Commenting on hubs without being a fan!

1. 0

   merseyblueposted 14 years ago

   I recently read a hub about ouija boards.  I would have liked to comment on the hub only it seemed I couldn't because I wasn't a fan of the author.  I don't intend to become a fan - not being exceptionally choosy here - just didn't agree with the philosophy behind the hub - but I would have liked to add a comment anyway.  It wasn't going to be offensive in anyway, just an attempt to offer a balanced view of the subject.  My suggestion is to allow non-fans to comment on hubs.  The author would still have to approve them but I'm assuming that as long as the comment added debate and interest to their hub then this would be a good thing!

   replyreport
   1. 0

      EmpressFelicityposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I didn't realise it was possible for hubbers to restrict comments to fans only.  My hubs are open to comments from all and sundry! (In fact, if I were in your position, I'd be more than a bit offended.)  You could always send them a private message, I suppose.

      replyreport
   2. 59

      Mrvoodooposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Are you talking about me? Haven't you heard that it's not polite to talk about people behind their back? lol 
      
      If you are, I don't have any such option, I moderate comments but can't limit them to fans only.
      
      And by 'balanced' do you mean YOUR point of view? Which no doubt is the correct one.

      replyreport
2. 61

   darksideposted 14 years ago

   So far the only two options I've with regard to who can or can't post is 'public' and 'signed-in users'.

   replyreport
3. 0

   merseyblueposted 14 years ago

   Thanks for getting back to me guys - have double checked this and yeah it appears that there are hubs that I can post a comment to without being a fan.  So it must be an option for the author when publishing the hub.  Seems like a wierd choice to me but perhaps he knew that was he was saying wasn't all that good

   replyreport
   1. 59

      Mrvoodooposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I look forward to reading your 'good' comment.

      replyreport
      1. 0

         Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this

         i like your philosophy

         replyreport
         1. 59

            Mrvoodooposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            hehe, thanks DM, as you know I wrote a hub on how to carry out an alien autopsy, that doesn't mean I've ever actually dissected an alien.
            
            

            replyreport
4. 69

   Pearldiverposted 14 years ago

   I think you will find that all hubs are open to comment; but the moderation of comments is at the author's descretion.

   replyreport
5. 65

   prettydarkhorseposted 14 years ago

   hi all! If I am the author, I will accept all comments, positive, negative, constuctive but not foul and rude language,,,,
   
   If I put comment it is either constructive criticism or praise, just being truthful is nice too

   replyreport
6. 90

   gamergirlposted 14 years ago

   There is no setting in the comments capsule to restrict someone from commenting unless they are a fan.  The only settings present in the comment capsule are:
   
   **Comments must be approved before they appear
   **Email me when new comments are posted
   **Only signed-in users may post comments
   **Display most recent comments first

   replyreport
7. 83

   Whitney05posted 14 years ago

   There may have just been a glitch, bc like gamergirl stated, there's no option  that lets a hubber choose only people in theri fan club can comment.

   replyreport
8. 0

   Justine76posted 14 years ago

   i believe its good advice and i intend to dissect the next one who tries to abduct me. ill just chill with the 'giggly' ones, maybe make em a snack...

   replyreport
   1. 59

      Mrvoodooposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Definitely best to get your autopsy of them in first, before they get any ideas about doing the same to you.
      
      If you get abducted by any giggly ones pick me on your way to wherever you're going, I'll bring weed and cheesecakes.

      replyreport
      1. 0

         Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this

         its a deal  mmmmmm cheesecake
         ive got cookies 

         replyreport
         1. 59

            Mrvoodooposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            mmmmmmmmm cookies, can't wait.

            replyreport
            1. 0

               Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this

               and sandwiches and beer
               damn now im hungry

               replyreport
               1. 59

                  Mrvoodooposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                  Me too, got to go get ready to do some work.
                  
                  Work sucks!
                  
                  Have a great afternoon, have fun.

                  replyreport
                  1. 65

                     prettydarkhorseposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                     replyreport
                     1. 59

                        Mrvoodooposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                        Thanks PrettyDarkHorse, but not much chance of that I'm afraid.

                        replyreport
                        1. 65

                           prettydarkhorseposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                           can you sing in to HP at your work< go talk to us again

                           replyreport
                  2. 0

                     Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this

                     have fun. maybe catch ya later. if aliens show up, well stop by

                     replyreport
                     1. 59

                        Mrvoodooposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                        Will keep an eye out for you.
                        
                        If at all possible try to abduct me whilst I'm at work, as soon as possible.
                        
                        Catch ya laters.

                        replyreport
                        1. 0

                           Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this

                           will try.
                           go make money. 

                           replyreport
                           1. 65

                              prettydarkhorseposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                              hi Justine, how are you,,,,see your nes peaceful and calm avatar,

                              replyreport
                              1. 0

                                 Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this

                                 Im well, thank you. I see your nice pretty smiling avitar.  my pic is my back yard. I like it there. how are you?

                                 replyreport
                                 1. 73

                                    lorlie6posted 14 years agoin reply to this

                                    Sorry to interrupt, ladies, but I want to LIVE in your back yard, Justine, it's beautiful.

                                    replyreport
                                    1. 0

                                       Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this

                                       why thank you    I have plenty of room to spare

                                       report
                                    2. 73

                                       lorlie6posted 14 years agoin reply to this

                                       Well, after thinking about it, I think I'll stay where I am and 'Fan' you instead...love your stuff.

                                       report
                                       1. 0

                                          Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this

                                          wow. thank you so much 

                                          report
9. 58

   francisjdurzposted 14 years ago

   This is great.
   good comments then fans.

   replyreport
10. 0

    Scott.Lifeposted 14 years ago

    I write hubs to express my point of view and on occasion have refused comments that I felt were a little too over the top. Sometimes people seem to think the comment box is an open forum to begin debate or in effect write their own counter hub. We should all remember that a hub is the author's domain. If you feel strongly about something you read write your own hub about it or post a thread in the forums.

    replyreport
    1. 0

       EmpressFelicityposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       I think that if you've written a hub about any subject, then you should expect debate.  It goes with the territory.  If you only approve comments that agree with your point of view, then that's a bit dishonest.  You're also setting up potential barriers - who knows when somebody might come along who knows more about the subject than you do, and can offer a fresh perspective to other hubbers as well as you the writer?
       
       Purely abusive comments are another matter, of course.  But there's always the "Deny" button for those.

       replyreport
       1. 0

          merseyblueposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          I couldn't agree more EmpressFelicity - a bit of healthy debate never hurt anyone!  Groove Armada once sang - "if everybody looked the same we'd get tired of looking at each other".  I'm sure the same principle can be applied to different opinions

          replyreport
       2. 0

          Scott.Lifeposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          I think if you want to debate then go to the forums, I've never noticed the debate option at the end of magazine articles, or books for that matter, what are they doing if not expressing a public opinion? People seem to think they have a right to anything these days and that free speech is free. If you have something to say then get off your lazy butt and write a hub.

          replyreport
          1. 71

             Jeffrey Nealposted 14 years agoin reply to this

             I completely agree with Scott here, and I don't think that there is anything dishonest about denying any comment.  We do not owe our readers a discussion.  While I welcome constructive comments (and have only ever denied one comment), I believe the controversial topics tend to attract those who are only interested in spouting off their side of an argument.  It's not required that we allow our hubs turn into a back and forth debate, and it dilutes the message an author was trying to convey.  This is our leased webspace, and nothing in the rules says we have to allow others to come in without wiping their feet or taking off their shoes.  We can even leave the comments module out altogether if we wish.
             
             Otherwise, there is always the forum to start a debate, and the "start new hub" button.

             replyreport
          2. 0

             merseyblueposted 14 years agoin reply to this

             Magazines and books by their nature are open to comment via the reviews people write on them.  Hubpages is different entirely to these formats.  I hadn't meant to START a debate on this topic - I simply asked a question which due to involvement from other hubpages authors BECAME a debate. Can you not see the difference? Oh and I fail to see the need to become abusive - I am far from lazy!!!!

             replyreport
11. 73

    AEvansposted 14 years ago

    I allow everyone to comment unless of course they are perverted or they are weirdos and then I deny those however you certainly do not have to be a fan to comment.

    replyreport
    1. 59

       Mrvoodooposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Damn, that's me out then (on both counts).

       replyreport
       1. 73

          AEvansposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          You know what I mean, lololo

          replyreport
          1. 59

             Mrvoodooposted 14 years agoin reply to this

             lol, yeah I know, was just being silly.

             replyreport
    2. 0

       Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this

       perverts and wierdos have feelings too

       replyreport
       1. 59

          Mrvoodooposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          lol, Yeah I have feelings too.

          replyreport
12. 0

    merseyblueposted 14 years ago

    Guys, thanks for the discussion.  I think perhaps it might just be a glitch for this particular hub!  Typical that I should find one I feel so strongly about and I can't comment on it
    Mrvoodoo - yes, on this occasion I did feel that MY opinion could help to provide a balanced view on the topic.  That's not me being up my own proverbial - I just feel that as a result of my involvement in the Spiritualist Movement in the UK, I had something useful to offer on this occasion.  But that goes for anyone leaving a response on any topic - any valid opinion that differs to someone elses would surely go towards offering a balanced view of any subject! As I have said, I didn't want to say anything offensive to the author - more like a gentle warning to others who may read it particularly children! (It's the mummy in me - I can't help it!).  Thanks again x

    replyreport
    1. 59

       Mrvoodooposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       I welcome your comments.
       
       As I hinted at in a comment above I've never even used a Ouija board, although I am very interested in them.  I appreciate that many people consider them to be dangerous, and perhaps that is your concern about children?  But for me like a lot of the paranormal topics I write about, it's merely from personal fascination, and I don't particularly believe in much of it myself, I'm just a scare-monger.
       
       Maybe you don't believe they work?  Maybe you do?  Maybe you disagree that they are only able to contact evil spirits?  Maybe you believe that children shouldn't be reading about or playing with such things?  And maybe you're right.
       
       And whilst you may not have meant to cause offense, saying another authors work is 'not very good' is a little, but I guess you didn't expect to get caught out.   But I forgive you.
       
       I am often very slow to approve comments and often don't respond, But I certainly wouldn't delete them (unless abusive) and if you think it'll be of some benefit to others, I look forward to reading it.

       replyreport
       1. 0

          merseyblueposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          I don't intend to quote this particular author but what I will say is that ouija boards are not children's toys and should never be seen as such! I'm genuinely sorry if I caused any offence by using the words 'not very good' but I don't feel that I have been 'caught out' in any way, shape or form! - and I do assure you that that was not a dig at his writing style (it was actually pretty readable) but rather a comment on his philosophy about boards.  I do know what I'm talking about where these are concerned and I would not hesitate to tell anyone this without feeling the need to become abusive in any way (not referring to you there!)

          replyreport
13. 89

    RedElfposted 14 years ago

    The only things I deny in the comments are profanity and links (especially spammer links)and the only reason I don't post links is if they haven't asked first.

    replyreport
14. 0

    Scott.Lifeposted 14 years ago

    I am often amazed at the current definition of honesty in America. It's "dishonest" to delete certain comments that I feel are unwarranted or detracting from a personal piece I authored, but its somehow honest to allow them so as not to seem unfair or politically incorrect. Whats dishonest is to pretend you are not somehow offended or bothered by someone's idea or viewpoint, when you obviously just wrote a hub that disagrees with it. I am not a journalist and my views do not advocate an objective viewpoint, but my own personal stance and perception. To say that I do not have a right to express that or protect it on an article I authored on a site I put up and pay for with 60% of my adsense revenue is the real dishonesty. I am struck dumb by the shear arrogance of a person that thinks they have a right to criticize anyone they want without consequence or repercussion. I am careful about what I say on the forums and in expressing personal beliefs as this is a "Forum" for debate and conversation.
    
    Maybe I'm harsh, or maybe I'm just being honest and unafraid of seeming politically incorrect or unpopular. The forums are places for open debate and argument. Hubs are the property of the author and as such moderated at their discretion. No author has any obligation morally or otherwise to allow you the reader to use their hubs and work as a pedestal to preach from. As I said before if you have an opinion to voice or debate then write your own hub, or start a thread, as was the case here. Beyond that don't go to someone else's house then complain that they don't let you walk on the furniture.

    replyreport
    1. 70

       wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       No, not harsh.
       
       Especially if you consider that hubs are viewed by people who are not Hubbers, who are coming to the site to read. If I think a comment would be out of line for a random person linking from Google to HubPages, I deny it.
       
       Goes back to my argument about Freedom of Speech: say what you want but the rest of us are not required to listen.
       If you're upset that somebody refuses your comment, go ahead and write a hub. Free country

       replyreport
15. 39

    chenmikehkposted 14 years ago

    The only comment I have rejected where the poster posted a link to soft porn site.

    replyreport
16. 0

    merseyblueposted 14 years ago

    I now realise that the author can choose NOT to have a comments box at all, rather than restrict comments to only fans so I guess I got my answer (and a lot more besides).  Thanks everyone!

    replyreport
    1. 85

       Marisa Wrightposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       I was about to post to point that out, but see you've worked it out. 
       
       Personally I can't understand why anyone would want to post a Hub without a comments box, considering you can always deny particular comments if you don't want them there.

       replyreport
       1. 96

          rmcrayneposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          Yep, this was my initial thought too. 
          
          I've encounterd this on a hub I read, and then could not comment.  I don't recall the topic being controversial.  In this case, the hubber had a huge number of hubs (even wondered if she had many ghost writers), and I thought this was to eliminate comments that the writer would not read due to time and so many hubs.

          replyreport
17. 65

    prettydarkhorseposted 14 years ago

    you can choose whatever you want to do here, you can comment without being a fan, you got to choose whom you will fan, just comment truthfully and with respect to the writer as well, constructive criticism is always good!

    replyreport
18. 0

    lyricsingrayposted 14 years ago

    I personally think it would be cool to notify all hubbers when a hub is published and let those who appreciate that writer will comment, some may discover new writers they like and the rest can hit delete notice.
    
    Summary - loose the fans.
    
    I probably just lost all mine right?  : 

    replyreport
    1. 85

       Marisa Wrightposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Oh, please no.  I get too many emails as it is.  I don't want to be told about new Hubs I don't care two hoots about.

       replyreport
19. 58

    Choke Franticposted 14 years ago

    Perhaps its a method to get more fans? Like, hey if you wanna comment you gotta fan me... haha

    replyreport