SO LONG ANONYMOUS!
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Anonymous,
TMCNEWS.NET is entering the third year of being online and presenting Breaking News from around Lorain County – any beyond sometimes.
The goal of this site has always been to provide the best coverage of Breaking News stories that we possibly could. Throughout the last three years we have covered some of the biggest stories in Lorain County and we have also missed some too. No media outlet can be everywhere – some may say they are, but in reality it is just impossible.
We have also had the honor of covering the funerals and public tributes to our local fallen heroes – Army SPC. Jason Cox – Army Sgt. Lane Tollett – Airman 1st Class Eric Barnes – Cleveland Heights Police Officer Jason West – Captain Michael Joseph Medders, US ARMY – It is our sincere wish that while covering theses events we did so with the respect that they truly deserved.
Over the last three years changes have been made in an attempt to make the site the best it can be – always striving to do the best. One of things that set us apart from other media outlets is our photo galleries. We believe that photos can tell a story better than any words we can string together. We will continue to bring you to the scenes that we are covering through the photo galleries – they will always be a part of TMCNEWS.NET.
One other thing that we have tried to do is allow our readers to post comments to stories without censorship. The site we use, blogger.com, allows readers to post comments but makes it too easy for people to post them anonymously. The problem with posting a comment anonymously is that people will say things that they normally wouldn’t say if they had to attach their name to the post. It’s easier to say vicious & hateful things in the dark of night then it is in the light of day. This has become a huge problem and we have tried to rein things in without getting rid of the comments, but no matter what we would do it continued to happen.
The editors of LorainCounty.com grew so tired of the problems they were having with the same issue that they had to shut down the Elyria Conversation Forum, unknown when or if it will ever be reopened. The editors of ElyriaBlockWatch.com opened a conversation forum but also had to close it down due to extensive abuses. Recently on the Chronicle Telegram online site a reader, who had already been banned from LorainCounty.com and ElyriaBlockWatch.com posted a comment to a story where he called the reporter some vile names for reporting a story.
There are a couple topics that I know will draw fire if they are included in a story on TMCNEWS.NET – I cringe whenever I post one of those because I dread seeing what some people will write. Recently we posted a story about a house fire in Elyria Township – a Captain from that Department posted a comment to the story saying Thank You to the agencies that provided mutual aid that evening. Well, over 100 comments later, mostly mean spirited, it was clear something had to change.
Beginning today, January 1st, we will no longer allow ANY anonymous comments – good or bad. If you read a story on our site and feel compelled to voice an opinion you must do it in the light of day. No longer will people be allowed to hide in the dark of night behind the anonymous banner.
I have been told that this move will reduce the amount of hits to our site as people love to return to read the comments. To them I say I would rather lose hits then the quality of the site and its intended purpose.
Thank you all for your understanding and continued support of TMC NEWS. As my gift to you in celebration of entering a new year – I will allow any and all comments to be posted to this piece. You have one last shot Mr. & Mrs. Anonymous!
Happy New Year Everyone!
TMCNEWS.NET is entering the third year of being online and presenting Breaking News from around Lorain County – any beyond sometimes.
The goal of this site has always been to provide the best coverage of Breaking News stories that we possibly could. Throughout the last three years we have covered some of the biggest stories in Lorain County and we have also missed some too. No media outlet can be everywhere – some may say they are, but in reality it is just impossible.
We have also had the honor of covering the funerals and public tributes to our local fallen heroes – Army SPC. Jason Cox – Army Sgt. Lane Tollett – Airman 1st Class Eric Barnes – Cleveland Heights Police Officer Jason West – Captain Michael Joseph Medders, US ARMY – It is our sincere wish that while covering theses events we did so with the respect that they truly deserved.
Over the last three years changes have been made in an attempt to make the site the best it can be – always striving to do the best. One of things that set us apart from other media outlets is our photo galleries. We believe that photos can tell a story better than any words we can string together. We will continue to bring you to the scenes that we are covering through the photo galleries – they will always be a part of TMCNEWS.NET.
