Contrary to what some might think, commenting at CC is a privilege, not a right. And we actively enforce our commenting policy, which is clearly stated in our “Welcome to CC” page, accessible from the top menu bar. Unfortunately, all too many don’t seem to have read it, or be willing to follow it. And just like with a driver’s license, after so many points, or one very egregious violation, one’s CC Commenting license will be revoked; as happened last night to one repeat offender who finally stepped way over the line.
I’ve barely tolerated suzulight’s almost invariably negative (and often factually inaccurate) comments for years here, and written to him a number of times telling him to tone it down. But I’ve learned from experience that my warnings rarely work, and invariably repeat offenders cross the line, like a moth to the flame. He left this comment at the Parking post last night:
I have no love or use for cyclists. They are all morons, think they own the road (at least here in Portland) and are simply too stupid to realize the human animal invented the automobile for a REASON. Run them all over.
This comment is hardly borderline. Advocating the murder of all bicyclists is pretty cut and dried. I suppose he could argue that advocating murder is not in the Commenting Policy. But calling them all morons is. As well as his idiotic comment that humans invented the car for a reason: to run over bicyclists, presumably.
suzulight has now lost his CC license, and I rather hope he loses his driver’s license too. Frankly, I’m rather relieved, as I long since tired of his negative rants/innuendos. And he joins a growing list of others that have taken involuntary CC commenting “vacations”.
Frankly, the whole job of reading all comments and moderating them has become a major chore (headache, actually), but I simply can’t abide stupid, negative, disparaging comments. I know that many of our commenters equate the number of comments to the success or popularity of their posts, but it’s mostly not the case. Yes, the number of comments here at CC may not consistently be as high as some other sites, but we will not allow our commenting to be degraded by negativity and stupidity.
There are days I feel like pulling the plug, one way or another. But whenever I’m discouraged, inevitably something really good happens at CC, or I get an email like this one, just this morning, regarding obnoxious commenters:
I can imagine the constant struggle you must endure between your love of old cars and the workaday need to keep the site going. But your efforts are appreciated more than you perhaps know by folks you hear from only occasionally…or not at all. Other than some news and sports sites, yours is probably the only site I visit almost every day.
BTW, morons are everywhere, so abandoning CC won’t get you away from them as I know you know. Not much of an enticement to keep going…but hey, it’s something.
The reality is this, and I have to keep reminding myself this: there’s a whole lot of CC readers who never or rarely comment. And somewhat unfortunately, they’re invariably the kind of readers I’d like to get more comments from! OK; I don’t want to pressure anyone, but it’s really heartening to hear from them (you) from time to time. And to hear less from those that just want to spread their mental pollution or feel the need to externalize every fleeting thought, no matter how banal or repetitive.
Thank you Mathew for your email today, and thank all of you commenters who keep it intelligent, interesting and civil. And let this be a warning to those that don’t. It’s a privilege, not a right.
I know Americans have a different sense of humour from British people but when I read suzulight’s post about cyclists I just assumed he was taking the piss and didn’t expect to be taken seriously.
I get your point. If it had come from someone that I didn’t know, or was not known to be a problem commenter, I would have thought twice about whether this was meant to not be taken seriously. But suzulight has a very long history here at CC, and has repeatedly shown a very nasty side, including borderline racial and homophobic comments, as well as just being negative in general. He has “issues”, and I’ve long tired of hearing them. This was just the final straw.
I have pretty thick skin and can be somewhat boorish and short at times. Some people might say I am insensitive. However, I do cringe when I read untoward comments on your site, and try to check myself when I’m visiting to avoid inciting that same reaction in others. I really enjoy the site on a regular basis; it’s fantastic. More than that though, I respect what you’ve cultivated. Thanks to Paul for creating this place, and to all the writers that contribute.
I am on CC nearly every day, largely because it remains a class act. To write about one of man’s greatest passions (“Four things greater than all things are” is now five, to murder Kipling) and to remain civil is a great accomplishment. To do so and to still teach me something new consistently is masterful. I have grown to respect so many commenters, some of whom are very opinionated but all of whom have something g valuable to add and to enjoy each of their contributions. My thanks to Paul and all for a job well done.
The very thing I commented on early into my curbavouring was the positive vibes from the posts and it has kept me coming back. I have no clue what it takes to run a cite like this but I sure am thankful for it and the people who make it work.
Cheers Paul!
I also appreciate the hard work and effort ypou expend in husbanding this site. As a lifetime “gearhead” I appreciate the information and camaraderie that comes from this forum. Have thought about submitting a couple of my own “Coals” form time to time, and indeed, I can be somewhat wordy ,so no doubt my occasional answers may well have approached that level. Too late to say “In Short”, however, I want to congratulate you for this site and your patience.
