In spite of my frugal lifestyle (ahem), and more to the point a few other sources of income, the money from last autumn has now basically gone. The EU referendum was something of a crossroads - I knew if the UK voted Remain, Scottish politics would go relatively quiet for a few years, and another fundraiser might not even be feasible. I imagined in those circumstances I would probably start to wind things down, and continue with the blog on a much more limited basis. As it turned out, things went the opposite way, and I've been planning to run a fourth fundraiser when the time felt right. Unfortunately, I incurred a large and unexpected expense a couple of weeks ago, so that brought things to a head, and I was intending to get things underway either yesterday or today. Just my luck that a small number of readers decided that right now was the time to declare all-out war on the way I run the blog. This was what my inbox looked like yesterday...
I had to spend about an hour deleting dozens of comments from an anonymous troll, all containing the words "JAMES KELLY IS AN ARROGANT PR**K" over and over and over again. I strongly suspect this is the same chap who called me a "twit" on Tuesday for disagreeing with his ideas on how the blog should be run, and who then gradually escalated the personal abuse after I informed him that the discussion was closed and started deleting his comments. Now someone calling himself "Scottish Labour" (who may or may not be the same person) is declaring his intent to repost a comment no matter how many times I delete it. In a nutshell, people who refuse to accept the very light moderation rules that I apply are now making the blog unmanageable, and it's getting to the stage where I may have to disable commenting altogether as a temporary measure.
For months upon end now, I have replied to repetitive comments asking me why I refuse to ban the unionist troll "Glasgow Working Class". There are only so many times that I can explain that it is not possible to ban individuals on the Blogger platform. For months upon end now, I have replied to repetitive comments asking me why I do not switch to another platform. There are only so many times that I can explain that I actively prefer sticking with the Blogger platform and that migrating to another platform often causes more problems than it solves. This is not a decision that can be made by committee, and there comes a point where for everyone's sanity I have to declare the matter closed and refer people to my previous replies. That point has now arrived.
I'm not sure whether it's possible to run a fundraiser in these circumstances - some people would just take it as free licence to unleash further chaos. I'm going to ponder on what to do - I may delay my plans, or I may revert to my 'Remain plan' and blog much less frequently without running a fundraiser at all. But whatever I do, please note that Scot Goes Pop will continue to run on Blogger (unless the platform changes in some way or becomes too bug-ridden), very light-touch moderation will in general remain in place, and I will reserve the right to delete comments that serve no other purpose than to give me hassle.
I am appalled at your situation. Your blog is probably the most important source of intelligent polling analysis available to indepedence supporters and its lively and frequent continuation is of the greatest importance to many, many people. Please run a fund raiser asap. Indyref2 is coming and we are going to need you - big time.
ReplyDeleteAgreed.
DeleteIf you do need to stop comments (at least whenever you need a break from the hassle of abusive ones) might it be good to see if some of the key folk who offer really good analysis in response to your pieces would contribute in response to articles of yours with their own (possibly very brief articles) with the header being "Response to [title of your post]". Just a suggestion.
"Your blog is probably the most important source of intelligent polling analysis available to indepedence supporters"
DeleteThat's why it's getting all the troll focus.
It's an important blog, and its small enough that trolling it might actually shut it down.
I'm sure JK PLagiarist will be along shortly with a small donation.
ReplyDeleteIn other news why does every team at the olympics compete under the actual name of their country apart from one with which we are all too familiar?
In better news I saw a saltire at the rugby. Probably been taken away and burned by now since they're oficially banned. Not like we invented the sport or just thrashed england while winning their own event or anything.
Go Fiji for 7s Gold
DeleteYippee! 43 - 7
DeleteYou'll get cash in a fundraiser from me. Even if you do scale back on content. I want to make sure you're around when we need you.
ReplyDeleteMore than happy to donate James when the time is right 😊
ReplyDeleteThoroughly appreciate and enjoy your work.
Me too. What about a Donate button?
ReplyDeleteA different Anon here
ReplyDeleteSorry you've been having problems. I enjoy reading the blog though rarely comment. As for the resident Troll - I just scroll past them. But if I had a blog then folk who trolled would be deleted. I don't mind folk having other opinions but if they can;t behave like civilized adults...
To be honest I found the Troll Feeders more annoying than the Troll. If folks had just ignored it, it would eventually have starved to death. Blocking doesn't help as a dedicated troll can have multiple accounts ready faster than the admin can block them. Probably best to block all comments and lets folk debate/whine on twitter until the dust settles.
