Re-implement the commenting guidelines (thoughtfully)

[phillipadsmith]

Hi @alexgreen,

We've got a bunch of priorities to start in on, so don't jump on this just yet -- I'm just adding it here to capture the need.

The "commenting guidelines" need to be re-implemented in some redesign-appropriate way. Here are the old ones:

We should probably group this issue with any adjustment to where the comments are appearing on the page (if there's any change requested).

[alexgreen]

@phillipadsmith Can you show me more of the context in which ye olden guidelines were appearing? Where exactly were they on the page in relation to the comments?

(Funny that the absence of the guidelines would have such an immediate effect. ? It's hard to believe that stating the obvious actually has the power to deter trolls.)

Are you aware of any best practices or good examples from other sites?

My sense is that if these things are necessary and also do in fact have a deterrent effect, then they should probably appear the first time one chooses to write a comment (maybe as a pop-up). Is that feasible considering that Disqus is stuck inside an iframe?

[phillipadsmith]

@phillipadsmith Can you show me more of the context in which ye olden guidelines were appearing? Where exactly were they on the page in relation to the comments?

I'd have to dig up an old full-page screenshot, as it looks like most of the articles have the new design now.

It was directly above the Disqus commenting widget.

My sense is that if these things are necessary and also do in fact have a deterrent effect, then they should probably appear the first time one chooses to write a comment (maybe as a pop-up). Is that feasible considering that Disqus is stuck inside an iframe?

I don't think we can hook into Disqus when they go to type a comment easily, but we could trigger something from the "Show comments" button.

[phillipadsmith]

Bump on this issue, @alexgreen! :-)

Here's the text for the guidelines:

Do:
Verify facts, debunk rumours
Add context and background
Spot typos and logical fallacies
Highlight reporting blind spots
Ignore trolls
Treat all with respect and curiosity
Connect with each other

Do not:
Use sexist, classist, racist or homophobic language
Libel or defame
Bully or troll
Troll patrol. Instead, flag suspect activity.