It’s My 2 Cents — 9/17/07

While splitting wood for my brother-in-law in Spirit Lake Sunday, I spent time reflecting on the new civility that I’ve been trying to introduce on this blog. Especially after I killed another thread Saturday night in which several posters were carrying on a personal argument here. In the past, I let those things go b/c, frankly, it’s hard to block or ban a computer-savvy individual. I didn’t want to spend my spare time trying to rein in what we’ve come to know as a “blog troll.” As a result, things got too loose here, with fierce, personal interaction at time supplanting debate and the fun that Huckleberries print and online are known for. Some left b/c they tired of the rancor that would crop up unpredictably. So, I’m recommitting myself to squelching name calling, personal attacks and debates, and other venomous exchanges. If necessary, I’ll begin deleting the posts and block as best I can the individual who’s responsible. I have the full support of Editor Steve Smith on this. I’m make mistakes on judgment calls. I’ve asked Steve to work with me re: gray areas. I don’t want to sacrifice legitimate fun and interchange for heavy handedness. But I’m only human. Even the refs at the WSU-UIdaho game missed a call or two. Some have predicted that a commitment toward civility will be the death of HBO. I don’t think so. In fact, I’d urge those who have been driven from here by the slap-happiness to give Huckleberries Online a second chance. In September, HBO has posted record page-view and unique view numbers. I don’t see that changing much.