Hi All,

I have been thinking for quite some time about broaching this subject and due to yet another tragic incident I thought I would write something now.

I have been an avid reader of the News Shopper site for quite some time now and over this time I have been heartbroken to read of so many young people in our area tragically lose their lives. Some may have been killed in accidents, some of a terrible illness, some murdered and some killed due to their involvement in some criminal activity.

Before I go any further, I would like to say that when ANY child or young person is killed my heart goes out immediately to their family and friends as I can only imagine the heartache and utter grief that they must be feeling and no one deserves to die at such a young age.

The News Shopper brings to our attention such sad stories and because this is a public site many people from all walks of life are free to leave comments on any story that they wish. This is something I agree with as I do believe we are all entitled to our opinion, however sometimes we do have to consider other people’s feelings.

I think we are all aware of the sad loss of two young lives at the weekend and I do not want to get into the rights or wrongs as to what they were doing and the circumstances that they died, as I know people have lots of different opinions on this matter.

What I would like to point out and maybe someone from the News Shopper will comment, is that do you think it is right to carry on allowing comments to a story when it is quite obvious that they are becoming personal and aggressive, with the usual name calling. Surely it would be better to have set condolence pages to the site where the relatives and friends can leave their comments in peace without having to defend the actions of their loved ones.

I have noted on one of the stories there is now over 265 comments left and to be honest I gave up reading them as it was just becoming one great big free for all with people on both sides getting upset and angry (I know I asked for some comments to be removed as they consisted of two people wishing each other dead!!) I also know that City left a comment which does really reflect on what I am saying which was answered in some way by Jon Cheetham - which I hope Jon doesn’t mind but I will quote:-

Jon Cheetham, says...

8:17am Tue 27 Jan 09

City, To answer your questions about comments on this story. It is not really a matter of whether or not comments boards are necessary. The comments boards are a public forum where people are given the chance to have their say. They are an opportunity for readers to express their views and opinions about stories. And it is bound by site terms agreed by everyone who registers to take part in the discussion. I would be happy to continue this discussion on the News Shopper forum if you like

I am more than happy that we are allowed the freedom of speech, but every time a tragedy like this occurs tempers are raised and arguments are caused and I just feel that this is of no interest to anyone, as many readers will just not bother to read the story or comments which is a shame.

If there was a condolence page then friends and relatives would not have to read complete strangers points of views on their loved ones, but just read nice things from people who knew their loved one. As City also stated it is causing unnecessary pressure to these families.

I am interested in hearing your views without getting involved in any particular story as we have seen this type of behaviour on many stories in the past.

Tinks

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