One other thing that we have tried to do is allow our readers to post comments to stories without censorship. The site we use, blogger.com, allows readers to post comments but makes it too easy for people to post them anonymously. The problem with posting a comment anonymously is that people will say things that they normally wouldn’t say if they had to attach their name to the post. It’s easier to say vicious & hateful things in the dark of night then it is in the light of day. This has become a huge problem and we have tried to rein things in without getting rid of the comments, but no matter what we would do it continued to happen.
The editors of LorainCounty.com grew so tired of the problems they were having with the same issue that they had to shut down the Elyria Conversation Forum, unknown when or if it will ever be reopened. The editors of ElyriaBlockWatch.com opened a conversation forum but also had to close it down due to extensive abuses. Recently on the Chronicle Telegram online site a reader, who had already been banned from LorainCounty.com and ElyriaBlockWatch.com posted a comment to a story where he called the reporter some vile names for reporting a story.
There are a couple topics that I know will draw fire if they are included in a story on TMCNEWS.NET – I cringe whenever I post one of those because I dread seeing what some people will write. Recently we posted a story about a house fire in Elyria Township – a Captain from that Department posted a comment to the story saying Thank You to the agencies that provided mutual aid that evening. Well, over 100 comments later, mostly mean spirited, it was clear something had to change.
Beginning today, January 1st, we will no longer allow ANY anonymous comments – good or bad. If you read a story on our site and feel compelled to voice an opinion you must do it in the light of day. No longer will people be allowed to hide in the dark of night behind the anonymous banner.
I have been told that this move will reduce the amount of hits to our site as people love to return to read the comments. To them I say I would rather lose hits then the quality of the site and its intended purpose.
Thank you all for your understanding and continued support of TMC NEWS. As my gift to you in celebration of entering a new year – I will allow any and all comments to be posted to this piece. You have one last shot Mr. & Mrs. Anonymous!
Happy New Year Everyone!
posted by TMC NEWS at 5:36 PM
52 Comments:
censorship at its best. The internet was built on Anonymity. Even with a Screen Name , your still anonymous so what is the difference. I think it is just a way to not get comments YOU dont want to hear. Like a comment about the police or fire will almost always be deleted anyway.
Email your comments to tmcnews1@aol.com - We put no limit on the number of words you use in your comments and will not censor or edit your comments.
Say what you want about any story or topic, even Police or Fire - as long as you attach your real name to it - IT WILL BE POSTED. This is not screen names, real names only that can be verified.
If you have opinions about Police or Fire issues and you believe that comments have been deleted unfairly in the past - please feel free to write an editorial, sign your name, provide a number where I can verify and I will gladly post it on the main page for all to read -- 100% unedited.
Thanks
This place is going to the dogs just like all the other lorain county forums. so much for freedow of speach
It's not about being anonymous, it's about being respectful. We just want the news, not the nasty comments. For those that want nasty comments, start your own blog. Your negative followers will follow you. Good idea TMC!
Julia~Elyria Resident
TMCNEWS is not censoring your freedom of speech. The places have gone to the dogs because you began to shit in it and not claim it. And the fact that you cannont see this after 3 websites shut down or change their policy due to your posts; is a testiment to you IQ.
If that is the case then comments should be turned off alltogether.
Well now we see where the disrespectfull comments come from , straight from the horses mouth
And every coment has been Anonymous
Hmmmmmm
HAPPY NEW YEAR TMCNEWS and happy beginning of your 4th year.
I think that this decision is long, long overdue. I have witnessed some of the vile, unsubstantiated comments made on this site, under the cloak of "anonymity", and never could understand how these cowards could get away with such nonsense. Censorship? I don't think so. TMC has finally decided to hold people accountable for their remarks, good, bad, or ugly. If you feel strongly enough to comment on a subject, then you should have no problem posting your name to it. I think this decision will help to "thin the herd" considerably.
I for one am glad to see this new rule. I have a feeling people wont run thier mouthes as much.
