Does the "Deny" / "Approve" button on comments encourage censorship?

1. 97

   eugbugposted 11 years ago

   Does the "Deny" / "Approve" button on comments encourage censorship?
   
   While the "deny" button comments may allow us to remove offensive or derogatory comments, it also means that criticism of hubs can be denied. what are your thoughts on this?

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2. 77

   Nesbyteposted 11 years ago

   While I'd like to think people don't use it in that way, you're right; it does raise the possibility of censorship. Perhaps a better way would be to make it so that all comments are allowed, and if the hub author or a reader spots spam comment then it can be flagged the same way hubs are flagged.

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3. 97

   EricDockettposted 11 years ago

   Censorship implies people have the right to say what they want and are being restricted somehow.  In the context of your hub, they do not have that right. 
   
   Consider your Hub like a piece of property.  A hardware store is a piece of property too.  If you owned a hardware store would people have the right to post anything they wanted on your front window?  Maybe a competitors advertisement, or maybe just graffiti?  Probably not, and in the same way you shouldn't let people post whatever they want in your Hub comments.  Respectful debate is fine, but unfortunately some people aren't so "restrained".
   
   Also, if you have an Adsense account you are responsible for all content on your page, including comments.  You don't want some clown posting a nasty spam link or some other nonsense that may endanger your account, right?
   
   The ability to deny comments on Hubs is a good feature.  It's always smart to have your comments set for moderation before they appear on your Hub, and weed out anything that is detrimental.

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4. 93

   Sherry Hewinsposted 11 years ago

   I don't think it encourages censorship, but it enables it if people choose to use it that way.

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5. 60

   richie222posted 11 years ago

   eugbug,
   
   I'm certain you know, on one hand we have the: "loony toons"; on the other: the "sophisticates." Somewhere in between, their are the moderates. My creed-o? "Everything in moderation."
   
   If one chooses to be a radical, they'll LIVE on that button, however, you must be able to separate the "wheat from the chaff."  My thoughts? I usually play it by ear, picking and choosing, as I see fit. If you let the "tail wag the dog," you're setting yourself up for a fall.  Perhaps you shouldn't concern yourself too much with the issue.

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