Editor: Join in the civil discussion with our new comments system for YourValley.net
Posted
By Matt Roy, Independent Newsmedia Inc.
Dear valued readers:
Some of you may have noticed recent changes to the Daily Independent at YourValley.net, especially changes to our commenting system, which allows you to respond beneath news articles and opinion pieces.
We are trying out this new commenting system mainly because we want to make it easier for you to share your perspectives and join the discussion of important community issues.
This is part of a larger effort we are undertaking to promote civil discourse. We hope you will read our Civility Checklist and take our Civility Pledge.
Commenting will no longer be instantaneous, rather the newsroom will review the comments to ensure they meet our civility guidelines.
Another new feature you will find under the “Opinions With Civility” tab at our homepage; if you click through the “Submit a Letter” tab, we offer here a quick and convenient online form to share your opinions, which will be published here online and also in the Daily Independent print newspaper.
Whether responding beneath news articles online, posting comments on our Facebook and Twitter feed or filling in our letter form, we aim to make it easier for everyone to participate and share their perspectives in a conducive setting free from vitriol, personal attacks and shouting.
Another new feature we began is to highlight the great work around the state by community-serving nonprofit groups. Now, you will see more of these public-servant organizations featured as “Arizona’s Advocates” under the “Opinions With Civility” tab at our homepage.
We want to make it easier to spot the important messages these groups share, especially their calls for your help – whether as a stakeholder, volunteer or donor.
Please join the civil discussion and let us know what you think about our website. Your input is the most important part of this effort. I am asking you to share our thoughts and ideas about how we can make this site a safe and fun place to share and learn together.