Keep up the good work TMC!!!
Thanks TMC. I guess that means Mr. Sito will have to move once again. Maybe the people that have a censorship issue should start their own web sites so they can deal with it. Thanks for another great year of REAL news reporting and here's to the next one. Haas
HAPPY NEW YEAR TMC- WISH YOU WERE HERE-LOL!!!!!!!!!!!
with any luck the 4th year will be the last , nothing but biased so called news anyhow. the big mean anonymouse poster says bad things mommy , make them stop. the truth hurts .... good bye tmc , your just a wanna-be news site. all you can cover is fires and car wrecks , a ambulance chaser that never grew up
If it wasn't for the poster who's been banned from 4 different sites, not 3, none of this would be necessary. Way to go Chris. Proud of yourself?
And to think Mr. Sito was eyeing for a spot within the city work force, and stirring the pot at the same time. SHAME ON YOU
Good call TMC! So what if you loose the drive by nasty's. You'll gain more readers, as well as more folks that will want to post more on here that didn't before.
Ken Behner dirtdigger
TMCNEWS does cover fires and car wrecks. Problem with that? I have not read any bias in the stories. It is reported how it happened. And what are you doing here if you don't like the site? I think the site does a nice job covering local events in words and photos. Good job TMCNEWS.
H
Terry you do a great job. I think you should show all your photos. the drunk driver that gave you the finger, maybe when she's sobor,she would see that everyone on the internet could see how dumb she was and not do it again. maybe if you showed all the photos of the car accident that killed the boys from Midview,it might save another life(only if the family approved). also to peaple that bad mouth public enployees, if your not a police officer, firemen, city employee, then keep your mouth shut because you don't have the balls to chase down a murder suspect, run into a burning house to save a life, so just shut your mouth. thanks again Terry
Tmc,
I get where you are coming from. To the people who are upset, this is a blog... do you get what that means?
This isn't an advertising supported venture. Terry makes no money, in fact he loses money by doing this project.
I have seen people complain because he didn't get to a story, it's insane that you people think you somehow have ownership over his work.
To the poster calling him an ambulance chaser, how are you any different? Instead of chasing the actual thing you sit at home and pontificate. The reality is that Terry has been involved in the media and worked in the field he covers for two decades now. He has a love for breaking news and found an outlet to share that interest in the form of TMC News.
Police, fire, and EMS all appreciate what he does, I've seen how they treat him on scene, he is a respected colleague not a vulture.
The very first post claiming censorship... you are mistaken. Terry has to maintain the integrity of the site. Having anonymous people stirring up hate benefits nobody. If you think he has blocked negative comments about fire or police departments shows your bias. Stop by Elyria Fire and ask them how it felt to be smashed for weeks on this site.
Provided you are willing to put your name to the words you write they will be posted. How is that censorship?
The stories Terry brings to the site are all fact based, the comments become nothing but speculation and innuendo. It diminishes the site overall when people only push an agenda and ignore the truth.
TMC, keep bringing the news. Angry people with nothing better to do than post anonymous comments designed to cause trouble, go find a new place to spread your venom.
I once saw a sign outside a church that said "Never say anything that you wouldn't sign your name to."
I agree,
My name is Bruce Bishop
Freedom of speech is a misnomer.
There is nothing free about speech.
All speech has consequences and every bit of your right to say it has been paid for with the blood of American Patriots.
I think that needs to be your motto from here on out TMC.
With great respect,
The Platinum Easter Bunny
Yeah Bruce. Very nicely worded.
Harry
I also applaud this site for removing the anonymous posters, I include people with pen names as anonymous as well. I looked up freedom of speech and Wikipedia describes it this way.
Freedom of speech is the freedom to speak freely without censorship or limitation. The synonymous term freedom of expression is sometimes used to denote not only freedom of verbal speech but any act of seeking, receiving and imparting information or ideas, regardless of the medium used.