ReplyDelete"If folks had just ignored it, it would eventually have starved to death."
DeleteNo, it wouldn't have. GWC has been on here for months spouting his pish. Ignoring him didn't work. The admin of the blog has to take responsibility for this if we are to be able to go back to the way things were before GWC and the likes.
James - I will gladly donate through a Fund-Raiser.
ReplyDeleteI used to comment a lot more on here, but just became sick and tired with that imbecile GWC's childish little rants.
I came to the conclusion that he is the very definition of a Unionist Troll, so mainly completely ignore him now, as he is a complete and utter irrelevance.
Given your stated position of remaining with the Blogger Platform, I would far rather see you continue to post informative, considered and reasoned output WITHOUT any comments allowed, rather than have you so disaffected with repetitive trolling that you wonder if it is really worth the effort.
Most important thing is continuation of your excellent analysis of polls and other information - members' comments on here are interesting, but not really crucial.
I, like others, also follow you on twitter and can comment on there if I feel like it
I also do not see any point in temporarily banning comments, as when you allow them again, the trolls will just return.
Do what you think is best mate.
You can force a login with OpenID before commenting?
ReplyDeletehttps://support.google.com/blogger/answer/83064?hl=en
That's not the same thing as being able to ban someone. All GWC would have to do is log in.
DeleteWhy did you block my comment which linked you to another blog that explains how to manage OpenID?
DeleteHere it is again:
http://www.laurenwayne.com/2011/01/choosing-who-can-comment-in-blogger.html
What are you talking about? I don't recall deleting any such comment. When did you post it?
DeleteSwitch to 'Registered users' option in comments policy for a trial period.
DeleteLet genuine users register with OpenID and follow the blog.
Block GWC if/when he registers.
See if it works, keep blogger, be free of anonymous spam, let followers debate and comment in peace.
That doesn't exactly answer my question. And, by the way, as far as I can see that blogpost doesn't offer any way of banning individuals. If you think it does do that, quote the relevant section.
DeleteAgree with all above, and wanting to donate!
ReplyDeleteIf it isn't a go-er to put mods in place, I'm happy if you disable the comments and also was just as happy to ignore the trolls :)
Will donate, whatever you decide
ReplyDeleteHappy to donate when you want.
ReplyDeleteWould be happy to put into a fund raiser.
ReplyDeleteWill donate when you ask.
ReplyDeleteHappy to donate again with or without comments, whatever you decide. I confess to reading the comments less now dues to trolls.
ReplyDeleteKeep going James even without the comments.
ReplyDeleteHi James, I’m a long time reader – never commented before but now feel compelled to speak up.
ReplyDeleteYou will of course have my support when you do your fundraiser.
As we’re all aware, this blog is one of the most important (and fragile) resources in the independence movement.
The aim of GWC, like unionist trolls on other indy sites, is to carry out a war of attrition in the comments section with the hope of disrupting the debate, causing infighting and preventing the blog from functioning.
We are now perilously close to the latter scenario.
If folk think it’s a good idea to engage with an obvious troll, then fill your boots. Just don’t blame the author once you’ve worked yourself into a frenzy.
It should pretty easy to ignore comments from a wind-up merchant. Taking the bait each time and then complaining about it only plays into their hands.
We need to keep our eye on the bigger picture here, and we need to make sure James is still around for the upcoming battle we have ahead of us.
Jamie
When do we donate?
ReplyDeleteI read all your articles and check your blog everyday for new content, at least once a day and sometimes more often. I rarely read the comments and have only posted once or twice, it is your commentary and analysis I value. So do whatever you think best about the comments section.
ReplyDeleteI haven't donated before since I wasn't in a financial position to do so and felt bad not being able to contribute. My position is slightly better now and I've been waiting for my next opportunity to donate. So please run the fund raiser and please do continue.
Keep going, if it means stopping comments, so be it
ReplyDeleteAll the YES sites can still share your work and YES Shetland is troll-free so people can read and comment on your work there
Thank-you
Keep going, if it means stopping comments, so be it
ReplyDeleteAll the YES sites can still share your work and YES Shetland is troll-free so people can read and comment on your work there
Thank-you
Do what you need to do. Regardless I want to thanks for everything that's been, but also say it with hope for the future (of this blog). Decent sized donation from me as soon as any fund raiser appears. Your blog is one of highlights. IMO - you are one of Scotland's finest journalists.
