POSTING COMMENTS ON THE PLANET IS NO ONE’S RIGHT BUT EVERYONE PRIVILEGE — UNTIL WE TAKE IT AWAY
BY DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2016) — THE PLANET has written 1,442 columns since October 2010. Our first attempts were done with virtually no audience, something to be expected for a publishing enterprise that debuted un-foreshadowed and sprung on a clamshell fully formed from Apollo’s forehead. We took out no ads, did no advance publicity, and offered no prior notice.
Our first columns drew single digits. Fast forward to today, when our pieces receive thousands of hits a day, with nearly half from single sources. We have more daily circulation than the weekly Pittsfield Gazette and about 40% of the daily circulation of The Boring Broadsheet. These numbers routinely attract offers to sell ad space, one that we have refused — until, of course, the offer comes that we cannot refuse. Even Trump doesn’t have that kind of dough.
THE PLANET has built up a large, loyal readership. We have readers, not “disciples.” The first can think for themselves. The second are timid sheep, bah-ing to be led. The exponential growth of our first few years has leveled, but we daily build our numbers. One of the most important decisions we had to make and continually assess is to allow comments — or not. We entertained arguments on both sides.
Before we activated THE PLANET, we heard from those who said having a live, 24/7 “comments” section would inevitably lead to the gutter. You would draw least-common-denominators, get-a-lifers, losers, and idiot-types who get their kick out of seeing their pseudonyms posted online along with their moronic remarks. We have just described Topix.
Those who advised us to should include “comments” said it would make the site dynamic and responsive. Furthermore, they pointed out how it was doable to keep comments at a reasonably high level. True, one could never match the editorial policing of a newspaper “Letters to the Editor” page — where column inches and in-house editorial politics limit the number (and kind) of letters. Nonetheless, with regular monitoring and diligence, an interactive “comments” section on a daily blog of THE PLANET’s sort could indeed be done. THE PLANET has proved that to be the case.
We provide daily scrutiny of comments. Our system includes multiple reviews daily by our “web-checkers.” The process is analogous to weeding a garden. You have to stay on top of it. We have given our checkers instructions to be lenient and to err on the side of free speech. They do have the power to kill a post if their judgment so decides. Our checkers come from the news and editorial world, and they know what they’re doing.
When they come across a message that doesn’t not contribute to the discussion, they forward it ahead to The Great Oz, who then makes a determination. We usually allow red-flagged posters enough slack so that, if they persist, they end up hanging themselves.
Keep in mind that no one has a “right” to post here but THE PLANET. We allow (and encourage) comments as a privilege. The privilege remains in place until the posters themselves tell us they can no longer be trusted with the freedom. Then, like the large hand of the hovering gardener, we reach down and ruthlessly pull the weed. It will never be seen of or heard from again.
THE PLANET takes today to remind everyone of the invaluable community service we offer. No other media outlet in the area offers the kind of hard-hitting, muck racking, investigatory journalism we engage in on a daily basis. In allowing comments, we encourage debate, discussion, and deliberation on a series of vital community issues. For the sake of your fellow PLANET inhabitants as well as for your self-respect, don’t embarrass yourself. Say something important, and say it well.
THE PLANET exists to exchange information, not ignorance. To the 99% who get this, thanks. To the 1% that doesn’t, find a new coloring book for your crayons.
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“Free speech is the cornerstone to every right we have.” — Mark Thomas
“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”
LOVE TO ALL.
The views expressed in the comment section or opinions published within the text other than those of PLANET VALENTI are not those of PLANET VALENTI or endorsed in any way by PLANET VALENTI; this website reserves the right to remove any comment which violates its Rules of Conduct, and it is not liable for the consequences of any posted comment as provided in Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and PLANET VALENTI’s terms of service.
I guess wordpress sites can’t accept emoticons, but that is supposed to be a “thumbs up”
For you users that don’t know what an emoticon is, google it.