In practice, the right to freedom of speech is not absolute in any country and the right is commonly subject to limitations, such as on "hate speech". This is because exercising freedom of speech always takes place within a context of competing values.
(In practice, the right to freedom of speech is not absolute in any country and the right is commonly subject to limitations, such as on "hate speech".) Hate speech, that is what anonymous posters bring to any site. Anonymous and pen names bring out the worst in people and I think this is the best move. This site has given anyone the option to write their opinion and has said it will be posted unedited and without restrictions of number of words like in newspapers. How is that censorship?
Glad to see the change.
Excellent move TMC! You have done exceptional work on this site for years - very professional and objective. Requiring those who comment to OWN thier words is not censorship. Hiding behind anonymity is spineless. So many of the hate filled and nasty posts are also filled will erroneous information, extreme bias, and personal attacks. I applaud your choice of personal accountability... those who move elsewhere will not be missed. You have a sound following that respects the integrity of your site. Keep up the good work.
Good job! Why do those of you who complain about this site keep coming back? If you don't come back because you can't leave your rude comments anymore,GOOD RIDDANCE! Oh,and "freedow of speach", go back to school.
Good luck on a new year Terry and keep up the good work.
Skip
Keep up the good work Terry. Thanks for trying to make our community a better place.
I hope you got that green sweater you wanted for Christmas......size medium.
Keep up the good worker Terry.
Happy New Year TMC. I love your site and think it has the best coverage and pics for Lorain County News. Thank you. I don't care if you take away anonymous, just keep up the good work on the news stories.
It's about time these no name posters have to quit hiding behind their screen names.
chris
finally..... i am a daily reader but stopped commenting months ago because of the cowards. nice to see them given the boot.
So your real name is Silverdud?
Chris
BRAVO! This is a fantastic move and I hope other sites either do the same or clamp down on the hate filled comments by no names. To the guy who said this site makes no money I would have to disagree slightly with you. I have been seeing photos/stories from TMCNews on all of the Cleveland TV stations, more on 5 and 19 but have seen them on all over the last couple years and recently in the CT. I think TMC is getting back to his roots of providing news the way he did when he was contracted with 5 years ago. I realize that this is not millions of dollars but I know it is what he loves and I do think the stories that are posted here are fair and balanced. I check in every morning, the same way I do with the CT and the MJ. Keep up the great work with local news TMC and do what you can to get Sundays with Jason back.
no chris. use a little computer knowledge and click on my screen name. behold, a profile will appear with my elusive personal info.
Has anyone ever tried emailing TMC? I personally have never gotten a response back. As far as anonymous comments go, I haven't noticed enough abuse to warrant a ban. Let's be real, this is a grassroots website and thats what I have always enjoyed about it. I doubt very much that young children are logging on to view the daily news, so if someone gets their feelings hurt by a harsh comment get over it. It's public opinion and you can't stop that. From now on I will just keep my thoughts to myself instead of adding the occasional comment. It's the public comments that are the lifeblood of this website not just a collection of pictures. Thank you very much.
-Anonymous
i do not know terry personally but i have gotten e-mail responses from him in the past. as far as everyone crying about censorship, that is not what is going on. nobody is being censored. you can say whatever you want.(which when it comes to some people there should be a law against it) you just cant do so anonymously any longer.
Way to keep class in your home that is TMC which you kindly share with us Terry. Your readers, myself included love your brilliant photgraphy and honest reporting.
To the poster who said he "never grew up." He sure did, he followed a dream from childhood and gained a lot of respect doing so. Dig deeply "Anonymous." it seems the person who new grows up are the ones saying others didn't.
Silverdud, good one!! Got a laugh out of me. Chris has been a deep thorn in county websites for years now.
You hit it out of the ballpark Terry, I know many, many people around the county who follow you daily, myself included.
By the way, I've gotten emails back from Terry. Helps to show respect.
Kate, LaGrange
Former Elyrian
Hey tmc i think this is a great idea. This will take care of those people afraid of showing there real face.... Ive always posted my name i ant shy on what i say.. good stuff TMC..
