Etiquette for Commenting on AC Articles

I recently wrote an AC article that stirred up a lot of strong feelings, as indicated by the comments that I received. I thought it was a great thing. After all, the goal is to get people reading your article, thinking, reacting and leaving comments, right?

The problem came when I read some of the comments that appeared on my AC article. I try to take an approach similar to that attributed to Voltaire: "I may not agree with what you say, but will defend to the death your right to say it." Unfortunately, some comments were phrased so rudely that I felt compelled to delete them, based only on the way they were expressed.

The temptation to leave your initial reaction in the comments section of someone's AC article can be strong. Please take a minute to think it over before you do. Write like crazy if you want, but re-read it before posting.

AC Article Comments Etiquette Tip 1: Have a Point

When you are thinking of leaving comments, your first question should be "What's my point?" If you can't answer that, you probably should not leave a comment on someone's article.

Although comments are generally short, there is no reason for them to not be well thought-out. Decide what you are trying to say before you start saying it, and try to stay on topic.

AC articles aren't the place to carry out rude attacks. This detracts from the article and is troublesome to the author. If you have a point which can be clearly identified, you are less likely to leave a rambling, rude attack.

AC Article Comments Etiquette Tip 2: Back up Your Point

Again, comments left on AC articles should be approached the same way as all of your other writing. Lots of people read the comments that are left on the articles.

Taking the time to leave a comment suggests that you have something that you want to say and that you want your opinion to be heard. If you back up your point (opinions included) and stay on topic, there is a better chance that readers will take your comment seriously and think about the point you made.

AC Article Comments Etiquette Tip 3: Avoid Profanity

Most people have said that using profanity shows a weak vocabulary. If you can't think of another way of expressing yourself, grab a thesaurus.

Also, if you're so upset that you find profanity in your comment, it is probably best to either not comment at all or to wait until you've settled. Your point will be more clear if it's not muddled in profanity.

AC Article Comments Etiquette Tip 4: Avoid Name Calling

Calling names and leaving insults in comments doesn't reflect as poorly on the author as it does on the commenter. There is no need to do it, and no point in it. You're not likely to be taken seriously by clouding your points with insults.

AC Article Comments Etiquette Tip 5: Don't Get Personal

Not agreeing with the author or the subject of the article is no reason to make personal attacks. Not everyone believes the same things, and disagreement does not make people bad, stupid, or (necessarily) wrong. Stick to the point and make a case for your side of the story.

I once had someone leave a comment on an AC article saying that they had so much to say that they were writing their own article. That's fine. If your response is so in depth that you can write an article, it's probably too long for a comment anyway.

There is nothing wrong with being inspired by someone else's article. There is also nothing wrong with leaving a link to your own AC article in an article's comments.

Whatever your comment on an article, keep it dignified. You'll come out looking good for it.