ReplyDeleteIan
I would be happy to donate via Paypal or a crowdfunding platform.
ReplyDeleteI'm in the same boat as Anonymous above (3:46pm) - I rarely post, but check daily and consider your blog a vital source of polling data and evaluation. I also used to really appreciate the measured, intelligent exchanges in the Comments (which have certainly suffered recently - cheers, GWC). I would prefer the site to stay as it is, but if it's a choice of far fewer posts or no comments, then lets scrap the comments.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I'll cetainly be donating to a fundraiser, as soon as it appears. Thanks, James, for all the effort.
Will donate, let's get started!
ReplyDeleteI did take real issue with some of the tribalism expressed here around sgp election and stopped reading it for ages. but i value the blog for the thing you and your regular contributors do best. Polls. I'll happily donate a wee bit though not actually waged myself. It's for democracy. What's a concern troll btw?
ReplyDeleteIgnore the trolls - most of us just read your posts anyway. Will donate to any appeal or a Donate button.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the majority of posters - I would rather you continued without comments than stop. To be honest the comments are not worth it right now and to give in to the idiots would be wrong. Different when there were sensible posts discussing aproaches to polling statistics. I will also contribute when you ask as your site and thinking is valuable.
ReplyDeletePerhaps we could a Scot goesPop discussion area on the the Common Space platform?
ReplyDeleteI'm intrigued by this idea, but it only seems worth doing if James (or some other moderator) would be able to ban people who derail the discussion. Or, alternatively, if it has an ignore function, like other forums I'm been on. Does it have either of these things? It seems like the lack of moderation features is the only real problem anyone has with the current platform.
DeleteWell me a troll! I thought I was an established figure. We have just had a nutter jailed for 27 years for killing a peaceful Glaswegian and some of you Nat sis want to ban free speech.
ReplyDeleteAs for that repetitive idiot Anonomous please visit tent city in George Square. A stall is selling mugs with Bawbag written on it. Hurry now only open until Saturday.
...
DeleteHere's a great idea James, why don't you stop posting as an "anonymous" account GWC, and actually use your name. Any of us can find out who you actually are (as I have done). all you are doing here is trolling - and in a cowardly fashion as well.
DeleteYou could put your hand in your purse and pay for all the enjoyment you've had on here,would show your not a complete waste of air.
DeleteI would agree with ColMacF Keep going, stop comments, and start your fundraiser. I'm retired but can still manage a bob or two.
ReplyDeleteIve been reading this blog mostly through an RSS app on my phone so I dont get to see the comments, thankfully. If I do ever look at the site with comments, I shudder. Mind you it's not much worse than Herald or Scotsman conments. Will give you some bawbees for a must read blog, after payday
ReplyDeleteI would be happy to send some money your way (though unfortunately, I can't afford to send much) and would also like to add that you've never had the comments section that your posts deserve. I don't think any reasonable person would blame you for disabling comments for however long you want—or for rolling back on blogging in general.
ReplyDeleteExcellent blog, keep it up if you can! On the whole comments issues, ban comments and redirect at bottom of article to an appropriate reddit page for discussion? No idea if feasible :)
ReplyDeleteI'm sure a fundraiser would work well for you James, many folk including myself really appreciate your blog contribution to national life.
ReplyDeleteCould you not get some trusted friends to act as administrators removing the crap comments?
ReplyDeleteI read you regularly andnever comment. I'd be delighted if you carried on and will totally support blocking of comments if that's the only way to stay sane! Your blog is a significant resource and was vital during the EU referendum too. I hope you stick around.
ReplyDeleteLike so many others I would continue to donate even if the comments are disabled. The article itself is more important than others commenting either with or against it. I rarely read comment sections now anyway, either in blogs, or god help us , newspapers, and I don't think there is a blood pressure pill invented yet, to control the rise in pressure associated with the reading of some of the crass ignorance and stupidity posted there. Long may you continue on my favourites list in my browser.
ReplyDeleteFirst, whatever your decision on the several issues you raise, I will donate, James. I have stated several times that I thought you should switch to a format that would give you complete control, but obviously you don't chose to. We have to respect your decision on that. If it means anything, I would suggest you go ahead and run your fund raiser. Your blog is a valuable asset in a period when it is needed. Again, although because of my own financial situation I'm making very few donations for the time being, I would support your blog.