Dan the above comment does not advance the discussion and should be deleted please
Thank you for imparting this knowledge. I can’t begin to tell you the value of your posrs.
Awe, you’re the best! And I know my spellcheck doesn’t work, either.
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Yup. WordPress doesn’t allow emoticons or “like” buttons.
Thankyou every day for what you do, Dan Valenti.
It is my pleasure and honor, SPAGIRL.
Shakong my head.
Many people blog because of the topic, and most wish to add their two cents in agreement of the Planet and confirm we are hip or privy if you will, to what the Planet is saying. Most of the problem is going off Topic or someone gets personal. Then there are attacks against the Host (Planet) and if not in good taste,Planet most times will redact, we get it.
Frankly, this is the best blog I’ve ever read, and the best Host. Planet without question is the best of the best.
Well, really any posts not in good taste should get canned. I know I spent a couple of days mimicking Trump’s insults to people that are constantly, and very horribly, insulting people off topic. All that exercise did was redirect vitriol back at yours truly. Dan does a great job with a difficult task – keeping us civil.
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I appreciate it, SHAKES. We try our best to keep the discourse on a higher plane. We certainly have appreciated your input.
Where is the rolling eyes emoticon when you need it?
We accept these kind words humbly and graciously.
Dan I think you should allow a judicious ad or two. in fact, you are the perfect experiment as to whether or not the web can truly be monetized through ad sales – and how many it takers to make difference.
A few passive ads (hose that don’t block content, start talking, or otherwise interfere with the experience) would not make me upset. We all need to eat, and if you can make a few bucks off your service, God Bless.
I always appreciate what you do and remember that even though I use a handle (YOU) know who I am, so in a way, it’s just like signing my name. True anonymity is not great for the web, but trusting our true selves with someone who allows us a bit of it if we desire it is a privilege in itself.
Appreciate the input. It will be under advisement. I mean that.
online ads only pay if people who see them act on them.
Hey Southeast…people have been successfully monetizing content on the web for years. I have made a very nice living at it for quite some time now, so it’s not really a concept that needs to be tested. That said, I wouldn’t object to ads here either. And Mi…I have personally poked fun, even name called Dan in the past and never been redacted. I think Dan usually redacts only people like the wiz, or wiz proxy when he’s on a rant and embarrassing himself, or when he or anyone slanders, libels or impugns someone else badly. He personally seems to have a pretty thick skin and a good sense of humor.
I think some folks have monetized the web – but Dan has a uniquely loyal and consistent group that follows (with new additions as well) his blog. I know that many Eagle advertisers could never find “value” in their web presence on that site and thought the price was out sized compared to the cost. Much of the Eagle’s traffic is not local, so an ad for we’ll say Harry’s Supermarket does little good to a reader in the DC area who may have connections to the Berkshires. I would think Dan’s audience is 85% or more local.
SE
THE PLANET never says “no,” because like is a series of changing situations. Having toiled for commercial media in print and radio, we are wary of allowing ads. That being said, if the right situation came along … Fortunately, we built THE PLANET so that it would not be a revenue generator or income center (we WON’T say “economic engine”). Our money comes from elsewhere. Our intention from the start was to build a vibrant, muckraking, local blog that hit hard but fair and that would NEVER come under commercial pressure.
My skin is thicker than the walls of an underground nuke silo, and I love humor. I redact only as a last resort to protect the integrity of the site and to keep posters from, as you rightly say, “embarrassing themselves.”
I love reading about Pittsfield politics on Dan Valenti’s daily blog! They dislike Dan Valenti for telling the truth.
JONATHAN, THE PLANET lauds you for all you do, especially your stimulating posts.
Countdown, day 2. No level 5 story in the BB. Maybe tomorrow.
Been following for several years – start my day here and move to BB – hoping it gets better Thank you Dan
Awesome, MAGIC. Thanks for your involvement and your readership.
The new owners have not yet hired all those new reporters to dig into the story. Just wait…they will be all over this. Keep the countdown going.
