RedDeerAdvocate.com has moved to a verified Facebook commenting system — a large step toward a more accountable and honest environment for online discussion.
As the RedDeerAdvocate.com has garnered a growing number of visitors, concerns have been raised about the fact that users can post comments without verified identification.
Under the new platform, people will only be able to comment by using their Facebook account. That means their name, often even their photograph, will be linked to the statements they post.
RedDeerAdvocate.com is not alone in making this shift. Several media companies, equally troubled by the vitriolic trend of anonymous comments, are turning to Facebook to power their website commenting.
All of Black Press in B.C., Alberta and Washington State have made the switch. Our sister publications have continued to see spirited discourse among those who post comments, yet the discourse is at a much higher level, and commentators are generally well-mannered and on-topic.
This new approach won’t be perfect. People without a Facebook account won’t be able to participate in online discussions.
Those who choose not to create a Facebook account are reminded that the Advocate will continue to run letters to the editor in print. They can be submitted by email to editorial@www.reddeeradvocate.com.
“We are encouraging our online readers to remain part of the discussion as our online presence continues to evolve,” said Advocate managing editor John Stewart. “We put great value on the perspectives of our readers and the role an active, informed conversation plays in our community.”
<a href='//www.reddeeradvocate.com/commenting_FAQ_135888883.html
//www.reddeeradvocate.com/commenting_FAQ_135888883.html'>• Find out more about this change at our Commenting FAQ page