ReplyDeleteIf you need to block comments for a while, I think we will all understand the need.
I am in. I do wish there was a way for you to prune the riff raff a bit, it Does get unreadable on my phone.
ReplyDeleteJames, your blog is first rate. In the run up to the Brexit vote you excelled yourself. Count on my support.
ReplyDeleteColin McGovern
The sad wee man with nothing to do but sit, smell and post loads of garbage. Meantime I'm banging fanny. Wouldn't surprise me if it was Daisy.
ReplyDeleteWill donate whatever you decide
ReplyDeleteMay I suggest that you compile some of your work on the blog into an ebook and promote its sale on the blog: "Five years of tumultuous polling history in Scottish Politics: A blog eye view from the front line". You could add an introduction and some extra analysis, but most of the content is already there.
ReplyDeleteI'm not saying it would be a best seller, but it could earn a few bob.
In addition a to a fund raiser, not instead of.
For what it's worth,I don't have a problem ignoring your troll infestation but if you are going to disable comments,now might be a good time to do it...before article 50 is triggered (could be a long wait mind you).
ReplyDeleteWill also contribute to any request funds.
Keep going, will donate. Analysis, or even opinion, of Polls absolutely essential. There are a couple of very informed Poll commentators here who add a lot to the discussion, but if disabling comments for a time keeps the blog going, so be it.
ReplyDeleteDon't normally comment, but your site is required reading, along with Wings and WGD. Any time you want a donation, just push the button. As previously said, trolls are a pain, if you want to close comments, fine by me.
ReplyDeleteWhat is WGD?
DeleteWee Ginger Dog
DeleteMight it be an option to allow comments for say 12 hours after each post, then close it. That way comments would still be allowed, but you wouldn't need to worry about moderation all the time. You could clean it up after 12 hours, shut it off, and then forget about it until the next post
ReplyDeleteI value your comment and analysis, particularly on polling data. I will be happy to donate, and happy for you to disallow comments in order to avoid the trolling.
ReplyDeleteBasically what they all said. I'll chip in if there's a fundraiser. The comments may have become pretty much unreadable, but this remains one of the most useful sites in Scottish politics. Maybe some of the constructive commentators might write the occasional stand-alone or add-on piece, and you could dump the comments completely. Or keep them, to be read or ignored according to preference. Don't mind myself.
ReplyDeletekeep going James - I'll chip in if there's a fundraiser
ReplyDeleteI don't often comment but you are required reading - especially given the appalling state of MSM! Please don't stop! Like others, I will happily chip in to keep the blog going. It is a shame about the comments because there are also some valuable regular contributors too. As noted above, you could ask the more constructive ones for the odd guest post and scrap the comments if necessary.
ReplyDeleteSomebody needs a hug. Have a hug. And keep going. You're one of the good guys.
ReplyDeleteYou can count on me.
ReplyDeleteHappy to chip in with any fundraiser. Yours is the first blog I look at every day. Most of the comments are thoughtful. I really value your posts and whatever you want to do about comments is fine with me.
ReplyDeleteJames, I posted as anon, a few posts ago and by posting this have just doubled my contribution to your comments section.
ReplyDeleteBut if the Glasgow Wankers Club etc. are the worst you have to deal with on a regular basis, apart from the odd disturbed person like the one who emailed you overnight, then please don't take that crap to heart.
I think it is clear that the posters above and non-posting readers like myself need your intelligence and skills to interpret the polls. Your are invaluable, even to those who can't (but can now) contribute.
I (presume) to agree with you on censorship in blocking individuals; so either stop the comments en masse or let those who read these things scroll past the trolls as necessary; whatever you feel is best. But to not take these idiots to heart. Take to heart our comments instead.
I'm likely to read, and contribute, more comments from now on.
Actually me and James would get on well. I reckon James has a sense of humour. I would send him a few shekels if required.
DeleteI've often wondered if you were a parody or playing Devil's Advocate. But there are better outlets, if you are.
DeleteIt's a pity that some folk are getting so worked up about GWC supposedly ruining the blog that they've decided to ruin the blog themselves. As long as the only person replying to him is "The above poster is a right-wing English troll", it's been quite easy to scroll past the rubbish.
ReplyDeleteI'd go with turning off comments for a while to detoxify the place.
Hi James,
ReplyDeletewould you consider providing the ip addresses of serial offenders? Could be a bit of fun for the technically minded to track down and expose them.
