We Blog in Peace

Is there a trick to blogging in peace?

Finally got my first really visceral flame - on a par with what I used to see on Usenet, many moons ago. I've been expecting it at some point - just a matter of time - and it's kind of heartening that it's in response to an older essay and not something recent. Still, it's a touch disappointing, as all I was looking for was some friendly discussion on a topic that it's really hard to find people to talk with... I thought, apparently erroneously, that Blogs might be a good place to achieve that goal.

My question to experienced bloggers is: what steps should I take in order to maximise my chances of blogging in peace? Of attracting friendly discussions, and minimising flames and other outbursts of anger and cognitive dissonance? I don't really want to be precluded from blogging on religion and philosophy of science (which, as is probably apparent, I view as quite closely related topics) from time to time, but I don't really want to have to deal with unexploded people either.

Any friendly advice welcomed!

Comments

[Corvus]

I'm not exactly an expert on the topic, as I've really only had one potentially flame situation on my blog, but I post my opinion pretty loudly and clearly, so I've been on alert, awaiting the inevitable.

I don't think there's any way to avoid flames when hosting a public discussion. You can minimize their occurrence by not rising to the bait of the flames you get, and by attracting a mostly mature, sensible audience. The latter you seem to have done (not me, perhaps, but James O and others *nirg*) and I don't know where the flame happened, but I don't imagine you fought them on it, so the former should be taken care of as well.

Flame baiters want argument, not discussion. Give them discussion and they tend to cool down.

Oh, and cognitive dissonance is part and parcel with public discussion so, short of publishing only to a commune of brain washed adherents of your views, there's bound to be some of it around.

[k]

Yes, the answer is to respond with reasoned discussion. Point by point, clarify the terms, treat it as an academic discourse, and respond.

The third rule: point to the flame, so others can also enter the discussion. That way you get a variety of views on the matter.

And the third rule is: don't let it get to you! Just like the days of usenet, these arguments flare quickly, and subside fast, too.

[Matt Mower]

The answer is not, I think, reasoned argument or politely smiling through. The answer in situations like this is, I think, to avoid giving people the opportunity to flame.

I would, for example, turn off comments and only allow trackbacks. If someone wants to flame you at least they do it in their own backyard, there is no reason for you to allow them to festoon your blog with their bile.

By maintaining trackbacks (to non-abusive content) you can maintain the conversation.

I think.

M

[Chris]

Thanks for the opinions! I'm disinclined to cut out comments, as there are people (like James O) who don't have a blog of their own and I really don't want to cut them out of the discussions. I am aware, however, that in the long run, I might have to consider taking this step. One flame scarcely seems sufficient cause, though. I should really invest in thicker skin... :)

Anyone know where I can get one of those communes of brain washed adherents Corvus mentions, incidentally? The garden needs weeding. :)

[Dhruin]

I would urge you to keep the comments open. I know it's not the same as a blog, but at RPGDot we allow public comments on news items. It is routinely abused...but we also get some of the best comments from public posters. And *sometimes* - despite their abusive approach - they still have valid points.

[James O]

Well, I suppose it wasn't the worst flame I've ever seen (neither your lineage nor sexual orientation nor mother's species was called into question), but anytime you talk about a topic like that, you have to expect to recieve some violent reactions sooner or later. As a person who finds joy in all agon, and certainly in the verbal kind, disagrements simply mean an opportunity to show everyone how much smarter I am! I don't know if that's the right mindset, but I know if you disagree with that methodology you surely must be wrong, and I'll prove it! ;)

[Chris]

I wish I still had your energy James - ready to take all comers! :)

You're right, it's not the worst flame in terms of insults - but I personally found it quite shocking that it wasn't addressed to me, but to anyone else who might stumble upon my heretical ideas, as if I wasn't even worth speaking to. I have always found this sort of thing more derisive than direct insults.

Also, it's rather odd that instead of attacking the weak points in my arguments, he produces rather strange complaints. Do I even mention the weather in the Mesozoic? :) Anyway, no matter.

Dhruin - I plan to keep the comments open unless the volume ever gets so high I can't contribute.

Thanks for the comments!

[Dan Boutros]

The 'delete comments' boxes are your friends. Don't know what else to suggest really. There's always going to be some idiot who's having a bad day and wants to take it out on someone on the internet.

You can also block IP addresses with some blog systems. I'm using Moveable Type (though a friend is coding the backend for me) for a news delivery system I'm working on, and dodgy comments and commenters are easily removed.