Dear Readers-
It’s been exciting watching more and more community members engage in conversations regarding the Mendocino County community using MendoFever as a platform.
That being said, some of the tone and tenor of recent comments have, for lack of better words, become unacceptable.
Civil dialogue is essential. The wisdom of the collective community is an asset. In these vast vistas we call our home, the knowledge of our neighbors is akin to sacrosanct.
We do not want to promote an environment where social capital is gained through call-outs and name-calling. Instead, MendoFever should be a community compendium of information and perspectives that enrich ourselves and others.
The following are rules/guidelines that will inform comment moderation from here on out:
- Approach all dialogue in good faith and with the principle of charity. Instead of assuming, inquire. Instead of attacking, engage.
- This platform will not be a host for libel. If you are critiquing a person, that critique must be based on facts, and not defaming their character.
- Add value. Information, photographs, well-formed perspectives, humor, hot-takes. If your comment is not adding to the community’s understanding of a topic, consider why you are posting it.
- No slurs or epithets of any kind will be tolerated. These sort of words dehumanize others and diminish the discourse.
- MendoFever values free speech. There will be points where a reader’s contribution might be questionable, but their insights are worthy of examination. This line is foggy, I know, but will exist nonetheless.
- When it comes to critiquing community leaders or those in authority, good-faith criticism will always be invited. Satiric commentary will always be appreciated. When the lines are crossed to cruel mockery, your comment will be deleted.
- Calls to violence will not be hosted on this platform and fundamentally diminish the civility of conversation.
These principles will guide the comment moderation on MendoFever. I retain the right to edit this list at any point as issues arise.
If you find yourself questioning why a comment was deleted, please contact me at matthewplafever@gmail.com and we can hash it out.
Thank you for continued readership and interest in keeping Mendocino County informed,
Matt LaFever
Thank you Matt. This is why MendoFever is #1
What a bummer u have to do this. I never read the ‘Comments’ section. I thoroughly enjoy your posts & don’t feel the need to comment.
Norah McKinney – Ukiah resident since 1950
Sorry this is necessary, but appreciated nevertheless. Thank you, Matt.
Yes please do this, I have no time for people who name call.
I come to this page first for the news and press releases because of the lack of comments. Keep up the good work.
I may be one of those commenters, who thinks i’m clever and funny, but because i love reading matt’s mendofever news so much, i’m gonna respect his request and comment no more. (unless it’s very short and very positive)
Gil T., don’t stop commenting. If you have a funny quip or biting sarcasm offer, please. As long as we’re approaching each other in good faith, I’m all about it.
Thanks Mr. LaFever. I appreciate this and I acknowledge that it represents additional work for you. I might add that in regards to #2, anyone who chooses to make allegations about other people should be prepared to provide links or other documentation that substantiates their assertions.
Fox, that’s a great idea. Thank you!
Great call. I hope the comment sections remain civil and filled w/ facts.
(i like matt’s approach better’n the old redheads…)
Unfortunately this what our society needs to practice and hear on a daily basis. Bullying and hate has become the norm for so many because they are faceless on social media.
Excuse me sir but we have freedom of speech as a constitutional right here in America and unfortunately for you this website is hosted in America and you have to conform to the constitution of America. You cannot limit our freedom of speech because you don’t like what we’re saying because it hurts your feelings. Your feelings are not protected under the Constitution, our right to say whatever we want to say is protected under the Constitution.
Hence: “freedom of speech”
Where does this:
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Equal anyone’s right to say whatever they want?
The first amendment only protects us from government censorship not private censorship.
This is a blog page and as such the owner has Mod power. Simple as that. Be happy that the comments are posted in real time instead of being held until moderation determines when or if it will be posted. (Many blogsites operate that way)
Thank you Matt LaFever, you’re doing great work here. Having read some comments on a few articles, I’m glad you stepped in and explained how it can work. keep up the timely reporting!