How to make comment sections a space for public discourse
My Edmonds News tested AI-powered comment moderation tools to improve community conversations and reduce staff workload
Community commenting invites readers to have a conversation by creating a space for public discourse on issues affecting your community. It sounds great in theory, but these spaces have historically turned toxic due to bots and trolls.
Many newsrooms disabled public commenting for years, but now comments are making a comeback because they can engage audiences and drive revenue. My Edmonds News, a nonprofit newsroom in Washington and part of My Neighborhood News Group, was ready to create an online space that readers want to productively participate in.
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