As a starter you could expose yourself!
Delete(yawns)
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI go along with the majority of posters above. I check scotgoespop at least once a day. Though I almost never comment myself, I do sometimes read other people's posts. I also follow you on Twitter and agree a dialogue could easily take place there if you decide to dispense with the comments section. My interest is in your analysis and I would prefer you keep the blog going if you can with or without the comments. Like others, I will happily help out if you go for a crowdfunder. Keep up the excellent work, if possible. If you ever feel you've had enough, it'll be what you need to do that drives the decision - no one else's opinion really matters there, but you would be sorely missed.
ReplyDeleteWill definitely donate to your next fundraiser (which is saying something as I live overseas so the currency conversion means I only donate to the independence blogs/causes I appreciate most).
ReplyDeleteHere's an idea (apologies if it's already been suggested) but you can block people on twitter right? What if you provided a link at the bottom of each post to a tweet of the post's headline so that comments/debate could be held there and disable comments here?
... I really enjoy SGP, the analysis & polling trends with your take on it James .... so I'm in for 25 quid,
ReplyDeleteHope you decide to keep us informed because I for one have become addicted to this site.
ScotsCanuck.
Stay with it James and let's raise some money. Your polls analysis is required reading.
ReplyDeleteIf you really can't or won't (I'm not sure which it is) delete the problem comments, then I think it would be better to switch off commenting completely. It's a shame as we used to have some good conversations here, but the blog posts are the main thing and we can always contact you on Twitter.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny none of the other indy blogs have this problem though.
Sure, I'll chip in a tenner to another fundraiser.
"It's funny none of the other indy blogs have this problem though."
DeleteIf you're implying that GWC has paid a visit to some of those other blogs and been dealt with in some way, that's perfectly possible - those blogs may well have a more draconian moderation policy. The problem here is that some people simply refuse to accept (and that's putting it mildly) the light-touch moderation policy I have chosen.
I don't know whether he has or not. If he has, somehow he has been dealt with.
DeleteAs I said, I support turning off the comments here altogether if you won't pursue any other solution to this. It would be better than what we have now.
Of course, what other indy blogs have is better than having comments disabled, but that's the choice you've made here.
Yes, it is, and it's not a choice that's been accepted by some people, even grudgingly - that's the issue. When I have someone who is so obsessed with getting rid of GWC that he tries to sabotage the blog by posting the words "JAMES KELLY IS AN ARROGANT PRICK" several hundred times, that's a problem, and it's a far bigger problem than GWC himself.
DeleteFor sure, but it doesn't make GWC any less disruptive.
DeleteMany people, including me, disagree strongly with your decision, and it's flying in the face of human nature to expect all of these people simply to shut up and never mention it again, I'm afraid.
I think hope springs eternal that you'll eventually see the light and change your mind, and even I harbour such dreams and aspirations occasionally.
No, you're missing the point. They don't have to shut up about it, as long as they're aware of the fact that I've made a ruling as moderator and their comments may well be deleted. The problem, which you are studiously refusing to properly acknowledge no matter how many times I point it out, comes when someone is so angry about me exercising my rights as moderator that they try to sabotage the blog by posting the words "JAMES KELLY IS AN ARROGANT PRICK" several hundred times.
DeleteJames, been donating to your blog since 2013 I believe. Usually 50 quid at a time. Say the word and there'll be another 50 quid with more to come. Read all your posts but rarely comment. Setting up this new id Anonymous_Karl now.
ReplyDeleteDisagree with Rolfe. Comments from regular readers very helpful (GWC excepted).
ReplyDeleteI do too, but it's so upsetting and onerous to wade through the filth to find these comments that I personally would rather have the comments disabled.
DeleteHappy to donate. Don't lose faith!!
ReplyDeleteJames, like others here, I read your blog but do not comment.
ReplyDeleteI think the next little while will give us greater need to understand polling beyond the simple headlines.
Happy to support more fund raising and will be delighted if you can continue your efforts.
Donald
I've very little to say in the comments either, however I look in everyday and value the content, moreover I've supported your crowd funders in the past and will continue to do so. Keep the faith!
ReplyDeletewillie
Your blog is an essential resource and I will donate happily (sorry to post anonymously, but I can't make any of the other IDs work).