If you believe that…I have some PCB free land in Pittsfield that I want to sell.
Dan got his information from a secret source. And they are not likely to talk to anyone from Eagle Two. (can I call it Eagle Two because surely we need to differentiate past from present) So unless Eagle Two has inside sources they ain’t gonna be able to confirm the story. Unless of course they know someone in city hall who is not afraid of the truth. Good luck Eagle Two.
True, DUSTY, but that’s the point. THE PLANET has our sources because we have worked to cultivate them. The Boring Broadsheet II can do the same. Inside sources don’t come to you. You cultivate them. THE PLANET of anyone in town and probably the area. It didn’t just fall in our laps. The “new” BB has yet to prove it’s anything but the old death warmed over.
ED
That should be a new movement, with banners and all: “KEEP THE COUNTDOWN GOING.” It shall be a testimony to the continued failure of The BB … unless, of course, they manage to “grow a pair” right quick.
Thank you Dan for all you do. I really appreciate your tenacity and professionalism.
I appreciate the warm words, JOE THE T.
MrG..It was in good taste then. Not malicious.
Maybe we can Kick a Buck and get Dan a nice Cigar for Mothers Day?
“Kick a buck.” Ah, yes, another immigrant from THE DAN VALENTI SHOW. I love it, NOTA.
–WHERE ARE MY POSTS FROM YESTERDAY?
They are in the Phantom Zone, gone and never to be seen again. That’s where they are.
Big meeting today about how to stop crime in Pittsfield. This is done after every shooting in Pittsfield and generally does nothing to actually stop further crimes. Supposedly these people are brainstorming ways to stop crime. The most logical way to do it is right under their nose, but they won’t admit it….get rid of the progressives. Ever since the progressives took over the city, the city has gone downhill with crime and poverty. Progressive do this to every city they take over. They take a once nice city where you didn’t even need to lock your doors and people treated each other decently and they turn it into a crime infested poverty ridden area.
I love how the meeting was at 10 a.m. on a work day…..pfffffftttt
JOE B
It speaks volumes.
All talk. A great blah-blah-blah signifying nothing and producing even less. Essentially, we had a photo-op for The Suits to Show They’re Doing Something about out-of-control criminality, violence, and mayhem.
I grew up on Wheaties and listening to Valenti on his radio programs years ago. Been following this Blog since inception as it is very knowledge, consuming reading,and transparent, something you won’t find with the Sea Gull.
On a side note, Speaker Paul Ryan is no good. Trump has won, deal with Paul.
Thanks, HR.
The place was packed with wall to wall good old boys. You name them and they were there. Gaetani gave the best comments and ideas to stop crime and was well received for a gobsig group.I also saw him grilling the School Supt. And Simonelli.I wish I were privy to those conversations. S Simonelli looked ashin after the Wiz spoke to him I see my last post is waiting moderation Dan. Do you have any problems with my comments? Please be fair as I have noticed when someone mentions the Size name they get taken down. Not fair. Please respond
We WILL be fair. We are ALWAYS fair. But we will not allow this site to be compromised by people posting at the behest and browbeating of a third party who should, if he wishes, start his own blog. The problem has been that Craig repeatedly has had others post, under fake names, what he has dictated. THE PLANET won’t accept that any longer. So, are YOU posting for him under those false pretenses? We have our suspicions. Come clean. Tell us what the deal is in this respect.
IMN shouldn’t be the WWW ( West St/Water/Wiz), as recorded on camera, WWW said clearly that he was leaving this meeting early to catch a plane to China, an 18 hr. flight out of NYC. There and back WWW will be out of Pittsfield for at least a week or longer.
I grew up with Valenti also, a woman’s man by all means, he was an idol, a Rock Star if you will. Valenti is famous for his all around work, from breaking the Son of Sam Story, interviewing Ted Williams, his broadcasting and interview program, and of course his books, quite an Author, one might add. The reason this Blog and his PCTV Show are popular is his relentless endeavor to be transparent and protect us Kapanski’s, who shoulder the load for the problems of the City. Valenti is a leader in every sense of the word, he says jump, I say how high? Over the years I truly believe he has tried to do right for the Citizens of Pittsfield.