I look forward to 6 o clock pm every night Its time for Curbsideclassic
Always a good time Thanx Paul !
I actually don’t get to read CC every day, even though I contribute and occasional article when I feel I’ve got something to offer and Paul agrees. CC is such a creative juggernaut that it’s hard to keep up, and that points to the editor and the kind of people he attracts to this site. It’s special.
I have complete faith in Paul. I submit every article for a thumbs up or down, and take no offense when one isn’t accepted, no matter how much time I’ve put into it, because I respect the vision he has for this forum. In fact, his willingness to include writing that stretches the envelope of CC just far enough without breaking entirely out of the core subject is masterful.
Our family teaches. It goes far beyond the standard male competitive fact blurting that drags down so many other forums. Cars as vehicles in a symbolic sense bring comments that I learn the most from. Thank you, Paul, for keeping things moving so well, and taking the high road whenever a fork appears.
I don’t post that often here—mostly because what I have to add has already been said, but I enjoy reading all of the articles at CC, because they are almost always factually correct, and though I know a fair bit about cars and models, there’s always one (ie: Graham Sharknose) that is mentioned on here that I’ve never heard about before. Also, I like the idea of capturing old cars (in varying states of restoration and decay) and wondering what their story is.
Thank you all for your outpouring of support and encouragement. It means a lot to me and the rest of the CC gang!
We will keep CC a pleasant party, even if it means there’s not quite as many in the room. Quality over quantity!
Ah, suzulight. I once ran afoul of him for having the temerity to suggest that the 390 Ford was the bottom of the barrel for sixties’ musclecars. I believe it stemmed from a CC on movie car chases in which I mentioned the fantasy of the 390 Mustang in Bullitt actually being able to keep up with, let alone catch, the 440 Charger. Rather than a civil debate about the merits or failings of the 390 (one of the biggest was Ford’s insistence to use the same, smallish AutoLite 4v carburetor on all their V8s, including the smallblocks, which is exactly what I’ve read the Mustang prepper stuck with), suzulight simply resorted to the same sort of angry, intolerant name-calling as he evidently recently displayed regarding bicyclists. Paul has been more than fair with him.
I *wish* ANY post on my personal blog got as many comments as anything I post here.
It’s Easter, which makes these Golden Rule comments all the more appropriate. Paul, we readers spend so much time here because the stories are from the heart, not just the side of the road, and they’re damn interesting. Nearly all of the commenters understand this.
CC and BaT are among the sites where the journalism rule “don’t read the comments” doesn’t apply.
-Rich in Vancouver
This site is the best! So many great posts about cars of “all stripes”, along with stories that people who love cars can really relate to. Been hooked since the TTAC days.
Thanks Paul, CC writers, commentators, etc… I really enjoy this site and have since I discovered it about 4.5-5 years ago. I visit it everyday and have went back and read every post and nearly every comment on the site. I have always enjoyed anything mechanical: small engines, boats, bicycles, motorcycles, trains, buses, cars, etc… I seldom post anything as I have limited use of my hands, my wrists go numb, and some other health problems due to an accident I had and a tumor that was in my spinal cord. I enjoy reading the articles, especially the COALs, as they provide glimpses into the author’s own lives as well as their interactions with the featured cars. I feel as though I know Paul, JCP, Ed S, DougD, Plaut, as well as many other writers/commenters through their writings on this site. The last thing I posted on here was about how the back seat in 80s model Ford SuperCab pickups folded flat to make a platform. Paul thanked me for that comment; the first time he had responded to something I had posted. I thought that was neat. I cannot understand why anyone would want to make any type of derogatory comment here at CC. It is about cars, trains, and other mechanical things. If you don’t like those things, just don’t come here. And if you do like those type of things, welcome to a unique, knowledgeable online neighborhood. Treat it and respect it as if you were at a friend’s house.
Hey Paul,
I believe I could number my comments on this site on both hands (with a few fingers to spare!) but I read it almost daily and sometimes check in several times a day to see what is new.
You and the gang do an excellent job and are to be commended for this site’s contents being of consistently high quality. I can only imagine what a chore it is to police everything that gets written here and you have my most sincere thanks for all that you do to keep it “clean”.
I think I can safely speak for many people when I say that being able to come here is like finding water in the desert, not only in the vast expanses of the internet, but in many of our lives as well.
