On: Comments Are Dead. We Need You to Help Reinvent Them

[jerrya]

"I'm a web editor at a regional news site, and moderating reader comments is a huge pain in the neck"

Right. You're doing it wrong.

Stop moderating reader comments. Let readers moderate reader comments.

Stop creating one way comment systems. Create ways for readers to converse with reporters.

At hacker news for example, all sorts of entrepreneurs come by and all sorts of startup wannabe employees come through as well.

When was the last time you saw a reporter have any serious interaction with his readers in the comments?

[jawns → jerrya]

Bear in mind that mainstream, general-interest news sites can't get away with (or don't perceive themselves as being able to get away with) allowing incredibly offensive content to just sit there, waiting for other readers to flag it.

Works for some brands -- not for others.