Comments after stories were awful

Published 7:48 am Monday, December 14, 2009

I have unfortunately recently become aware of the feature “comment on this story” following the articles on the Tribune’s Web site. I am astounded that the Tribune gives people the opportunity to write personal opinions and post them on the Tribune’s Web site without having to identify themselves. I have been reading with disbelief the letters that follow many stories, the most recently regarding the apparent resignation of the city manager.

I believe that it is OK for people to have opinions regarding others but giving them a forum to write whatever they want to without having to sign the letters or having to identify themselves is unbelievable to me. I have witnessed character assassination, alleged slander, gossip and vicious lies regarding people, not only Victoria Simonsen.

This venue should include a requirement that the writer must identify themselves by name, etc. The light that this sheds on Albert Lea is not a good one. Imagine if you were a prospective new city manager or anyone else considering moving to Albert Lea. These blogs give anyone the opportunity to say anything they want without any responsibility or ramifications.

Email newsletter signup

I honestly can’t believe that this actually exists and I can’t imagine any justification allowing this to happen. I would invite any comments and ideas on how to improve this situation.

David Nelson

Albert Lea