Following policy changes from other big-name publishers tired of getting their head bitten off by nasty reader comments, the Wall Street Journal is tightening guidelines for giving feedback on their stories.
The Journal’s new rules will require readers to use their real names when commenting on articles on their website and blogs, according to a Dec. 9 announcement. The rules also limit posts to 1,000 characters and make the commenting history of any reader visible to the public. By forcing readers out of the shadows of Internet anonymity, the company is trying “to create more engaging, relevant and thoughtful conversations,” which is probably code for preventing readers from leaving blatantly rude and poorly written comments.
