We have just updated the Rye News comments policy, with one big change – no more anonymity.
From now on we will need you to put your full name – first name and surname – to any comments you leave about our stories. No made up names. No initials. No nick names. No just first names.
Simply, it’s about being fair to everyone. If you are expressing an opinion about a person or organisation our readers (and whoever you are commenting on) deserve to know who it is from, especially if it is on a matter of controversy.
Rye News is not a social media site where anything goes. If it helps, think of our comments section like the letters page in a printed newspaper – either local or national. Similarly, Rye News comments are also moderated too.
The rest of the comments policy is roughly the same. Keep it relevant and civil.
Shorter the better too, ideally no longer than 100 words.
Here’s the updated policy https://www.ryenews.org.uk/about-rye/comments
Image Credits: Natasha Robinson .
Weldone Rye News, it’s about time this hiding behind their computers stopped, why are they ashamed to reveal their identity.
I have mixed feelings about this. As comments are moderated then offensive or illegal content will be filtered out. I subscribe to The Times newspaper online and that paper also introduced a real names only policy. If anything the quality of the comments has declined because many of the best-informed and thoughtful commentators had used pseudonyms. When the new rule came in they disappeared.
We like to think we have free speech in this country, but the reality is that many are constrained by the terms of their employment or fear personal abuse or reprisals and so keep their heads down. As a Rother councillor I have found this on a number of occasions where I have had to take up issues that a member of the public has been afraid to pursue openly.
Three cheers from me! I can understand the temptation to comment anonymously in a small town like this, but anonymity also takes away the pressure to be entirely truthful or considerate of others’ feelings. As demonstrated amply by certain commenters on the Rye & Winchelsea Facebook group . . . perhaps Rye News can set a new standard for public discourse in this area.
At least it wont descend into the appaling pile ons i see in the comments section of the daily mail. Your right keep it civil . And if you cant then at least put your name to your words
Be fine for those with big egos and secure properties down gated drives. Mrs Average won’t be chipping in.
Time to make a stand – if you have something to say, have the courage to say it, don’t hide behind a keyboard.
Quite right. Most of the negative aspects of the digital world relate to anonymity. In pre-digital times no newspaper would consider publishing anonymous letters except in special circumstance with ‘name and address with-held’ where the publisher has agreed a legitimate reason (to protect a whistleblower, say). As Andrew Mier notes, The Times enforces this policy, although I disagree that has had negative results. I wonder, however, how this policy will be enforced by Rye News? The Times knows the names of its subscribers (from payment details etc). How does Rye News know that my name is not Fenella Toadstool? By no means all email addresses reveal real names.
Speak the truth, don’t get personal and do your research and there shouldn’t be a problem.
I always publish my full name but that’s no guarantee your comments will be posted, it’s down to the editor and I do on some occasions feel that if he doesn’t agree with your comments then they don’t get published.
I’ve had it explained in the past that the editor didn’t think my comment added anything to article, an odd comment in my opinion but then that’s just my opinion.
Sorry but I agree with Andrew. A lot of people don’t like using their real names online. Companies often will do a google search of your name when you apply for a job and that can impact your chances if you don’t share the same opinion. I get some people hide under false names for negative reasons but some people genuinely use pseudonyms to protect themselves online which I think is fair.
Guess I’ll have to use my real name for this comment…
I agree with this 100%. Accountability matters!
I actually agree Delbert, who cares if you don’t your real name? I mean you’re obviously Delbert Wilkins init bruv?
I’ve noticed that even the big, high-profile stories on Rye News often attract very few comments. I’m not sure whether that’s because the moderation threshold feels quite strict, or simply because people are reluctant to comment publicly. But I suspect it’s a bit of both.
Requiring full names might unfortunately make some readers even less likely to join in, especially on local issues where everyone knows everyone. I do wonder if there’s a middle ground, perhaps verified accounts without displaying surnames, or a slightly more relaxed policy on first-time posters, that could encourage more voices without lowering civility.
I’d love to see the comments section buzzing again; it used to be one of the best things about the site.