I recently went through an ugly divorce and subsequent job change and my life was pretty damn grim for about a year. Being able to come here and lose myself for an hour or two a day, reading about something I love (automobiles) written about by fellow enthusiasts who offered their own unique insight and experiences in a congenial, easygoing fashion was a true blessing….For a little while each day, the bull$&!# went away….That has made THIS site priceless to me on more than one level and leaves me deeply indebted to you and the everyone else who keeps it going. At 45 years old, It’s the only “club” I’ve ever wanted to be a part of…If even on the periphery.
Many, Many Thanks for all that You and The Team do,
Jon Holbrook
When I first discovered CC and saw that anyone, including myself could add comments to the stories, I thought wow, this is what i’ve been waiting for for years.
I was fairly new to the web at the time, I quickly learned, (I hope!!!) That it is better to keep quiet if you have nothing constructive to add to the discussion.
Just like to expess my sincere appreciation to Paul & all the writers who run this site.
I can only add to the comments above about my enjoyment of this site. Not only the well written articles and intelligent discussions but the lack of toxic rhetoric makes it one of my favorites. You guys do one hell of a job.
Paul, I’ll echo the others and offer my support and interest in the longevity of this forum. I am wondering if some other system of comment without words would help you hear from the many readers out there who don’t always feel compelled to write something? Perhaps similar to Facebook’s “like” off to the side of a comment? I would respond affirmatively with a “like” to the comments that resonated with me. No need for an “unlike” box because the number of “likes” generated would clearly indicate how well the comment was received. Perhaps it would also narrow the field of comments to a more manageable number?
I’ve been privileged to have followed CC since the TTAC days, but only more recently have become a sporadic commenter. CC is one of two Automotive websites that keep me coming back year upon year as others fall away. I am hugely grateful to Paul and the other writers here (as well as the many knowledgeable commenters) for maintaining a site that is always pleasant to visit, whether for a quick glance or an in-depth read. Thanks again, Paul. What you have built is amazing, and, as icing on the cake, feels like a real community. Please keep doing what you do!
David
Paul, the primary reason I keep coming back to this site, and occasionally commenting, is because of the hard work you do to keep the commentary positive and inclusive. This is such a rare thing on automotive blog sites or auto websites-sometimes, on the other ones, I read the commentary for a little bit just to see what sort of new and negative thing the commenters can come up with (Not much!). Here, if I do click on an article (and I do most), I read every single comment, because I know that the community will, for the most part, be trying very hard not to put each other down, and each commenter will be trying to add to the discussion with a personal story or a bit of technical knowledge that is worth sharing. Each little tidbit, even just a “My dad had one of those!” or “I saw one yesterday” is accepted and valued. In education, this is called cooperative learning. It started here with the positive tone of your postings (with negative content placed in proper context, e.g., “Deadly Sins,”) and over time you have taught us all how to do this. Like your father, you really are a teacher. You just do it in a little different medium, on a little different topic, using slightly different methods. I look forward to meeting you in June.
Thanks for all your hard work, Paul. CC is a fun and informative site that I enjoy daily!
Be encouraged! Your efforts to keep CC free of the vitriol that plagues so many website comments sections really makes this a nice place to visit.
Oh, right! Thanks for reminding me. I like the pictures of the vehicles, too.
I very much enjoy this blog. I don’t have the depth or breadth of automotive knowledge the rest of you do, so I learn so much.
Glad to see the latest hate comment deleted.
I’ve seen it a couple of hours ago and was going to E-mail Paul about it, but staff over at CC did what they should.
This was the first time I’ve seen a troll coming back. How often does this happen?
Sometimes the trolls slip through the cracks. But we’ll just plug those up.
Registering may be a great idea. I’m fine with that.
+1 to everything above. Also thanks to all of you for the informative and thoughtful comments and stories we get in response to the content.
Wow. Step out for a couple of days and all patooey breaks loose!
I’m frankly tired of the “(poster) hates (subject)” comments, but if you start banning those, you could wind up on a slippery slope.
Wishing for the death of an entire class of people based on a commonly-accepted legal behavior is another matter entirely. Especially when that commenter has, um, er…a history.
CC started out as a colorful yet respectful space and I’m glad, Paul, that you and the other contributors are keeping it that way. Thanks again for ALL you do to satisfy our appetites for CCs old and newer!
*This* is why I write for this site.
Thank you, Paul. I hope you dropped the mic after you hit “publish” on this post.
Echoing what’s said above. You’re work and diligence at keeping things civil here are much appreciated. I used to fancy myself the definitive automotive expert, at least in a couple of genres. Over time I have realized that is, in fact, not the case and I have been advised or corrected a time or two in the comments but it has always been polite and amicable. I appreciate being able to communicate, learn about my favorite subject and state opinions openly without being, or seeing others, subjected to undue hostility.
