website comments

[taxman (Matt)]

Is it just me, or are all commenters on news websites (different to forum contributors) getting as bad as youtube commenters?

In the same way I would listen to various radio announcers with extreme political views (on both sides - too much of one side is like meat without veg) for the entertainment value, I love some of the news comments.

Have a look at the below - it is in line with the nature of the forum:
http://www.news.com.au/technology/bi...-1225888281185

[renormalised (Carl)]

They can't help it...most of them probably only have a modicum of education. The basic primary to grade 10, possibly grade 12. Which means their science knowledge is little or non existent, considering what most people actually take any notice of at school. And most of them are completely ignorant and/or don't care about where the politicians and big business, etc, spend their money, so those that comment about waste are speaking from a position of ignorance at best. Those making religious based comments....well....easy answered.

Entertaining, sometimes....but awfully tedious and hackneyed at best, boorish and ignorant for the most part.

Those that post trying to make sense of it for the rest are usually drowned out or ignored...pity. They might actually learn something from them if they take the time to listen.

[chrisp9au (Chris)]

When ever I need a good read/laugh I head straight to the ABC.
Some of the comments on the Australian political scene and religious issues are priceless.
Some very deep well informed views, and some that demonstrate the shallowness of others.

http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/

Cheers
Chris

[strongmanmike (Michael)]

Originally Posted by taxman

In the same way I would listen to various radio announcers with extreme political views (on both sides - too much of one side is like meat without veg) for the entertainment value, I love some of the news comments.

The best example of this was one Mr Stan Zemanek...who is no longer with us. I could see through his WWF theatrics but making a living by vilifying people in a vitriolic fashion is fuel a rapidly accelerating (once again) xenophobia in Australia is better off without.

Mike

[Octane (Humayun)]

Careful, Mike. You'll get labeled a politically-correct pansy.

H

[taxman (Matt)]

I agree Mike.

The funny thing is that racist, sexist and basically xenophobic tendencies are so obviously a learned and not gut reaction - I have seen time and again the most bigoted, misogynist people turn into a different person during a 20 minute chat with my wife.

I have no doubt that many my wife affects will justify it later to themselves and associates of a similar bent ("Well, all asians except for her, she's nice"). But as she says, all it takes to sit under a tree is to sow a seed.

It is interesting how many who believe they feel this way also feel disenfranchised in various ways, whereas the glass-half-full types rarely have these types of views.