I suggested this so thought that I might give it a shot myself. There has been quite a bit of discussion on the Diaries. In particular the following concerns have been expressed:
- There are too many Diary entries and the quality ones scroll off of the main screen too fast.
- The Diaries are being used in place of Open Threads.
- The Diaries are being used as newstickers.
- The Diaries are often redudant with multiple identical entries on the same pressing topic.
Now, there have been several suggestions for change. Here are some suggestions (some which might require hacking):
A) Add a hotlist box on the main page for the most commented on Diaries (based on previous 72 hours)
B) Institute a ratings system for Diaries (just like the comments) to be used in a variety of ways.
C) Discourage the use of Diaries as newsticker items.
D) Encourage Diary entries to be substantive and analytical or observational (discourage soundbites and short diatribes that may be more appropriate for Open threads).
I'm sure I'm missing something. I'm doing this off of the top of my head. But how about some votes for the solutions that you like best. And use the comments to discuss better solutions (we'll use this poll as a straw poll).