Just like everyone else already said, Thank You Mr N for creating and maintaining the one place on the web I go to every day, that I know I will find something interesting, that I will learn something at, and with a lively, intelligent comment section that’s not crammed full of “trolls” fighting with each other. Oh, and thank you for not banning me because of my rambling, incoherent posts!
Another of the usually silent yet faithful and appreciative lurkers here. Ditto to all the preceding positive comments. Regardless of the subject matter, every blog of interest I’ve ever bookmarked seems to follow a relatively short-term life arc of friendliness and civility (even in disagreement), to its seemingly sudden discovery by the masses and the inevitable ensuing decline into something unbearable. For example, who could imagine a forum about something like gyrocopters could turn into an ugly swamp of intolerance and name calling, but I digress.
CC has continued to amaze me as to how it has managed to stay the thoughtful, entertaining and respectful place it is for such a long time. I know it’s not easy. Thanks for that.
Paul, et. al.
Your work in maintaining this site is certainly appreciated. I consider myself an auto enthusiast for the simple reasons that (a) I can still pick most cars by make model and within a few years of it’s MY, and (b), I’ve read “Iacocca”, “Tucker: A Man and His Dream” and a couple on GM’s history (but sadly not DeLorean’s yet) 🙂
This side has proven an education way beyond my expectations. I admit that I don’t comment a whole lot because there are a lot folk here that know a whole lot more about the subject at hand and I don’t think I would materially contribute to the thread. The exception are models I have personally experienced (or somewhat vicariously, as one of my uncles who had the rare positive experience with a Chevy Vega!).
Please don’t be discouraged and keep up the good work, and many thanks.
Paul man, you’re alright. Keep up the good work, and I’ll keep giving you grief about ’80s Benzes!
And as a double-show of support, here’s a pic of the best ride in my whole fleet, from the day I brought it home. 12,000 km later, it’s still my favorite way to commute!
I like this site because of the generally positive attitude. I started looking at CC regularly for a couple reasons. The cars aren’t for sale. And the posters don’t hate everything. I look at these sites because I just love cars. Can’t afford a car to play with right now, but still love reading about them and have leaned a LOT in my time looking on here. I can find positives in the lowly Mustang II which seems to universally gather haters whenever one shows up on the internet. lol Keep the articles coming. I’m still looking through the backlog and finding more and more great articles here everyday.
Paul, I love this site and probably could post more often than I do. I like the fact that your red line is at a place beyond where people respectfully, and sometimes not so respectfully, disagree about something that we’re passionate about–vehicles of all sorts. Being outright nasty and disagreeable about it all is a good reason to be banned. But, please don’t make us stop poking fun at old British cars. Tee hee!!
Paul,
Thank you with managing this site. We do not agree on everything here but I’d like to think we all know where to draw the line. I missed all the drama and whereas I have my issues with cyclists (anyone who jogs and has to share a path with cyclists will know what I mean), saying what he said was beyond said line.
Dr Neidemeyer, I was born such a car nut that I am told I came out of the womb on wheels, nearly scuttling the midwife and making car noises when slapped. This site has been a delight for one so born. Rather foolishly, it never occurred to me that there is hard scrubbing work (moderating) always going on to keep the place as the lovely refuge of knowledgable eccentricity that it is. I just assumed people were all decent, possibly humbled a bit by the frequently remarkable standard of writing. I salute you for your enterprise, and don’t despair; to give many people pleasure, as CC surely does, is to add something worthwhile to the world.
Please let me join in on the “Lets Polish Paul’s Helmet” party. Great job Paul,
all the accolades being given here are because you have navigated this boat
through some rough waters. I salute you /°-°
The fact that there are so many countries being heard from is a treat (I have lived
in 8) and cars and trucks and well, everything from somewhere else those are
special treats. Can’t wait for the first alien post.
Thanks Paul and all the scribes who make this one of the best sites in cyberspace.
Be warned, I have been known to “drive over” to meet my online friends.
See you all tomorrow.
At some point in the last couple of years Paul responded to a post of mine that asked a technical question about a particular car. Of course there was no guarantee that he’d respond, and I wouldn’t have gotten my feelings hurt if he hadn’t.
But I had also assumed that Paul, or a site admin, wouldn’t necessarily even read my post. In hindsight, it’s nice to know that the powers that be will read my posts.
The demands of my job, trying to get paperwork done before the tax deadline, and some other responsibilities means I haven’t been visiting and commenting near as much as in the past. It’s hard to imagine but I sometimes go a day or two without even logging into the ‘net. Sometimes I just have to get caught up on my sleep because I have for many years been getting by on a little more, or even less, than 5 hours a night.
