When we recently upgraded the software for The Batavian, the ability for users to edit comments disappeared.
That was one of a few bugs that crept up with the upgrade that we've been working through.
We've always had the ability for users to edit their own comments. An option rarely available on news Web sites. I know it's a popular feature, but it's also a feature that has been abused by a few people looking to not just correct spelling and grammar, but alter the history of what they've written. For that reason, I've sometimes wanted to limit the ability of people to edit comments particularly the here-and-there, occasional commenter, which are the ones most likely to remove a comment or substantially alter its meaning.
Also, all this software support is expensive. The Batavian needs the support of readers, and not just advertisers, to really thrive.
When it came time to get comment editing back again, I decided we're going to have a change in policy: Comment editing will only be available to those who have paid to join The Batavian Club.
The Batavian Club helps us pay the bills. We need your support. In exchange, membership more than pays for itself with the $300 in gift certificates to local businesses you receive. If you love The Batavian and love saving money, there's really no reason not to join.
So, join today!
(BTW: If you're a member and can't edit comments, send me an e-mail, howard@thebatavian.com. I may not have properly tagged your user account.)
UPDATE: We also just launched a new search function on the site. It's faster and offers some additional features to help return better results. I forgot to mention earlier as well, we also upgraded the thumbs up/thumbs down in response to reader request. Instead of an aggregate result of positive or negative votes, you see the total of how many ups and how many downs each comment gets.
Use this button to set up a recurring annual payment of $50 (a discount for subscribing on an annual basis):
Use this button to make a single-year payment of $60:
Bah. For this discourtesy,
Bah. For this discourtesy, I'll go silent.
I think we provide a valuable
I think we provide a valuable service. I'm sorry you don't agree, that you disagree so much that it prompts you to leave a discourteous remark about one small inducement to convince you to support what we do.
Scott remain silent...... wow
Scott remain silent...... wow I'll believe that when I see it.
" I forgot to mention earlier
" I forgot to mention earlier as well, we also upgraded the thumbs up/thumbs down in response to reader request. Instead of an aggregate result of positive or negative votes, you see the total of how many ups and how many downs each comment gets."
Is that really needed at all?
Obviously there are some on the Batavian who must feel good about themselves by thumbs downing comments that are not controversial or is of an opinion not shared by others.
Case in point: Lisa Woltz's comment on the Cat in the Can story. I don't understand why she received 1 thumbs down for her comment, which I found to be not only of good taste, but rather pleasant as well. Yet, one person here gave her a thumbs down for her comment.
Go figure!
For the few days we didn't
For the few days we didn't have comment voting ... I got several e-mailed complaints about the feature missing.
May not be to everybody's taste ... but some people obviously like it.
So, folks can still comment
So, folks can still comment without paying to be a member - they just lose the ability to change history.
What's the problem?
As Howard pointed out Tim
As Howard pointed out Tim some like to make comments to get things stirred up then use the edit feature to remove them to further the confusion or they would edit content to change context. Other than those individuals, there shouldn't be any problem whatsoever...
In my opinion, it's all good.
In my opinion, it's all good.
I agree with you, Kyle...
I agree with you, Kyle... Howard's changes on his website are perfectly reasonable.
Don't knuckle under to the
Don't knuckle under to the man. Don't let other's needs and desires for operating capitol stifle your creativity. Howard Owens is not a scummy tent preacher he's just an honest businessman following a path to eventual destruction, much like K-Mart. I hope he see's the evil of his new ways before everything implodes. But Kay Sara Sara, as they say in Texass.
Howard, you will want me to
Howard, you will want me to edit. You will beg me to alter history. Because, I'm not black but I'm back and drunk as hell. Thank you, thank you everyone.
Finally, a reason to waste
Finally, a reason to waste less time commenting and debating on the Batavian. There is really only only a handful who participate regularly, and what is ever accomplished??? Nothing but debate turned into jejune backslapping, or acrimonious vituperation. I will miss having to reference my dictionary as much... haha.