Why We Shut Online Comments

Most online readers of The Spokesman-Review probably have discovered by now that we closed comments on our website beginning Dec. 23 and lasting through Jan. 1. We informed online readers of our decision with a prominent note on our website last weekend, but it’s a decision that is worth further explanation. The primary reason we closed comments is to help preserve the spirit of the season and to give our staffers a break from the time-consuming task of monitoring the comments. The holiday season is one that encourages and embraces thoughtfulness, sharing and family time, experiences that seem in short supply in the course of a year. It is our belief that a break from online commenting is simply a recognition that there are more important things to consider or do at this time of year/ Gary Graham , SR. More here.

Question: I consider online comments at Huckleberries to be the cherry on top of the cyber sundae that we serve here. What do you think?