Mark Cuban has removed the ability to Comment from his blog. I think that is a mistake and I hope he reconsiders. Here’s why.
Comments are not primarily about the reading. They are primarily about the writing- letting your readers know that you care what they have to say and, more importantly, giving your readers a place to share, debate, vent and, yes, even call you names if they want. Most of the time, the ensuing discussion is fun and interesting. Sometimes it’s not.
If you decide for a while, or even forever, that you don’t like what people are saying, just ignore the comments. Just because a comment is on your blog doesn’t mean you are bound to respond. The conversations between the commenters create a sense of community- even if not always a positive one.
More importantly in Mark’s case, turning off comments is inconsistent with his persona as the new, improved, accessible CEO. It’s less blog maverick and more blog conformist.
It’s old school masquerading as new school. In sum, it just isn’t cool.
What makes Mark so popular (and, granted, somewhat of a target for the discontent fringe) is the very accessibility that his blog comments permit. That and the fact that he refuses to be silenced by the NBA powers that be.
Let people have their say. The goodwill and positive buzz will far outpace the temporary buzz kill of a few bad names.
And while you’re at it Mark, go sign Josh Howard to a long term deal. That guy is a player.
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