In graduate school, my colleagues and I were literally graded on the frequency (not too much, not too little) and quality of our comments in class discussions. That's the lens through which I read DKos. Lately I've been wanting to give a lot more 2's and 1's to people, but have not wanted to hurt feelings or cause backlash against me. But I think the time has come to take that risk, and I'd like a little feedback before I do it.
I'm not someone who feels the need to say a lot on this site. I joined about the time I saw Dr. Dean live in Virginia in '03. I rarely post diaries and comment only off and on. Mostly, I'm a reader... and a rater. That's sort of my "contribution." I want to help elevate good posts, and I want to stay informed. I comment when I feel I have something to say that's not already said.
But lately people are taking tremendously important threads and using the comments sections for basically personal banter between friends and foes. As someone who has little time and really wants to get to the substance of a diary or post, I find this practice extremely unproductive. And that's what a "1" rating is for. It is not a troll-rating. "2" is along the same lines.
Off-topic comments should be shunned. Thousands of people like me log on to see what's going on (it's a TREMENDOUS service of this community), and we don't want to get bogged down by interpersonal sniping or insider conversations playing out in the threads. They distract from the more thoughtful, on-point posts that we're looking for, and that frankly serve this community the best.
So I hereby propose that 1's and 2's and even 3's start to be used more frequently, not as personal assaults, but as true QUALITY CONTROL measures to keep threads on point, thoughtful, informative, even challenging. And let's take the small stuff and distracting stuff offline.
If you need an example of what I'm talking about, try to read through the John Kerry thread and stay on top of the discussion. It's a shame there's so much wasted conversation for such an incredibly momentous and important diary.
Before I start doling out 1's, 2's, and 3's, I really would appreciate feedback. I think that rating comments is one way I can contribute to this community even when I don't feel like posting myself. Quality control is important.
Thanks for the consideration.