ReplyDeleteI've just seen this and I'm appalled at the nonsense you're having to put up with. With the prospect of indyref2 getting closer I don't doubt the Forces of Darkness will step up their efforts to derail alternate media, as well as the usual cranks and attention seekers. That's why it's so important you keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteWould it be feasible to use some crowdfunder money set up a blog on a paid-for platform that allowed more control of comments?
Re Trolls, seems the advice that comes up most often is a) ignore and b) moderate and remove their comments until they give up. Or only allow real names.
ReplyDeleteI'd be happy to donate, I think it's important that you are able to share your analysis. Please don't be bullied into a path that you haven't chosen yourself.
ReplyDeleteWhy not get a group of moderators together, create a set of rules and then a team moderate the comments section - sharing the workload?
Happy to offer myself up as a moderator.
Personally James, I would close off the comments and run your fundraiser. I'll chip in; I enjoy your analysis... and to be honest, have been tempted to use my ad blocked to block the comments anyway.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the option of setting up a small moderating-team to assist you in the admin of your site.
ReplyDeleteWould take the pressure off your shoulders, both in respect of controlling content and the amount of time you yourself need to devote to monitoring same.
I enjoy your poll analysis. Not bothered by the comments. Keep blogging . Happy to donate.
ReplyDeleteWee Sandy
Just to add to the weight of opinion... turn off comments and keep going and I'll donate. The comments used to be useful, sometimes, but not any more. Your insight and analysis would be missed much more than the comments.
ReplyDeleteYour blog is an essential part of the non-MSM coverage, with excellent analysis and insight. Again, I'm not a regular poster, cos much of what you say is considered enough to begin with, but you'll definitely have support for a crowdfunder - please keep going!
ReplyDeleteI'm not going to differ from majority of other posters. Keep blogging, it would be seen as open season by trolls if they thought they'd shut you down.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely close off the comments and run a fundraiser.
Stopped visiting the site regularly once Mick Pork came back, between him and GWC it's just a morass.
ReplyDeleteBut best of luck with your fundraiser and whatever future plans you have for the blog.
Mick's not that bad. He can be a pain sometimes but he's also funny and he's not deliberately trying to drive people away or get the blog shut down. GWC is, and he's probably being paid to do it.
DeleteNil illigitamus carborundum James.I will donate to a fundraiser.You provide an essential service.
ReplyDeleteAgree with most here James,
ReplyDeleteThis is THE blog for info on any polls and more. Stopping the comments would be such a shame tho because most are well thought out answers and queries.
But GWC and his ilk cannot always be ignored , i have skipped comments myself as soon as that guttermouth starts . he's easy enough to ignore but on occasion ruins a great chat .
When can we donate James ?? you have friends here and many that value your contribution on other sites.
Do whatever you feel is best and dont worry we will be here .. your supporters. And thank you, and all your commenters for taking the time and effort to breakdown the hard stuff for us who need a nudge to fully understand .
i visit this page every day and have done since 2013.... i would love to keep doing so . keep your chin up James .
Whatever you finally decide James, THANK YOU for all your work.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to contribute.... When are you opening the fundraiser..?
I hope you will keep on doing what you do. I will be happy to contribute to a future fund raiser. I suspect this could be a concerted attempt by Yoonery to close you down. Remember the recent film of the BT guy, recorded in Germany, where he boasted that Project Fear had 'banks' of Yoon twitter accounts which were hired help to be on twitter night & day, to immediately contradict Yes comments? You could be up against those 'banks' of Yoon hired help, sharing the job of taking down Scotland's most important YES bloggers. Keep going. They're not laughing at us anymore. They're fighting. Because they know if we win, the 'British Empire's' sun has finally set.
ReplyDeleteAddendum to last line: Change "..if we win".., to, "..when we win.."
Delete+1 fundraiser; great to have your voice online; if comments demoralise then close 'em and defer interactivity to Twitter.
ReplyDeleteYour blog is excellent and a very worthwhile element of the YES movement. But GWC is a pain who spoils it for everyone.
ReplyDeleteFor the life of me I can't understand why you don't just start a simple blog on WordPress. It's not difficult or expensive. Then you could manage the comments more effectively. But if you have decided 100% against the change, then you'll have to put up with GWC and his ilk, or scrap the whole idea.
Yes, I have decided 100% against starting a blog on another platform. I decided against doing that a long time ago, and have told people about that decision on probably hundreds of occasions. I'm quite happy with light-touch moderation, and as far as I'm concerned there was no problem until I started to get dozens of abusive comments earlier this week simply because I refuse to run the blog in the way that other people want.
