Slashdot Mirror
Leaving a Comment? That'll Be 99 Cents, and Your Name
netbuzz writes "Anxious to lift a ban on comments brought about by incessant trolling and anonymous slander, a Massachusetts newspaper has begun requiring two things of online readers who want to leave their thoughts on stories: a one-time fee of 99 cents and a willingness to use their real names. Says the publisher: 'This is a necessary step, in my opinion, if The Attleboro (MA) Sun Chronicle is going to continue to provide a forum for comments on our websites.'"
I guess speech is no longer free.
Call it a hunch but I don't think your last name is squid or quid.
and a willingness to use their real names.
Somewhere in this country, there's a Hugh Jass who feels silenced.
Can I a pay a little extra to make my post all caps?
Somewhere in this country, there's a Hugh Jass who feels silenced.
That's what a middle initial is for, unless someone's name is already Hugh Gerald Rection.
What person has to review the transaction?
if the 99 cents shows up, the account is legit.
Of course, nobody ever got a credit card for their dog, did they?
Send me 99 cents and I'll fix that fer ya.
You're either an idiot, or this is your first visit to the interwebs. Slashdot's moderation system is one of the best on the web. The fact that I'll be modded down for flamebait and invisible in a few short minutes is proof of that.
(don't let this get modded up or else my point will be moot)
Correct, it's "squid0". Now shut up and be glad it's not "Robert'); DROP TABLE Students;--".
People often times end up being modded -1 I disagree. Some of the most insightful comments around here end up categorized as funny, flamebait or troll. Mostly because a lot of the people with mod points are mindless morons that seem more interested in suppressing speech than encouraging it. Not sure whether I'll get modded Troll, Flamebait, Insightful or Interesting, the suspense is almost palpable.
You don't think that 4chan would be able to spoof a local IP address and then bury the whole site in 15 feet of troll shit? Seriously, I think you underestimate their abilities.
Stewbacca is my real name.
Sorry, could you repeat that at a higher moderation level?
No, but if slashdot ever initiates such a rule I will legally change it.
Just because you are paranoid does not mean that no-one is out to get you.
The new-agey claptrap was a lot more fun than the anti-new-worlder paranoia.
Am I supposed to understand what you are talking about here?
Remember; you're the only one who can hear your thoughts, so you really do need to make a special effort when communicating with others. It'll take you far in life.
-FL
I have $1.37 left over on a gift VISA card. I can change the name to anything I want. Turd Fergason coming to a comment section near your.
"incessant trolling and anonymous slander"
First, newspapers suffered from "incessant trolling and anonymous slander" always. They dealt with it by limiting the number of pages given over to 'letters to the editor'. "incessant trolling and anonymous slander" BY the editors was considered expempt. of course.
Second, North Attleboro (and Mass by extension) is pretty much ALL "incessant trolling and anonymous slander". What the hell are they gonna put up on the blog now? Movie reviews and cat stories? Welcome to the Massachusetts experience. We don't call them 'Massholes' in Maine for no reason.
ps - You can't slander a Massachusetts politician. The truth is an absolute defense.
deleting the extra space after periods so i can stay relevant, yeah.
Ironically, part of the monoculture is that you have to think Slashdot sucks.
Ah, well. At least we're consistent.
My blog: http://www.seebs.net/log/ --- My iPhone/iPad app: http://www.seebs.net/seebsfrac/
It's as if a million trolls suddenly cried out, and were silenced...
Seven puppies were harmed during the making of this post.