I've had a small surge in anonymous, pseudonymous, or seminymous comments lately, so it appears a reminder on the comment policy is in order. Remember that every comment should be traceable to a real, recognizable person, just as if you were standing up in a public meeting to speak your mind. If other participants aren't able to tell who you are, either by name or quick Google search or asking me, I will delete the comment. It's neither personal nor political—I have deleted a number of comments that express complete agreement with the leftisit propaganda found here. It's simply an effort toward more reasonable, responsible communication... which has been working quite well, thank you readers!
Of course, if you'd like to establish your identity to comment, you don't have to go through the rigamarole of creating an online account. You can come to tomorrow's South Dakota Blogosphere Open House and introduce yourself! Macgregor, redhatterb, Nonnie, even Searaven—come visit!
Sometimes I miss the old days when more people left their off the cuff remarks. It's a little tame right now! We have a healthier community by exchanging/examining real opinions. Sign your name and put em out there.
ReplyDeleteHere's one: Stop having Crazy Days. It's a depressing event that makes our downtown appear unsuccessful. It's not the Chamber's fault. When I was a kid people shopped in Madison, now they go to Sioux Falls. Sometimes you have to let go and move on.
I agree with your assessment of tameness, John. I wish folks weren't so nervous about putting their name to their opinion.
ReplyDeleteAs for Crazy Days, I must admit, as I sat downtown today at the Dems table, the word "depressing" came to my mind, too... and that's not a word or feeling I often have much to do with. Can we build a community event around shopping?
When I first posted with my name and photo I worried someone might accost me in the grocery store. Didn't happen. People may privately think something negative, and I understand that some people are in sensitive positions. No one should be reckless. But on the other hand we can only grow from learning something new. Often that is from someone else.
ReplyDeleteIf no one has bugged you yet, John, I can assure you it is not because no one is reading. Just yesterday I had a number of people mention reading and enjoying the blog. Your words are being heard... and no one has given you any backlash. See, everyone? You really can speak your mind, stand by your words, and not lose your birthday. Speak up and sign your name, everyone! :-)
ReplyDeleteJohn, I'm totally on board with you on Crazy Days! I was talking to someone at church yesterday who said that even the Brookings Crazy Days was disappointing. It's possible the event has run its course everywhere.
ReplyDeleteI vote for Madison getting rid of it altogether and concentrate on an event or events/programs that build community and/or foster actual retail development. Personally, I'd like to see the town try out a summer community-wide homecoming weekend. I know a lot of very small towns pull that off pretty successfully. I don't know if it works for a town even as big as Madison, but I think it's worth considering.
At any rate, I would love to see a round-table discussion where anyone could bring their ideas for a new event.