The Latin phrase “non sequitur” means, it does not follow. That is what I have noticed about most comments posted on blogs in general, but especially political blogs these days. Over the last month, I have been amazed (and annoyed) at the types of comments people post on blogs. I find more often than not people are using the comments section of a blog to reflect their own agenda rather than comment on the post itself. For example, I have a post refuting Dr. Wayne Grudem’s endorsement of Mitt Romney. Many of the comments (before my was deleted and re-launched) were attacks on me for questioning the logic of the Mormon religion and one comment was simply urging readers to go visit Hillary’s website. None of those comments addressed the true topic of the post. It isn’t just my blog, it is almost every blog you read. And it is more often the case when the comments are negative.
It seems that people do not know how to appropriately discuss opposing points of view rationally or civilly. It can be difficult, I will grant that. More importantly, it usually takes some time and research to craft a rational, civil argument. I think it is partly because American schools do not teach people how to “argue”. By argue, I don’t mean a rash, haste, disagreement marked by anger. By argue I mean present a different point of view as in a formal debate (not the presidential debates – they don’t qualify) or as in a court of law.
If people want a forum for airing their opinions, there are plenty of options for a free blog out there. Next time you post a comment to the blog – make sure it is relevant to the post.
My thoughts on posting comments to on a blog
Posted by Jenn on December 19, 2007 Leave a comment
The Latin phrase “non sequitur” means, it does not follow. That is what I have noticed about most comments posted on blogs in general, but especially political blogs these days. Over the last month, I have been amazed (and annoyed) at the types of comments people post on blogs. I find more often than not people are using the comments section of a blog to reflect their own agenda rather than comment on the post itself. For example, I have a post refuting Dr. Wayne Grudem’s endorsement of Mitt Romney. Many of the comments (before my was deleted and re-launched) were attacks on me for questioning the logic of the Mormon religion and one comment was simply urging readers to go visit Hillary’s website. None of those comments addressed the true topic of the post. It isn’t just my blog, it is almost every blog you read. And it is more often the case when the comments are negative.
It seems that people do not know how to appropriately discuss opposing points of view rationally or civilly. It can be difficult, I will grant that. More importantly, it usually takes some time and research to craft a rational, civil argument. I think it is partly because American schools do not teach people how to “argue”. By argue, I don’t mean a rash, haste, disagreement marked by anger. By argue I mean present a different point of view as in a formal debate (not the presidential debates – they don’t qualify) or as in a court of law.
If people want a forum for airing their opinions, there are plenty of options for a free blog out there. Next time you post a comment to the blog – make sure it is relevant to the post.
Tags: Blogs, comments, debate