Comments on: Comments or no comments? Life goes on!

By: Alif

Alif — Thu, 13 Oct 2005 22:15:55 +0000

I think a blog needn’t be *democratic*. You, as the blogger, exert no power over any body and are not required to ‘listen’ to your subject. In fact, in this context ‘democratic’ is not being used in its correct sense, ‘friendly’ is a more suitable adjective, dialogue-like, tolerant, discussion -inducing, or even ‘transparent’ if you like to use politics-talk.

In my opinion, comments are not constituent part of ‘logging’, not excluding the ‘web’ variety.

By: Abu Sinan

Abu Sinan — Tue, 11 Oct 2005 16:28:49 +0000

Good post. A “blog” without comments ceases to be a “blog” in my opinion and becomes just another web page.

By: sume

sume — Tue, 11 Oct 2005 12:56:27 +0000

Jeese, leave the comments! I’m adament on this one. lol

Even news and zine sites have feedback areas where readers can post feedback. Interaction is important and it’s difficult to have that when there’s no comments. I know you can email the author, but it takes away that communal feel that I think is an important element to blogging. I’ve made so many friends through blogging. People have not only got to know me, but I’ve gotten to know them through their comments.

Aside from the ocassional trolls and spammers, I’ve found comments to be a positive thing as a blogger and as a commentor. lol As a blogger, you ought to know how it feels to want to get your two cents worth into the converstation. ;)

By: kinzi

kinzi — Tue, 11 Oct 2005 11:23:19 +0000

Yea, Haithim, I was so sad to see comments closed! Your blog (and JP) helps me understand a segment of Middle Eastern culture I don’t naturally have too much connection with (until they all get married and have kids. It also provides a forum for me to test what I have learned living here from you all, and a place I can send Americans to learn more about what their peers in Arabia REALLY think…not what MSM wants them to think.

And I promise not to complain about the swearing EVER again. :)

By: Global Voices Online

Global Voices Online — Mon, 10 Oct 2005 22:46:44 +0000

Jordan: Comments On

Hatem and Haitham seems to have some concerns related to switching blogs comments, on or off.

…

By: Haitham

Haitham — Mon, 10 Oct 2005 22:34:53 +0000

Interesting points, SC and Anne.

Comments will remain on (at least for now). Lets hear from others though.

By: Anne from New York City

Anne from New York City — Mon, 10 Oct 2005 22:16:53 +0000

The main thing I liked about your blog was being able to read comments from different people in the Arab world. I can find the news items on my own. I think it’s a shame that you don’t want comments. How else can people dialogue and be able to understand each other better?

By: SC

SC — Mon, 10 Oct 2005 18:53:31 +0000

I was going to email you and complain about it! comments are essential for a blog, thats the difference between blogs and personal websites. When I came earlier today to find the comments section closed I kind of felt angry (not really but compared to neutral that was anger :) ), you deprived your readers (at least those who are supposedly important to you ie.Jordanplanet’s) the right to give their opinions. To me that’s oppression :D

Comments allow less misunderstanding to take place, offer more on subjects and shows openness in my humble opinoin. Thanks for turning it on!