Having said that, I’ve been a car nut since I was a little kid, and I’m approaching retirement age. I most certainly enjoy learning more about different cars from Paul and all the other contributors. And, as others have said, I also enjoy reading the comments from people who have previously owned or worked on some of these vehicles. Thankfully, most of the time this site isn’t afflicted with some of the “interesting personalities” who tend to stir things up on other sites. Am very much grateful to Paul and all the other contributors and moderators who make this site what it is. The lessons in automotive history are still interesting when they deal with trucks and busses. And, also aircraft, as I was interested in aviation since childhood, too.
Late to the party, as usual, but I had to express my thanks to Paul and the rest of the staff for keeping this blog high-class. This site is kinda similar to Woody Leonhard’s blog on Windows in that the owner personally takes responsibility for the quality of the product, and also that the commenters are knowledgeable and willing to share that knowledge. As many said above, this site is the first or second I visit every day.
I feel that I know most of the regular writers even though I will probably never get to meet them.
Keep on keeping on Paul, remember: Illegitimi non carborundum.
For just about three years I’d been a huge huge fan of CC
I wish I had known it way before!
I’m a daily reader, although I rarely comment.
I strongly appreciate the work Paul and all the other guys have been doing.
Many thanks and keep it rolling!
There’s an expression you sometimes hear with respect to various things, and it certainly applies to a website like this. It’s like a duck: you see it (seemingly) serenely gliding over the water. You don’t see it paddling like hell below the waterline!
Since Paul’s original post, I’ve had a thought: People here have really let their guard down and revealed a lot of themselves on occasion. I’m thinking of R. L. Plaut’s comments on his marriages in his COALs. In response to one of them, I posted about how I had a meltdown when a college romantic relationship went south. People here have also come out as gay or transgender. This wouldn’t happen if people were afraid the trolls would pounce.
Regarding generalizations about cars from a given country: I had 3 Peugeot 504s in the ‘90s, and in my perception, Peugeot was wrongly tarred with the same brush as Renault. I experienced one alternator failure, but the car was old enough that I couldn’t really say, “Marchal, prince of darkness.”
Just wanted to say thanks Paul, and all the other Editors and contributors. While I rarely comment these days I’ve been a reader from day 1, and like many others here, is is one of few sites that I check every day.
Keep up the good work!
Thank you for taking the time to scrub the comment sections of the negativity that clouds so many other sites. Between that and the consistent quality of the writing, it makes my daily visits to this site the most pleasurable web browsing of my day.
I will echo my fellow Kiwi Styles: thank you to all involved, Paul especially, in the production of CC. Increasing work/life demands means I rarely have time to comment nowadays, and also haven’t had time to write any articles of late. But CC remains the only site I visit every day, because in the madness of life, it’s so nice to be able to come somewhere where the comments are so well moderated.
To Paul and everyone else who makes CC what it is: you do a stellar job, it’s so appreciated.
I know I’ve been in that hot seat, quite a few times.
Thank goodness for the edit button.
Just like a dreaded letter from the RMV…You don’t want to get a PM from Paul…
Because it won’t be to chat about the weather or the latest stock market points.
Thanks, for a great job, Paul and for being tolerant of my automotive rants. 😉
Hi Paul, sorry, not much time for commenting these days but I keep coming back to read and always enjoy the articles. Sorry to hear that keeping the site enjoyable has become a chore. Please keep up the great work and rest assured that the silent majority is grateful to you for keeping the trolls in check…
Thanks, and nice to hear you’re still around.
Thought I’d add my echo to the chamber to thank Paul and my fellow CC participants for keeping this site classy. I’ve written several articles for CC, and I can confirm that the amount of time and effort required to research, write and edit is stunningly large. This is truly a labor of love for everyone involved, and that is evident in the general civility and on-topic nature of the commentary.
A personal thanks to you, Paul, for your patience with me. I tend to hone my comedic skills in my writing. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. Actually, most times it doesn’t. Nevertheless, Paul, you’ve always been supportive and I think every writer on this site thanks you for helping good writers become even better ones.
Count me as appreciative of the editing of both articles and comments here. Paul, you offer a unique brand, and can tell a heck of a story. And, your comment editing is part of what keeps it interesting.
I read TTAC for the articles, but the commenting is heavy on time wasters. I’ve never commented there, and rarely bother reading the comments. The comments here are half the fun!
Thanks Paul!
I come to this site daily to educate myself, and especially enjoy reading the comments section, as that is where the real education sometimes comes in. I wish sometimes I knew more, so as to be able to knowledgeably comment, but find that my window of experience is far too small, so I content myself with the occasional comment, and really enjoy the site.