Participate, please

Comments is a dreaded thing by many, especially at media companies. Because while it’s cool to have people participating and engaging, it’s a double-edged sword that calls for a lot of extra work and frustrations with trolls.

But the real question is whether people (and especially journalists) should just not find a way to put up with it and dive in in the hope of qualifying the discussion and drive even more participant engagement? I think so.

I’m saying this because Steve Outing has a point, when he mentions that staff at news media belong in comment threads. If a user has a problem with something, the journalist has written, that user can bring the matter up and should expect an answer from the journalist. And why not have that in the comments for everybody to see.

It would be transparency at its best. It would also potentially create a better connection between the user, the journalist and the media.

I’m tempted to think that journalists - or any other with customers for that matter - should look at themselves long and hard in the mirror and question whether they’re actually in the right business.

Vad NU! is a consultancy company owned by Mads Kristensen and specialized in helping clients take advantage of the business opportunities created by new media. Click to learn how I can help you and your company.