BlogWorks: The need for moderation

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November 17, 2006

The need for moderation

When reports that Bo Schembechler, former Universtiy of Michigan head football coach, had been rushed to the hospital this morning, the Detroit Free Press posted the news bulletin along with a forum for readers to comment. Normally this wouldn't have been an issue, but with just one day before the rivalry-fueled Michigan/Ohio State University game (to determine the top college football team in the country), it didn't take long for vocal OSU fans to give their thoughts on Schembechler's condition and then the news of his death.

Another one bites the dust And another one gone, and another one gone Another one bites the dust

Posted with angry "devil" smiley faces, commenter, and OSU fan, Hope&Glory's comment immediately ignited passionate, and uncensored, remarks from fellow bloggers.

Hope & Glory — I hope you don't burn in he** for what you just said. Typical OSU fan - mean-spirited and ignorant.

By 4 p.m., 138 comments had been posted, completely unfiltered. While I applaud allowing both negative and positive comments to be posted on a blog normally, moderation is sometimes necessary when dealing with sensitive subjects, such as the death of a well-known individual. User jmu1016 sums it up best:

How come the moderators on this forum doesn't ban the moron, I posted a comment over at the columbus dispatch and they get read first and any inappropriate behavoir doesn't get posted. Get him off here Free Press. Tressel 5-1 after tomorrow.