OverKos - In Diaries - Part 2
Short ones, long ones, useful ones, trivial. The depth and breadth of diaries on dKos is a reflection of the depth and breadth of its members. Here are some of the types of diaries I came across in the last week:
Breaking Links
Not surprising, news diaries dominate. I call these "Breaking Links". These diaries usually have the word "Breaking" in the title, followed by a link with little or no commentary.
There is a certain amount of disdain heaped on these, but I find them helpful for keep track of breaking news.
Breaking link diaries cause problems when duplicates of the story end up cluttering the recent diary list. This sets the diary police into motion, and it's either up to the diarist to delete their duplicate post, or doggedly keep their diary up while their rudeness, along with the rudeness of the diary police in pointing out their rudeness is debated in the comments.
Troll-rating abuse is often found in diaries of this type.
Before posting a breaking diary, check the recent diary list by clicking "Diaries".
Do NOT rely on the front page list. Headlines don't tell the whole story.
The diarist needs to scan the actual diaries at least 20-30 back. Or, alternately, if you don't want to risk being scooped, post your diary and THEN check the last 30. If no one has posted the information, leave it up. If someone has posted a diary on the same subject and your diary offers no additional information, PLEASE do the right thing and delete it.
"Breaking" in a bigger font on a red background does NOT count as additional information.
Arguing that your diary is precious and unique when someone else posted the same information earlier is idiotic. You lost the scoop race--accept your defeat with grace and delete the freaking diary. Now.
Exception: I have seen a couple of cases where someone from our World members posts a "breaking" diary of "old" news.
Keep in mind Kossacks, not everyone is on US time. For these folks it is indeed breaking news, and expecting them to scan through the diaries of the last 12 hours is asking a bit much.
A Personal Observation
It would be nice if several of the diary police could tone down the snark and rudeness while they are out on patrol. There's a nicer way to inform someone of their faux pas rather than charging in with sarcasm and snark.
If the diarist comes back with rudeness to a polite request, by all means, let the snarkfest begin.
I've seen far too many initial rude comments regarding a diary faux pas that were uncalled for. A nice heads-up is preferable to an outright attack. Never assume every diarist knows or remembers all the rules or diary guidelines in their rush to post.
Breaking News Diaries
A Breaking News diary differs from the Breaking Link diary; the diarist provides additional information, analysis or commentary on the news item.
There's debate on whether duplicates should be deleted in this because often each diarists have their own individual take on the news.
Satire & Just for Fun Diaries
There are some truly fun and funny people on here.
Some Kossacks feel the fun distracts from the serious work of the site. Luckily, they seem to be in the minority. Even if they are right, it's a nice distraction. All serious-all the time sounds like a Republican plot.
If you don't like the creative diaries just skip them; the diarist and the people who enjoy them will appreciate it.
These diaries are usually hit or miss propositions. I have no idea what makes a successful satirical or funny diary. Timing seems to be an important factor. Topic doesn't.
There appears to be three or four talented diarists of this genre along with Bob Johnson's dog (not shown above)who can break onto the recommend list with satirical and just for fun postings.
Personal Stories Diaries
These are among my favorites and it's really a matter of timing and topic if they hit the recommended list. They are among some of the most beautifully crafted and touching diaries. The supportive comments below also make these very special diaries and are a positive reflection of the community.
If you don't care for these types of diaries please do the diarist and the participants a favor and skip it.
Religious Topic Diaries
Self explanatory. Skip them if they are not your cup of faith. There is nothing ruder than crashing a peaceful religious service to debate theology. Put up a diary offering to debate theology if that's your goal, otherwise it's topic hijacking.(see Hijacked Diaries)
Opinion Diaries
These make up a healthy portion of the posted diaries; less than the Breaking diaries but more than most of the others. They usually do not generate much action unless they are controversial, either via words or pictures, and then they generate nothing but comment action.
Despite their numerous comments, most controversial diaries do not get many recommends.
There are some exceptional opinion diaries that do spark intelligent debate; unfortunately these are rare and the debate can often degenerate into nastiness in the comments.
There are also some non-controversial opinion diaries sporting some of the best writing on dKos, but they are also rare.
Action Diaries
A call to arms. A link for a petition.
They can be short and sweet, or brimming with extensive information. Sometimes they make the list and sometimes they scroll off silently.
For the author of an action diary dropping off the list I would recommend giving a heads-up in the open comments on your diary. Or you could simply post the petition info in the open comments thread and/or in one of the popular daily series diaries.
These are sometimes very important diaries that give Kossacks a chance to take action and it's a shame to see the especially well-crafted ones disappear off the list.