Flamers and moderators and trolls, oh my: Commenting on blog comments

Once again, the Web works its magic in mysterious ways. I had just completed posting a comment on a favorite blog – and yes, I signed my real name – when I read about a discussion at a Digital Hollywood conference that focused on Internet comments.

The man in charge of the Washington Post’s online division told the audience he’d like to see technology ride to the rescue to get rid of trolls and flame-throwing commenters on the newspaper’s blogs. Jim Brady was describing the aftermath of what happened two years ago when the newspaper’s ombudsman erred on a political story. Hundreds of commenters high on conspiracy theory fumes blasted the website, and many were very nasty, so Brady shut down all comments. The resulting furor made its way to other websites and forums, and many there accused him of trampling on free speech.

On the contrary, says Brady. He just wants a civil discussion, and anonymity doesn’t help the cause. Maybe some form of identity authorization – credit cards? drivers licenses? – would do the trick, he argued: