Commenting: Very Interesting

I have just begun to delve into the world of commenting. It is not something that I normally participate in. I really don't read a lot of stories online very closely, certainly not enough to post a comment. I always felt that it didn't really serve a purpose. What was the point of commenting? It doesn't change the story, doesn't usually add anything. It didn't make sense why so many people would have the urge to comment on a simple online story.

I decided to comment on three sports-related stories. The first story I commented on was about the Russian President wanting heads to roll after his country's poor performance at the Olympics. I tried to make a funny comment: "In Russia, you don't participate in the Olympics. Olympics participate you!" Six minutes later, the reply "You're dumb" appeared. It was also liked twice. However, my post was liked four times, so I am the big winner. I wasn't trying to add anything to the conversation or offend, but apparently my comment irked someone enough to reply.

The next story I commented on was about new Red Sox shortstop Marco Scutaro. I delivered my honest opinion about Scutaro, which happens to contradict what most Sox fans say. I didn't get any reaction, but I thought I might. I was trying to give my opinion because I truly feel that it was a bad move to sign Scutaro.

I also commented on an article about Alex Rodriguez being contacted by federal authorities concerning Dr. Anthony Galea. The story only had one comment, and it was an Anti-A-Rod comment. I could have fought back, but I decided to take the high road and issue an independent comment.

I didn't really feel any particular rush in commenting on any of these stories, nor did I feel that I contributed anything. An online story usually says everything that needs to be said. All other comments are ancillary. I usually only comment on blogs where things are left open, ideas circulate, and discussion is encouraged. I don't think that news stories are written to start discussions.

I find it much easier to comment on Facebook. I normally comment on things like status updates, and I usually wish someone a happy birthday every day. I will also comment on other people's posts if they are funny or maybe if I haven't talked to that person in a while. I feel like commenting on Facebook is easier because of the nature of the site. It is a social networking site, which encourages interaction between users. Commenting hasn't been around for that long on Facebook, but it was only a matter of time. I think it belongs there, whereas I don't see how commenting is useful for newspapers and their websites.