Many, many thanks, DD. I can honestly say that my efforts on the radio, in print, on the web, and on TV as it pertains to Pittsfield have all been done with the intention of righting the wrongs and, as you say, “[doing] right for the Citizens of Pittsfield.”
Well said D D, nice!
.We all live in the herion hills.We should have the death penalty for herion sales.Unemployment increases drug use.City council wont fight this war because its bad press.I think the best way to attract a company to do business in town is drive drug dealer to another town .Build a reputation and they will take the course of least resistance. Pittsfield needs to rebrand itself.Dan Elias wants truant officers….they cant stop themseves..Mayor please save the schools from themselves.
P
Instead of crafting a Budget around what Budget taxpayers can afford, it seems this Mayor, like all the rest, will craft it around what is the best for our Schools. It is Pie in the Sky,foolish.
What was the banter about six G D employees coming to the Pitt that will increase the tax base? it doesn’t make sense if more than six families come and six leave, what kind of Math is the Councilor doing here?….Voodoo? Heard this at the last C C session with the School Committee
During the Roberto Administration,at the time a gentleman named Martel was the City Assessor. The valuations were very questionable with a sizeable increase. Was anyone able to discern if that particular increase had merit, many, many taxpayers,were upset at the time of the value increase in their Homes, some called it illegal. Of course everyone knew why they were increased, for sure.
The City should let the Parking Meter employees go. Remedy, if violators want to play games like illegal Parking, triple the fine. police can enforce it.
let the cops use wheel locks.
Why not sling shots?
Talk about hearing incredible comments. The Taconic project has been guaranteed by a City Official of cost, no overuns, none. Yet, when asked a question on the Columbus Ave Parking Deck, pleaded the Fifth.
Don’t laugh, Bankrupcy is a real possibility. We need to watch where the Cuts are made. I have at least six or seven areas that could save millions. I agree with the above, cutting of Parking Patrol.
Maybe on the weekend free blog we can all come up with ways to cut. Who knows, the Mayor might look at it? A couple more cuts come to mind, one of the Mayors Assisstants,and the underling of The Harbour Master.
Allendale Dean
Attendance Officer
Does anyone know how to get a list of the actual jobs performed by City Employees?
Schools simply need to consolidate and share .There are only 1680 high school students and going down.Lenox is the best school in Pittsfield and growing almost 200 families have made that decision and thats never going to change.Build Taconic ,Holmes road and Williams street find that Lenox is only 10 minutes from their kitchen table……Pittsfield has more people working on attendance than clean the buildings.
If the mayor tries to cut any school personnel or pay the union will go bullshit. They got everything in writing. They have the taxpayers by the throat. The only way you are not going to lose a huge portion of your income going forward is to relocate to a place with leaders who think ahead. Leaders whose main focus is on fiscal responsibility and not lining connected peoples pockets with taxpayer money.
Mayor Tyer has four years ahead of her and though this fiscal snowball has been rolling downhill for some time now, she may have the distinction of having it blow up in her face. It won’t be all her fault but she will get the blame. I hope she does not want that on her resume.
Chief Wynn, According to Wynn, the force is approved to have 91 officers but through a number of vacancies, injuries, and other reasons, the actual staffing level is 82. By mid-summer “that number could dip into the 70s.” Wynn said the staffing required to patrol some 42 square miles with 44,000 residents plus those who come into the city from surrounding areas is between 110 and 120. We’ve been advocating for that staffing for a decade,” Wynn said.
Really ? If nothing else Tyer promised more cops –
Lets take a bunch of money out of the school dept and put it into the PD. Start by getting rid of all the assistants! Let these overpaid underperforming school dept employees do some work. Like the private sector they may have to stay late once and a while. They should be able to ask the PD for advise on how to accomplish this.