DeleteFair enough James. I'll keep reading it as long as you keep writing, though I avoid the comments section now. I hope you find a way to deal with the abuse from those vile cyber (Brit)Nats!
DeleteJames,
ReplyDeleteYou are very important. Ignore the moronic trolling that goes on. Run your fundraiser (if you want to continue), and I am sure you will get the support you need.
I feel events are moving so rapidly now, we need you doing this. Please. :)
Simple answer is to close comments and give a direct link to Twitter requesting that people comment there re articles. I've done that in the past when I think your post merits wider circulation.
ReplyDeleteI'll chip in when you have the crowdfund thing set up.If I a disables pensioner can spare a wee bit so can the abusers after all they do spend a lot of time here and they must be getting some sort of pleasure from the abuse they dish out.
ReplyDeleteAs has been noted above, I consider this blog to be essential reading and would be considerably disappointed to see it disappear or even curtailed. If funding is required, go for it, the results should not be entirely unpleasant.
ReplyDeleteModerating content is thankless and time consuming and is one of the main reasons why I don’t maintain a blog (that and having nothing interesting or relevant to say). Blogspot doesn’t appear to provide any automation to make the task easier – you pays your money (or don’t perhaps), you makes your choice. However, real visitors can help by observing protocols (don’t feed the trolls being the most important), setting an example by always providing considered and polite input.
The signal to noise ratio of trolls is such that if there is any information it is swamped by the noise – a bit like listening to Radio Luxemburg under the bedclothes but a lot less fun – ignore the static for a while, do not try retuning, the signal will return. I apologise for revealing my lack of youth.
Disappointed to read your blog might begin to 'freeze up' and equally disappointed to find that I could not use Paypal to make a contribution - it is clearly the easiest way for contributions and fundraising though I don't know how expensive it might be to have an open donations link rather than the current link to the now closed fundraiser.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure a fair number of regular readers would be happy to make small and regular contributions - in my case if this were possible I consider the information on your blog at least worth the equivalent of what I pay monthly to 'bigger' sites even though your musings and analyses don't appear on a daily basis. They offer unique and incomparable insights that I and many others would surely miss if you went into even semi-hibernation.
As for nuisance trolls, just ignore them. Regular readers know one when they see one even if they change their name and I would guess irregular but sensible viewers would also recognise a troll's message without too much difficulty. In addition, I doubt if many people (other than yourself, seemingly) will read well beyond your opening paragraphs.
Out of curiousity, though you need not trouble to answer directly, is there an information about HOW MUCH ATTENTION IS PAID TO COMMENTS as opposed to the amount of time people spend on a site, unique visitors, etc?
In theory, Paypal donations on the last fundraiser should still work, because I left it in the 'In Demand' phase. I'm not 100% sure, though, because as far as I'm aware no-one has attempted to donate since November.
DeleteTo answer your last question, I've heard it said that only one-third of readers venture into the comments section of some blogs. I'm not sure how consistent a pattern that is.
They're attacking you because you do a valuable job for the Indy movement therefore you are a threat to the blessed Union. Be happy to donate when the time comes, we need your blog.
ReplyDeleteHave a look at the Disqus plug in. Installs easily to blogger and you can see IP addresses and block people very easily. You can delete all comments across multiple posts by a spammer with one click.
ReplyDeleteAlso allows migration of old comments onto new comments system.
I'm familiar with Disqus, and that's a prime example of migrations to a different platform often causing more problems than they solve.
DeleteJames can you please keep going with or without comment section.
ReplyDeleteI will donate to any fundraiser when you want.
I said in 2014 your blog was one of the most important for poll analysis and that you would be targeted for troll destruction.
Don't let the bastards grind you down.
Your country needs you.😃
The next 24 months will be the most crucial for Scotland in 309 years.
Your input is helpful in the extreme.
But if you decide anything is ok by me
I don't have to deal with the grief.
And if you shut up shop I want to donate a holiday donation for services rendered.
You deserve that at least.
All the very best .
Seems to me that a blogging platform with no ability to block abusive trolls isn't really up to much.
ReplyDeleteIt's one thing to allow free speech regardless, but to allow a troll to disrupt the blog for months on end surely suppresses free speech and debate by making the comments section a waste of time for many readers?
Greatly value and trust the analysis and comments you provide for various polls. Happy to donate.
ReplyDelete