“We don’t always say what’s on our mind,” writes the Auburn Journal.
“Sometimes we might be shy, other times we’re not sure of our knowledge, and sometimes we recognize that our thought may not be very kind. In the end, we’re thinking about the consequences of our actions.
“The Journal’s online comment system has in many ways served as a forum for readers to say whatever is on their mind without fear of repercussion.
“We’re unveiling a new comment system in which readers will need a Facebook account to post their opinion, thought, etc. on any of our stories.
“In today’s world, many users have a Facebook page that uses their first and last name and a photo. Our hope is that by readers using their Facebook profile as their online log-in to comment, users will hold themselves more accountable for what they post.
“It’s a move other newspapers are making as well, including The Los Angeles Times.
“Now, we did not base our decision to move to this new comment system because other newspapers have. I cite them as examples that show other publications face similar challenges with operating anonymous public forums and the inappropriate comments that accompany them.
“On the Journal’s website, I’ve read a range of comments from the good, the bad and the really ugly.
The rest of the article is here.
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