DISQUS

Dave Winer · 3 years ago

Why do you make this so goddam personal?

Adam Green doesn't "allow" comments, and Doc Searls has a discussion group behind his blog, it's fairly active.

You could do some homework before you go ranting.

And how have I only allowed comments in "limited" way and why is this "Winer-esque?"

You're pretty nasty. It's easier to see when you go after someone else, like Doc.

Mathew · 3 years ago

Dave:

I apologize if my comments rubbed you the wrong way -- they were really intended more as good-natured ribbing, not to be nasty. As for using the term "Winer-esque," I did that because I think you are a fairly well-known curmudgeon, particularly when it comes to things like comments, so I saw your move to open them up as grudging. That's all I meant (the "limited" part came from the fact that visitors can't comment on individual posts, only the entire day's worth).

As for Doc, I wasn't "going after" him. I just wanted to point out that if he wants to come across as someone who isn't aloof and unreachable, allowing comments might help. I don't think a forum where you have to register accomplishes the same thing. Just my opinion. I'm not saying I think he's a bad guy -- far from it.

Mathew

Doc Searls · 3 years ago

Responding to my blog by clicking the "discuss" link is actually, I believe, *less* of an ordeal than making comments on, say, a Blogger blog. There are certain absent graces, such as a preview function; but on the whole it's pretty good.

As for linking to at least one new blogger a day, I'll put my record at doing exactly that (or damn close) up against anybody's. I've always gone out of my way to look for and link to people I don't remember having seen before, especially if they have something interesting and worthwhile to say.

Or to bloggers like Mary Lu Wehmeier, who has been off the 'sphere for years and just came back again. Pointed to her this morning.

If hierarchies are what you expect to see everywhere, you'll find plenty in the blogosphere. But you won't find a 'sphere anywhere with more, or better, ways to work around them, or to build a power curve of your own. This isn't utopian, as Seth Finkelstein says. It's the nature of the space. That's all I've been trying to say. It seems so obvious to me; yet damn few seem to agree.

So... whatever. I've said my piece. Until, of course, I say it again.

Mathew · 3 years ago

Doc:

Now that Dave has chewed me out on your behalf, I feel like maybe I made things more antagonistic than I originally intended, and for that I apologize. You are quite right that Blogger blogs are a pain to comment on, and I should have made it clear that you allow comments in a discussion forum (although I had a hard time finding it).

For the record, I also think that your blog does a great job of highlighting links to more than just the usual gang, and you should be congratulated for that. And I think we agree that while there are "gatekeepers" in the blogosphere, there are also a lot more ways to get around them than there are in old media. And I think comments can go a long way toward helping achieve a flatter hierarchy.

Anyway, I apologize if I gave offence. I was just throwing my two cents in, and spotted an opportunity to harp on my favourite topic of comments and commenting. For what it's worth, I think you are one of the good guys :-)

Mathew

Stuart MacDonald · 3 years ago

With the greatest respect to all, this specific A-list vs. X-list and who's the gatekeeper? meme has to be one of the silliest series of inwardly focused navel gazing flying pixels I have ever seen. Who really gives a horse’s pitooty? Say your piece, comment where you want to, join the conversation, lead the conversation, avoid the conversation. Whatever. But for heaven’s sake, get over yourselves people.

Sorry, 'thew, it had to be said. I roll my eyes because I love :-)

– Stuart

Mathew · 3 years ago

well said Stu.