you disagree with the blogger.
Avoid generalities such as “Accept the science.” Please state in several sentences the view(s) of science you have in mind.
You might try starting the sentence with “The science says…
Please state your view rather than only reacting to what you don’t like about what you read.
Do not attack another person, such as a Facebook friend, who makes a comment you disagree with.
If you regularly dismiss what somebody else writes, then write your own blog or text on your Facebook page or another platform.
Up until now, I have kept the social media pages open to all. I am considering checking the Comment before it appears on the page.
Please be mindful.
THANK YOU.