The above building topic had 124 comments last week and only about 20% were marked by any known user. In order to encourage folks to work with user names so the threads are a little more clear, we are currently implementing a 3 seconds rule. If a post is anonymous, then it will appear for figuratively 3 seconds only. So make sure you have a user name so that readers can follow along and understand who is talking about what. Once a roster of notable user names are established, the site will revert back to business as usual.On a secondary note, the threads have been going severely off topic. If there are any category suggestions and tips, then contact harlembespoke@gmail.com so they can be placed on calendar to set up a proper post. Otherwise, stick to the subject at hand. As always, any form of solicitation and racially derogatory language will be removed (user name or anon otherwise).
Formal login systems with account registration, prescreening, email and password requirements (as is common with most existing blogs) can be cumbersome so we are currently trying to avoid this model.
I understand your desire that people not post anonymously especially if people are becoming abusive or soliciting. In regard to the posts in which the threads have veered wildly off target, I think that is a reflection of what is actually on people's minds. There is only so much discussion that can go on about the appropriate cost of a brownstone. I have read and contributed to most of the long threads and my concerns are about neighborhood safety and cleanliness. I sense that the vast majority of people contributing comments have similar concerns, albeit from different perspectives. Your blog is one of the only places where those of us who live in Harlem have a chance to express our concerns - even if it is in the context of a comment on a simple real estate post. I think all of us are thankful for your blog - it is by far the best one related to the neighborhood or probably any neighborhood. You have created a community even if it is "anonymous" because you have let people express their concerns and opinions.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jen. There is a real community of people on this site and that is the exciting thing about having a blog. The regulars that are commenting on here with their names posted give a sense of the neighborhoods that they live in and that is what people are looking for. Some are snarky, some are optimistic, some are pessimistic, some love history and some couldn't care less. All good. We know what to expect from the different personalities and a balance view can be seen. So lets just get some more names going and we can all really have a discussion.
ReplyDeleteIf quality of life topics such as garbage is a concern, then we will have a report with photos to show people what everyone is talking about. We cover parks, affordable housing and crime on a more consistent basis than anyone else so folks can comment when those post come up. The proper channel to get a post going is to email: HarlemBespoke@gmail.com.
I want to start by thanking you Ulysses for maintaining a great blog. I think the majority of people that come here, are coming here for the history you provide, and the highlighting of events that are happening in Harlem.
ReplyDeleteBut I strongly agree with Jen's point. I feel that many people who live in Harlem want positive change and are frustrated. There is a tendency to feel helpless about the problems in Harlem, and placing a post about a condo building or a townhouse carries with it a laundry list a variables that relate back to the neighborhood. I understand that frank discussion about the impacts that social fray in Harlem makes people feel uneasy, and there is a knee jerk response that the poster is just being negative. This is dually frustrating and I think prompts some of the snark. I get frustrated when the allegations come forth that it is a single poster who makes these comments, because it discounts the weight that these comments are actually coming from a broader spectrum of Harlem residents than most people want to admit.
I feel it is entirely plausible to post about the Parc Standard and eventually talk about the Randolph Houses. The two are dynamically connected. It is also plausible to post about a building directly on Marcus Garvey Park, and eventually talk about the conditions in the park these days and the possible impact that has on values and sale-ability of properties in the area.
We value this blog because it is a sounding board for our feelings as residents of Harlem, and the intelligent nature and quality of the postings will generally illicit comments from people who genuinely care about cleaning it up and helping to move it forward.
The best thing for Harlem is to have all of the people on that side of the fence listening to each other, whether they think it is just ranting or not, because I believe the majority of us want the same thing, we just need to talk to one and other to develop a common plan and community.
We were trying to get an open forum set up with the THIS WEEK'S MOST TALKED ABOUT POSTS but there was no traffic. So for folks who want to have a general discussion on various topics, we will have that forum set up on the weekends. Please make sure you add your name to the comments.
ReplyDeleteOkay, for the selecting a name question, instead of scrolling down and selection ANONYMOUS at the bottom of the list, pick NAME/URL. Two screens will prompt up. One has a blank for NAME which you fill out. The other is for URL which is not required.
ReplyDeleteA few points regarding anon posts, just my opinion.
ReplyDeleteI think anon posts allow for a more diverse range of opinions, and also unfortunately allow for some divisive and ranting comments. Personally, I would not mind losing some of the more divisive ranting comments but not at the expense of the limiting the number commenters and diversity of opinions.
I think the first amendment is very important principle and anon comments are in the spirit of our time honored tradition of free speech, for better or worse, but overall for the greater good.
Also, this country needs to have honest conversations on certain subjects that are hot topics, Harlem being on the forefront of these topics. I found these recent long discussions, although sometimes difficult to follow, a respectful and much needed discussion that is I believe valuable to all and should be encouraged and not limited.
Another point, when things go off topic by many commenters, that may be because the readers have an issue of real concern that needs to be aired so it is not necessarily a bad thing to go off topic if many have something to add or an opinion needs to be challenged.
Also, I find the comments on Harlem Bespoke to be of a high quality that is a reflection of the high standard of the posts.
Lastly, Harlem Bespoke is a valuable resource on many levels and it has created a community, and I really appreciate the enormous effort is must entail to keep this going, many thanks.
Westsider, You have been with the blog since the beginning and many people feel like they know you on this site. That said, we are trying to get folks to establish themselves so conversations can be had with one another in a respectful way. Many sites have open threads for general discussions and that seems to be the need here. We will offer it in our weekly recap forum of Most Read Posts.
ReplyDeleteAlso, many users have contacted us directly to get stories up and on Harlem Bespoke and this (temporary) setup will only encourage more to do so.
I just read the comnment thread for 4 west.
ReplyDeleteGood grief.
I'm all for the 3 second rule but you will probably have to go farther than that in the end.
Most blogs will end up needing some harsher form of moderation to prevent the professional malcontents from taking over threads.
I just read the comment thread for 4 west and thought generally all the comments were related to the post in a relative way. It seems there is a more concerted effort here to not allow people to express what they feel. The emotions and frank discussion relates directly to the implication of the post. To have a general discussion forum about garbage in morningside park detaches it from a discussion about 88 morningside, which to be honest probably the most obvious factor relating to 88 morningside is the park across the street and that poor condemned building across the street. And if there was a concentration of drug activity on the corner outside, that would be relevant too. Is the idea that we are meant to not talk about those issues, and simply talk about wheter we like the color of the building. Im a little confused.
ReplyDeleteAdam, it's good to hear from you. There was a post this week noting the foot sculpture at Morningside Park and in front of 88 Morningside. It only had 4 comments. This would have been a perfect place for comment relating to that park and the streets around it. Also, something seems to be working since you added your name to the list of people on this site. Welcome.
ReplyDeleteUlysses,
ReplyDeleteThank You for a great site.... really, its very much appreciated.
But with all due respect. I am am more concerned with the impact that the garbage drugs and general discourse going on in the general vicinity of the 88 morningside (just using that as an example) has as it relates to the sale prices and rates of sale of that building. I make a direct correlation between the occupancy of that building and its impact on the neighborhood with regards to these socioeconomic implications.
For me, the foot in the back of the truck, was just a foot in the back of a truck. Dadaism comes to mind. This is a foot.
I think it is hard to separate the development of harlem from the social politics. Thats just my opinion.
Adam, Look out for the Morningside Park post next week!
ReplyDeleteAdam, Please make request for stories at HarlemBespoke@gmail.com as requested. Also feel free to use the open thread at the end of week for any random topics.
ReplyDelete