--
Thanks,
James Lutz
Thanks TMC
You got me on that one silverdud. Relax big guy, we're on the same page here. I have a real problem with the no name posters.
Chris
I fort one am glad TMC have decided to do this...this will keep lot of negativity and abuse out of the comments!
THANK YOU TERRY,I THINK THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST DECISIONS YOUVE MADE ON YOUR SITE,I AS WELL AS MY FAMILY HAVE PERSONALLY BEEN A TARGET OF THE ANONYMOUS POSTERS,DUE TO THE BUSINESS WERE IN TRYING TO GIVE US A BAD NAME,I DO BELIEVE THIS WILL ALL STOP NOW,I ALSO THINK IT WILL BE A GREAT THING FOR THE LOCAL FIRE,EMS,TOWING PD, ETC.THEY ALL HAVE ENOUGH ON THERE PLATES ALREADY,THEY DONT NEED THE HATERS,BUT THE ONE THING I WILL BE HAPPIEST TO SEE IS THE STUPID ANONYMOUS COMMENTS ABOUT THE SAFETY WEAR OF THE EMERGENCY WORKERS[the green vest],ANONYMOUS CAN TAKE THAT TO ANOTHER SITE GOOD JOB TERRY KEEP UP THE EXELLENT JOB YOU ARE DOING,YOUR SITE TRULY IS ONE OF A KIND AND BY THIS DECISION YOU MADE HERE IT SHOWS YOU CARE AND HAVE A GOOD RESPECT FOR YOUR COMMUNITY
keep the negitivity out , thus makeing it a even more biased site
keep the negitivity out , thus makeing it a even more biased site
remove the negativity , thus makeing this a even more biased site
Spider Web,
I’ll make you the same offer I made to the other person who feels that this was done to be bias or to prevent certain topics from being discussed.
Write an OP-ED piece and Email it to me. I will post the piece in full, unedited as long as you are willing to put your real name to it and as long as I am able to confirm, through a phone call. Any topic – unedited. Thanks, TMC NEWS tmcnews1@aol.com
This is not censorship it’s accountability. In any free sociality responsibility and accountability goes hand in hand with the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. Not signing your name to your comments is the act of a coward. You should not be making statement that you would not be willing to sign you name to. I believe we all learned this in first grade that you are accountable for what you say and do.
Terry
It’s my opinion, and I bet others share the same opinion, that the ones who are wining about your new rules possibly have good paying jobs with the City of Elyria, or are close friends and supporters of Grace and they don’t want to be exposed as being nasty and possibly making slenderest comments about the citizens in the name of the Mayor.
So after saying that, let them wine and cry, go forth with your new rules, it’s your site you make the rules they don’t. As far as being biased as well as censorship on here, all they are asked to do is use their real name when posting plain and simple. It is time that folks are held accountable for their action on the internet.
Ken Behner aka dirtdigger
Terry,
We've rubbed elbows covering certain things around Lorain County, but have never really met.
Love your coverage, excellent job.
Never noticed negative comments much, but did have issues trying to comment. You gotta do whatcha gotta do. The one's that bitch the loudest and most often are usually the one's abusing the privilege, and contribute the least. Not a huge loss.
Keep up the great work!
A limited number of photo's can appear in the paper so it's great to log onto TMC and see your pictures and articles.
I first heard of TMC from fellow volunteers at the Lorain County Red Cross. Many are fans of your site. You do great work!
Thanks for doing away with the anonymous comments. I had backed away from visiting the site because of them. I think it was a good decision.
Karen Caples
Thank you TMC. Good choice.
I applaud your decision. I look at the drivel that is posted on the comments section of the Sandusky Register and realize there are people out there that just want to throw mud at anyone and anything.
They never post their names since they are too cowardly to do so.
That being said - it is FUN to read those posts sometimes but its like watching a car wreck to see the gruesome details. We should be ashamed of ourselves.
Now on to post this ANONYMOUSLY - LOL.
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