By Doug Draper, publisher of Niagara At Large
Since Niagara At Large was launched a year ago this past January as an independent news and commentary site for the greater Niagara region, I have strived to encourage a diversity of comments on this site from across the personal and political spectrum.
Among the goals I still wish to achieve were these. There are mainstream media venues out there in Niagara that seem more interested in promoting the status quo than giving balanced attention to alternative points of view, and this site is dedicated to filling that void. And there are too many blog sites that pander to one point of view or another, and never want to give a moment to other views unless it is about lacerating those who express them with comments they hide behind with a blog name like “torpedoed” or “buddy”.
That is why Niagara At Large is one of a minority of online news sites and newspapers in North American that will not post a comment unless the individual who writes it is willing to share their full name. The idea there is that if people have to put their full name on a comment rather than send it in with some pseudonym like ‘shooting-from-behind-the-bush’, that they might actually email us something that shows a little civility rather than something they might yell and scream in the privacy of their own kitchen or dining room.
Unfortunately, this assumption turned out to be naïve on NAL’s part and a handful of people, mostly (I’m sorry to say) of a left-wing persuasion, which is where I admit I mostly come from, have moved from using this site as a venue for views to abusing it to push out their own ideologies. They have taken to using Niagara At Large as a bully pulpit to engage in personal attacks against anyone who dares to question their views or vision for our future.
Therefore, Niagara At Large will now screen all comments, including those who have been submitted by previous contributors before they appear on this site. Those comments that engage in person attacks or use excessive amounts of bad language without any appoint of larger interest attached to them, will never make an appearance on this site.
This site should and must be a town hall for everyone to participate, regardless of their personal or politicial views, and we will not allow a handful of bullies and ideologues to hijack it.
(Share your views below at Niagara At Large and encourage your friends and associates to engage in this site at www.niagaraatlarge.com.)
Niagara At Large 
I agree completely with you Doug. That is exactly what is wrong with politics today.
Just look at the ridiculous way the Democrats and Republicans argue. They would rather bring their country down around their ears than look for a compromise.
For something really disgraceful watch the Question and Answer Period at Queen’s Park.
Each party tries to shout down the other with no sincere effort to offer any constructive advice. It is like a bunch of young kids in a sandbox…..and this is supposed to be a role model for our school aged children. Shameful! I’m glad I no longer have school aged children as I would not want to let them watch this disgraceful exhibition of poor behaviour.
Why can’t we disagree without being disagreeable? In other words don’t get personal. Challenge the message…not necessarily the messenger.
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Niagara At Large was intended, as far as I know, to be an Internet Town Hall. It gives us the unique opportunity to talk to each other, to exchange ideas and opinions. I value this site highly.
If I just want to vent on an article in any of the major media, I can go onto that piece’s comments section, where people say whatever nonsense comes into their head, because they can hide behind their on-line “handle”. Much of the time, I find it incredibly depressing that too many of us aren’t really interested opening our minds and learning from each other. Ad hominem attacks are so much easier.
Please, let’s not lose this site. Let’s do what Doug intended: let’s TALK. We can be passionate without being offensive — can’t we?
Thanks for the warning, Doug. I’m taking it to heart.
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In some ways I wondered how long it would take before you were forced to make this move.
It is unfortunate that some people just can’t stick to the subject being discussed or can’t discuss in a civilized manner.
Sure, there are times I would love to fire off a missile of a response to someone or some topic, but generally I try to take a more measured approach.
I do strongly applaud Doug’s requirement of real names! As a former journalist, I have always been aware of the laws regarding libel and slander. Too many of the people making comments online are not aware and often leave themselves open to legal action.
Anyway, as I indicated earlier Doug, I can understand why you must now moderate comments … I sincerely hope it leads to more reasoned discussion.
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Thank you for establishing a forum where people have an opportunity to offer their thoughts and share their ideas. Many of us want to have information on all sides of an issue, not just the aspects we keep comfortably close to our heart..
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No doubt intelligent, respectful, debate is a rarity in the blogoshpere and I applaud your decision sir !
As to what drives individuals to believe that anonymity justifies disrespect is beyond me? That certainly does seem to be the case though.
And as to how someone can derive any “sense of accomplishment” by submitting an obvious insult, whether anonymously or otherwise, is also a mystery?
The fact is to remain credible (especially) an online media outlet needs to hold it’s contributors to the same level of accountability as the readers expect from the sites Publisher.
As much as things change they remain the same…A good Editor makes for a better publication!!!
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Keep up the good work and beware the trolls who sometimes are paid to push a particular point of view. My first facebook experience was joining Canadians Against the Prorogation of Parliament. This site is now mostly Conservative trolls who bash every article that is not rapturous about the Harper Government. Don’t let the same happen here. Fight the power.
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Keep up the good work. I prefer this forum for discussion than many of the others, where even the reporters are attacked by nameless bigots that are too cowardly to state their name. People should register for these sites, by stating their name, business email (not a yahoo address), employer, business or residential address, and daytime phone number, with only the name published. The personal information is kept for verification and protection for you.
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It is disappointing that personal attacks have replaced cogent exchange of views, becoming more often the norm on the battlefield of ideas. The need to moderate all comments must surely be an added burden to an already heavy load. Ms McMurran says it well, and I join her and others in thanking you. You are a trusted and courageous voice in our community that needs to be treasured. Keep up the good work.
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Thank you Doug,
Your leadership in providing this virtual town hall forum is greatly appreciated!
Chris
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Being a very passionate person I know i have crossed the line and I apologize to anyone I may have offended. thus this person will attempt to rationalize and use appropriate protocol in all my writings in the future ….Damn it will be hard but I “will” harness the energy and find better uses for it,,,,
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